Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Bispectral Index and Middle Latency Auditory-Evoked Potentials Parameters in Critically Ill Children

Summary: To study the parameters of the bispectral index and middle latency auditory-evoked potentials in critically ill children. We performed a prospective, observational study in 81 critically ill children categorized into two levels of sedation (moderate and deep) and three age groups (<1, 1-6, and >6 months). The parameters of the bispectral index and middle latency auditory-evoked potentials studied were the signal quality index, suppression ratio, total power, spectral edge frequency, electromyographic activity, and suppression ratio. Suppression rates were higher in children younger than 1 month than in older children and were also higher in deep sedation. Total power and spectral edge frequency increased with age. Electromyographic activity was higher in moderate sedation. Spectral edge frequency and suppression rates change with age and level of sedation. These variations are a consequence of the electroencephalographic structure at young ages and are secondary to the higher proportion of slow waves in deep states of sedation.
Three dynamic problems in robot force control

Three dynamic problems which arise in robot systems are discussed: rigid-body bandwidth; dynamically noncolocated flexible modes; and dynamically colocated flexible modes. These effects combine to set the closed-loop bandwidth achievable in the individual joint control loops. Simple models of robot systems are presented to illustrate these three dynamic effects. Some laboratory data are then presented and analyzed in these terms. Finally, the implications for robot system design is discussed in the hope that these issues will be considered in the development of the next generation of robot systems and machine tools. <<ETX>>
Effects of Perceived Productivity on Study Effort: Evidence from a Field Experiment

How does effort respond to the perceived relationship between effort and performance? To answer this question, I conduct a field experiment with a widely used online learning platform. I exogenously manipulate students' beliefs about the effort-performance relationship by assigning them to different information treatments, each of which provides factual information. I find that both information about an average individual and anecdotal information move students' beliefs towards the information provided. Furthermore, students change their study effort in the same direction with the shifts in their beliefs about returns to effort. This result suggests that altering students' beliefs about the effort-performance relationship influence their human capital accumulation.
INTEGRATING ENTREPRENEURSHIP SKILLS ACQUISITION IN THE UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

One of the weaknesses of the Nigeria's education system is its failure to prepare graduates for self-employment and business entrepreneurship. The system encourages the graduates to follow the tradition of job seeking. The general notion is that a good job is a government job, and not a job in the private sector. In Nigeria currently the economic environment has changed drastically so much so that the public sector is diminishing in job creation and economic liberalization is taking place to the extent that public enterprises are being privatized thus making the private sector an engine of economic growth. This article evaluates the introduction of entrepreneurship skills acquisition in the university curriculum. The article gives inputs on entrepreneurship skills acquisition by supporting its integration into the curriculum of universities as a panacea for self reliance. Besides extolling the benefits derivable from entrepreneurship education, the article equally points out the likely impediments of this innovative educational practice. Various affirmative action programmes for smooth implementation of entrepreneurship education in the university curriculum were adduced.
Unbalanced Growth Slowdown

Unbalanced growth slowdown is the reduction in aggregate productivity growth that results from the reallocation of economic activity to industries with low productivity growth. We show that unbalanced growth slowdown has considerably reduced past U.S. productivity growth and we assess by how much it will reduce future U.S. productivity growth. To achieve this, we build a novel model that generates the unbalanced growth slowdown of the postwar period. The model makes the surprising prediction that future reductions in aggregate productivity growth are limited. The reason for this is that the stagnant industries do not take over the model economy.
The recollection component of recognition memory as a function of response confidence: an event-related brain potential study

The aim of the current series of experiments was to further explore the boundary conditions of the recognition memory old/new effect in the context of the recognition/associative recall task (Rugg, Schloerscheidt, Doyle, Cox, & Patching, 1996). The study by Rugg et al. was replicated and extended by manipulating both the semantic relatedness between study items and the timing of recall. Eventrelated potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 17 scalp electrode sites during performance of a recognition/associative recall task. Forty participants were visually presented with four blocks of 50 word pairs which were either unrelated (Experiments 1 and 2) or weakly semantically related (Experiments 3 and 4). Participants were instructed to form an association between the members of each word pair. At test, the first members of each pair were visually presented intermixed with a similar number of unstudied items. Participants were required to discriminate (i.e., recognise) previously studied items (old) from new items. Participants were also required to recall the study associate for words judged old, and to provide confidence levels for each recognition decision on a 3-point scale. Recall was either immediate (Experiments 1 and 3) or delayed (Experiments 2 and 4). Relative to ERPs to new items, the ERPs elicited by words correctly recognised and for which the associate was correctly recalled exhibited a positive-going shift between 500-800 ms poststimulus onset. The effect was maximal at posterior temporal-parietal electrode sites (the parietal old/new effect). Although the effect was not lateralised to the left hemisphere, this result may be due to the variability in encoding strategies employed by the participants. Behavioural data consistently indicated that response confidence is confounded with response category. The ERP results also revealed that the old/new effect is not evident following the experimental control of response confidence, and that immediate recall is associated with a negative-going shift at posterior electrode sites between 800-1100 ms poststimulus onset. Manipulating the semantic relatedness between the word pairs did not influence the distribution of the old/new effect. The results are discussed in terms of the view that the parietal old/new effect reflects neural activity associated with the recollection of specific previous experiences, and may reflect retrieval processes supported by the medial temporal lobe memory system (Moscovitch, 1992, 1994; Squire, 1992; Squire, Knowlton, & Musen, 1993). It is suggested that future research extend the current findings by examining the influence of response confidence in alternative recognition memory paradigms.
Paper submitted to the 10 International Marketing Trends Conference Bilateral Effects of Pro-China Ads of Multinational Brands: A Win-win or a Trade-off Situation?

Multinational brands sometimes tailor localized content in their ads, more and more ads target their emphasis on pro-China sentiment in Chinese market. These brands may either adopt traditional Chinese element, show respect to China or advocate favorable emotions directly. This research aimed to examine the bilateral effects of these pro-China ads: How would Chinese consumers react to brands using such ads? And on the other side, what would be the reactions from brand origins’ domestic consumers who share the same country origin with the brand? Based on consumer-brand associations and brand relationship perspective, we proposed consumers reactions and latent mechanism behind and tested our hypotheses through a set of cross-cultural experiments. The results showed that when a target brand adopts pro-China ads, Chinese consumers react with more positive attitudes and behavior intentions, while brand origins’ domestic consumers revealed lower level of trust, intimacy and behavior intentions. Moreover, competitors’ adoption of such ads would also affect Chinese and domestic consumers’ reactions. Specifically, when competitors are of different origin from target brand, domestic consumers attributed target brand’s adoption of pro-China ads to environmental factors such as competition. Compared with pure exposure of target brand’s pro-China ads, domestic consumers showed increase in trust and behavior intentions towards target brand.
Autologous bone marrow transplantation with 4‐hydroperoxycyclophosphamide purging for acute myeloid leukaemia beyond first remission: a 10‐year experience

Summary. Between January 1987 and January 1997, 69 eligible patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in either second (CR2) or third (CR3) complete remission (CR2 = 60, CR3 = 9) underwent 4‐hydroperoxycyclophosphamide‐purged autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. The patients' median age was 27 years (range 1–62) and all received busulphan and cyclophosphamide as their preparative regimen. The probability of event‐free survival (EFS) at 5 years was 30%[95% Confidence Interval (CI): 19–42%] for CR2 patients and 22% (3–51%) for those in CR3, with a median follow up of 8 years in the surviving group. The median time to an absolute neutrophil count of 0·5 × 109/l was 45 d (range 20–185). Relapse was the major cause of failure with a relapse rate of 55% in CR2 and 44% in CR3, while the non‐relapse, transplant‐related mortality rate was 15% in CR2 and 33% in CR3. In univariate analysis, patient age, cytogenetics, white blood cell count at presentation, CR1 duration and the sensitivity of clonogeneic leukaemia (CFU‐L) in the graft to 4HC were all prognostic for EFS. Using each of these significant variables in multivariate modelling, patient age and sensitivity of CFU‐L to 4HC were determined to be predictors of EFS. 4HC‐purged autologous BMT produced results similar to allogeneic BMT for AML patients beyond first remission.
Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Administration Alters Immune Markers for HIV Preference and Increases Susceptibility of Peripheral CD4+ T Cells to HIV Infection

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) has been associated with an increased risk of HIV acquisition. In a longitudinal study, we investigated the impact of Depo-Provera use by healthy women on expression of immune markers for HIV preference and on HIV infection ex vivo at baseline (visit 1), 1 mo (visit 2), and 3 mo (visit 3) after Depo-Provera treatment. We found a significant increase in the frequency and expression of integrin α4β7 on CD4+ T cells at visit 2. Interestingly, Hispanic but not black women exhibited a significant increase in integrin α4β7 cell numbers and expression levels at visit 2, whereas black but not Hispanic women exhibited a significant change in CCR5 and CD38 expression levels between visit 2 and visit 3. The frequency of terminal effector memory CD4+ T cells was decreased significantly in black women from visit 1 to visit 3. Virus production following ex vivo HIV infection of PBMCs was increased at visit 3 compared with visit 1. In black women, the frequency of HIV p24+CD4+ T cells was higher at visit 3 than at visit 1. Expression of integrin α4β7 on HIV p24+CD4+ T cells following ex vivo infection at visit 2 was significantly less than at visit 1. These results demonstrate that Depo-Provera alters the immune profile of peripheral CD4+ T cells and increases susceptibility to HIV infection ex vivo. The observation that these effects differed between women of different ethnicities has implications for developing effective and targeted strategies for HIV prevention.
Current developments on the inhibitory effects of berry polyphenols on digestive enzymes

The recent developments and evidence for the effect of polyphenol components of berries on digestive enzymes has been reviewed. Certain plant polyphenols can inhibit starch digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and modulate blood glucose control in vivo. Certain berry polyphenol components can inhibit protease activities at levels which could affect protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, other polyphenol components show potential for the inhibition of gastrointestinal lipase activity, which is a proven therapeutic target for the control of obesity through reduced fat digestion.
Where is my mate ?-Real-time 3-D fish tracking for interactive mate-choice experiments

Virtual 3-D fish stimulus animations are a powerful tool in fish behaviour research. Besides the option to increase standardisation of such experiments it opens the possibility to change stimulus’ morphology or colouration. The next evolution step in virtual stimulus animations is the ability of interaction between live and virtual fish. Since the virtual stimulus fish can not see its live counterpart and consequently can not interact with it, such systems require a reliable real-time tracking of the live fish. In this paper we present an easy-to handle method for fully-automatic real-time 3-D tracking of fish. The method was already tested in practice successfully.
Context Effects in Financial Customer-Seller Relationships : The Role of Broad-Scope Trust

Trust not only relates to customer trust in individual companies (i.e., narrow-scope trust) but also relates to the broader business context in which customer-seller relationships may develop (i.e., broad-scope trust). Based on a survey of 484 insurance consumers, this study investigates the moderating influence of broad-scope trust on relations between satisfaction, narrow-scope trust, and loyalty and also examines the direct influence of broad-scope trust on these variables. The results indicate that whereas broad-scope trust negatively moderates relations between satisfaction and narrow-scope trust and between narrow-scope trust and loyalty, broad-scope trust positively moderates the relation between satisfaction and loyalty. In addition, it is demonstrated that broad-scope trust positively influences customer satisfaction and narrow-scope trust.
Investigating Role of Mechanical and Chemical Factors in the Creation of Peripheral vein in Flammarion in hospitalization Patients in hospital in zahedan , Iran

Application of Intera Vascular catheters has been doubled in over the last 20 years consequently it is expected that effects caused by them will increase. Phlebitis is one of the most prevalent intravenous therapy causing therapeutic costs and hospitalization period to increase never the les it is detectable and preventable present research has been contented with the aim of identifying the phlebitis incidence rate in peripheral veins among patients with catheter and its effective factors in zahedan medicalsurgical wards. Present study is a descriptive one 300 patients. Having had catheter at least for72 hours at the reception time hospitalized in medicalsurgical wards of imam ali and khatamd anbia hospitals were included in the study by sampling method. All patients had no vascular diseases; taking no immune suppressive drugs with normal upper organs. Instruments used in this study were as follows: data registration paper containing demographic profile, medicine intake and its frequently, IV access site, cause and catheter removing time smoking, hospital period and society of specialist nurse’s phlebitis scale checklist for vein injections. Scientific validity of instrument was estimated by contest validity and scientific validity was assessed by final scale method among observers and identification of correlation coefficient Data was analyzed by SPSS software and K2 descriptive statistics. Results showed that % 44 of units under investigation were afflicted with phlebitis and % 75 of cases had phlebitis type 2.The most occurred cases of phlebitis appeared in the first 40-49 hours. Among phlebitis incidence and personal factors age, schooling, drug consumption, hospitalization period and also chemical stimulation factors (type and frequency of intake antibiotic injection, type of injected liquid, and additives included in the serum) was observed. Statistical meaningful correlation with% 95 reliability coefficient. With regard to the relatively high prevalence of phlebitis, it is essential to implement effective and regular training program in order to promote knowledge and awareness level of nurses in terms of intravenous therapy. [Sarani Ali Abadi , P.; Etemadi, Su. Abed Saeedi, Zh. Investigating Role of Mechanical and Chemical Factors in the Creation of Peripheral vein in Flammarion in hospitalization Patients in hospital in zahedan, Iran. Life Sci J 2013;10(1s):379-383] (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 61
Using action research in middle level teacher education to evaluate and deepen re fl ective practice

The study examined the role of action research in promoting critical reflective thinking among twenty preservice teachers engaged in a year-long middle level program. Data from collaborative discussions, final written documents, presentations, and follow-up surveys revealed that conducting action research (a) engaged them in inquiry into their own practice, (b) was a means to reflect upon and determine ways to change their teaching practices, and (c) promoted critical reflection in a collaborative learning environment. Results underscore the importance of preservice teachers critically reflecting to gain insights into teaching and student learning as they are engaged in action research. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Worse Outcomes After Repeat vs Initial Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations: A Retrospective Matched-Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Incompletely obliterated cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) after initial treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) can be treated with a repeat session of SRS. However, the relative efficacy of repeat vs initial SRS is not well specified. OBJECTIVE To retrospectively compare in matched cohorts the outcomes of repeat vs initial SRS for the treatment of matched cohorts with angioarchitecturally similar AVMs. METHODS We studied a data set of patients with AVM treated with radiosurgery during the period spanning 1989 to 2013. Patients with AVM who underwent repeat SRS with radiologic follow-up of ≥2 years or nidus obliteration were identified for the study and matched, in a 1:1 fashion that was blinded to outcome, to patients with previously untreated AVMs who underwent initial SRS. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the outcomes after repeat vs initial SRS. RESULTS The matching approach resulted in 84 patients for the repeat and the initial SRS cohort (mean margin doses, 20.7 and 20.9 Gy, respectively; P = .74). In the repeat SRS cohort, obliteration was achieved in 67%; the radiologic, symptomatic, and permanent radiation-induced change rates were 35%, 10%, and 4%, respectively; and the post-SRS hemorrhage rate was 3.1%/y. Compared with the initial SRS cohort, the repeat SRS cohort had significantly lower obliteration rates (P = .04) and higher post-SRS hemorrhage rates (P = .04). The radiation-induced change rates of the 2 cohorts were not significantly different. CONCLUSION Repeat SRS yields considerably poorer outcomes than initial SRS for angioarchitecturally comparable AVMs. Further studies in AVM radiobiology and vascular structure are necessary to elucidate this potentially differential response. ABBREVIATIONS AVM, arteriovenous malformationRIC, radiation-induced changeRBAS, radiosurgery-based arteriovenous malformation scoreSRS, stereotactic radiosurgeryVRAS, virginia radiosurgery AVM scale.
Naringenin Ameliorates Renovascular Hypertensive Renal Damage by Normalizing the Balance of Renin-Angiotensin System Components in Rats

Background: Naringenin, a member of the dihydroflavone family, has been shown to have a protective function in multiple diseases. We previously demonstrated that naringenin played a protective role in hypertensive myocardial hypertrophy by decreasing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) expression. The kidney is a primary target organ of hypertension. The present study tested the effect of naringenin on renovascular hypertensive kidney damage and explored the underlying mechanism. Methods and Results: An animal model of renovascular hypertension was established by performing 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) surgery in Sprague Dawley rats. Naringenin (200 mg/kg/day) or vehicle was administered for 10 weeks. Blood pressure and urinary protein were continuously monitored. Plasma parameters, renal pathology and gene expression of nonclipped kidneys were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, histology, immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot at the end of the study. Rats that underwent 2K1C surgery exhibited marked elevations of blood pressure and plasma Ang II levels and renal damage, including mesangial expansion, interstitial fibrosis, and arteriolar thickening in the nonclipped kidneys. Naringenin significantly ameliorated hypertensive nephropathy and retarded the rise of Ang II levels in peripheral blood but had no effect on blood pressure. 2K1C rats exhibited increases in the ACE/ACE2 protein ratio and AT1R/AT2R protein ratio in the nonclipped kidney compared with sham rats, and these increases were significantly suppressed by naringenin treatment. Conclusions: Naringenin attenuated renal damage in a rat model of renovascular hypertension by normalizing the imbalance of renin-angiotensin system activation. Our results suggest a potential treatment strategy for hypertensive nephropathy.
Serum beta2 microglobulin and survival duration in multiple myeloma: a simple reliable marker for staging.

Summary. Previous reports have shown serum beta2 microglobulin (SB2M) to be a reliable marker for evaluation of presenting tumour mass, response to chemotherapy and prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). In the current study, SB2M was evaluated and correlated by bivariate and multivariate regression analyses with the main presenting clinical features, response to chemotherapy and survival duration of 115 untreated myeloma patients.