Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Total deposition of ultrafine particles in the lungs of healthy men and women: experimental and theoretical results.

BACKGROUND Inhaled ultrafine particles (UFP) may induce greater adverse respiratory effects than larger particles occurring in the ambient atmosphere. Due to this potential of UFP to act as triggers for diverse lung injuries medical as well as physical research has been increasingly focused on the exact deposition behavior of the particles in lungs of various probands. Main purpose of the present study was the presentation of experimental and theoretical data of total, regional, and local UFP deposition in the lungs of men and women. METHODS Both experiments and theoretical simulations were carried out by using particle sizes of 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, and 0.10 µm [number median diameters (NMD)]. Inhalation of UFP took place by application of predefined tidal volumes (500, 750, and 1,000 mL) and respiratory flow rates (150, 250, 375, and 500 mL·s(-1)). For male subjects a functional residual capacity (FRC) of 3,911±892 mL was measured, whereas female probands had a FRC of 3,314±547 mL. Theoretical predictions were based on (I) a stochastic model of the tracheobronchial tree; (II) particle transport computations according to a random walk algorithm; and (III) empirical formulae for the description of UFP deposition. RESULTS Total deposition fractions (TDF) are marked by a continuous diminution with increasing particle size. Whilst particles measuring 0.04 µm in size deposit in the respiratory tract by 40-70%, particles with a size of 0.10 µm exhibit deposition values ranging from 20% to 45%. Except for the largest particles studied here TDF of female probands are higher than those obtained for male probands. Differences between experimental and theoretical results are most significant for 0.10 µm particles, but never exceed 20%. Predictions of regional (extrathoracic, tracheobronchial, alveolar) UFP deposition show clearly that females tend to develop higher tracheobronchial and alveolar deposition fractions than males. This discrepancy is also confirmed by airway generation-specific deposition, which is permanently higher in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS From the experimental data and modeling predictions it can be concluded that females bear a slightly higher potential to develop lung insufficiencies after exposure to UFP than males. Besides higher deposition fractions occurring in female subjects, also total lung deposition dose is noticeably enhanced.
An innovative model of supply chain management: a single case study in the electronic sector

This paper will report and analyse a case study on the utilisation of information systems by one of the largest global manufacturers of high-technology/electronic products. It will focus on their adoption of the services of an electronic marketplace called E2open and is based on 12 semistructured interviews undertaken with both organisations. The paper will make three contributions. It will firstly show how a new type of organisational entity is emerging, which challenges the validity of current ontologies for the organisational actors within the supply chain. Secondly, it will consider how the connectivity between buyer and supplier may be following a similar pattern to the transportation of material goods between these entities, in that it is emerging as an activity that will increasingly be managed by a third party. Finally, it will show how the use of the application service provider model of software provision is being used to enable the development of information systems which manage the supply chain and not just the operations of individual organisations. The extant theory will then be used to interpret the findings, as well as eliciting from the findings what the implications of this case are for further research in this field and for supply chain managers.
Wildfowl and other water-birds found dead in England and Wales in January-March, 1963

In appeals published in the journal British Birds and in the Bulletin of the Wildfowl Trust bird-watchers were asked to report details of all birds found dead during and after the exceptionally cold spell from late December, 1962, to early March, 1963. Over 70 informants recorded nearly 4,000 wildfowl and water-birds, of 34 species, as well as noting the occurrence of uncounted quantities of several of these species. Records from Scotland, where the winter was comparatively less severe, are being dealt with in Scottish Birds.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis fails to prevent common infections in hospitalized children: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND The incidence of nosocomial infections in children in developed countries is still high, ranging from 8% to 30%, and standard preventive measures, such as increased hygiene, are not sufficiently efficacious. One of the potential strategies for their prevention is the use of probiotics. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to investigate the role of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis in preventing nosocomial infections in the acute hospital setting. DESIGN We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 727 hospitalized children (aged 1-18 y). The children were randomly allocated to receive placebo (placebo group, n = 365) or B. animalis subsp. lactis at a dose of 10(9) colony-forming units/d (intervention group, n = 362) once daily for the entire duration of the hospital stay. Nosocomial infections were defined as infections that occurred >48 h after hospital admission and that were not present or incubating at the time of admission. RESULTS Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. There was no difference in the study primary outcome or incidence of common nosocomial gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections between groups (22 vs. 29 infections, respectively; incidence rate ratio = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.41, 1.36; P = 0.32). No difference was found for the duration of common nosocomial infections [mean (range): 3.58 (1-7) vs. 3.79 (1-8) d, in placebo vs. intervention group; P = 0.74]. There was also no difference between the intervention and placebo groups for any of the other secondary outcomes (incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections separately, duration of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, and duration of hospitalization) and exploratory outcomes (gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms, severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, and the use of antibiotics). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the use of B. animalis subsp. lactis failed to prevent nosocomial infections in an acute-setting pediatric hospital in children who were >1 y of age. However, it should be taken into account that the overall incidence of nosocomial infections was lower than expected. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01702766.
Analytical methods for metallothionein detection

Metallothioneins (MTs) are a group of low molecular mass, cysteine-rich proteins with a variety of functions including involvement in metal homeostasis, free radical scavenging, protection against heavy metal damage, and metabolic regulation via Zn donation. The overexpression of MTs in proliferating cells is turning the attention to the study of MTs as novel promising marker of tumor diseases. Besides, levels of MTs in invertebrates and aquatic vertebrates well correlate with heavy metal pollution of an environment and, thus, serve as bio-environmental marker. It is not surprising that these proteins are of great interest not only for biochemists, molecular biologists clinical chemists, but also for environmental chemists and ecologists. Detection and quantification of MTs, which is needed in all above mentioned areas, is challenging due to the high cysteine content and relatively low molecular mass. This review is giving an overview of the analytical methods used for determination of MTs comprising a broad range of immunochemical, electrochemical as well as spectrometric methods, which have been optimized and even hyphenated with different separation methods to detect MTs. More attention is paid to the structural analysis of these proteins as well as the employment of analytical instruments for environmental, biochemical and clinical purposes.
Octree-Based Hexahedral Mesh Generation

An octree-based algorithm for the generation of hexahedral element meshes is presented. The algorithm works in three steps: (i) The geometry to be meshed is approximated by an octree structure. (ii) An unstructured hexahedral element mesh is derived from the octree. (iii) The mesh is adapted to the boundary of the geometry. We focus on step (ii) and describe an algorithm that constructs a hex mesh for a given octree structure.
A design framework for FPGA-based dynamically reconfigurable digital controllers

During the past years, it has been shown that dynamic reconfiguration of FPGAs can be used to enhance the resource efficiency and flexibility of digital controllers. The authors have developed a system architecture, which allows the reconfiguration of FPGA-implemented controllers during runtime. Depending on the operating regions of the controlled plant different controllers can be dynamically loaded into the system. In this paper we present a design flow that enables an automated generation of such partial controllers. Furthermore, a high-level design entry allows a comfortable simulation of the controllers with sophisticated tools such as Matlab Simulink.
External knowledge acquisition processes in knowledge-intensive clusters

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to try to assess the applicability of the SECI model (Nonaka and Takeuchi) to the processes of external knowledge acquisition for firms located on knowledge‐intensive clusters. The paper's intended contribution lies in improving our understanding about the different mechanisms that organizations can use to learn from this kind of environment.Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses survey data obtained from a sample of knowledge‐intensive firms from Boston's Route 128, with custom tailored measurement scales. It applies a quantitative method based on questionnaire answers.Findings – Findings show that external knowledge acquisition takes place through three different processes that raise important differences and similarities with the SECI model.Research limitations/implications – Conclusions can only be generalized to firms located in knowledge‐intensive clusters. Nevertheless, some implications for management practice can be derived. Tacit knowledge from the en.
Influence of stock on the early tree growth, yield and fruit quality traits of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

Abstract This experiment was conducted in Cacak region (Western Serbia) in 2008-2010 to determine the effects of Myrobalan rootstock ( Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.) and Blackthorn interstock ( P. spinosa L.) on the tree growth, productivity and fruit quality traits of five apricot cultivars ( P. armeniaca L.) grown under dry, sandy-loam and acidic soil conditions. The orchard established in 2007 at a 5.5 m × 3 m planting distance. The results showed that trees grafted on Myrobalan rootstock appears to induce higher tree growth, yield, cumulative yield and fruit weight when compared with the Blackthorn interstock. Blackthorn interstock showed a tendency to reduce a high vigour of apricot trees on Myrobalan, yield and fruit size. This interstock induced higher SS/TA ratio than Myrobalan rootstock. These results confirms the better adaptation of Myrobalan rootstock to dry, sandy-loam and acidic soil than Blackthorn interstock. Keywords: Acidic soil; Apricot; Fruit chemical traits; Rootstock and interstock; Productivity
Descriptive analysis of physical restraint (protective holding) among community living adults with intellectual disability

We analyzed incidence and implementation patterns of physical restraint (PR) among 448 adults with intellectual disability within community-based day habilitation programs and group homes. PR was implemented exclusively as a consequence for self-harming, aggressive, and environmentally disruptive behaviors. Less than 10% of adults received PR and more than 90% of documented restraints occurred as a planned intervention procedure. Several adults accounted for the majority of PR. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
The Effect of Decision Training, from a Cognitive Perspective, on Decision-Making in Volleyball: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Over the past few decades there has been great interest in the study of cognitive processes, and specifically decision-making, from a cognitive perspective. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the scientific literature on the effect of decision training interventions/programs, from a cognitive perspective, on the decision-making of volleyball players. The systematic search was carried out in five scientific electronic databases according to PRISMA guidelines Web of Science (WOS), Pubmed (Medline), Scopus, SportDiscus and Google Scholar. A total of eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The main finding of the meta-analysis was that the use of decision-making training programs/interventions led to significant improvements in volleyball players’ decision-making (Standardized mean difference = 0.94 with 95% confidence interval from 0.63 to 1.25), compared to normal active volleyball training. In addition, the heterogeneity of the interventions was low (I2 = 0%). From the results of the studies analyzed, we recommend using decisional interventions or training, both as part of normal active training or complementary to it, to improve the decision-making of the players, thus optimizing their ability to perceive and process relevant stimuli, and then generate quick and effective responses. These findings can be useful in the process of sports training.
Sex differences in pharmacokinetics of cilostazol in rats

The pharmacokinetics of cilostazol was investigated after oral and intravenous administration in both male and female rats. After oral administration, area under serum concentration–time curve (AUC) was about 35-fold higher in female rats than in male rats, and absolute bioavailability was about 5.8-fold higher in female rats than in male rats. Total body clearance (CLtotal) for female rats was around one-sixth of that for male rats. In vivo hepatic clearance (CLh) calculated based on isolated liver perfusion studies was even higher than or around 90% of the in vivo CLtotal of cilostazol for female and male rats, respectively, indicating that cilostazol is mainly eliminated by the liver in both male and female rats. In vitro metabolism studies utilizing hepatic microsomes and recombinant cytochrome (CYP) isoforms clearly indicated that major metabolites of cilostazol were generated extensively with hepatic microsomes of male rats and that male-predominant CYP3A2 and male-specific CYP2C11 were mainly responsible for the hepatic metabolism of cilostazol. Therefore, the great sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of cilostazol were mainly attributed to the large difference in hepatic metabolism. Our experimental results also suggested that the substantial metabolism of cilostazol in the small intestine and its possible saturation would be responsible for dose-dependent bioavailability in both male and female rats.
A new observer-based adaptive controller for cooperative handling of an unknown object

SUMMARY This paper presents a new observer-based adaptive controller for handling an object with unknown geometry, center of mass, and inertia using a cooperative robotic system. The cooperative robotic system comprises three Cartesian robots, where robots and the grasped object form a closed-loop kinematic chain. The unknown object is approximated by three virtual links of unknown lengths rigidly attached to one another at the object's center of mass (COM). Due to the unknown COM and unknown inertia of the object, the lengths and inertia of these virtual links are unknown, resulting in kinematic and dynamic uncertainties in the control system. A parameter estimator is proposed to estimate the object's COM to compensate for kinematic uncertainties of the system. Moreover, a new dynamic adaptation law is developed to cope with dynamic uncertainties of the object. The dynamic equations of the cooperative system are transformed from joint space into task space. These task space dynamics are transformed into object space by passively decomposing the dynamics into two decoupled systems, i.e. locked and shaped systems. An adaptive controller is developed for the locked system, and the shaped system is controlled by a composite controller based on a PD controller plus a stabilizing damping term. The stability of the proposed controllers is shown using the passivity concept and Lyapunov theorem. Simulation results show that the closed-loop position error asymptotically converges to zero. It is also shown that kinematic and dynamic adaptation parameters converge to real and bounded values respectively.
Features of Plexiform Fibrohistiocytic Tumor in Skin Punch Biopsies: A Retrospective Study of 6 Cases

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor (PFHT) is a mesenchymal neoplasm of intermediate malignant potential, which typically presents as a dermal or subcutaneous nodule, and is therefore often sampled by skin punch biopsy where diagnostic features may be subtle or absent. We retrospectively analyzed a series of 6 cases of PFHT to highlight for dermatopathologists the features of PFHTs useful to distinguish it from the other entities in the differential diagnosis. On the basis of the proportion of spindled fibroblastic cells to histiocytoid nodules in the biopsy specimen, we divided PFHT into 3 histologic variants: cellular, fibrous, and mixed. The biopsies also were compared with the final resection specimens, in an attempt to determine which histologic features in the original biopsies were most helpful in establishing a diagnosis. Clinical follow-up and immunohistochemistry were performed on all cases. The cellular and mixed variants were a lesser diagnostic challenge inasmuch as the distinctive features were more easily identifiable in small punch biopsy specimens. The fibrous variant proved more difficult to diagnose. Features most helpful in the diagnosis of PFHT were biphasic appearance with small, cellular, histiocytoid aggregates and accompanying plump spindled cells in the deep dermis and subcutis. Negative staining for CD34, NK1/C3, factor XIIIa, and beta-catenin by immunohistochemistry proved useful in excluding some of its mimics.
Population-wide Impact of Long-term Use of Aspirin and the Risk for Cancer.

IMPORTANCE The US Preventive Services Task Force recently recommended the use of aspirin to prevent colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease among many US adults. However, the association of aspirin use with the risk for other cancer types and the potential population-wide effect of aspirin use on cancer, particularly within the context of screening, remain uncertain. OBJECTIVES To examine the potential benefits of aspirin use for overall and subtype-specific cancer prevention at a range of doses and durations of use and to estimate the absolute benefit of aspirin in the context of screening. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Two large US prospective cohort studies, the Nurses' Health Study (1980-2010) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2012), followed up 135 965 health care professionals (88 084 women and 47 881 men, respectively) who reported on aspirin use biennially. The women were aged 30 to 55 years at enrollment in 1976; the men, aged 40 to 75 years in 1986. Final follow-up was completed on June 30, 2012, for the Nurses' Health Study cohort and January 31, 2010, for the Health Professionals Follow-up Study cohort, and data were accessed from September 15, 2014, to December 17, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Relative risks (RRs) for incident cancers and population-attributable risk (PAR). RESULTS Among the 88 084 women and 47 881 men who underwent follow-up for as long as 32 years, 20 414 cancers among women and 7571 cancers among men were documented. Compared with nonregular use, regular aspirin use was associated with a lower risk for overall cancer (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.94-0.99), which was primarily owing to a lower incidence of gastrointestinal tract cancers (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-0.91), especially colorectal cancers (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.88). The benefit of aspirin on gastrointestinal tract cancers appeared evident with the use of at least 0.5 to 1.5 standard aspirin tablets per week; the minimum duration of regular use associated with a lower risk was 6 years. Among individuals older than 50 years, regular aspirin use could prevent 33 colorectal cancers per 100 000 person-years (PAR, 17.0%) among those who had not undergone a lower endoscopy and 18 colorectal cancers per 100 000 person-years (PAR, 8.5%) among those who had. Regular aspirin use was not associated with the risk for breast, advanced prostate, or lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Long-term aspirin use was associated with a modest but significantly reduced risk for overall cancer, especially gastrointestinal tract tumors. Regular aspirin use may prevent a substantial proportion of colorectal cancers and complement the benefits of screening.
Methods for evaluating coronary microvasculature in humans.

Abnormalities in myocardial blood flow, despite angiographically normal coronary arteries, have been reported in a large number of cardiovascular disorders such as congestive heart failure, hypertensive heart disease, dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies and syndrome X. More recently, similar abnormalities have also been reported in patients with ischaemic heart disease in myocardial regions remote from coronary stenosis. To explain these findings, three main factors have been considered: perturbation in central haemodynamics leading to a relative decrease in coronary driving pressure, particularly in subendocardial layers; myocardial hypertrophy leading to both microvascular compression and to a relative discrepancy between the number of vessels and the volume of the myocardial cells and, finally, spasm in large coronary arteries. However, considerable evidence has now been collected challenging this interpretation. Flow abnormalities, often associated with clinical and electrocardiographic signs of ischaemia, have been observed in the absence of any of the factors mentioned above. For this reason, an hypothesis of the existence of primary abnormalities at the level of the coronary microcirculation — either anatomical or functional —
Fetal origins of coronary heart disease

The fetal origins hypothesis states that fetal undernutrition in middle to late gestation, which leads to disproportionate fetal growth, programmes later coronary heart disease. Animal studies have shown that undernutrition before birth programmes persisting changes in a range of metabolic, physiological, and structural parameters. Studies in humans have shown that men and women whose birth weights were at the lower end of the normal range, who were thin or short at birth, or who were small in relation to placental size have increased rates of coronary heart disease. We are beginning to understand something of the mechanisms underlying these associations. The programming of blood pressure, insulin responses to glucose, cholesterol metabolism, blood coagulation, and hormonal settings are all areas of active research.