Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase on dynamic cerebral autoregulation in humans.

Cerebral blood flow is maintained constant over a range of cerebral perfusion pressures by cerebral autoregulation. Impaired cerebral autoregulation may be important in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia. The mechanisms mediating normal cerebral autoregulation in humans are poorly understood. We used a recently described transcranial Doppler technique, which allows non-invasive measurement of dynamic cerebral autoregulation, to test the hypothesis that nitric oxide mediates cerebral autoregulation. The rate of rise of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity, compared with that of arterial blood pressure, was determined following a stepwise fall in arterial blood pressure, in order to calculate an autoregulatory index. The effect of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) on dynamic autoregulation was compared with that of noradrenaline titrated to result in a similar rise in blood pressure. Six healthy subjects were studied in each group. The mean (S.D.) change in autoregulatory index following noradrenaline at a similar pressor dose was significantly greater than the change following the L-NMMA bolus: 1. 1 (1.2) compared with -0.8 (0.8) for the left middle cerebral artery (P=0.002), and 1.1 (0.8) compared with -0.8 (0.8) for the right middle cerebral artery (P=0.002). There was no difference in the mean (S.D.) blood pressure increase resulting from the two agents: L-NMMA, 19.7 (7.4) mmHg; noradrenaline, 15.5 (4.8) mmHg (P=0.281). These results suggest that nitric oxide mediates at least part of the dynamic phase of cerebral autoregulation in humans. Reduced nitric oxide release may play a role in the impaired cerebral autoregulation seen in patients with, or at risk of, cerebral ischaemia.
Probiotics in Critically Ill Patients

Severe sepsis with associated multisystem organ dysfunction is a leading cause of death in patients hospitalized in intensive care units. The gastrointestinal system plays a key role in the pathogenesis of multisystem organ dysfunction owing to a breakdown of intestinal barrier function and increased translocation of bacteria and bacterial components into the systemic circulation. During critical illness, alterations occur in gut microflora owing to several factors, including changes in circulating stress hormones, gut ischemia, immunosuppression, the use of antibiotics, and lack of nutrients. The importance of endogenous strains of probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in maintaining intestinal barrier function and also in modulating mucosal and systemic immune responses is becoming evident from numerous studies. Bacteria in synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic combinations) and probiotic (mutistrain combinations) preparations are being used experimentally in the treatment of acute pancreatitis, liver transplantation, and in trauma patients. Recent studies have shown treatment of patients with multiple trauma or acute pancreatitis with synbiotic preparations resulted in reduced rates of infection, sepsis, and mortality in patients. Enterally fed patients in the intensive care unit treated with a probiotic compound demonstrated enhanced immune function and decreased incidence of diarrhea. Results from these clinical trials are encouraging, and warrant further investigation to clarify which probiotic bacterial strains are of most benefit to this population.
Fathers' involvement with their children in the United Kingdom: Recent trends and class differences

BACKGROUND Many studies of Western societies have documented an increasing involvement of fathers with their children since the 1970s. The trend reflects changes in the meaning of fatherhood and contributes to child well-being and gender equality. New policies in the United Kingdom might have further encouraged father involvement in the new millennium. Differences in father involvement between socioeconomic groups have caused concern since they contribute to inequality in resources available to children. OBJECTIVES This paper examines the recent trends and social differences in father involvement with children in the United Kingdom. METHODS Data from the UK Time Use Surveys 2000-2001 and 2014-2015 are analysed using regression models. RESULTS Fathers' overall involvement in childcare in the new millennium has been stable but differences emerge when looking at specific childcare activities, in particular on weekend days. In 2014 fathers were less likely to provide interactive care and active fathers provided on average fewer minutes of physical care than in 2000. Fathers from higher SES groups offset some of these trends by increased participation rates in physical care in 2014 compared to 2000. CONCLUSIONS The stability of fathers' involvement signifies a stalling of the transformation of the father role and progress towards gender equality in the home in large parts of the population. Father involvement on weekend days continues to diverge between high and low status groups. CONTRIBUTION This is the first comprehensive analysis of trends in father involvement in the new millennium using time-use data. It is the first analysis that finds no further increase of father involvement in the United Kingdom.
Urban Principal Narratives on Including Black Boys with Emotional Disabilities

Black boys in racially segregated urban schools are vulnerable to the trappings of the school-to-prison-pipeline. In this article, I use narrative inquiry and critical race theory (CRT) to examine the stories of two elementary school principals struggling to create more inclusive schools for Black boys with emotional disabilities (ED) in a racially segregated and low-performing district. Each principal narrative describes efforts to transition a student with ED from a district-created self-contained program to a full-time or near-full-time placement in an inclusive general education classroom. Despite the principals' overall success in creating more inclusive schools for most students with disabilities in a challenging district context, each principal narrative ends with a student being unsuccessful in an inclusive setting and returned to a segregated program. The findings highlight how principals who recognize the vulnerability of Black boys in special education are compelled to create more inclusive schools, but can confront significant institutional, organizational, and social and emotional challenges. Applying CRT to these cases provides additional insights into how principals can develop inclusive schools and challenge segregated programs. While some inclusive leadership practices aimed at improving the educational outcomes of Black boys are identified throughout these narratives, the significance of the study lies in documenting and understanding how principals experience the barriers and challenges to creating more socially just and inclusive schools.
Ear and electrode effects reduce within-group variability in middle latency response amplitude measures

Abstract Objectives: To establish normative amplitude values for relative difference measurements of the middle latency response (MLR) in normal-hearing pediatrics and to determine if these measurements provided a significant reduction of within-group variability when compared to raw, absolute amplitude measures. A relative amplitude difference is defined in the present paper as the difference in Na-Pa amplitude between two electrodes (e.g. |Na-Pa at C3 minus Na-Pa at C4|, or electrode effects) or between two ears (e.g. |Na-Pa on left ear stimulation minus Na-Pa on right ear stimulation|, or ear effects). In contrast, an absolute amplitude is defined as a single Na-Pa measurement made at one electrode for stimulation of one ear (e.g. Na-Pa measured at C3 on left ear stimulation). Design: Cross-sectional study. Study sample: 155 pediatrics with normal peripheral and central hearing, and no history of psychological, neurological, or learning disability issues. Results: Within-group variability was significantly smaller for relative differences when compared to absolute amplitude measures. Electrode effects showed significantly less variability than ear effects. Normative values for ear and electrode effects were reported. Conclusions: Relative differences may provide better utility in the clinical diagnosis of central auditory pathology in pediatrics when compared to absolute amplitude measures because these difference measures show significantly lower variability when examined across subjects.
Functional connectivity during recognition memory in individuals genetically at risk for Alzheimer's disease

The medial temporal lobes (MTL) and frontal cortex have been shown to subserve memory processes. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), disrupt the neuronal networks that underlie memory processing. The ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene is a genetic risk factor for AD and is associated with decrements in memory and in olfactory function. The present study utilized EQS, a structural equation modeling software program, to examine differences in the neuronal networks between non‐demented ε4 carriers and ε4 noncarriers during a cross‐modal olfactory recognition memory paradigm. Prior to fMRI scanning, participants were presented with 16 odors. During two scans, participants discriminated between names of odors presented before scanning (targets) or not presented (foils). The results indicate significant connections between bilateral frontal lobes and MTL for ε4 carriers when they misidentified a foil as a target. When ε4 noncarriers correctly identified a target, there were greater associations between the amygdala, MTL, and right frontal lobe; these associations also modeled the brain's response when ε4 noncarriers misidentified a foil as a target. During memory retrieval, affective cues may facilitate retrieval in ε4 noncarriers relative to ε4 carriers. Last, no model was found that best represented the functional network used by ε4 carriers when they correctly identified a target, which may reflect variability of neuronal recruitment within this population. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Habit formation or word of mouth: What does lagged dependent variable in tourism demand models imply?

The effects of habit formation/persistence (HFP) and word of mouth (WOM) each play a critical role in influencing tourists’ decisions regarding whether to visit tourism destinations and therefore tourism policies and tourism management resource allocations. Nevertheless, in previous tourism demand studies, the two effects have been represented by the same time-lagged dependent variable, which makes the variable have an ambiguous meaning and biases the empirical results. The purpose of this study is to solve the ambiguity of a lagged dependent variable in tourism demand. We used economic theories regarding internal habits and external habits to clarify the meanings of HFP and WOM and revised the tourism demand model into a spatial dynamic panel model (SDPM). The empirical results suggested that an SDPM is a more accurate model for modeling tourism demand. The effects of variables in an SDPM are more consistent with theoretical expectations.
A matrix converter-based topology for high power electric vehicle battery charging and V2G application

In this paper, a new three-phase converter topology based on a 3x1 matrix converter (MC) is proposed for Plug-in Hybrid or Battery (PHEV/BEV) electric transit buses. In the proposed approach, the MC directly converts the low frequency (50/60 Hz, three-phase) input to a high frequency (6 kHz, one-phase) AC output without a dc-link. The output of the matrix converter (MC) is then processed by a PWM rectifier via a high frequency (HF) isolation transformer to interface with the EV battery system. The MC-PWM rectifier system is made to operate like a dual active bridge (DAB), facilitating bi-directional power flow suitable for charging and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) application. The digital control of the system ensures that the input currents are of high quality under both charging and discharging operations. Due to the absence of dc-link electrolytic capacitors, power density of the proposed rectifier is expected to be higher. Analysis, design example and extended simulation results are presented for a three-phase 208 VLL, 50kW charger.
‘Motherhood capital’ in tourism fieldwork: experiences from Arctic Canada

Abstract Drawing on a study of resident attitudes toward tourism development in the Canadian Arctic, this article examines the experiences of one of the authors who was accompanied by her infant son during her fieldwork. Utilising Lo’s (Sociological Perspectives 59(3):694–713, 2016) concept of ‘motherhood capital’, derived from the work of Pierre Bourdieu, we argue that the presence of her son, who joined her on five occasions between the age of 9 and 22 months, disrupted normal research roles and relationships. We describe how her son helped rather than hindered her acceptance into the Inuit communities where she was working. By using Bourdieusian theory to examine researcher experience, we move beyond the descriptive accounts that often dominate methodological discussions. Instead we aim to demonstrate the value of applying theory that is normally only used to examine encounters observed during fieldwork, to include analysing the researcher’s access and interactions. Due to the child-centred nature of the communities and the shared common ground of parenthood, we propose that Stewart’s demonstration of motherhood had the effect of dismantling several of the barriers some researchers face when entering communities for the first time. Motherhood capital facilitated her privileged access to the field and changed her perceived status from an outside researcher to an equal-status mother. This was particularly important in an indigenous context where she was always going to be seen as ‘other’. Drawing on extensive journal entries, this article adopts a reflexive approach to explore the influences her infant had on her experiences in the field.
Marketing Strategies of International Pharmaceutical Companies in the Middle East and North Africa Region

The economies of many countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are largely oil based. Steep declines in oil and gas prices in 2014 by 50% or more led some governments in MENA region to decrease healthcare budgets by more than 30%. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the marketing strategies that managers of international pharmaceutical companies have successfully implemented in the MENA region to sustain profitability despite the decreases in the healthcare budgets, consequent to the 2014 declines in oil and gas prices. The study involved data collection using semistructured interviews of 6 middle and executive managers working in 2 international pharmaceutical companies located in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The strategic flexibility theory underpinned the study in furthering the exploration of challenges associated with implementing marketing strategies by international pharmaceutical companies in the MENA region. Study participants selected to partake in this research had a minimum of 5 years of experience in planning and implementing marketing strategies in the region. The findings from the data analysis led to the identification of major marketing strategies, which have helped to maintain business sustainability of pharmaceutical companies, despite difficulties with the reduction in healthcare budgets in the MENA region. The important themes emerging from this study included: (a) product launch strategy and operating model, (b) transformation of leaders by vision and guidance. The results of the study may contribute to positive social change as pharmaceutical and healthcare knowledge benefits human health and may also serve to influence positive job creation and enrichment of the economies of the region. © 2018 Elixir All rights reserved. Elixir Marketing Mgmt. 122 (2018) 51752-51766 Marketing Management Available online at www.elixirpublishers. com (Elixir International Journal)
Cell Cycle Quiescence of Early Lymphoid Progenitors in Adult Bone Marrow

Lymphocyte production in bone marrow (BM) requires substantial cell division, but the relationship between largely quiescent stem cells and dividing lymphoid progenitors is poorly understood. Therefore, the proliferation and cell cycle status of murine hematopoietic progenitors that have just initiated the lymphoid differentiation program represented the focus of this study. Continuous bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and DNA/RNA analysis by flow cytometry revealed that a surprisingly large fraction of RAG‐1+c‐kithi early lymphoid progenitors (ELPs) and RAG‐1+c‐kitlo pro‐lymphocytes (Pro‐Ls) in adult BM were in cell cycle quiescence. In contrast, their counterparts in 14‐day fetal liver actively proliferated. Indeed, the growth fraction (cells in G1‐S‐G2‐M phases) of fetal ELPs was on average 80% versus only 30% for adult ELPs. After 5‐fluorouracil treatment, as many as 60% of the adult ELP‐enriched population was in G1‐S‐G2‐M and 34% incorporated BrdU in 6 hours. Transcripts for Bcl‐2, p21Cip1/Waf1, and p27 Kip1 cell cycle regulatory genes correlated inversely well with proliferative activity. Interestingly, adult lymphoid progenitors in rebound had the high potential for B lymphopoiesis in culture typical of their fetal counterparts. Thus, lymphocyte production is sustained during adult life by quiescent primitive progenitors that divide intermittently. Some, but not all, aspects of the fetal differentiation program are reacquired after chemotherapy.
Development of a method to analyze the impact of manufacturing systems engineering on product quality

Product quality is one key performance indicator for manufacturing systems with growing importance. Among others it depends strongly on manufacturing properties and parameters defined within the engineering process of the manufacturing system creating these products. Thus, manufacturing systems engineering quality directly influences product quality. To control the reachable product quality within the engineering process, the dependencies between engineering process, manufacturing system, and product have to be known and used within the engineering process as guidance. Within this paper a method is described which can be used to analyze the dependency of product properties and, thereby, product quality from engineering activities.
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Lateral Spreading Tumors of the Colon Using a Novel Solution

Lateral spreading tumors (LSTs) of the colon are lesions over 10 mm in diameter that are low in height and grow superficially. They are increasingly being diagnosed in Western cohorts. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of dextrose 50% solution in the endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of LSTs. The study population consisted of 21 patients with LSTs of the colorectum. The mean size of the LSTs was 23.52±13.60 mm. Dextrose 50% solution was injected, via a variceal needle, into the submucosa to lift up the LST sufficiently from the proper muscle layer. Subsequently, a snare was positioned around the lesion and then closed while being pressed against the mucosa, with suction being applied to draw the lesion into the snare. Blended current was used for resection. If necessary, a piecemeal technique was used to achieve complete resection. Immediate and delayed complications were recorded. After the EMR, patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months or later, using total colonoscopy. Endoscopic resection was completed in all LSTs. Of the 21 LSTs, 15 (71.4%) were resected en bloc and 6 (28.6%) piecemeal. The mean amount of injected dextrose 50% solution was 14.86±9.13 mL. One patient (4.78%) had immediate bleeding after EMR, which was stopped endoscopically. Histologic examination of resected LSTs showed adenoma with high-grade dysplasia 9 (42.9%), adenoma with low-grade dysplasia 10 (47.6%), and invasive carcinoma 2 (9.5%). Twenty patients were followed up for 37.9±24.03 months. Local recurrent disease was detected in 4 patients (20%), all within 6 months of the index EMR. These recurrent lesions were completely resected endoscopically. The contribution of submucosal injection of dextrose 50% is significant for a safe and efficient EMR of LSTs of the colorectum.
Mineralization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a bacterium isolated from sediment below an oil field

Microbiological analyses of sediments chronically exposed to petrogenic hydrocarbons resulted in the isolation of a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium which mineralized naphthalene (59.5% of the original amount), phenanthrene (50.9%), fluoranthene (89.7%), pyrene (63.0%), 1-nitropyrene (12.3%), 3-methylcholanthrene (1.6%), and 6-nitrochrysene (2.0%) to carbon dioxide when grown for 2 weeks in pure culture with organic nutrients. The bacterium tolerated salt concentrations up to 4% and grew well at 24 to 30 degrees C. The use of this bacterium may be an attractive alternative to existing physicochemical methods for the remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the environment.
Retinoic Acid Depletion Induces Keratinizing Squamous Differentiation in Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cell Cultures

Objective--The pathogenesis of cholesteatoma behind an intact tympanic membrane remains controversial. Squamous metaplasia of the middle ear mucosa is thought to be a possible mechanism in such cases. However, to date, no definitive experimental results have proved this association. This study was undertaken to investigate whether normal human middle ear epithelial (NHMEE) cells undergo keratinizing squamous differentiation in a retinoic acid (RA)-deficient culture. Material and Methods--We examined the morphological differences between RA-deficient and -sufficient cultures, and determined the expressions of the mucin gene and cornifin-α mRNAs as indicators of mucous and squamous differentiation, respectively. Results--Histomorphologically, the NHMEE cells differentiated into a keratinizing squamous epithelium in RA-deficient cultures. In addition, the expressions of mucin gene 5AC (MUC5AC) and MUC8 mRNAs were suppressed, and the expression of cornifin-α mRNA increased progressively as a function of differentiation in RA-deficient cultures. Conclusions--This study shows that RA depletion induces keratinizing squamous differentiation in NHMEE cell cultures. This finding supports the hypothesis that middle ear cholesteatoma originates from metaplastic middle ear mucosa.