Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Perceived social support and locus of control after a traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Research design: The aim of the study was to investigate the social rehabilitation related to the perceived social support and the locus of control (LC) of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods and procedures: A group of 46 patients 3–5 years after injury was evaluated. For the social rehabilitation, patients were categorized as ‘high rehabilitation’ or ‘low rehabilitation’ as regards vocational rehabilitation. Low rehabilitation patients should confirm the idea of an external locus of control more than high rehabilitation patients. Main outcomes and results: As far as perceived social support is concerned, both groups reported a poor level of social support, although the patients considered as high rehabilitation exhibited greater satisfaction in terms of social support. When one considers LC, patients with TBI were associated with a weaker internal LC than non-patients with TBI. In patients exhibiting a high level of rehabilitation, the LC was less frequently attributed to ‘chance’ or ‘powerful others’. Patients with a low level of rehabilitation explained their difficulties in terms of external factors. Conclusions: It is therefore necessary to take rehabilitation, perceived high-quality social support and low external LC into account if one is to improve the rehabilitation of TBI patients.
Single Longitudinal Mode Optofluidic Microring Laser Based on a Hollow-Core Microstructured Optical Fiber

A single longitudinal mode microring dye laser based on a simplified hollow-core microstructured optical fiber (SHMOF) is proposed and demonstrated. The dye laser uses a submicron thickness silica microring embedded in the SHMOF as resonator and has the characteristic of a low threshold of 664 nJ/mm2. The factors that influence the single longitudinal mode excitation are discussed and the possible operation principle is analyzed. Meanwhile, the single longitudinal mode emissions at several different wavelengths are realized by using different dyes as gain medium, which indicates that the lasing wavelength of the laser is scalable. Time domain characteristics of the lasing are also measured and they are synchronous with the lateral pumping laser. The attractive possibility of developing microfluidic single longitudinal mode dye laser within the SHMOF presents opportunities for integrated optics applications and biomedical analysis with high sensitivity.
Türkiye’de Yaşlı Kadının En Büyük Sorunu: Dulluk

Arastirmalar, yaslilikta ortaya cikan esitsizliklerin maddi nedenlerden kaynaklandigi uzerinde durmaktadir. Sosyal politikalar olusturulurken maddi nedenler esas olarak ele alinmakta, toplumsal cinsiyet ve medeni durum sadece bir ara degisken olarak degerlendirilmektedir. Ancak, gercekci sosyal politikalar gelistirebilmek icin medeni durum ve toplumsal cinsiyetin, yaslilikta ortaya cikan esitsizlikleri nasil sekillendirdigi incelenmelidir. Bu amacla, Turkiye Istatistik Kurumu’nun 2005 yilinda topladigi Hanehalki Butce Arastirmasi’nin verileri analiz edilecektir. Elde edilen bulgular, Turkiye’de, yas ilerledikce evli olanlarin oraninin azaldigini ve esini kaybedip yasliligini dul olarak gecirenlerin oraninin arttigini gostermektedir. Dul kalmanin en onemli psikolojik sonucu yalnizlikken; en onemli ekonomik sonucu hane gelirinin buyuk olcude azalmasidir, Hem genel olarak tum yaslilara gore hem evli yaslilara gore, yasli dullarin ve ozellikle dul kadinlarin, Turkiye’de en yoksul ve gelir acisindan en kirilgan kesimi olusturduklari gorulmektedir. Bu bakimdan genel olarak dul yaslilarin, ozelinde ise dul kadinlarin bu ani gelir dususunden nasil etkilendiklerini anlamak onemlidir. Tum bu bulgular, medeni durumun salt bir kontrol degiskeni olarak ele alinmamasi, aksine esitsizligin filizlendigi muhim alanlardan birisi olarak degerlendirilmesi geregini ortaya koymaktadir. Bu yaklasimla olusturulacak sosyal politikalar, bakim hizmetlerinin temel ozelliklerinin nelerden mutesekkil olacagini belirlememizi kolaylastirmakla kalmayacak, kimin, ne duzeyde hizmet alacagini ve hizmeti kimin verebilecegini de tespit etmemizi saglayacaktir
Chronic TNF Infusion Causes Anorexia But Not Accelerated Nitrogen Loss

It has been proposed that many of the physiologic and metabolic changes that occur during critical illness and malignancy are mediated by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor alcachectin (TNF). To test this hypothesis, a study of the metabolic responses that occurred during 5 days of continuous intravenous (I.V.) infusion of TNF both in rats and tumor-bearing humans was conducted. TNF administration was associated with anorexia, fluid retention, acute phase responses, and negative nitrogen balance. In both species, changes in nitrogen balance were related to the onset of anorexia and not to the development of hypermetabolism and accelerated net tissue breakdown. TNF may represent the primary afferent stimulus inducing many of the metabolic changes that occur during critical illness, but it is not solely responsible for the accelerated net proteolysis that occurs in these patients.
Inactivation of bacterial opportunistic skin pathogens by nonthermal DC‐operated afterglow atmospheric plasma

Aims: Multidrug‐resistant opportunistic pathogens are clinically significant and require the development of new antimicrobial methods. In this study, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus cells were exposed to atmospheric plasma on agar plates and in vitro on porcine skin for the purpose of testing bacterial inactivation.
Differential effects of isoflurane on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to thalamic neurones in vivo.

BACKGROUND Mechanosensory thalamocortical relay neurones (TCNs) receive glutamatergic excitatory input and are subjected to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)Aergic inhibitory input. This study assessed the effects of an increase in concentration of isoflurane on thalamic excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. METHODS TCNs (n = 15) of the thalamic ventral posteromedial nucleus responding to mechanical stimulation of whiskers were investigated in rats anaesthetized with end-tidal concentrations of isoflurane of approximately 0.9% (ISOlow, baseline) and approximately 1.9% (ISOhigh). Response activity induced by controlled vibratory movement of single whiskers was recorded before, during and after iontophoretic administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline to the vicinity of the recorded neurone. RESULTS The increase in concentration of isoflurane induced a suppression of vibratory responses to 14 (4)% [mean (SEM)] of baseline activity. Blockade of GABAA receptors by bicuculline during ISOlow and ISOhigh caused increases in response activity to 259 (32)% and 116 (25)% of baseline activity, respectively. The increase in isoflurane concentration enhanced overall inhibitory inputs by 102 (38)%, whilst overall excitatory inputs were reduced by 54 (7)%. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that doubling the concentration of isoflurane doubles the strength of GABAAergic inhibition and decreases the excitatory drive of TCNs by approximately 50%. The isoflurane-induced enhancement of GABAAergic inhibition led to a blockade of thalamocortical information transfer which was not accomplished by the effects of isoflurane on glutamatergic synaptic transmission alone. Thus, it appears that, with respect to transmission of information in the thalamus, the most prominent action of isoflurane is an enhancement of GABAAergic synpatic inhibition, and that effects on glutamatergic neurotransmission may contribute to a lesser extent.
Demonstration of cortical recording and reduced inflammatory response using flexible polymer neural probes

We present the fabrication, characterization, use in cortical recording and histological results of a flexible implantable neural probe. The device is microfabricated in polyimide and platinum, allowing for greater flexibility. It incorporates two layers of platinum electrodes, which greatly reduces the size of neural probes and limits the insertion damage. In recording experiments, acute in-vivo measurements were performed in the mouse cortex. Local field potential, single- and multi-neuron activity were simultaneously recorded. We demonstrate using immunohistochemistry techniques reduced inflammation at the implantation site for microfabricated polyimide neural probes. We therefore show that the major advantage of using polymer probes over silicon probes is the reduced damage due to insertion and probe-brain compliance mismatch.
The impact of levothyroxine sodium treatment on oxidative stress in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVE Although several studies reported increased oxidative stress in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), the effect of levothyroxine treatment on oxidative status is not studied extensively. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the effects of levothyroxine replacement on oxidative stress in HT. DESIGN AND METHODS Thirty-six patients recently diagnosed with HT-related hypothyroidism and 36 healthy controls were included in the study. Levothyroxine replacement was started to patients with hypothyroidism, and had been followed-up for 6 months. RESULTS Mean basal serum total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol, arylesterase, and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) levels were significantly lower, and serum total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were significantly higher in the patients with hypothyroid than the controls. In the hypothyroid group serum TAS, total thiol, arylesterase, and PON1 levels increased and serum TOS and OSI levels decreased significantly after levothyroxine treatment. Pretreatment serum TAS, total thiol, PON1, and arylesterase levels were positively correlated with free levothyroxine (fT4) and negatively correlated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and antithyroglobulin (anti-TG) levels. Also, pretreatment serum TOS and OSI levels were negatively correlated with fT4 levels and positively correlated with TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-TG. We have also found that the fT4 and anti-TPO levels are independent predictors of the oxidative stress parameters in stepwise multivariable linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION This study suggests that levothyroxine replacement decreases oxidant status and increases antioxidant status following the 6 months of levothyroxine replacement in hypothyroidism that develops in accordance with the HT.
Cross-Reactive, Cell-Mediated Immunity and Protection of Chickens from Lethal H5N1 Influenza Virus Infection in Hong Kong Poultry Markets

ABSTRACT In 1997, avian H5N1 influenza virus transmitted from chickens to humans resulted in 18 confirmed infections. Despite harboring lethal H5N1 influenza viruses, most chickens in the Hong Kong poultry markets showed no disease signs. At this time, H9N2 influenza viruses were cocirculating in the markets. We investigated the role of H9N2 influenza viruses in protecting chickens from lethal H5N1 influenza virus infections. Sera from chickens infected with an H9N2 influenza virus did not cross-react with an H5N1 influenza virus in neutralization or hemagglutination inhibition assays. Most chickens primed with an H9N2 influenza virus 3 to 70 days earlier survived the lethal challenge of an H5N1 influenza virus, but infected birds shed H5N1 influenza virus in their feces. Adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes or CD8+ T cells from inbred chickens (B2/B2) infected with an H9N2 influenza virus to naive inbred chickens (B2/B2) protected them from lethal H5N1 influenza virus. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that T lymphocytes or CD8+ T cells from chickens infected with an H9N2 influenza virus recognized target cells infected with either an H5N1 or H9N2 influenza virus in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that cross-reactive cellular immunity induced by H9N2 influenza viruses protected chickens from lethal infection with H5N1 influenza viruses in the Hong Kong markets in 1997 but permitted virus shedding in the feces. Our findings are the first to suggest that cross-reactive cellular immunity can change the outcome of avian influenza virus infection in birds in live markets and create a situation for the perpetuation of H5N1 influenza viruses.
USING FULL FAT SOYBEAN IN BROILER DIETS AND ITS EFFECT ON THE PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF FATTENING

This study aimed to test new diet formulae based on full fat soybean destined to Arbor Acres broilers fattening. A sample of 520 chickens, divided into two groups was used: M-Group, fed with a diet containing maize, soybean meal, oil and fish meal and FFS Group, fed with another diet mainly containing full fat soybean and other components. The diets have been elaborated in three alternatives for each fattening stage: starter, grower and finisher. During the fattening, the main parameters have been recorded and compared between the two groups: daily and total live weight gain, daily and total food consumption, as well as feeding and fattening costs. A number of 8 fattened chickens were slaughtered and we also determined slaughter output, the components of carcass, the chemical composition of chicken meat and the ratio between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The FFS plot recorded higher fattening performances, that is a higher daily and total gain, a lower food consumption, but also lower feeding and total costs in comparison with the other group. We have noticed that FFS diet assured an increased crude protein percentage inside chicken meat and a more convenient ratio between the fatty acids, in favour of the unsaturated ones, resulting to a high meat and fat quality.
Small wind turbines applied to rural areas for independent power supply

Electricity generation based on wind energy has seen rapid growth in the last years in Germany due to a favourable regulatory framework. But in contrast to the large-scale wind power market, the small wind power sector is still in its infancy. Current research at the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences will focus on the development and construction of small wind turbines mainly usable for the supply of single buildings in rural areas in the South Westphalian region which are not necessarily connected to any larger electrical system. First results of pre investigations are presented in this paper.
Robot Learning from Demonstration : Kinesthetic Teaching vs . Teleoperation

We are interested in developing learning from demonstration systems that are suitable to be used by everyday people. We compare two interaction methods, kinesthetic teaching and teleoperation, for the users to show successful demonstrations of a skill. In the former, the user physically guides the robot and in the latter the user controls the robot with a haptic device. We evaluate our results using skill dependent quantitative measures, timing information and survey questions. We find that kinesthetic teaching is faster in terms of giving a single demonstration and the demonstrations are more successful. However, the learned skill does not perform better as expected. The survey results show that users think kinesthetic teaching is easier and more accurate and an open-ended question suggests that people would prefer kinesthetic teaching over teleoperation for everyday skills.
Physical activity levels can help prevent first ever stroke

This working paper aims to inform people involved in the planning and delivery of exercise after stroke about recent research developments and to give an overview of the wider research context. This is not an exhaustive review of the literature but a starting point for further investigation and discussion. We would be very interested to receive your views and ideas on the future direction of research in this area and on any other aspect of this paper. Please email cbest@staffmail.ed.ac.uk with your feedback.
Nonlinear control of optical fiber diameter variations

This paper presents a simulation based investigation of nonlinear control of optical fiber diameter variations. A nonlinear model of the fiber drawing process is presented and a control scheme based on this dynamic model is formulated. Simulation results indicate that the developed control scheme allows fiber manufacture process speed to be increased. The control methodology is shown to be robust in the presence of significant model uncertainties errors and external disturbances.
BTB and CNC Homolog 1 (Bach1) Deficiency Ameliorates TNBS Colitis in Mice: Role of M2 Macrophages and Heme Oxygenase-1

Background:BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which plays an important role in the protection of cells and tissues against acute and chronic inflammation. However, the role of Bach1 in the gastrointestinal mucosal defense system remains little understood. HO-1 supports the suppression of experimental colitis and localizes mainly in macrophages in colonic mucosa. This study was undertaken to elucidate the Bach1/HO-1 system's effects on the pathogenesis of experimental colitis. Methods:This study used C57BL/6 (wild-type) and homozygous Bach1-deficient C57BL/6 mice in which colonic damage was induced by the administration of an enema of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Subsequently, they were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. Peritoneal macrophages from the respective mice were isolated and analyzed. Then, wild-type mice were injected with peritoneal macrophages from the respective mice. Acute colitis was induced similarly. Results:TNBS-induced colitis was inhibited in Bach1-deficient mice. TNBS administration increased the expression of HO-1 messenger RNA and protein in colonic mucosa in Bach1-deficient mice. The expression of HO-1 mainly localized in F4/80-immunopositive and CD11b-immunopositive macrophages. Isolated peritoneal macrophages from Bach1-deficient mice highly expressed HO-1 and also manifested M2 macrophage markers, such as Arginase-1, Fizz-1, Ym1, and MRC1. Furthermore, TNBS-induced colitis was inhibited by the transfer of Bach1-deficient macrophages into wild-type mice. Conclusions:Deficiency of Bach1 ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis. Bach1-deficient macrophages played a key role in protection against colitis. Targeting of this mechanism is applicable to cell therapy for human inflammatory bowel disease.
The early health consequences of smoking: Relationship with psychosocial factors among treatment-seeking Black smokers

Stress . Smokers experience greater stress levels than do nonsmokers ), a relationship also found among Black Abstract Introduction: Blacks suffer disproportionately from the long-term health effects of smoking. Little is known about the prevalence of the early health consequences of smoking in this population or whether psychosocial factors inﬂ uence the frequency of symptoms. This study investigated the prevalence and psychosocial correlates of smoking-related physical symptoms in Black smokers. Methods: Adult smokers ( N = 117, 58% female, M age = 43.0 years) who smoked at least 5 cigarettes/day completed self-administered assessments of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking duration, alcohol use, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and smoking-related symptoms. Results: The most frequently occurring physical symptoms were shortness of breath (66%), coughing (50%), and headaches (49%). Multivariate analyses showed that smoking history, alcohol use, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms were independently related to smoking-related symptoms, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables and medical diagnoses. Discussion: The early health consequences of smoking appear to be common among Black smokers and can serve as a cue to action for cessation efforts. Alcohol use, stress, and depression appear to negatively inﬂ uence the early health consequences of smoking and should be assessed routinely in treatment-seeking Black smokers. Inventory of Limbic Languidness (PILL; Pennebaker, 1982 ) assessed smoking-related symptoms. The PILL is a reliable and valid measure of 54 common physical symptoms and sensations. The 22 symptoms selected from the measure were those related to smoking behavior. Subscales were formed to assess categories of symptoms including respiratory (sneezing spells, running nose, congested nose, bleeding nose, asthma or wheezing, coughing, out of breath, choking sensations, lump in throat, eyes water, and sore throat), gastrointestinal (upset stomach, heart burn, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea), cardiovascular (chest pains, racing heart), and vestibular balance, sleep, and tension (insomnia, headaches, dizziness, and feel faint). Participants indicated how often they experi-enced each symptom, using the following frequency metric: 0 (have never or almost never experienced), 1 (less than three or four times per year), 2 (every month or so), 3 (every week or so), or 4 (more than once every week). The total score, indicating the degree of smoking-related symptoms, and the subscale total scores were used in the analysis. The internal consistency of the measure in the present study was . 87 (full scale), . 79 (respira-tory), . 74 (gastrointestinal), . 67 (cardiovascular), and . 67 (ves-tibular balance, sleep, and tension).
Matching needs do matter - How US-MNCs in Switzerland and Germany utilise local employment relations

Using original data on over 60 US-subsidiaries located in Germany and Switzerland, we examine (a) in how far the subsidiaries in the two countries display characteristics of a strategic fit with their respective host-country location – whereby our concept of fit is based on the varieties of capitalism approach focusing on employment relations. In spite of the apparent similarities between the two host-countries under consideration we find evidence for a strategic fit between subsidiary characteristics and host-location with US-subsidiaries in Germany being characterised by less price determination and ICT spending. Subsequently we (b) empirically determine the individual host-country fit of each subsidiary based on our analysis in (a) and test whether subsidiaries within the same country location differ in using local training & skill practices and if this difference can be attributed to the subsidiary’s hostcountry fit. We find that, in Germany, the extent to which a subsidiary engages in continuing vocational education & training and the extent to which training on the job is important to vary with its host-country fit, while in Switzerland we find no relation between host-country fit and the use of training & skill practices.