Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fatiguing inspiratory muscle work causes reflex reduction in resting leg blood flow in humans

1 We recently showed that fatigue of the inspiratory muscles via voluntary efforts caused a time‐dependent increase in limb muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) ( St Croix et al. 2000 ). We now asked whether limb muscle vasoconstriction and reduction in limb blood flow also accompany inspiratory muscle fatigue. 2 In six healthy human subjects at rest, we measured leg blood flow (Q̇L) in the femoral artery with Doppler ultrasound techniques and calculated limb vascular resistance (LVR) while subjects performed two types of fatiguing inspiratory work to the point of task failure (3‐10 min). Subjects inspired primarily with their diaphragm through a resistor, generating (i) 60 % maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PM) and a prolonged duty cycle (TI/TTOT= 0.7); and (ii) 60 % maximal PM and a TI/TTOT of 0.4. The first type of exercise caused prolonged ischaemia of the diaphragm during each inspiration. The second type fatigued the diaphragm with briefer periods of ischaemia using a shorter duty cycle and a higher frequency of contraction. End‐tidal PCO2 was maintained by increasing the inspired CO2 fraction (FI,CO2) as needed. Both trials caused a 25–40 % reduction in diaphragm force production in response to bilateral phrenic nerve stimulation. 3 Q̇ L and LVR were unchanged during the first minute of the fatigue trials in most subjects; however, Q̇L subsequently decreased (‐30 %) and LVR increased (50‐60 %) relative to control in a time‐dependent manner. This effect was present by 2 min in all subjects. During recovery, the observed changes dissipated quickly (< 30 s). Mean arterial pressure (MAP; +4‐13 mmHg) and heart rate (+16‐20 beats min−1) increased during fatiguing diaphragm contractions. 4 When central inspiratory motor output was increased for 2 min without diaphragm fatigue by increasing either inspiratory force output (95 % of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP)) or inspiratory flow rate (5 × eupnoea), Q̇L, MAP and LVR were unchanged; although continuing the high force output trials for 3 min did cause a relatively small but significant increase in LVR and a reduction in nQ̇L. 5 When the breathing pattern of the fatiguing trials was mimicked with no added resistance, LVR was reduced and Q̇L increased significantly; these changes were attributed to the negative feedback effects on MSNA from augmented tidal volume. 6 Voluntary increases in inspiratory effort, in the absence of diaphragm fatigue, had no effect on Q̇L and LVR, whereas the two types of diaphragm‐fatiguing trials elicited decreases in Q̇L and increases in LVR. We attribute these changes to a metaboreflex originating in the diaphragm. Diaphragm and forearm muscle fatigue showed very similar time‐dependent effects on LVR and Q̇L.
Effect of brand trust and customer satisfaction on brand loyalty in Bahawalpur

Brand Loyalty is the only tool for any company to survive in a severe competition. Brand helps in creating relationship between consumer and producer. In this research we study and investigated the effect of service quality, perceived quality, perceived value, brand trust and customer satisfaction on brand loyalty. The service quality, perceived quality and value were determined to be input variables; brand trust and customer satisfaction were determined to be intervening variables; and brand loyalty was determined to be the output variable. Conceptual model was designed to explain the factors on brand loyalty. Our study based on a self-administered survey that was conducted in Bahawalpur setting. Data were collected from the randomly selected 150 Hewlett Packard product consumers. Our study results provide a better understanding about brand loyalty among customers for companies to analyseand part played by each element in the progress of brand loyalty. Moreover it highlights the crucial role played by affective elements.
Rate and phonological variation in preschool children: effects of modeling and directed influence.

PURPOSE To explore the effect of modeling and explicit elicitation of slow and accurately produced speech in typically developing preschool children. Optional phonological reductions (e.g., deleted final stops) and changes in speech rate were examined in response to an adult conversational speaker's speech style. METHOD Forty 3- and 4-year-olds (20 each) were tested in 3 tasks: (a) immediate repetition of a model, (b) spontaneous speech, and (c) directed speech style (cueing to correct "sloppy" speech). In Task 1, half of each group heard fast and hypoarticulated versus slow and hyperarticulated speech for a between-group response-to-model comparison. Tasks 2 and 3 were compared within subjects. RESULTS Task 1 demonstrated that both age groups aligned with the speaker's rate and phonological variants usage when repeating a model. Tasks 2 and 3 revealed that 4-year-olds varied phonological reduction patterns according to the task demands, whereas 3-year-olds maintained consistent patterns of usage. In addition, neither group successfully realigned with the rapid speech rate in Task 3. CONCLUSIONS These results contribute to an evidence base supporting the practice of modeling slow and clear speech to children with various production disorders. Further research is needed to explore the cognitive-linguistic processes underlying alignment before findings are applied to clinical populations.
Do mouthguards prevent concussion?

One of the most commonly held myths in sports medicine is the premise that wearing a mouthguard will prevent concussion. The origins of this contention are obscure, but an evidence based review of the scientific support for this concept has not been previously published. Mouthguards or “gum shields” were originally developed in 1890 by Woolf Krause, a London dentist, as a means of protecting boxers from lip lacerations. Such injuries were a common and often disabling accompaniment of boxing contests in that era.1–3 These gum shields were originally made from gutta percha and were held in place by clenching the teeth. Philip Krause, his son, who was both a dentist and amateur boxer, subsequently refined the design of the gum shield and made them from vella rubber.1 In the United States, the first mouthguard was probably manufactured by Thomas Carlos, a Chicago dentist, in 1916.1, 4 By the 1930s, mouthguards were part of the standard boxers' equipment and have remained so since that time. Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, before the second world war, were probably the last of the heavyweight champions to fight without a mouthpiece. There are several distinct types of mouthguard. The simplest are the stock mouthguards, which may be purchased from sporting goods stores. The second type are the mouth formed or boil and bite guards, which are heated and immediately worn by the athlete allowing some adaptation to the dentition to occur. The more complex mouthguards are custom made …
Socioeconomic development, family planning, and fertility in China

The relationships between socioeconomic development family planning and fertility among the 28 subregions of China circa 1982 were examined. The dependent variable was the total fertility rate in 1981. The 17 development variables include many of the social economic and demographic factors shown in earlier studies to be influential in accounting for fertility among the Chinese subregions. Table 1 presents means and standard deviations for the total fertility rate (TFR) the 17 development variables and the 11 family planning variables. The total fertility rate in 1981 had an average value among the 28 areas of 2.69 varying from lows of 1.32 in Shanghai 1.59 in Beijing and 1.65 in Tianjin to highs of 4.36 in Guizhou 4.12 in Ningxia and 4.10 in Guangxi. The relative effects of the varibles on fertility varied considerably. 4 of the family planning variables had the highest correlations: the first-birth rate (-0.92) the contraceptive use rate (-0.86) the birth planning rate (-0.83) and the 1-child certificate holder rate (-0.82). 8 socioeconomic development variables had correlations with fertility of -0.60 or higher and an additional 5 had correlations between -0.50 and -0.60. 3 separate tests of the theoretical model indicated consistently strong negative direct effects of family planning behavior and weak direct effects of family planning costs. Structural development had strong negative direct effects on fertility when it was introduced in an equation with rural quality of life; it had reduced effects when used in an equation with a development index gauging female status. The direct negative effects of quality of life on fertility were about the same as those of structural development but the 2 development indexes were not used in the same equation due to high collinearity. In regard to indirect effects of development on fertility only the female status index had high negative indirect effects through family planning behavior. All 4 development indexes had trivial indirect effects via the combined path through family planning costs and family planning behavior. The findings essentially are consistent with other analyzes.
The Bricks That Build the Clicks: Newsroom Investments and Newspaper Online Performance

As the world embraces the Internet for media consumption, the concept of a hybrid newspaper—a printed newspaper with a companion Web site—is becoming more prevalent. Many hope that online advertising revenue (OAR) will help newspapers make up for losses in print (offline) revenue. However, there is little research that has empirically investigated whether and how investment in the “bricks” (i.e., the newsroom staff and resources that produce news content) will help to build “clicks” (i.e., more online visitors and, subsequently, OAR). This article examines the issue via an econometric analysis of 12 years of longitudinal data from a hybrid newspaper. The results show that the basic success of the clicks model depends on the investment in the bricks of the newspaper (i.e., its newsroom). Specifically, although news gathering is a very expensive part of the news business, it is also a creator of value and directly brings in OAR in addition to print advertising revenue. Therefore, as newspapers seek to capture more OAR, they may need to increase, rather than decrease, investment levels in the newsroom.
The Goldfish—A Colour-Constant Animal

A series of either thirteen or fifteen coloured test fields with hues from blue through grey to yellow were presented on a black background. Goldfish were trained on a bluish-grey test field by food reward. In the training situation, the setup with the coloured papers was illuminated with white light. In the test situation, the colour of the illumination was changed to blue or yellow. In both test illuminations the goldfish preferred the training field in the same way as under white illumination despite the fact that this test field stimulated the cone types very differently from the training situation. As test fields were present that excited the cones in exactly the same way as under white light, but were not chosen, colour constancy can be concluded. By means of colour metrics, it was possible to quantify direction and strength of colour constancy.
The efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of hypertrophied inferior turbinate in allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction (RFVTR) technique in treatment of allergic inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) and to study its effect on nasal mucociliary clearance. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted over 50 perenial allergic rhinitis patients with persistent nasal obstruction due to bilateral ITH refractory to medical management received one time RFVTR of both inferior turbinates. Symptoms were subjectively assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and mucociliary clearance was measured by saccharin transit time (STT) pre-operatively, at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. RESULTS Forty-seven subjects completed study. All patients had significant symptomatic improvement which started from 1 week post-operatively and persisted up to 3 months. Post-operative VAS scores of nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, headache, and snoring at 1 week 1, 3 and 6 month follow up visits significantly decreased (P < 0.05) whereas significant decreased in post-operative VAS scores of hyposmia was observed at 1 month follow up (P < 0.05). Though increase in VAS scores was observed during 6 month follow up, the difference between pre-operative and 6 month post-operative mean VAS score was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Symptomatic improvement in nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, sneezing, headache, hyposmia, and snoring persisted in 89.4%, 95.6%, 97.8%, 88.5%, 46.7%, and 100% of patients, respectively, during 6 month follow up. There was no significant change in STT following RFVTR except at 1 week follow up (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION RFVTR is safe and effective in treatment of ITH in allergic rhinitis patients.
Impact of ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms 1236C>T and 2677G>T on overall survival in FLT3 wild‐type de novo AML patients with normal karyotype

Drug resistance is a clinically relevant problem in the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). We have previously reported a relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ABCB1, encoding the multi‐drug transporter P‐glycoprotein, and overall survival (OS) in normal karyotype (NK)‐AML. Here we extended this material, enabling subgroup analysis based on FLT3 and NPM1 status, to further elucidate the influence of ABCB1 SNPs. De novo NK‐AML patients (n = 201) were analysed for 1199G>A, 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A and 3435C>T, and correlations to outcome were investigated. FLT3 wild‐type 1236C/C patients have significantly shorter OS compared to patients carrying the variant allele; medians 20 vs. 49 months, respectively, P = 0·017. There was also an inferior outcome in FLT3 wild‐type 2677G/G patients compared to patients carrying the variant allele, median OS 20 vs. 35 months, respectively, P = 0·039. This was confirmed in Cox regression analysis. Our results indicate that ABCB1 1236C>T and 2677G>T may be used as prognostic markers to distinguish relatively high risk patients in the intermediate risk FLT3 wild‐type group, which may contribute to future individualizing of treatment strategies.
Robust differential game guidance laws design for uncertain interceptor-target engagement via adaptive dynamic programming

ABSTRACT In this paper, the problem of intercepting a maneuvering target is formulated as a two-player zero-sum differential game framework affected by matched uncertainties. By introducing an appropriate cost function that reflects the uncertainties, the robust control is transformed into a two-player zero-sum differential game control problem and therefore ensures the compensation of the matched uncertainties. Additionally, the corresponding Hamilton--Jacobi--Isaacs (HJI) equation is solved by constructing a critic neural network (NN). The closed-loop system and the critic NN weight estimation error are proved to be uniform ultimate boundedness (UUB) by utilising Lyapunov approach. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed robust guidance law is demonstrated by using a nonlinear two-dimensional kinematics, assuming first-order dynamics for the interceptor and the target.
Virtual Reality Protocol to orthostasis for people with spinal cord injuries

Objective: The purpose of the study is to develop a protocol to orthostasis using Nintendo Wii videogame with the software Wii Fit Plus. Materials and Methods: An evaluation was done to choose the games that promote orthostasis and posture control. After that, a commission of 9 specialist judges was established to fill up a form about the game. It was set that at least 70% of the judges must have agreed with the movements, so that the game could be included in the protocol. Results: The main objectives identified by the therapist were the stimulation of the static balance, the control of the gravity center of the body, the anteroposterior and lateral displacements, and the discharge of weight in lower limbs. Conclusion: In the face of the results, the statistical balance, gravity center regulatory are indications of all games as well as the anteroposterior and lateral displacement and in some games as Ski Slalom, Soccer Heading, Penguin Slide and Snowboard Slalom respectively.
Outcome of treatment of human HeLa cervical cancer cells with roscovitine strongly depends on the dosage and cell cycle status prior to the treatment

Exposure of asynchronously growing human HeLa cervical carcinoma cells to roscovitine (ROSC), a selective cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) inhibitor, arrests their progression at the transition between G2/M and/or induces apoptosis. The outcome depends on the ROSC concentration. At higher dose ROSC represses HPV‐encoded E7 oncoprotein and initiates caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Inhibition of the site‐specific phosphorylation of survivin and Bad, occurring at high‐dose ROSC treatment, precedes the onset of apoptosis and seems to be a prerequisite for cell death. Considering the fact that in HeLa cells the G1/S restriction checkpoint is abolished by E7, we addressed the question whether the inhibition of CDKs by pharmacological inhibitors in synchronized cells would be able to block the cell‐cycle in G1 phase. For this purpose, we attempted to synchronize cells by serum withdrawal or by blocking of the mitotic apparatus using nocodazole. Unlike human MCF‐7 cells, HeLa cells do not undergo G1 block after serum starvation, but respond with a slight increase of the ratio of G1 population. Exposure of G1‐enriched HeLa cells to ROSC after re‐feeding does not block their cell‐cycle progression at G1‐phase, but increases the ratio of S‐ and G2‐phase, thereby mimicking the effect on asynchronously growing cells. A quite different impact is observed after treatment of HeLa cells released from mitotic block. ROSC prevents their cell cycle progression and cells transiently accumulate in G1‐phase. These results show that inhibition of CDKs by ROSC in cells lacking the G1/S restriction checkpoint has different outcomes depending on the cell‐cycle status prior to the onset of treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 937–955, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Childhood Epileptic Encephalopathy with Diffuse Slow Spike‐Waves (otherwise known as “Petit Mal Variant”) or Lennox Syndrome

Les auteurs fournissent la description d'une variété très grave d‘épilepsie de l'enfant qui est rebelle à la thérapeutique et qui se caractérise par la triade symptomatique suivante: (1) crises épileptiques généralisées fréquentes, le plus souvent à type de crises toniques ou d'absences variantes de petit mal; (2) déficit intellectuel souvent grave; (3) décharges électroencéphalographiques intercritiques de pointes‐ondes lentes diffuses répétées de façon pseudo‐rythmique à 1.5–2.5 c/s. Un pareil tableau diffère peu de celui fourni par Lennox et col. il y a une quinzaine d'années. La contribution personnelle des auteurs se limite donc à préciser certaines données séméiologiques, cliniques aussi bien qu’électroencéphalographiques, et à fournir des considérations d'ordre diagnostique, étiologique, thérapeutique et physiopathogénique à propos de cette affection qu'ils proposent d'appeler: “Encéphalopathie épileptique de l'enfant avec pointes‐ondes lentes diffuses” ou “Syndrome de Lennox”.
Elevated Antiphospholipid Antibody Levels in Patients with Thrombosis

Supported by a cooperative agreement (U18 DD00014) with the Hematologic Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a grant (U54-HL077878) from the National Institutes of Health. The antiphospholipid syndrome is an antibodymediated hypercoagulable state characterized by recurrent venous and arterial thromboembolic events. Several studies have determined that the frequency of antiphospholipid syndrome in patients presenting with a venous thromboembolic event is between 4% and 14%. Because of the high risk for recurrent thromboembolism in these patients, current recommendations suggest a longer, potentially lifelong, course of antithrombotic therapy following an initial event. Although most authorities agree on an extended course of therapy, considerable controversy surrounds the optimal target therapeutic INR for patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. For an initial venous thromboembolic event, a target INR of 2.0 to 3.0 is supported by two prospective, randomized clinical trials. In contrast, relatively limited data exist for an initial arterial thromboembolic event in patients who have the antiphospholipid syndrome, and therapeutic recommendations range from aspirin to warfarin with a high target INR. Recurrent thromboembolic events can be extremely difficult to treat, and some patients may benefit from the addition of immunosuppressive therapies. Importantly, as many as 50% of the initial thromboembolic events sustained by patients with antiphospholipid antibodies occur in the setting of additional, coincident prothrombotic risk factors, indicating the importance of addressing any additional risk factors, such as hypercholesterolemia, in these patients. Prospective studies are needed to address the role of thromboprophylactic strategies in asymptomatic individuals with antiphospholipid antibodies in the absence of additional risk factors.