Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small-signal analysis of wavelength conversion in semiconductor laser amplifiers via gain saturation

Wavelength conversion due to gain saturation in a travelling wave semiconductor laser amplifier is analyzed using a small-signal model. An analytic expression is developed showing that the small-signal bandwidth of wavelength conversion is not limited simply to the carrier modulation bandwidth, but also depends on the single-pass gain of the device. <<ETX>>
Insomnia as a predictor of job exit among middle-aged and older adults: results from the Health and Retirement Study

Objectives Poor health is a recognised predictor of workforce exit, but little is known about the role of insomnia in workforce exit. We examined the association between insomnia symptoms and subsequent job exit among middle-aged and older adults from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Methods The study sample consisted of 5746 respondents aged between 50 and 70 who were working for pay when interviewed in the HRS 2004 and were followed up in the HRS 2006. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between number of insomnia symptoms (0, 1–2, 3–4) and job exit (no exit, health-related exit or exit due to other reasons). Results In models adjusting for demographic characteristics, baseline health status and baseline job characteristics, compared with respondents with no insomnia symptoms, those with 3–4 insomnia symptoms had approximately twice the odds of leaving the workforce due to poor health (adjusted relative risk ratio=1.93, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.58, p=0.036). There was no association between insomnia and job exit due to non-health reasons. Conclusions An elevated number of insomnia symptoms is independently associated with leaving paid employment. Workplace screening for and treatment of insomnia symptoms may prolong labour force participation of middle-aged and older adults.
SPEED-3D: a geographic routing protocol for 6LoWPAN networks

The integration of the wireless sensor network WSN technology in the internet world is a necessary step towards the full accomplishment of the internet of things IoT vision. In order to reach a seamless integration of tiny mote devices in internet, the IPv6 addressing method and communication protocols developed for the IoT must be modified or adapted to match the WSN requirements. This adaptation process is started in the 2007 with the standardisation of the IPv6 protocol over low power wireless personal area networks 6LoWPAN. In such a scenario, we propose SPEED-3D, an extension of the SPEED geographic routing algorithm, adapted to 6LoWPAN networks that caters for 3D routing. SPEED-3D avoids the creation of routing tables, and has a very low memory occupation; it also supports load balancing and flow shaping; finally, thanks to the presented extension, it is able to work seamlessly in a 3D setting e.g., a tall building. In the paper, we first present SPEED-3D in 6LoWPAN networks by detailing the encapsulation of all messages in the IEEE802.15. 4 medium access control MAC protocol and the new functionality provided thanks to the IPv6 standard, then we present its implementation on a real-time kernel and its performance in a realistic indoor scenario.
Design-effects in prospective and retrospective memory for actions.

There is ample evidence that memory for action phrases such as "open the bottle" is better in subject-performed tasks (SPTs), i.e., if the participants perform the actions, than in verbal tasks (VTs), if they only read the phrases or listen to them. It is less clear whether also the sole intention to perform the actions later, i.e., a prospective memory task (PT), improves memory compared with VTs. Inconsistent findings have been reported for within-subjects and between-subjects designs. The present study attempts to clarify the situation. In three experiments, better recall for SPTs than for PTs and for PTs than for VTs were observed if mixed lists were used. If pure lists were used, there was a PT effect but no SPT over PT advantage. The findings were discussed from the perspective of item-specific and relational information.
Analysis of a long-term selection experiment with an exponential model.

UNLABELLED ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Analyse eines Langzeitselektionsversuchs mittels eines exponentiellen Modells Für die Analyse von Langzeitselektionsexperimenten wird ein exponentielles Modell vorgestellt. Dieses Modell basiert auf der Idee der "realisierten Heritabilität" una liefert Parameter, die als die Schlüsselparameter für die Beschreibung von Langzeitselektionsexperimenten betrachtet werden können: Gesamterfolg, maximaler Selektionserfolg je Generation, Halbwertzeit. Außerdem liefert es die "realisierte h(2) -Funktion". Die Anwendung dieses Modells wurde demonstriert, bei Nutzung der Daten eines Langzeitselektionsexperimentes, in dem Mäuse über 84 Generationen auf hohe Körpermasse selektiert wurden. Das geschätzte Selektionsplateau für die Körpermasse am 60. Lebenstag betrug 43.6 g und lag damit um 21.3 g (96 %, 7.7 phänotypische bzw. 12.8 genetische Standardabweichungen oder um das 18fache des maximalen Selektionserfolges) über dem Ausgangswert. Die Halbwertzeit betrug 15-16 Generationen (= 0.15 Ne). Zum Selektionsbeginn betrug die realisierte Heritabilität 0.361 während sie zum Ende auf 0.0004 fiel. Während sich die genetische Varianz von 2.8 auf 0.016 g(2) verringerte, erhöhte sich die phönotypische Varianz von 7.7 auf 39 g(2) , größtenteils als Skaleneffekt. Der Variationskoeffizient für das Selektionsmerkmal betrug im Mittel 11.5 % und zeigte nur eine geringfügige Erhöhung während des Experimentes. Die Anwendbarkeit und der Nutzen des Auswertungsmodells für einige Typen von Langzeitselektionsexperimenten wird diskutiert. SUMMARY An exponential model is presented for the analysis of long-term selection experiments. This model is based on the idea of "realised heritability" and it provides parameters which can be considered as the key parameters for the description of long-term selection experiments, such as the total response, the maximal response per generation and the half-life. In addition it provides the "realised h(2) -function". The application of this model is demonstrated, using as an example the data of a long-term selection experiment in which mice were selected for 84 generations on body weight at 60 days. The estimated selection limit for body weight at 60 days was 43.6 g and therefore 21.3 g (96 %, 7.7 phenotypic and 12.8 genetic standard deviations or 18 times the maximal response per generation) over the starting value. The half-life time was 15 to 16 generations (= 0.15 Ne). At the beginning of this experiment the realised heritability was 0.361 and decreased to 0.0004 at the end. While the genetic variance declined from 2.8 to 0.016 g(2) , the phenotypic variance increased from 7.7 to 39 g(2) , partly as a scale effect. The mean coefficient of variation for the selected trait was about 11.5% and showed only a small increase during the experiment. The usefulness of the application of the presented model for the analysis of some types of long-term selection experiments is discussed.
I, me, mine: Automatic attentional capture by self-related stimuli

Drawing on decades of research suggesting an attentional advantage for self-related information, researchers generally assume that self-related stimuli automatically capture attention. However, a literature review reveals that this claim has not been systematically examined. We aimed to fill in this dearth of evidence. Following a feature-based account of automaticity, we set up four experiments in which participants were asked to respond to a target preceded by a cue, which was self-related or not. In Experiment 1, larger cuing effects (faster reaction times to valid versus invalid trials) were found with a participant’s own name compared with someone else’s name. In Experiment 2, we replicated these results with unconscious cues. Experiment 3 suggested that these effects are not likely driven by familiarity. In Experiment 4, participants experienced greater difficulties from having their attention being captured by their own compared with someone else’s name. We conclude that attentional capture by self-related stimuli is automatic in the sense that it is unintentional, unconscious, and uncontrolled. Implications for self-regulation and intergroup relations are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
La compartimentation du muscle liée à sa bifonctionnalité et son hétérogénéité : analyse biomécanique et neurophysiologique

Le probleme de la compartimentation du muscle humain est tout d'abord pose dans les cadre de l'etude de la commande de mucles bifonctionnels. Lors d'efforts isomeriques combines, l'analyse d'EMG de muscles doublement antagonistes atteste qu'une co-contraction antagoniste est necessaire pour limiter la fonction indesiree du muscle bifonctionnel implique dans un acte moteur unidirectionnel. L'existence d'une compartimentation du muscle bifonctionnel peut cependant etre deduite d'une analyse spectrale de signaux EMG : ceux-ci presentent des caracteristiques differentes selon la fonction desiree. Une interpretation en termes de regionalisation des unites motrices impliquees est proposee. La bifonctionnalite amene aussi certains couples de muscles en situation d'ago-antagonisme ; il faut alors determiner si l'architecture de leurs liens neuronaux est de type agoniste ou antagoniste. Une liaison de type antagoniste du long peronier lateral sur le soleaire est revelee en combinant la sollicitation de reflexes d'etirement et de reflexes H sur ces muscles. Dans la seconde partie la compartimentation est envisagee en liaison avec l'heterogeneite du muscle. Un indice de la richesse d'un muscle en fibres lentes est apporte par l'analyse de reflexes H et T. L'evolution de ces reponses, chez l'homme et le rat, suite a un entrainement musculaire, permet de proposer que la mesure d'activites reflexes soit egalement retenue comme critere de la plasticite du muscle. Ainsi, la compartimentation pourrait evoluer avec l'excitabilite du muscle soumis a surcharge, ce qui necessiterait une restructuration des modalites de controles du muscle.
Volume determinations of the whole prostate and of adenomas by transrectal ultrasound in patients with clinically benign prostatic hyperplasia: correlation of resected weight, blood loss and duration of operation.

OBJECTIVE To study whether transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) volume determinations of the whole prostate and of the adenomas alone correlate to resected weight, operation time and blood loss in patients operated upon with transurethral resection of the prostate because of presumed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS The whole prostate and the transition zone, which corresponds to the adenomas, were measured separately in 159 patients with presumed BPH, pre-operatively and 4 months post-operatively. RESULTS The transition zone volume correlated well with the resected weight (r = 0.91; P < 0.0001), the blood loss (r = 0.67; P < 0.0001) and the operation time (r = 0.67; P < 0.0001). Four months post-operatively a reduction of the total prostate volume was recorded which corresponded well with the resected weight (r = 0.91; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION TRUS with high resolution 7 MHz probes successfully estimated the size of the whole prostate and that of the adenomas alone. The transition zone volume predicted the expected resection weight of adenomas and to some extent the duration of the operation and the blood loss. These calculations may be used for more accurate pre-operative planning. Together with its superior detection rate for prostate cancer, TRUS seems to be a powerful tool in the pre-operative morphological assessment of patients with prostatism.
Impact of a Lecture About Empirical Bases of Hypnosis on Beliefs and Attitudes Toward Hypnosis Among Cuban Health Professionals

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine whether a lecture on hypnosis can modify attitudes and misconceptions about hypnosis. The sample consisted of 97 health professionals from institutions in Havana City, Cuba. Group 1 consisted of 46 participants who received a lecture on hypnosis. Group 2 consisted of 51 participants who received a lecture about urology. and Beliefs toward Hypnosis–Therapist was applied before and after the lecture. Results indicated that there were significant differences between the groups: Group 1 showed more positive attitudes toward hypnosis. However, both groups showed similar misconceptions about hypnosis and memory, which changed significantly in Group 1 after receiving the lecture about hypnosis but not in Group 2. Therefore, the lecture about hypnosis had a significant impact in correcting participants' misconceptions about memory and hypnosis.
Masticatory muscular activation in elderly individuals during chewing.

BACKGROUND Old-age is the last stage of human evolution and, unfortunately, the ageing of the oral cavity and masticatory system seems accelerated. As a consequence, there is a reduction in the amount of food ingested, which can lead to an imbalance in nutrition. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of muscular activation of elderly individuals, during chewing, and to compare with young individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electromyographical analysis of the masticatory system in 10 individuals aged between 60 and 75 years (elderly group) and a similar number between 23-30 years old (young group - control) was carried out. The analysis was performed using a MyoSystem-Br1 electromyographer with differential active electrodes. The test was recorded during functional conditions, and the muscles assessed were the temporalis and masseter. Data were normalised by maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), and the results were analysed using an independent t-test for comparison between the groups. RESULTS The normalised electromyographic data obtained showed significant differences in both groups. Comparing the normalised values obtained for MVC, the mean values for the masseter and temporalis muscles of elderly group were statistically lower (p </= 0.05) than control group for harder foods, but there were no significant differences for food with the lowest consistency. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that elderly individuals show slight hypoactivity of their masticatory musculature during chewing when compared to young individuals.
[Towards informed tobacco consumption in Mexico: effect of pictorial warning labels in smokers].

OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effect of the first pictorial warning labels on cigarette packs in Mexican smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based representative cohort of smokers from seven Mexican cities was surveyed before (2010) and after (2011) the implementation of pictorial warning labels. To determine the change variables representing the cognitive and behavioral impact of pictorial warnings, bivariate and adjusted generalized estimating equations were estimated. Data from the second survey (2011) were analyzed to determine the factors associated with aided recall of specific pictorial warnings, as well as the factors associated with self-report of the impact that these warnings had. RESULTS From 2010 to 2011, significant increases were found in smoker's knowledge about smoking risks, the toxic components of tobacco, and the quitline number for receiving cessation assistance. Recall and impact of specific pictorial warnings was generally broad and equally distributed across the smoker population. In comparison with recent ex-smokers interviewed in 2010, more recent ex-smokers in 2011 reported that pack warnings had influenced their decision to quit (RM=2.44, 95% IC 1.27-4.72). CONCLUSION The first pictorial warning labels on cigarette packages in Mexico have had a significant impact on knowledge and behavior.
Pteridophyte species diversity in the central Peruvian Amazon: Importance of edaphic specialization

Sixty-one species of pteridophytes were found growing in a two-hectare study area that contained two major soil types. Approximately one-third of that species richness was due to the presence of edaphic variation, because 19 species were only found on the sandy loam soil and 24 were restricted to the clay soil. In the Amazon basin, within a particular climatic zone, diversity of soil type and topographic position can result in a habitat mosaic where both edaphic specialists and generalists can be found growing in one area. ResumenSesentaiún especies de pteridófitos se hallaron en el área de estudio de dos hectáreas, el cual contenía dos tipos resaltantes de suelos. Aproximadamente un tercio de la riqueza de especies se debió a la diferencia edáfica, así 19 de ellas se hallaron en el suelo arenoso y 24 sólo en el arcilloso. En la Amazonía, dentro de una determinada zona climática, la diversidad en tipos de suelos y la posición topográfica pueden dar lugar a un habitat en mosaico, donde tanto especialistas edáficos como generalistas pueden crecer en una sola área.
Home Care for Medically Fragile Children: Impact on Family Health and Well‐Being

The health status of 48 families providing home care for their medically fragile children was studied. Mothers, as the primary caregivers, experienced a greater decline in their physical health than did fathers or siblings. When the financial burden of providing care was greater and when the relationship with care providers was more strained, families had more physical illness symptoms. Who provided home care services for the medically fragile child influenced the psychosocial impact on the family. Care provided by home health aides was associated with greater negative impact, whereas care from professional nurses reduced the negative impact. The trend toward home care for medically fragile children has been accelerating; this study points to the importance of studying the impact on the family of this kind of care. Policy implications regarding the amount and quality of services and payment for them are discussed.
The B‐box dominates SAP‐1–SRF interactions in the structure of the ternary complex

The serum response element (SRE) is found in several immediate‐early gene promoters. This DNA sequence is necessary and sufficient for rapid transcriptional induction of the human c‐fos proto‐oncogene in response to stimuli external to the cell. Full activation of the SRE requires the cooperative binding of a ternary complex factor (TCF) and serum response factor (SRF) to their specific DNA sites. The X‐ray structure of the human SAP‐1–SRF–SRE DNA ternary complex was determined (Protein Data Bank code 1hbx). It shows SAP‐1 TCF bound to SRF through interactions between the SAP‐1 B‐box and SRF MADS domain in addition to contacts between their respective DNA‐binding motifs. The SAP‐1 B‐box is part of a flexible linker of which 21 amino acids become ordered upon ternary complex formation. Comparison with a similar region from the yeast MATα2–MCM1–DNA complex suggests a common binding motif through which MADS‐box proteins may interact with additional factors such as Fli‐1.
Robust Locally Weighted Regression and Smoothing Scatterplots

Abstract The visual information on a scatterplot can be greatly enhanced, with little additional cost, by computing and plotting smoothed points. Robust locally weighted regression is a method for smoothing a scatterplot, (x i , y i ), i = 1, …, n, in which the fitted value at z k is the value of a polynomial fit to the data using weighted least squares, where the weight for (x i , y i ) is large if x i is close to x k and small if it is not. A robust fitting procedure is used that guards against deviant points distorting the smoothed points. Visual, computational, and statistical issues of robust locally weighted regression are discussed. Several examples, including data on lead intoxication, are used to illustrate the methodology.
A study of renal‐efferent neurones and their neural connexions within cat renal ganglia using intracellular electrodes.

1. Intracellular recordings were made, in vitro, fron neurones located within left renal ganglia and left coeliac ganglia of cat solar plexus. 2. Forty‐three percent of the neurones of the renal ganglia tested were identified by antidromic activation as renal‐efferent neurones. 3. Electrical stimulation of all nerve trunks emanating from renal ganglia, other than the renal nerves, did not antidromically activate renal ganglia neurones. Neurones not antidromically activated were designated as non‐efferent neurones. 4. Neurones within the renal ganglia were also characterized as phasic or tonic neurones depending on their pattern of discharge. 5. Electrical stimulation of renal nerves produced excitatory synaptic potentials (e.p.s.p.s) in 18% of the renal‐efferent neurones. 6. Compounded e.p.s.p.s were produced in 50% of the renal ganglia neurones tested by stimulation of the ipsilateral splanchnic nerves and in 84% of the neurones upon stimulation of the vertebral nerve. 7. Synaptic responses demonstrating characteristics typical of those induced by activation of multisynaptic neural pathways were produced upon stimulation of renal and coeliac nerves. 8. The results of this study indicate that the electrophysiological properties of renal‐efferent neurones vary considerably from neurone to neurone and that these neurones receive synaptic inputs from a variety of preganglionic fibres and possibly from other neurones having their soma located within the solar plexus.
Growth modulation with a medial malleolar screw for ankle valgus deformity

Background and purpose — Growth modulation with a medial malleolar screw is used to correct ankle valgus deformity in children with a wide spectrum of underlying etiologies. It is unclear whether the etiology of the deformity affects the angular correction rate with this procedure. Patients and methods — 79 children (20 girls) with ankle valgus deformity had growth modulation by a medial malleolar screw (125 ankles). To be included, patients had to have undergone screw removal at the time of skeletal maturity or deformity correction, or a minimum follow-up of 18 months, and consistent radiographs preoperatively and at the time of screw removal and/or follow-up. The patients were assigned to 1 of 7 groups according to their underlying diagnoses. The lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA) was analyzed preoperatively, at screw removal, and at follow-up. Results — Mean age at operation was 11.7 (7.4–16.5) years. The average lateral distal tibial angle normalized from 80° (67–85) preoperatively to 89° (73–97) at screw removal. The screws were removed after an average time of 18 (6–46) months, according to an average rate of correction of 0.65° (0.1–2.2) per month. No significant differences in the correction rate per month were found between the groups (p = 0.3). Interpretation — Growth modulation with a medial malleolar screw is effective for the treatment of ankle valgus deformity in patients with a wide spectrum of underlying diagnoses. The individual etiology of the ankle valgus does not appear to affect the correction rate after growth modulation. Thus, the optimal timing of growth modulation mainly depends on the remaining individual growth and on the extent of the deformity.