Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitric Oxide Signaling as a Common Target of Organohalogens and Other Neuroendocrine Disruptors

Organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are global environmental pollutants and highly persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals that produce adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Because of the widespread use of these organohalogens in household items and consumer products, indoor contamination is a significant source of human exposure, especially for children. One significant concern with regard to health effects associated with exposure to organohalogens is endocrine disruption. Toxicological studies on organohalogen pollutants primarily focused on sex steroid and thyroid hormone actions, and findings have largely shaped the way one envisions their disruptive effects occurring. Organohalogens exert additional effects on other systems including other complex endocrine systems that may be disregulated at various levels of organization. Over the last 20 years evidence has mounted in favor of a critical role of nitric oxide (NO) in numerous functions ranging from neuroendocrine functions to learning and memory. With its participation in multiple systems and action at several levels of integration, NO signaling has a pervasive influence on nervous and endocrine functions. Like blockers of NO synthesis, PCBs and PBDEs produce multifaceted effects on physiological systems. Based on this unique set of converging information it is proposed that organohalogen actions occur, in part, by hijacking processes associated with this ubiquitous bioactive molecule. The current review examines the emerging evidence for NO involvement in selected organohalogen actions and includes recent progress from our laboratory that adds to our current understanding of the actions of organohalogens within hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuits. The thyroid, vasopressin, and reproductive systems as well as processes associated with long-term potentiation were selected as sample targets of organohalogens that rely on regulation by NO. Information is provided about other toxicants with demonstrated interference of NO signaling. Our focus on the convergence between NO system and organohalogen toxicity offers a novel approach to understanding endocrine and neuroendocrine disruption that is particularly problematic for developing organisms. This new working model is proposed as a way to encourage future study in elucidating common mechanisms of action that are selected with a better operational understanding of the systems affected.
Decline in admissions for childhood asthma, a 26‐year period population‐based study

The prevalence of childhood asthma has increased, although the rate of hospitalization for asthma seems to decrease. In Norway, the rate of hospital admission for childhood asthma from 1984 to 2000 increased. The aim of this study was to assess further trends in hospital admissions for childhood asthma up to 2010.
Introducing general redundancy criteria for clausal tableaux, and proposing resolution tableaux

Hyper tableau calculi are well-known as attempts to combine hyper-resolution and tableaux. Besides their soundness and completeness, it is also important to give an appropriate redundancy criterion. The task of such a criterion is to filter out “unnecessary” clauses being attached to a given tableau. This is why we investigate what redundancy criteria can be defined for clausal tableaux, in general. This investigation leaded us to a general idea for combining resolution calculi and tableaux. The goal is the same as in the case of hyper-tableau calculi: to split (hyper-)resolution derivations into branches. We propose a novel method called resolution tableaux. Resolution tableaux are more general than hyper tableaux, since any resolution calculus (not only hyperresolution) can be applied, like, e.g., binary resolution, input resolution, or lock resolution etc. We prove that any resolution tableau calculus inherits the soundness and the completeness of the resolution calculus which is being applied. Hence, resolution tableaux can be regarded as a kind of parallelization of resolution.
Effect of hypoxia on the expression of iron regulatory proteins 1 and the mechanisms involved

Iron is essential for many biological processes, including oxygen delivery, and its supply is tightly regulated. Iron regulatory proteins (IRPs, IRP1 and IRP2) are master regulators of cellular iron metabolism. Hypoxia triggers a broad range of gene responses that are primarily mediated by hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1). In this study, we have shown that hypoxia could not only upregulate the expression of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 but also downregulate the expression of IRP1. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the IRP1 response to hypoxia are not known. Herein we suggested that HIF/HRE system was an essential link between IRP1 and hypoxia. The HRE of IRP1 5′‐regulation regions could combine with HIF‐1 in vitro. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay showed that IRP1 was directly downregulated by HIF/HRE system. © 2011 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 63(2): 120–128, 2011
Cancer Patients' Self-Reported Attitudes About the Internet

Background Increasing numbers of cancer patients are using the Internet, but little is known about their attitudes toward online health care. Objective The purpose of this substudy was to analyze cancer patients' attitudes toward online health care. Methods This was a substudy of 41 persons with cancer who used the Internet for health care information and support and who completed the Attitudes Toward Online Health Care (ATOHC) survey. Results The majority of study participants were married, held graduate degrees, and had high incomes. Using a five-point Likert scale, means for the five dimensions of the ATOHC survey were as follows: community and news 3.22 (SD = 1.01), outcomes 3.20 (SD = 1.08), trusted information and advice 2.73 (SD = 0.66), self-efficacy in evaluating information and intention 3.46 (SD = 0.65), and disclosure 3.15 (SD = 1.06). The average response fell between “About half the time” and “Usually. ” Favorite websites for content were Medscape and WebMD, while favorite sites for support were WebMD and Mediconsult. Conclusions Respondents were generally eager to obtain and offer cancer information and support online, but they were skeptical of unknown sources. They were comfortable both giving and receiving information and support. Respondents were interested in the experiences of other patients and benefited by their direct and indirect interactions with them. Respondents felt that they coped better with their illness and experienced less uncertainty and anxiety as a result of their online experiences. They reported a certain level of trust, primarily for established reputable sources of information, and they were confident in their ability to evaluate the information, including research reports. In addition, cancer patients displayed a healthy skepticism when presented with the option of divulging their personal health information; however, they were willing to provide personal details if, as a result, a website provided them with individualized information.
Hypertension among Hispanic elders of a Caribbean origin in Massachusetts.

OBJECTIVES We determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension in Hispanic elders, ages 60-92 years, living in Massachusetts. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING State of Massachusetts. SUBJECTS A representative sample of 597 Hispanics of Caribbean origin (77% Puerto Ricans and 23% Dominicans) and 243 non-Hispanic Whites from the same neighborhoods. MEASURES Blood pressure, income, health behaviors, chronic conditions, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. RESULTS Hypertension was prevalent in all groups: 66% for Puerto Rican and 73% Dominican men, 69% for non-Hispanic White men; and 75%, 76%, and 74% for women in these groups, respectively. Twenty-one percent of Puerto Rican and 15% of Dominican women had systolic hypertension, compared to 9% for non-Hispanic White women (P < .01 anti P < .05, respectively). The prevalence of systolic hypertension was 14% and 21% for Puerto Rican and Dominican men, compared to 13% for non-Hispanic White men (not significant). Puerto Rican women with hypertension were less likely to have their blood pressure under control than were non-Hispanic While women. Puerto Rican and Dominican elders remained more than 2.6 times more likely to have systolic hypertension than non-Hispanic White elders after adjusting potential confounders. CONCLUSION Hypertension is prevalent in this population and systolic hypertension is more prevalent among Hispanic vs non-Hispanic White elders. Investigation of genetic or other factors associated with this apparent excess risk of systolic hypertension among elderly Hispanics, particularly among women, is warranted.
Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial of Omega 3 Fatty Acids for the Treatment of Diabetic Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Background: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is common and severe in patients with diabetes mellitus. Although, there are no effective treatments for NASH in diabetic patients, preliminary reports suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may be beneficial in these patients. Aim: A prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study (NCT 00323414) was performed in NASH patients with diabetes. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT 00323414). Subjects and Methods: A total of 37 patients (50.6±9.8 y) with well-controlled diabetes (HbA1C<8.5%) were randomized to receive either PUFA containing eicosapentaenoic acid (2160 mg) and docosahexaenoic acid (1440 mg) daily or an isocaloric, identical placebo containing corn oil for 48 weeks under CONSORT guidelines. Clinical, demographics, biochemical laboratory tests, body composition using DEXA, and liver biopsy were performed at randomization and at the end of treatment. Liver biopsy was scored by the NASH CRN criteria. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: At inclusion, sex, age, body weight, biochemical tests, glucose control, and liver histology were similar in the 2 treatment groups. There was no change in liver enzymes, body weight, or body composition during the study in either group. At the end of the treatment, hepatic steatosis and the activity score improved (P<0.05) and lobular inflammation worsened (P<0.001) with placebo but was unchanged with PUFA. At the end of the treatment, insulin resistance (serum glucose and HOMA) worsened with PUFA but not placebo. Conclusions: PUFA provided no benefit over placebo in NASH patients with diabetes. The effects of PUFA on histology and insulin resistance were inferior to placebo. These data provide no support for PUFA supplements in NASH.
Impact of role stress on physical therapists' emotional and physical well-being.

This study examined the relationship between role stress and the physical and emotional well-being of 187 physical therapists practicing in the state of Missouri. Data collected via survey research established a significant relationship between role conflict (conflict between organizational demands and personal and professional values) and emotional exhaustion (r = .50) and between role conflict and somatic and job-induced tension (r = .43 and r = .44, respectively). Role ambiguity created by an uncertain organizational climate was related significantly to emotional exhaustion (r = .26) and to somatic and job-induced tension (r = .21 and r = .29, respectively). Perceived improper allocation of time, inadequate staff or resources, and receipt of incompatible demands were identified as significant role stressors and predictors of diminished emotional and physical well-being. Physical therapy directors and individual therapists should work within their organizations to reduce role stress and its detrimental effects, to align professional and organizational values, and to maintain personal and professional standards.
User-Driven Techniques for the Design and Evaluation of New Musical Interfaces

The merits of user-driven design have long been acknowledged in the field of human–computer interaction (HCI): Closely involving target users throughout the lifecyle of a project can vastly improve their experiences with the final system. Thus, it comes as no surprise that a growing number of music technology researchers are beginning to incorporate user-driven techniques into their work, particularly as a means of evaluating their designs from the perspectives of their intended users. Many, however, have faced the limitations that arise from applying the task-based, quantitative techniques typically encountered in classical HCI research to the evaluation of nonutilitarian applications. The nature of musical performance requires that designers reevaluate their definitions of user “goals,” “tasks,” and “needs. ” Furthermore, within the context of performance, the importance of creativity and enjoyment naturally supersedes that of efficiency, yet these concepts are more difficult to evaluate or quantify accurately. To address these challenges, this article contributes a set of key principles for the user-driven design and evaluation of novel interactive musical systems, along with a survey of evaluation techniques offered by new directions in HCI, ludology, interactive arts, and social-science research. Our goal is to help lay the foundation for designers of new musical interfaces to begin developing and customizing their own methodologies for measuring, in a concrete and systematic fashion, those critical aspects of the user experience that are often considered too nebulous for assessment.
Accuracy of Rapid Urease Test in Diagnosing Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients using NSAIDs

Background/Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the results of rapid urease test (RUT). Patients and Methods: The study evaluated 210 consecutive patients for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. They were divided into case and control groups based on history of NSAID use (n=70 each). Two biopsy specimens were collected from antrum and corpus of stomach during endoscopy and sent for rapid urease testing and histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate of RUT test were compared against histology. Results: The average age was 55.2±12.9 and 43.3±12.1 years in the case and control groups, respectively. Among NSAID users, RUT sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate were all 100%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of RUT in patients without history of NSAID use were 97.37, 98.57 and 98.14%, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of RUT were 98.57, 99.29, and 99.04%, respectively. Conclusion: Our study shows that sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of RUT are not affected by NSAID use. Rapid urease test remains a reliable test for diagnosis of H. pylori in patients on NSAIDs.
Indentation Stiffness of Repair Tissue after Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation

Our main hypothesis was that indentation stiffness of the repair tissue approaches the values of adjacent cartilage 1 year after autologous chondrocyte transplantation. We also wanted to investigate the differences between osteochondritic lesions and full-thickness lesions. Thirty patients with cartilage lesions were operated on with autologous chondrocyte transplantation. The repair was evaluated arthroscopically, indentation stiffness was measured, and clinical evaluations were done. The stiffness of the repair tissue improved to 62% (mean 2.04 ± 0.83 N, mean ± SD) of adjacent cartilage (3.58 ± 1.04 N). Fifty-three percent of the patients graded their knee as excellent or good and 47% of the patients graded their knee as fair at the followup. In six patients the normalized stiffness was at least 80%, suggesting hyaline-like repair. The indentation stiffness of the osteochondritis dissecans lesion repairs (1.45 ± 0.46 N; n = 7) was less than that of the nonosteochondritis dissecans lesion repair sites (2.37 ± 0.72 N; n = 19). Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the cartilage (dGEMRIC) during followup of four patients suggested proteoglycan replenishment, although all grafts showed low indentation values. Low stiffness values may indicate incomplete maturation or predominantly fibrous repair. The indentation analysis showed that the repair tissue stiffness could, in some cases, reach the same level as the adjacent cartilage, but there was a large variation among the grafts.
The Incidence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Illawarra Area of New South Wales

Summary: The incidence of gestational diabetes in the Illawarra area is 7.2% (95% CI: 6.0–8.4). This was determined by data collected by 2 prenatal clinics and 3 private practitioners during 1993. The incidence rate varied between 5.1% at one hospital to 11.3% with a private practitioner. This variation was mainly due to differences in age and ethnic background. The highest incidence rate of 11.9% was found in women of Asian background.
Regeneration of rat ovarian tissue grafted after exposure to low temperatures

A study has been made of the viability of rat ovarian tissue after exposure to -79°C and to -190°C for varying times and in different media. The material so treated was grafted usually autoplastically, into spayed rats and its functional activity assessed by examination of vaginal cycles and by histological studies at intervals after grafting. Ovaries chopped in serum , cooled slowly to -79°C and left at that temperature for 1 h or for 9 days gave functional autografts, but not after exposure to -190°C. The incidence of takes and the functional activity of the grafts was greater when the ovarian tissue was suspended in serum or saline containing 15% glycerol and cooled either to -79 or to -190°C for 1 h. Such material deteriorated during 9 days at -79°C but not at -190°C. A delay of 2 h between thawing and grafting reduced the incidence of takes with ovarian tissue suspended in saline containing 15% glycerol and cooled to -190°C. Increasing the glycerol concentration in the medium to 25 % before freezing also decreased the proportion of takes and delayed the appearance of activity of the grafts. Material cooled rapidly did not give functional grafts. The histological appearances suggested that, during the processes of freezing and thawing, a proportion of ovarian cells were destroyed and that eggs in all stages of development were particularly sensitive. Immature ovarian tissue had a greater capacity for reformation of oocytes than had adult tissue, but in either case the capacity to reform oocytes was exhausted within one month, whereas lutein tissue continued to increase for several months.
The Study on the Entrapment Efficiency and In Vitro Release of Puerarin Submicron Emulsion

The entrapment efficiency (EE) and release in vitro are very important physicochemical characteristics of puerarin submicron emulsion (SME). In this paper, the performance of ultrafiltration (UF), ultracentrifugation (UC), and microdialysis (MD) for determining the EE of SME were evaluated, respectively. The release study in vitro of puerarin from SME was studied by using MD and pressure UF technology. The EE of SME was 86.5%, 72.8%, and 55.8% as determined by MD, UF, and UC, respectively. MD was not suitable for EE measurements of puerarin submicron oil droplet, which could only determine the total EE of submicron oil droplet and liposomes micelles, but it could be applied to determine the amount of free drug in SMEs. Although UC was the fastest and simplest to use, its results were the least reliable. UF was still the relatively accurate method for EE determination of puerarin SME. The release of puerarin SME could be evaluated by using MD and pressure UF, but MD seemed to be more suitable for the release study of puerarin emulsion. The drug release from puerarin SME at three drug concentrations was initially rapid, but reached a plateau value within 30 min. Drug release of puerarin from the SME occurred via burst release.
Creating knowledge networks: lessons from practice

Purpose – The purpose of the research is to study the set‐up processes of formal networks in a multinational high‐tech corporation consisting of multiple business units. The aim is to learn more about what management can do in order to support the fragile process of setting up new knowledge networks.Design/methodology/approach – The research project had a problem‐solving approach, which is why action research was selected as the method.Findings – Based on the research the following findings are discussed: identify and support knowledge activists, put knowledge networks on the strategic agenda, formal networks being vulnerable to major organizational changes, create an understanding for how formal networks can coexist with the line organization.Research limitations/implications – Limitations of the study relate to the fact that the knowledge networks were set up within the same company. That the knowledge networks were set up during a turbulent time when cost reductions were a top priority may also limit t.
Distributed Fault Detection and Isolation of Large-Scale Discrete-Time Nonlinear Systems: An Adaptive Approximation Approach

This paper deals with the problem of designing a distributed fault detection and isolation methodology for nonlinear uncertain large-scale discrete-time dynamical systems. As a divide et impera approach is used to overcome the scalability issues of a centralized implementation, the large scale system being monitored is modelled as the interconnection of several subsystems. The subsystems are allowed to overlap, thus sharing some state components. For each subsystem, a Local Fault Diagnoser is designed, based on the measured local state of the subsystem as well as the transmitted variables of neighboring states that define the subsystem interconnections. The local diagnostic decision is made on the basis of the knowledge of the local subsystem dynamic model and of an adaptive approximation of the interconnection with neighboring subsystems. The use of a specially-designed consensus-based estimator is proposed in order to improve the detectability and isolability of faults affecting variables shared among overlapping subsystems. Theoretical results are provided to characterize the detection and isolation capabilities of the proposed distributed scheme. Finally, simulation results are reported showing the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Levenberg-Marquardt training method for Type-2 fuzzy neural networks and its stability analysis

In this paper, an alternative stability analysis for the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm is proposed for the training of Type-2 fuzzy neural networks (T2FNNs). The benefit of the proposed stability analysis is that it does not require any eigenvalues computations, and hence it is simpler when compared to the existing stability analysis studies in literature.