Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinantes da Reeleição Municipal da Bahia para o Período de 2000 a 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho e investigar os determinantes das chances de reeleicao municipal para o estado da Bahia nas eleicoes de 2000, 2004 e 2008. Para isto, estimou-se um modelo de efeitos fixos em painel nao balanceado a partir de regressao logistica. Os resultados apontam que os eleitores punem os prefeitos que aumentam os gastos totais no ano eleitoral, favorecem os que aumentam as receitas totais no ano eleitoral e que a filiacao do prefeito ao partido do governador aumenta as chances de reeleicao
Parental age in Indian patients with sporadic hereditary retinoblastoma

There is a consistent correlation between sporadic hereditary retinoblastoma and parental age. It has been proven beyond doubt that the birth rank is correlated with parental age. In the present study, a test for the effect of birth rank was performed in order to assess the risk of developing retinoblastoma with increased parental age. The study of the effect of birth rank showed a significant association between sporadic retinoblastoma (bilateral and unilateral) and late para, indicating that fresh germline mutations must have taken place in some of the sporadic cases. An investigation of the effect of birth rank on familial cases, obtained from published papers and our own series, showed that familial retinoblastoma is significantly associated with early para, suggesting early parental age. Further analysis of the mean paternal and maternal ages of sporadic cases (bilateral and unilateral) showed that the mean paternal age of sporadic bilateral (sporadic hereditary) cases was higher than that of sporadic unilateral cases (p<0.05). No such correlation was seen with mean maternal age. Thus, the present study shows that a high paternal age may be associated with sporadic bilateral (sporadic hereditary) retinoblastoma.
Interaction capture using magnetic sensors

Capturing a close interaction between an actor and an object can be difficult as a result of occlusion and having to recreate the geometry of the scene accurately. In this paper, we propose a technique that allows us to capture the object's motion and geometry alongside the actor's movements and optionally the local environment, using a magnetic motion capture system and an RGB‐D sensor. This not only gives greater information when placing a character in a scene but enables us to digitally recreate the scene in motion without significant animator work after capture. The use of magnetic sensors prevents occlusion or marker confusion that is common in optical techniques when dealing with close interactions, as the magnetic sensors do not require direct line of sight to a camera. The geometry reconstruction ensures that the proportions of objects and surfaces the character interacts with are accurate and alleviates the need for an artist to model the object. We perform validation of the results by comparison with an optical system and show a variety of motions, such as using a screwdriver or removing a cap to drink from a bottle, that can be captured using our technique. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iatrogenic Internal Hernia Involving the Iliac Artery

Four months postradical lymphadenectomy and pelvic irradiation for Stage I teratocarcinoma of the testis, a patient was found to have an internal strangulated herniation of small bowel beneath the right iliac artery. The operative management is discussed, and the literature is reviewed concerning the etiology of small bowel obstruction in postoperative, irradiated patients and the techniques of peritoneal closure.
Differential strain patterns of the human gastrocnemius aponeurosis and free tendon, in vivo.

AIM The mechanical characteristics of the human free tendon and aponeurosis, in vivo, remains largely unknown. The present study evaluated the longitudinal displacement of the separate free Achilles tendon and distal (deep) aponeurosis of the medial gastrocnemius muscle during voluntary isometric contraction. METHODS Ultrasonography-obtained displacement of the free tendon and tendon-aponeurosis complex, electromyography of the gastrocnemius, soleus, and dorsiflexor muscles, and joint angular rotation were recorded during isometric plantarflexion (n = 5). Tendon cross-sectional area, moment arm and segment lengths (L(o)) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Tendon force was calculated from joint moments and tendon moment arm, and stress was obtained by dividing force by cross-sectional area. The difference between the free tendon and tendon-aponeurosis complex deformation yielded separate distal aponeurosis deformation. Longitudinal aponeurosis and tendon strain were obtained from the deformations normalized to segment lengths. RESULTS At a common tendon force of 2641 +/- 306 N, the respective deformation and Lo were 5.85 +/- 0.85 and 74 +/- 0.8 mm for the free tendon and 2.12 +/- 0.64 and 145 +/- 1.3 mm for the distal aponeurosis, P < 0.05. Longitudinal strain was 8.0 +/- 1.2% for the tendon and 1.4 +/- 0.4% for the aponeurosis, P < 0.01. Stiffness and stored energy was 759 +/- 132 N mm(-1) and 6.14 +/- 1.89 J, respectively, for the free tendon. Cross-sectional area of the Achilles tendon was 73 +/- 4 mm2, yielding a stress of 36.5 +/- 4.6 MPa and Young's modulus of 788 +/- 181 MPa. CONCLUSION The free Achilles tendon demonstrates greater strain compared with that of the distal (deep) aponeurosis during voluntary isometric contraction, which suggests that separate functional roles may exist during in vivo force transmission.
Trends in fetal indications for termination of pregnancy between 2002 and 2010 at a tertiary referral centre.

OBJECTIVE We reviewed the data of the termination of pregnancy (TOP) cases between 2002 and 2010 to evaluate the changes in fetal indications for both early and late TOPs in this period. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data of 962 TOP cases were analysed in two groups according to the periods as in 2002-2006 and 2007-2010. The women were also subdivided into two categories according to their gestational age; <23 weeks' gestation (early termination) and ≥23 weeks' gestation (late termination). RESULTS Four hundred and fifty-eight (47.6%) of TOPs were performed between 2002 and 2006 (Group 1) and 504 (52.3%) were performed between 2007 and 2010 (Group 2). The number of early (<23 weeks) and late (≥23 weeks) terminations were 583 (60.6%) and 379 (39.3%), respectively. The vast majority of anomalies were central nervous sytem malformations (51.8%). They were followed by multiple anomalies (10.2%) and chromosomal anomalies (9.4%). Chromosomal and cardiovascular system anomalies were significantly higher in 2007-2010 in comparison to 2002-2006 (p<0.0001 and p=0.002, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the fetal indications that led to early termination compared to those that led to late termination. CONCLUSION The distribution of indications for TOP was influenced by the development in prenatal screening policy, resulting in a significant increase in terminations due to chromosomal and cardiovascular system anomalies. Cultural, educational, religious and legal factors cause differences in the indications for TOP as well as the gestational age that TOPS are performed.
[An analytic study on influencing factors for sexual satisfaction in women who have had a hysterectomy].

This research was done to clarify the factors related to sexual satisfaction in women who have had a hysterectomy, and to identify which factors had statistically significant influence of sexual satisfaction of the subjects. The objective of this study was to identify the variables related to sexual adaptation which might be changed by nursing intervention. This was a cross-sectional descriptive correlation study. There were 230 subjects in the study, and they were selected by a convenient sampling method. The tool for this study was developed by the researcher through modification of the Dergatis Sexual Function Inventory (DSFI). A pilot study was done to determine the necessary modifications. Data collection was done between Sept. 1987 and Dec. 1987 using a mailed questionnaire. The characteristics of the subjects were as follows: The mean age of the subjects was 42.3 years and 204 (87.4%) of the subjects had nine or more years of education. The mean income of the subjects was 85.8870 won/month, and 179 (77%) of them were housewives. The mean number of pregnancies and children were 4.9 and 2.5 respectively. Oophorectomies were included in the surgery for 66 (28.7%) of the subjects. Only 12 (5.2%) were planning to have more children. Only 88 (38.3%) of the subjects had received information prior to the surgery regarding health problems related to the operation and less than half, 111 (48.3%), had received this kind of information before discharge. Lay persons were the source of information about the post-operation status for 196 (85.2%) of the subjects, but the content of the information did not significantly influence the sexual satisfaction score. Only 16 (7.0%) of the subjects said they regretted having a hysterectomy while 102 (44.3%) said they were pleased to have had a hysterectomy. Ninety (39.1%) of the subjects reported that their husbands had "stress" and 164 (71.3%) of the subjects reported "stress". The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1. The mean score for sexual satisfaction of the subjects was 34.24 with a possible maximum score of 50.00. Eighty two (35.8%) were responded that they were satisfied with their sexual life but 61 (26.5%) were responded that they were dissatisfied with their sexual life. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Advances in Auctions

As a selling mechanism, auctions have acquired a central position in the free market economy all over the globe. This development has deepened, broadened, and expanded the theory of auctions in new directions. This chapter is intended as a selective update of some of the developments and applications of auction theory in the two decades since Wilson (1992) wrote the previous Handbook chapter on this topic.
Lyapunov Stability Analysis of DC-DC Power Electronic Converters: A Brief Overview

The brief overview of problems on Lyapunov stability analysis of DC-DC power electronic converters (PECs) is presented in this article. Problems of the PECs global and local stability analysis based on both continuous-time and discrete-time PECs models are discussed here. Special attention is addressed to the PECs stability analysis using direct Lyapunov method. Streszczenie. W artykule przedstawiono zwiezly przegląd tematyki analizy stabilności Lapunowa przeksztaltnikow energoelektronicznych DC-DC. Omowiono tutaj problematyke analizy stabilności globalnej i lokalnej PECs na podstawie modeli PECs czasu ciąglego i czasu dyskretnego. Szczegolną uwage zwrocono na analize stabilności PECs za pomocą bezpośredniej metody Lapunowa. (Analiza stabilności Lapunowa przeksztaltnikow energoelektronicznych DC-DC: zwiezly przegląd tematyki).
Tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of children with attention deficit disorder.

Abstract The controversy over the use of imipramine and other tricyclics in the treatment of attention deficit disorder (ADD), is examined, and all available literature is critically reviewed. Although both stimulants and antidepressants ameliorate ADD symptoms, the bulk of the literature suggests that overall, stimulants are superior to imipramine in the treatment of ADD. There may, however, be a subgroup of children with ADD who respond better to imipramine, and this group may be one characterized by higher levels of anxiety or depression or both.
The differential diagnostic potential of a panel of tumor markers (CA 125, CA 15-3, and CA 72-4 antigens) in patients with a pelvic mass.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the differential diagnostic potential of a combination of CA 125, CA 15-3, and CA 72-4 antigens in the definition of malignant disease, especially ovarian carcinoma in patients with a pelvic mass. STUDY DESIGN A total of 412 patients were evaluated in a multicenter, retrospective study. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-six malignant, 171 benign pelvic tumors (of which 129 were benign ovarian tumors), and 15 borderline tumors were evaluated. One hundred thirty-three patients had ovarian carcinoma. In 76 cases (55%), the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage was III or IV. Borderline tumors (n = 15) were excluded from the statistical calculations. CA 125 antigen was the most sensitive marker for ovarian carcinoma (81%). The highest specificity and positive predictive value was obtained with CA 15-3 antigen (95% and 92%, respectively). Considering a concomitant elevation of all 3 markers as positive, a positive predictive value of 97% was found. However, only 28% of the patients in the total group and 41% of the patients with ovarian carcinoma had a concomitant elevation of all 3 markers. The combination of all 3 markers with levels below the cut-off resulted in a (false-positive) positive predictive value for malignancy between 12% and 36%. With the use of logistic regression analysis, we found a correct prediction in 73% of the cases. CA 15-3 antigen makes the most significant (P <.0001) contribution to the logistic model in the prediction of malignancy in the total group, with all pelvic masses with an odds ratio of 3.86. CONCLUSION The combination of a simultaneous elevated level of CA 125, CA 15-3, and CA 72-4 antigens was predictive for malignant disease in almost all cases. However, such concomitant elevation was found in few of the malignant masses. Logistic regression analysis revealed that CA 15-3 antigen makes the most significant contribution to a model for the prediction of malignancy in the total group. The logistic model gave a correct prediction in 73% to 83%. The present tumor marker panel seems inferior to combinations with other test modalities, which include ultrasonography and/or physical examination and/or menopausal status or age.
An increase in the incidence of multiple sclerosis in Western Norway

Abstract– In the county of Hordaland, Western Norway, the prevalence of MS has been shown to have increased from 20/100,000 in 1963 to 60/100,000 in 1983. This study shows that the increase in prevalence was caused by a highly significant and marked increase in incidence over a 30‐year period. The average annual incidence of about 2 per 100,000 population in 1953–1962 increased to 4 per 100,000 in the period 1968–1977. The rise in incidence was parallel for both sexes until 1970. In the last 10 years, the incidence has continued to increase among females, whereas a decrease has been observed among males.
Variability across the optic nerve head in scanning laser tomography

Aim: To characterise measurement variability in scanning laser tomography of the optic nerve head. Methods: 21 normal and 21 glaucoma subjects underwent same and separate day test-retest Heidelberg retina tomograph imaging by the same and different operators. Results: Rim area was most reproducible among parameters. Its variability tended to be highest temporally and increased (p<0.05) with testing involving different operators and visits. Nature of regional variability differed between glaucoma and normal eyes and between standard and 320 μm reference planes. Conclusions: Rim area is reproducible and potentially useful as a marker of progression. Pattern of variability and the influence of different reference planes, disease, operators, and visits should be considered when evaluating progression.
Self-efficacy in the prediction of academic performance and perceived career options.

This study explored the relation of self-efficacy beliefs to educational/vocational choice and performance, assessing the extent to which efficacy beliefs, in concert with other relevant variables, predict academic grades, persistence, and perceived career options in students considering science and engineering fields. Subjects were 105 undergraduates who participated in a career planning course on science and engineering fields. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that self-efficacy contributed significant unique variance to the prediction of grades, persistence, and range of perceived career options in technical/scientific fields. The two self-efficacy scales used were moderately intercorrelated but differentially related to previous academic performance; neither scale was significantly related to general selfesteem or career indecision. Implications for further career self-efficacy research, and for career and academic counseling, are discussed.
Preventative Effect of Zingiber officinale on Insulin Resistance in a High‐Fat High‐Carbohydrate Diet‐Fed Rat Model and its Mechanism of Action

Insulin resistance is a core component of metabolic syndrome and usually precedes the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We have examined the preventative effect of an ethanol extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale, Zingiberaceae) on insulin resistance in a high‐fat high‐carbohydrate (HFHC) diet‐fed rat model of metabolic syndrome. The HFHC control rats displayed severe insulin resistance, whilst rats treated with ginger extract (200 mg/kg) during HFHC diet feeding showed a significant improvement of insulin sensitivity using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) after 10 weeks (p < 0.01). An in vitro mechanistic study showed that (S)‐[6]‐gingerol, the major pungent phenolic principle in ginger, dose‐dependently (from 50 to 150 μM) increased AMPK α‐subunit phosphorylation in L6 skeletal muscle cells. This was accompanied by a time‐dependent marked increment of PGC‐1α mRNA expression and mitochondrial content in L6 skeletal muscle cells. These results suggest that the protection from HFHC diet‐induced insulin resistance by ginger is likely associated with the increased capacity of energy metabolism by its major active component (S)‐[6]‐gingerol.
Graph-based methods for the design of DNA computations

DNA computing is a rapidly evolving field utilizing DNA molecules instead of silicon-based electronic units to perform calculations. The reliability of such computations strongly depends on the DNA sequences that represent units of information. Recently, the thermodynamic constraints, based on the free energy of hybridization between pairs of DNA single strands, are considered as the most reliable criterion to compose such sequences. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a contribution to the field of finding reliable DNA sequences for the encoding of entities in mathematical problems. The developed methods make use of the nearest neighbor DNA thermodynamic model as a biological fundament. The modelling method uses graph theory. The work addresses the following issues. The first one is a thermodynamic evaluation of a DNA encoding. The performance of predeveloped published sets in vitro differs for particular DNA computations that follow distinct models, since the intended reactions are not the same. The models using an encoding principle proposed by Adleman [2] imply interactions, that are not taken into account by modern strand design applications. Therefore, an evaluation method comprising additional restrictions is proposed, in order to more accurately assess the performance of a candidate DNA encoding for these models. The evaluation is performed with respect to thermodynamic restrictions and allows to find weak spots in the encoding set of DNA words. The second issue is the prediction of the hybridization energy for a pair of DNA single strands. This comprises finding the secondary structure of the DNA/DNA complex with minimal free energy (MFE), which is usually referred to as MFE problem. The effective solution methods for this problem are the main prerequisites for the thermodynamically based DNA sequence design. Contemporary methods are based on the nearest neighbor model to assess the thermal stability of biomolecular DNA complexes and utilize the paradigm of dynamic programming to find an energetically optimal complex. In this work, a novel graph model for DNA/DNA hybridization complexes is developed. Based on this, two methods for the solution of the MFE problem using the paradigm of dynamic programming are proposed. The performance of the methods is compared with that of currently used methods for this task. An additional issue concerns one of the basic problems in algorithmic graph theory. Namely, the all-pairs shortest path problem that comprises finding of the paths with minimal weight between each pair of nodes in a graph. There was developed a memory saving technique to perform the calculations for the particular case of bipartite graphs. It is based on transformation of the weight matrix by rules of tropical (min-plus) algebra.
Speech understanding in quiet and noise, with and without hearing aids

Speech recognition and cognitive functions important for speech understanding were evaluated by objective measures and by scores of perceived effort, with and without hearing aids. The tests were performed in silence, and with background conditions of speech spectrum random noise and ordinary speech. One young and one elderly group of twelve hearing-impaired subjects each participated. Hearing aid use improved speech recognition in silence (7 dB) and in the condition with speech as background (2.5 dB S/N), but did not change the perceived effort scores. In the cognitive tests no hearing aid benefit was seen in objective measures, while there was an effect of hearing aid use in scores of perceived effort, subjects reported less effort. There were no age effects on hearing aid benefit. In conclusion, hearing aid use may result in reduced effort in listening tasks that is not associated with improvement in objective scores.
An interference estimation algorithm using multi-element array sensors

This paper considers an array sensor network in which the transmit node (T-node) sends information to the receive node (R-node) with the aid of two intermediate node (I-node)s. By alternately exploiting two I-nodes, the processing time of delivering a signal from the T-node to the R-node can be reduced by half; however, the interference between two I-nodes decreases the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the message signal at the R-node. To solve this issue, we propose an interference estimation algorithm using multi-element array sensors, and the interference estimated is subsequently subtracted at the R-node to recover the loss in SNR. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed interference estimation algorithm significantly improves the end-to-end rate performance.