Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of variance study of the rat cortical layer 4 barrel and layer 5b neurones

Unique formation of rodent cortical barrels by layer 4 neurones attracts study of the sensory function of cortical input stage neurones (layer 4) compared with that of output stage neurones (layer 5). We have recorded extracellular responses from rat somatosensory cortical neurones to deflections of contralateral vibrissae. Thirty‐two layer 4 barrel neurones and 29 layer 5b neurones were studied. Whisker stimulations were ramp‐and‐hold deflections with one of six different ramp velocities (100–2.5 mm s−1) and one of four different plateau amplitudes (2000–200 μm). Twenty‐four (6 × 4) different stimulus forms were applied to the tip of a whisker trimmed to 10 mm in a predetermined order in stimulus cycles of 20–50 repetitions. Spike counts for a period of 2560 ms in 10 ms bins were summed to construct a matrix of 24 peristimulus histograms for each neurone. Twenty‐four amplitude and 24 velocity values were computed from counts during the plateau and ramp phases, respectively. To determine the amplitude‐ and velocity dependence of a neurone, an amplitude F value (the ratio of variations among‐/within‐amplitude of the amplitude value) and a velocity F value (ratio of variations among‐/within‐velocity of the velocity value) were derived by analysis of variance. The amplitude F value of the layer 4 barrel neurones was greater than that of the layer 5b neurones (P < 0.0001). The velocity F value of the barrel neurones was smaller than that of the layer 5b neurones (P = 0.0226). The results suggests that barrel neurones and layer 5b neurones tend to detect amplitude and velocity components of whisker deflection, respectively.
The prevalence of insomnia and its socio-demographic and clinical correlates in older adults in rural China: a pilot study

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of insomnia (DIS: difficulty initiating sleep; DMS: difficulty maintaining sleep; and EMA: early morning awakening), its socio-demographic and clinical correlates, and the treatment patterns in older adults in rural China. Method: A sample of 263 subjects was recruited in Mianyang and interviewed using standardized instruments. Basic socio-demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: The expected mean total sleep time (TST) of the whole sample was 6.8 ± 2.2 hours, and the actual mean TST was 6.3 ± 2.1 hours. The 1-year prevalence of at least one type of insomnia was 7.6%; the rates of DIS, DMS, and EMA were 5.7%, 7.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. On multivariate analyses, female sex and psychiatric disorders were independently associated with more frequent insomnia. Conclusion: Insomnia is not uncommon in older adults in rural China, and the low percentage of subjects treated suggests that improved access to treatment might be indicated.
Robust, model-independent generation of intrinsic characteristics and multi-bias parameter extraction for MESFETs/HEMTs

This paper presents an improved, model-independent and particularly robust RF characterization and parameter extraction approach based on multi-bias S-parameters. With a new hybrid evolutionary/conjugate gradient strategy, consistent and largely start value-independent results are obtained. Devices from various MMIC foundries are used to demonstrate the quality of this approach.
Associations Between Balance and Muscle Strength, Power Performance in Male Youth Athletes of Different Maturity Status.

Balance, strength and power relationships may contain important information at various maturational stages to determine training priorities. PURPOSE The objective was to examine maturity-specific relationships of static/dynamic balance with strength and power measures in young male athletes. METHODS Soccer players (N = 130) aged 10-16 were assessed with the Stork and Y balance (YBT) tests. Strength/power measures included back extensor muscle strength, standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and 3-hop jump tests. Associations between balance with strength/power variables were calculated according to peak-height-velocity (PHV). RESULTS There were significant medium-large sized correlations between all balance measures with back extensor strength (r = .486-.791) and large associations with power (r = .511-.827). These correlation coefficients were significantly different between pre-PHV and circa PHV as well as pre-PHV and post-PHV with larger associations in the more mature groups. Irrespective of maturity-status, SLJ was the best strength/power predictor with the highest proportion of variance (12-47%) for balance (i.e., Stork eyes opened) and the YBT was the best balance predictor with the highest proportion of variance (43-78%) for all strength/power variables. CONCLUSION The associations between balance and muscle strength/power measures in youth athletes that increase with maturity may imply transfer effects from balance to strength/power training and vice versa in youth athletes.
[Evaluation of atrial conduction time by P wave dispersion and tissue Doppler echocardiography in prehypertensive patients].

OBJECTIVES Prehypertension is a predictor for the future development of hypertension and represents an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Prolonged intra/interatrial conduction times demonstrated by P wave dispersion (PD) and tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) are related to the development of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to evaluate atrial conduction time by PD and TDE in patients with prehypertension. STUDY DESIGN In 46 prehypertensive patients (22 males, 24 females; mean age 56.5±12.3 years) and 39 normotensive healthy controls (19 males, 20 females; mean age 55.8±11.7 years), we measured P wave duration and dispersion on 12-lead electrocardiography, and atrial electromechanical coupling intervals (PA) by TDE. RESULTS Maximum P wave duration (Pmax) and PD were prolonged in prehypertensives compared to controls (Pmax 110.1±13.8 vs. 91.4±7.7 msec, p<0.001; PD 55.7±11.1 vs. 36.8±5.7 msec, p<0.001). Atrial PAs measured at the lateral and septal mitral annuluses were significantly delayed in the prehypertensive group (lateral PA 76.5±10.1 vs. 65.4±10.4 msec, p<0.001; septal PA 59.0±6.4 vs. 53.5±7.5 msec, p=0.002). Both interatrial (lateral PA-tricuspid PA) and intra-atrial (septal PA-tricuspid PA) conduction times were delayed in the prehypertensive group (25.8±9.3 vs. 17.0±9.5 msec, p<0.001; 9.2±3.7 vs. 6.7±3.0 msec, p=0.008, respectively). Correlation analysis showed that both Pmax and PD were correlated with interatrial (r=0.38, p<0.001 and r=0.40, p<0.001, respectively) and intra-atrial (r=0.31, p=0.01 and r=0.38, p<0.001, respectively) electromechanical delays. CONCLUSION Our finding of significant prolongation of atrial electromechanical coupling and PD may indicate an increased risk for the development of atrial fibrillation in prehypertensive subjects.
Provider Insights About Palliative Care Barriers and Facilitators: Results of a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment

Palliative care remains underutilized in the United States. This may represent failure of translation of research into practice (diffusion of innovation). Qualitative methods can identify barriers to and facilitators of diffusion of innovation. The aim is to identify potential barriers to and facilitators of inpatient palliative care utilization at a large urban hospital, as articulated by health professionals. Rapid ethnographic assessment methods were used among health professionals with subsequent extraction of predominant themes illuminating factors influencing adoption of palliative care services. In all, 3 stakeholder categories and 7 major themes emerged. Analysis revealed consistent need for organized, cross-disciplinary education/training services and a clearly-defined team approach. Denial at all stakeholder levels and in most themes was a barrier to implementation of palliative care. Consistent, defined educational, policymaking, and procedural standards were requirements for best adoption of palliative care. Denial was a striking obstruction to diffusion of innovation.
Glutathione Therapy: From Prodrugs to Genes

Glutathione (GSH; L-gamma-glutamyl-L-cysteineglycine) is found in almost all mammalian cells, and liver has very high intracellular levels of GSH. It has many cellular functions, such as being a coenzyme, maintaining thiol/disulfide status, protection against toxic compounds and oxidative stress. GSH levels have been reported to be low in a number of pathological conditions; thus methods for increasing GSH levels are desirable. GSH may be increased by supplying its amino acid precursor cysteine, in the form of prodrugs, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate (OTC). It may also be increased by giving gamma-glutamylcysteine, a dipeptide precursor GSH monoester and GSH diester are effective GSH delivery drugs. Such compounds may be therapeutically useful. Gene therapy may be useful for longer term therapy of GSH deficiency.
FDI Versus Exports: Multiple Host Countries and Empirical Evidence

There are two main options for companies to serve foreign markets: exports and foreign direct investment (FDI). Based on the Helpman, Melitz and Yeaple (2004) model for multiple host countries this paper derives a clear theoretical prediction for the decision between both strategies. A bivariate probit model is estimated using a large data set of European companies to analyze the probability of using one or the other strategy. The empirical evidence indicates that more productive rms less (more) probably use the export (FDI) strategy to serve foreign markets. Moreover, a considerable number of companies use a combination of both strategies to serve foreign markets, which is in line with a multiple country model.
Direct probing of trapped charge dynamics in SiN by Kelvin Force Microscopy

In this work, we explore the potential of Kelvin Force Microscopy (KFM) measurements to investigate the lateral charge transport in SiN layers with two different compositions (standard, std, and Silicon rich, Si–rich). The dynamics of the lateral spread of the trapped charge is analyzed with the help of three dimensional numerical device simulations.
Conceptual Emergence of Human Herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus) as an Oral Herpesvirus

Recognition of the various clinico-epidemiologic forms of Kaposi’s sarcoma, a disease putatively caused by an infectious agent, did not provide ready clues as to how that agent might be transmitted, although fecal and sexual routes were implicated. Application of serologic and genome-detection assays, and cell-culture studies following the identification of human herpesvirus 8 as the causative agent now implicate that virus as one that is orally shed. While oral transmission of the virus might account for the viral endemicity in Africa and Mediterranean countries, why it is particularly prevalent among male homosexuals in the West remains more difficult to explain. Such explanation may be sought from behavioral studies into the role saliva plays in sexual interactions.
State-ofthe-art report Childlessness in Europe

In the last decades, European societies have experienced changes in the postponement of the age of having a first child, shrinking family size, and increased (in)voluntary childlessness. This report provides a review of the state-of-the-art research in relation to one of the central research goals of Working Package 4: to examine the rise, determinants and societal consequences of childlessness by different perspectives. The report provides an overview of the central macro-level determinants of childlessness among women and men firstly from a quantitative perspective examining trends, relevant determinants and measures. We will then outline the central micro-level determinants of childlessness among women, men and couples by examining core characteristics of childless individuals such as higher education or marital disruption. We then turn to an overview of anthropological and qualitative examinations of the determinants of childlessness and the psychological, social and socio-political consequences of childlessness. A reflection on potential data sources to study childlessness and a discussion on research gaps are offered in the concluding chapters.
Prevention of Wound Contamination Using DuraPrep™ Solution Plus Ioban™ 2 Drapes

The use of the preoperative skin preparation DuraPrep™ is thought to enhance the adhesion qualities of an incise drape. If there is less drape lift it was hypothesized that there may be a reduction in wound contamination. We did a single-center, randomized trial to determine if a preoperative skin preparation containing DuraPrep™ solution plus Ioban™ 2 drapes reduced wound contamination in total joint replacement surgery compared with a povidone iodine scrub and paint plus Ioban 2 drapes. Secondary research questions focused on comparisons of differences in drape lift and cost between the two groups. Of the 176 evaluable patients, the proportion of patients with a contaminated wound was similar in the two groups (DuraPrep 28.0% versus povidone iodine 36.4%). The mean drape lift in the DuraPrep group was less than the povidone iodine group (1.5 cm2 versus 9.9 cm2 respectively). The mean cost of prepping was lower for the DuraPrep group compared with the povidone iodine group ($93.36 and $248.91, respectively). A preoperative skin preparation regimen containing DuraPrep solution plus Ioban 2 drapes is equivalent to a povidone iodine scrub and paint and Ioban 2 for the prevention of wound contamination during total joint replacement surgery. Improved drape lift and cost may influence the choice between the two methods. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic diagnostic study, Level 1 (randomized, prospective study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Euro Plus Pact: Cost Competitiveness and External Capital Flows in the EU Countries

The Euro Plus Pact was approved by 23 EU countries in March 2011. The Pact stipulates a range of quantitative targets meant to strengthen competitiveness and convergence with the ultimate aim of preventing the accumulation of unsustainable financial imbalances. This paper uses Granger causality tests and vector autoregressive models to assess the short-term linkages between changes in the relative unit labour cost and changes in the current account balance. The sample consists of data for 27 EU countries for the period 1995? 2012. The main finding is that changes in the current account balance precedes changes in relative unit labour costs, while there is no discernable effect in the opposite direction. This suggests that the divergence in the unit labour cost between the countries in Northern Europe and countries in Southern and Central and Eastern Europe prior to the global financial crisis partly was the result of capital flows from the core of Europe to its periphery. The results also suggest that measures in the Euro Plus Pact to restrain unit labour costs may not have immediate effects on possible current account imbalances.
Service evaluation of an integrated assessment and treatment service for people with intellectual disability with behavioural and mental health problems

In response to rising local need and national drivers such as the Mansell Report, an isolated inpatient ward for people with an intellectual disability and additional mental health and behavioural problems was developed into a more flexible service integrating inpatient beds, day assessment, outreach and the local community learning disability teams. The functioning of the new service is evaluated on the basis of the way it was utilized in its first 2 years, and its outcomes, and compared with the pre-existing, more traditional inpatient ward. Although the new service model treated a higher number of people, it was more able to prevent or shorten inpatient admissions and to prevent placement breakdown and reduce aggressive incidents amongst inpatients during their stay. The integrated model described, whilst not being immune to the problem of delayed discharge, has in its first 2 years been a more effective, more flexible and safer service than the previous more traditional model.
Influence of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Disease Severity and Oxidative Stress Markers in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Of Patients with Spinocerebellar Degeneration

Abstract Ataxia severity, cerebellar hemispheric blood flow (CHBF), ascorbate free radical (AFR), superoxide dismutase protein, superoxide scavenging activity, and 8–hydroxy–2´–deoxyguanosine (8–OHdG) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were compared before and after an 8–week course of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in 20 patients with spinocerebellar degenerations (SCD). SCD patients showed higher AFR, 8–OHdG, and superoxide scavenging activity than 19 controls. In SCD patients, AFR and ataxia severity declined, and CHBF increased after rTMS. As the SCD patients showed negative correlations between ataxia severity and CHBF or superoxide scavenging activity, the therapeutic mechanism of rTMS may involve decreased oxidative stress and increased CHBF.
Modeling Age-related Differences in Information Search

A number of cognitive processes are involved in the process of information search: memory, attention, comprehension, problem solving, executive control and decision making. Several cognitive factors such as aging-related cognitive abilities in turn influence either positively or negatively the above cognitive processes. We argue that the traditional click models from information retrieval community that predict user clicks do not take into account the effects of aging. We propose to exploit the capabilities of computational cognitive models that can simulate the effects of cognitive factors on information search behavior. In this direction, we present some ideas to incorporate effects of aging into a computational cognitive model called CoLiDeS+. Preliminary analysis of our ideas on predicting individual differences due to aging effects show promising outcomes.
Shining D' light on chronic kidney disease: Mechanisms that may underpin the cardiovascular benefit of vitamin D

Hypovitaminosis D is a significant health‐care burden worldwide, particularly in susceptible populations such as those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recent epidemiological studies have identified that both higher serum vitamin D concentrations and use of vitamin D supplements may confer a survival benefit both in terms of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. There is potential to investigate this inexpensive therapy for the CKD population, which suffers excessive cardiovascular events, although the mechanisms explaining this link have yet to be fully elucidated. This review discusses potential mechanisms identified in the basic science literature that may provide important insights into how vitamin D may orchestrate a change in cardiovascular risk profile through such diverse mechanisms as inflammation, atherogenesis, glucose homeostasis, vascular calcification, renin‐angiotensin regulation and alterations in cardiac physiology. Where available, the clinical translation of these concepts to intervention trials in the CKD population will be reviewed.
The IL1α-S100A13 Heterotetrameric Complex Structure

Interleukin 1α (IL1α) plays an important role in several key biological functions, such as angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and tumor growth in several types of cancer. IL1α is a potent cytokine that induces a wide spectrum of immunological and inflammatory activities. The biological effects of IL1α are mediated through the activation of transmembrane receptors (IL1Rs) and therefore require the release of the protein into the extracellular space. IL1α is exported through a non-classical release pathway involving the formation of a specific multiprotein complex, which includes IL1α and S100A13. Because IL1α plays an important role in cell proliferation and angiogenesis, inhibiting the formation of the IL1α-S100A13 complex would be an effective strategy to inhibit a wide range of cancers. To understand the molecular events in the IL1α release pathway, we studied the structure of the IL1α-S100A13 tetrameric complex, which is the key complex formed during the non-classical pathway of IL1α release.
Sporulation, radial growth and biomass production of A. robusta and M. thaumasium submitted to different methods of preservation

Biological control is based on the use of microorganisms to combat populations of a specific pathogen. Nematophagous fungi have shown to be promising agents to combat nematode parasites of plants and animals. These organisms produce special structures along the hyphae, named traps, which are responsible for capturing and killing the nematode pre-parasitic stages. The growth of the isolates I31 of Arthrobotrys robusta and NF34a of Monacrosporium thaumasium was studied after submission to four different methods of preservation during eighteen months. The isolates were stored at 4oC and cryopreserved with or without addition of cryoprotectants and stored in silica gel. The isolates did not present variation in radial growth when stored at 4oC and frozen with or without addition of cryoprotectants. There was no significant difference between the dry mycelial mass of the isolates stored at 4oC and those frozen after the addition of cryoprotectants. Storage in silica gel and freezing without cryoprotection interfered negatively in the capacity of the fungi to produce mycelial mass. This characteristic also was observed for sporulation of the two isolates. The behaviour of the isolates when maintained for prolonged periods under laboratory conditions is an important factor for selection of the most efficient method of preservation.
Relationship between Symptoms, Use of PPE and Habits Related to Occupational Exposure to BTEX Compounds in Workers of Gas Stations in Bahia, Brazil

To show the risks and harm caused by the occupational exposure to the benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes compounds (BTEX), the working conditions of 113 persons employed at gas stations in the cities of Riach? o do Jacuipe, Feira de Santana and Salvador in the state of Bahia, Brazil were investigated by experts who correlated protection measures required by law and those applied to the workers. Data collection was performed by help of a questionnaire and non-participant observation record. The age groups of the workers in the three cities surveyed were between 18 to 25 years (30.08%) and 26 to 33 years (34.51%) of the total. The study revealed an association between occupational habits of workers at gas stations and the prevalence of symptoms due to the exposure to the BTEX compounds. Regarding the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) most workers wear boots. The data show that these workers reported symptoms such as headache, rhinitis, leg pain, drowsiness, cough, fatigue, insomnia, tremors and palpitations. These disorders are related back to previous exposure to BTEX compounds which is associated with inadequate occupational habits of the workers which potentiate chemical contamination in their respective environment.