Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the spray velocities from a pressurized metered-dose inhaler.

BACKGROUND Pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) are widely used to deliver aerosolized medications to the lungs, most often to relieve the symptoms of asthma. Over the past decade, pMDIs have been modified in several ways to eliminate the use of chlorofluorocarbons in their manufacture while increasing efficacy. Numerical simulations are being used more frequently to predict the flow and deposition of particles at various locations, both inside the respiratory tract as well as in pMDIs and add-on devices. These simulations require detailed information about the spray generated by a pMDI to ensure the validity of their results. METHODS This paper presents detailed, spatially resolved velocity measurements of the spray emitted from salbutamol sulfate pMDIs obtained using optically triggered particle image velocimetry (PIV). Instantaneous planar velocity measurements were taken and ensemble-averaged at nine different times during the spray event ranging from 1.3 to 100 msec after a pneumatically controlled actuation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The mean spray velocities were shown to be bimodal in time, with two velocity peaks and velocity magnitudes found to be much lower than published data from instantaneous single point measurements. Planar velocity data at each time step were analyzed to produce prescriptive velocity profiles suitable for use in numerical simulations. Spray geometry data are also reported. Statistical comparisons from several thousand individual spray events indicate that there is no significant difference in measured velocity among (1) two brands of pMDI canisters, (2) two pMDIs of the same brand but having different lot numbers, and (3) a full pMDI versus an almost empty pMDI. The addition of a secondary air flow of 30 SLPM (to represent simultaneous inhalation and spray actuation) deflected the spray downward but did not have a significant effect on flow velocity. Further experiments with an added cylindrical spacer revealed that within the spacer, the spray direction and cone angle were altered, although the peak velocities remained similar.
Duplex Ultrasonography of Vertebral Arteries: Examination, Technique, Normal Values, and Clinical Applications

A technique for the imaging of vertebral arteries at their origins and along the longitudinal extracranial course is described. The results of the examination of 108 normal vertebral arteries are shown. The vertebral artery could be distin guished in the pretransverse and intertransverse segment C5-C6 in 100%. The average diameter of the vessel was 3.81 ± 0.46 mm on the right and 3.88 + 0.47 on the left side. The average maximal systolic velocity was 43.0 ± 8.9 cm/s on the right and 43.3 ± 9.6 on the left side. In 81% of the cases the vertebral origin could be located on the right and in 65% of the cases on the left side. The technical quality of visualization, especially of the vertebral origin, was greatly influenced by the depth of the examined structure. Examples of pathologic find ings, such as hypoplasia, stenosis, and occlusion, demonstrate the practical pos sibilities of this noninvasive method.
Essays on methodologies in contingent valuation and the sustainable management of common pool resources

The contingent valuation method elicits statements of willingness to pay for changes in the resource allocation of non-market goods such as recreation, wildlife and environmental quality. Since the work of Carson, Hanemann and Mitchell; Hanemann, Loomis and Kanninen; and Cameron and Quiggin; many, if not most, contingent valuation practitioners have operated under the premise that the dichotomous choice with follow-up question format offers significant statistical gains over a single dichotomous choice question. In an attempt to fill a gap in the dichotomous choice contingent valuation literature, I inadvertently discovered that, in many cases, the significant efficiency gains of the dichotomous choice with follow-up question format simply do not exist. I therefore call into question the continued use of the dichotomous-choice with follow-up format.
The relation between physical activity and mental health among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To assess the relation of physical activity (PA) with feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adolescent boys and girls. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using a modified 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. PARTICIPANTS One thousand eight hundred seventy Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adolescents, aged 14 to 18 years, attending high school in Nueces County, Texas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relation between PA, including moderate and vigorous PAs, strength and toning, total PA, physical education class, and participation in team sports, and the dependent variables feelings of sadness and considering, planning, and attempting suicide. RESULTS More boys reported participating in PA than girls (P<.001), and more girls than boys reported feelings of sadness and considering and planning suicide (P<.001). Greater attendance in physical education class was inversely related to feelings of sadness (odds ratio [OR], 0.80 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.68-0.94]); participation in more total PA sessions per week was associated with a lower risk of considering suicide (OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.65-0.79]); and higher levels of vigorous PA (OR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.57-0.93]), total PA (OR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.48-0.87]), and strength and toning activity (OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.42-0.99]) were associated with a lower risk of planning suicide. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with a beneficial effect of PA on feelings of sadness and suicidal behaviors in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white boys and girls. Physical activity may be considered as part of an intervention strategy to improve adolescent health as a whole.
A pharmacist-managed telemedicine clinic for hepatitis C care: a descriptive analysis

Summary We established a pharmacist-led telemedicine clinic to manage patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. The clinic used individual pharmacist-to-patient consultations. There was also a group hepatitis C patient education class. The hepatitis C telemedicine service began in February 2011 and was available at three remote sites (Santa Maria, Bakersfield and East Los Angeles) from the main site in West Los Angeles. A total of 96 patients were seen through telemedicine in the first nine months. A patient satisfaction survey was conducted at the end of 2011 and 18 questionnaires were returned. In comparison with visits to the clinic in West Los Angeles, all patients were at least equally satisfied with telemedicine and there were no patients who were less satisfied with telemedicine. Telemedicine reduced the travelling distance and time it took for patients to attend their clinic appointment. 82% of patients preferred their future hepatitis C clinic visits to be conducted via telemedicine and 78% would prefer any future clinic visit for any disease state management to be conducted via telemedicine. The use of telemedicine increased the opportunities for patients living in remote areas to receive care for hepatitis C management.
Store-Operated Calcium Entry in Human Neutrophils Reflects Multiple Contributions from Independently Regulated Pathways1

Human polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) responses to G protein-coupled chemoattractants are highly dependent upon store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE). Recent research suggests that SOCE currents can be mediated by a variety of related channel proteins of the transient receptor potential superfamily. SOCE has been regarded as a specific response to depletion of cell calcium stores. We hypothesized that net SOCE might reflect the contributions of more than one calcium entry pathway. SOCE was studied in normal human PMN using Ca2+ and Sr2+ ions. We found that PMN SOCE depends on at least two divalent cation influx pathways. One of these was nonspecific and Sr2+ permeable; the other was Ca2+ specific. The two pathways show different degrees of dependence on store depletion by thapsigargin and ionomycin, and differential sensitivity to inhibition by 2-aminoethyoxydiphenyl borane and gadolinium. The inflammatory G protein-coupled chemoattractants fMLP, platelet-activating factor, and IL-8 elicit unique patterns of Sr2+ and Ca2+ influx channel activation, and SOCE responses to these agonists displayed differing degrees of linkage to prior Ca2+ store depletion. The mechanisms of PMN SOCE responses to G protein-coupled chemoattractants are physiologically diverse. They appear to reflect Ca2+ transport through a variety of channels that are independently regulated to varying degrees by store depletion and by G protein-coupled receptor activation.
Trade integration and financial integration : individual, firm and country perspective

Die zunehmende Globalisierung der Markte, unter anderem durch ansteigenden Handel von Guter und Dienstleisungen und damit einhergehenden Zunahme von auslandischen Investitionen ist eine der grosten Triebkrafte der wirtschaftlichen Entwicklung. Dies gilt fur Industrielander als auch fur Entwicklungs- und Schwellenlander. Diese voranschreitenden integrativen Entwicklungen bergen jedoch neben zahlreichen positiven Effekten Risiken fur die beteiligten Lander. Erhohte Arbeitsteilung und Konkurrenz sowie Verbreitung von okonomischen Schocks uber Landergrenzen hinweg, konnen zu erhohter Unsicherheit und veranderten Marktbedingungen fuhren. Diese Risiken konnen wiederum durch die zusatzlichen Instrumente der liberalisierten Kapitalmarkte zur Risikostreuung und -minderung abgefedert und vermindert werden. Globalisation consists of many small components and every component entails different effects. The main part of globalisation is international integration of goods, service, financial and factor markets. This integration is accompanied by international trade in goods, services and finance. According to the WTO Trade Report (2008), the increase in international trade exceeded the growth in global output in the year 2007 by 2 percentage points. A further prominent aspect of globalisation is the increase and composition of international capital flows. Foreign direct investment increased during the 1990s by more than 20 % and thereby exceeded international portfolio flows (WTO 2008). Both integration processes have lead to more efficient allocation of economic resources and greater levels of output. However, an additional result of the international trade integration is higher uncertainty due to intensified production specialization, increased competition and economic cross-country spillovers. Various groups of individuals such as workers, firm owners and political leaders are differently affected by these risks. Yet, financial integration offers the possibility to diversify these new arising risks. Again, the affected groups benefit differently from these diversification possibilities. Generally, the present work analyses the diverse impact of international integration on workers, firm owners and on country patterns. In particular, the consequences of proceeding international integration on risk sharing for the respective groups are emphasized.
Gender Differences in Adolescent Self-Esteem: An Exploration of Domains

Abstract The relationship between gender and global self-esteem in adolescence, while modest, has been well established, with boys consistently scoring higher than girls. In the present study, we sought to understand gender differences in adolescent self-esteem in terms of its component parts. With a relatively large (n = 545) sample of adolescents, drawn from Grades 8, 10. and 12, we specified 8 domains of adolescent self-esteem (personal security, home/parents, peer popularity, academic competence, attractiveness, personal mastery, psychological permeability, and athletic competence) across a number of different instruments and brought them together into a common assessment superstructure. Gender differences as well as the relative contributions of the different domains to overall self-esteem scores were measured. As predicted, boys attained slightly higher global self-esteem scores than girls did, by a difference of . 22 standard deviation units. Contrary to our expectation of more balanced domain effects, boys significantly outperformed girls in 6 of 8 domains, whereas the 2 remaining domains exhibited no significant gender differences. There were no main or interaction effects for grade level. In terms of relative contribution of these domains to global self-esteem for the 2 genders, global self-esteem in boys and girls is predicted in very similar strengths and in the same order of magnitude by identical domains of self-esteem: home/parents, personal security, academic competence, attractiveness, and personal mastery—yielding multiple R 2s from . 88 to . 91.
The Labor Supply of Veterans with Disabilities: 1995-2014

Matthew S. Rutledge and Geoffrey T. Sanzenbacher are research economists at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR). Caroline V. Crawford is a research associate at the CRR. This research was supported by the U.S. Social Security Administration through grant #1 DRC12000002-03-00 to the National Bureau of Economic Research as part of the SSA Disability Research Consortium. The findings and conclusions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of SSA, any agency of the Federal Government, the NBER, or Boston College.
Amplification of the c-met, c-erbB-2 and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Gene in Human Gastric Cancers: Correlation to Clinical Features

We examined amplification of the c-met, c-erbB-2, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in the patients with primary gastric cancer, and compared the data with clinical features in order to clarify the relationship between oncogenic abnormality and clinical features. Oncogene amplifications were examined by slot blot hybridization using DNAs extracted from formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of primary gastric cancers. Seven of the seventy cancers (10.0%) had c-met gene amplification, nine (12.9%) had c-erbB-2 gene amplification, and six (8.6%) had EGFR gene amplification, respectively. Eighteen cases (25.7%) exhibited one or multiple oncogene amplification, and two cases (2.9%) exhibited simultaneous amplification of the three genes. The cases with c-met gene amplification tend to show invasive character and were related to peritoneal dissemination. The cases with c-erbB-2 gene amplification were related to lymph node metastasis. The cases with EGFR gene amplification had large tumors and were in highly advanced stage. The survival rate in patients with oncogene amplification was significantly lower than that in patients without amplification. Our data indicated that these genes were related to growth and metastasis of gastric cancer. Furthermore, this study about the three genes suggested that the type of activated gene might decide on the type of metastasis and clinical features.
Potentiality of greenhouse cucumber cultivars for economic and nutritional realization

An attempt was made to identify horticulturally superior, economically potential and nutritionally rich cultivar (s) of cucumber in naturally ventilated polyhouse (NVPH) from a list of 16 parthenocarpic cultivars at Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. It was revealed that RS 03602833 was the earliest in first flowering (28.33 days) as well as picking (37.67 days) attributable to shortest inter-nodal length (8.12 cm) irrespective of the appearance of first pistillate flower in upper node. The vine length of 4.56 m was significantly exhibited by KUK 9 over all other cultivars. JSCU 01 excelled remaining cultivars in sensory parameters like flavour, colour and texture perceived by heterogeneous panel of evaluators which was well supported by instrumental measurement of fruit firmness (4.22 kg/cm2) in this cultivar. The supremacy in term of dietary fibre, an important quality parameter in cucumber was displayed by KUK 9 (1.63%) with statistically similar content in other cultivars namely JSCU 01, KUK 6 and Kian. The majority of cultivars exhibited very narrow variations for fruit length and diameter except Kafka, KUK 6, Multistar, CBA 910569500, CBA 910569500 and Ronino. The cv Multistar produced highest number of fruits per vine (34.77) with statistically close affinity in Kian and Valleysta whereas JSCU 01 expressed significantly highest fruit weight of 207.82 g. The highest fruit yield per 1000 m2 was recorded in Oscar (13.34 tons) bearing 27.97 fruits per vine and possessing 162.23 g fruit weight having statistically similar results in RS 03602833, Kian, KUK 9, 52-23, Valleystar and Multistar. The economic analysis also identified Oscar as highly remunerative cv exhibiting BCR of 0.94 which was followed by KUK 9, RS 03602833 and Valleystar thereby expressing the potentiality of growing fibre rich parthenocarpic cucumber under protected conditions to improve the socio-economic and nutritional status of farmers in shorter cropping period and as of the consumers.
Longitudinal associations between post-traumatic distress and depressive symptoms following a traumatic event: a test of three models

Background Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are highly co-morbid following a traumatic event. Nevertheless, decisive evidence regarding the direction of the relationship between these clinical entities is missing. Method The aim of the present study was to examine the nature of this relationship by comparing a synchronous change model (PTSD and depression are time synchronous, possibly stemming from a third common factor) with a demoralization model (i.e. PTSD symptoms causing depression) and a depressogenic model (i.e. depressive symptoms causing PTSD symptoms). Israeli adult victims of single-event traumas (n=156) were assessed on measures of PTSD and depression at 2, 4 and 12 weeks post-event. Results A cross-lagged structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis provided results consistent with the synchronous change model and the depressogenic model. Conclusions Depressive symptoms may play an important role in the development of post-traumatic symptoms.
CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION IN A YOUNG CHINESE POPULATION: Risk Factors and Associated Morbidity and Mortality

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for central retinal vein occlusion and associated morbidity and mortality in a Chinese population. Methods: The participants included patients with central retinal vein occlusion 40 years old and younger. Predisposing factors, mortality, and systemic complications were examined in this group. Results: Unilateral (n = 19) and bilateral (n = 3) central retinal vein occlusions were identified in a total of 22 patients (25 eyes), with a mean follow-up time of 37 months. Hypercholesterolemia (65%), hypertriglyceridemia (64%), and hyperhomocysteinemia (42%) were all identified as risk factors. Three patients (14%) developed stroke and 1 (5%) developed transient ischemic attacks during follow-up. Renal failure and pulmonary hypertension resulted in the death of two patients. The mean initial and final visual acuities (±standard deviation) were 20/400 (±20/250) and 20/500 (±20/320), respectively, and treatments did not result in vision improvement (P = 0.57). The poor visual prognosis was likely due to macular edema in 7 eyes (28%), optic atrophy in 4 eyes (16%), and secondary glaucoma in 3 eyes (12%). Conclusion: Morbidity and mortality are high in young Chinese patients with central retinal vein occlusion who may have associated serious complications including stroke, blindness, and death. Central retinal vein occlusion may serve as an initial clinical presentation of serious systemic diseases.
What Motivates Experts to Share? A Prospective Test of the Model of Knowledge‐Sharing Motivation

Knowledge sharing is an employee behavior, critical to organizational success in knowledge-intensive work environments. This study set out to empirically test the model of knowledge-sharing motivation designed and presented in this journal by Gagne (2009). The model combines two established behavioral theories, the theory of planned behavior and self-determination theory, and connects various human resource practices to it. This prospective survey study ( n = 200) in a large expert organization employed structural equation modeling. The results mainly supported the proposed model, with attitudes, autonomous motivation, and sharing norms predicting knowledge-sharing intentions ( R2 = .69), which predicted knowledge-sharing behavior ( R2 = .42). We also identified potential ways to modify the model to better suit typical knowledge-sharing contexts. Implications for practice, with the emphasis on how our findings can benefit and be used by human resource management, are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Type 1 protein secretion in bacteria, the ABC-transporter dependent pathway (Review)

The relatively simple type 1 secretion system in Gram-negative bacteria is nevertheless capable of transporting polypeptides of up to 800 kDa across the cell envelope in a few seconds. The translocator is composed of an ABC-transporter, providing energy through ATP hydrolysis (and perhaps the initial channel across the inner membrane), linked to a multimeric Membrane Fusion Protein (MFP) spanning the initial part of the periplasm and forming a continuous channel to the surface with an outer membrane trimeric protein. Proteins targeted to the translocator carry an (uncleaved), poorly conserved secretion signal of approximately 50 residues. In E. coli the HlyA toxin interacts with both the MFP (HlyD) and the ABC protein HlyB, (a half transporter) triggering, via a conformational change in HlyD, recruitment of the third component, TolC, into the transenvelope complex. In vitro, HlyA, through its secretion signal, binds to the nucleotide binding domain (NBD or ABC-ATPase) of HlyB in a reaction reversible by ATP that may mimic initial movement of HlyA into the translocation channel. HlyA is then transported rapidly, apparently in an unfolded form, to the cell surface, where folding and release takes place. Whilst recent structural studies of TolC and MFP-like proteins are providing atomic detail of much of the transport path, structural analysis of the HlyB NBD and other ABC ATPases, have revealed details of the catalytic cycle within an NBD dimer and a glimpse of how the action of HlyB is coupled to the translocation of HlyA.