Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of oral magnesium on blood pressure and red cell sodium transport in patients receiving long-term thiazide diuretics for hypertension.

Twenty patients receiving long-term (1.0 to 10.3 years) thiazide diuretic treatment for essential hypertension (Th group) received magnesium supplementation as MgO (600 mg Mg/day) for 4 weeks and placebo for another 4 weeks. Before and at the end of each period, we measured blood pressure; intraerythrocyte magnesium, sodium, and potassium (R-Mg, R-Na, and R-K); and erythrocyte ouabain (10-4 M) sensitive sodium efflux rate constant (Kos). The same measurements were also performed in 21 untreated age-matched essential hypertensives (EHT group). In the Th group, R-Mg was lower, R-Na was higher, and Kos was lower than in the EHT group before magnesium supplementation. Oral magnesium resulted in a significant increase in R-Mg (p less than 0.005) and a decrease in R-Na (p less than 0.01), together with an increase in Kos (p less than 0.005) in the Th group. During magnesium supplementation, the increased Kos was correlated negatively with the lowered R-Na (r = -0.57, p less than 0.01) and positively with the increased R-Mg (r = 0.61, p less than 0.005). Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures were reduced significantly during magnesium administration by a mean of 7.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mm Hg. The results indicate that long-term diuretic treatment may give rise to an intracellular magnesium deficiency and a suppression in cell membrane active transport for sodium, with a resultant increase in intracellular sodium content. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Decoherence vs entanglement in coined quantum walks

Quantum versions of random walks on the line and cycle show a quadratic improvement in their spreading rate and mixing times respectively. The addition of decoherence to the quantum walk produces a more uniform distribution on the line, and even faster mixing on the cycle by removing the need for time-averaging to obtain a uniform distribution. We calculate numerically the entanglement between the coin and the position of the quantum walker and show that the optimal decoherence rates are such that all the entanglement is just removed by the time the final measurement is made.
Effect of Iron Source on Color and Appearance of Micronutrient-Fortified Corn Flour Tortillas

ABSTRACT Iron deficiency anemia is a widespread occurrence. Consequently, iron is commonly added in cereal fortification programs. However, many iron sources cause undesirable sensory changes, especially color changes, in the food being fortified. This study evaluated the effect of different iron sources on CIE L*a*b* color values and sensory color perception in fortified corn tortillas. Corn masa flour was fortified with micronutrient premix containing vitamins, zinc, and one of eight iron compounds. Iron sources included ferrous fumarate (F), ferrous sulfate (S), ferric orthophosphate (OP), ferrous lactate (L), ferrous gluconate (G), ferric pyrophosphate (PP), sodium iron (III)-EDTA, and A-131 electrolytic iron (E), with addition levels adjusted based on bioavailability. Control (Ct) samples were prepared with all micronutrients except iron. All iron-fortified tortillas had lower L* values and were significantly darker than control tortillas. Based on instrumental color values and Mexican regulatory rec.
THE DECISION USEFULNESS OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL INFORMATION IN MALAYSIA: THE PERSPECTIVES OF IPO PROSPECTUS PREPARERS AND USERS

This study aims to examine the perceptions of IPO prospectus preparers and users on the decision usefulness of intellectual capital information disclosed in IPO prospectus and compare their perceptions in order to understand if gaps exist. Data were collected by using online questionnaire. Based on the responses of 126 respondents with various different backgrounds, this study found that both preparers and users perceive the intellectual capital information to be useful for their decision making purposes especially external capital and this is followed by internal capital and then human capital. Overall, there is no significant difference between their perceptions. However, looking at the items of human capital and internal capital, it has been found that there are a few items that show significant difference in which preparers perceive them to be more useful than the users. For instance, disclosure on the education and training expenses and description of community involvement.
Allelotypic and cytogenetic characterization of chemically induced mouse mammary tumors: High frequency of chromosome 4 loss of heterozygosity at advanced stages of progression

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is one of the most common genetic abnormalities in cancer. To define the role of LOH and chromosomal abnormalities at various stages of mouse mammary cancer progression, we analyzed the allelotypes and karyotypes of primary mammary tumors induced in CD2F1 mice by two basic protocols, the classical multiple‐dose 7, 12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) protocol and a novel protocol of combined medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and DMBA. The advantage of the latter protocol is that its latency for tumor development is much shorter and its tumor incidence is higher than those of DMBA alone. To study more advanced stages of mammary tumor progression, we also analyzed mouse mammary tumors that had acquired autonomous growth and were transplantable into syngeneic hosts. The allelotypic studies were performed by means of microsatellite length polymorphism analysis with a minimum of two simple‐sequence repeat markers per chromosome. We observed that MPA‐DMBA‐induced mammary adenocarcinomas, which in general arose earlier because of the growth promotion exerted by MPA, did not show any significant LOH and were essentially diploid. Tumors induced by DMBA alone, which on average took longer to develop, showed a higher frequency of allelic losses. LOH on chromosome 11 was observed in 30% of the cases. Chromosomes 4 and 8 were affected in 25% and 20% of the tumors, respectively. Interestingly, advanced stages of mammary tumor progression, represented by transplantable mammary tumors, showed a much higher level of genomic instability, specifically a very high frequency (66%) of LOH on chromosome 4. These findings indicate that chromosome 4 harbors a gene whose inactivation may play a role in the acquisition of more aggressive characteristics such as autonomous growth and transplantation ability. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
JOINT HAZARD OF EARTHQUAKE SHAKING AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

A number of applications require estimates of the levels of earthquake shaking that are likely to occur concurrently at multiple locations. Examples include the evaluation of extended lifelines networks and the estimation of damage costs in a region. Uniform hazard maps are not appropriate for these purposes because the earthquake sources that are the principal contributors to the hazard generally vary between locations. Unless the hazard at all locations in a region is dominated by a single fault, the mapped values at different locations are likely to be produced by different earthquakes. Scenario maps are often used to assess the levels of motion that are likely to occur together (i.e. in the same earthquake) across a lifelines network or region. The usual implementation of the scenario approach is that the motions in a given earthquake are uniformly high or low at all locations with respect to the median motion for each location e.g. at the 50-percentile or 84-percentile level everywhere. This corresponds to an implicit assumption that the random variability in earthquake motions is contributed totally by variations between different earthquakes of the same magnitude and location (between-earthquake variation), with none of the random variability occurring between different locations within a single earthquake (within-earthquake variation). Modern attenuation relations indicate that most of the variation in fact consists of within-earthquake variation. This paper discusses the methodology for assessing the joint probabilities of exceedance of given ground motions at multiple locations. It presents examples of the sometimes large differences between the levels of motion occurring jointly at multiple locations compared to those indicated by scenario approaches, and their different implications for redundant and non-redundant networks. It also indicates how joint probabilities affect estimated damage costs in a region.
Application of saline water in IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA L . UNDER SALINITY AND VENTILATION

Mediterranean basin suffers from water scarcity; which is one of the main factors limiting the expansion in the cultivation of new areas and food production particularly between 2000 and 2025 (Chartzoulakis et al., 2000). To control water shortage, the use of water of marginal quality, such as saline water, will be an essential prerequisite to produce enough food for the region’s population increase. Application of saline water in IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA L. UNDER SALINITY AND VENTILATION CONDITIONS
Incidence of thyroid dysfunction in antenatal women and its effect on fetomaternal outcome

Background: Thyroid dysfunction is the second most common endocrine disease in pregnant women. Hypothyroidism is a more common dysfunction encountered in pregnancy. Aim: To study the incidence of thyroid dysfunction in antenatal cases and its effect on fetomaternal outcome. Materials and methods: Total 50 cases of pregnancy with thyroid disorder were selected. Detailed history was taken and full clinical and general examination was performed using a predesigned proforma including clinical feature suggestive of thyroid dysfunction. Serum TSH, T3, T4, fT3, fT4 was measured by CLIA (Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) in all the cases as initial hormonal screening investigations. Results: The overall percentage in our study was 15.97% and out of this 74% was without any symptom i.e. subclinical and only 26% had symptoms. Caesarian section rate was (30% v/s 0%), 18% with subclinical hypothyroidism were detected. In controls, 9% with subclinical hypothyroidism were detected. The most common complication associated with hypothyroidism was abortion (14%) and PIH (16% v/s 56%) hyperemesis gravidarum (9% v/s 3%) and hemorrhage in early pregnancy (22% v/s 8%) We also observed that hypothyroidism is associated with more complications even if it is subclinical (42%). Conclusion: The study concludes that thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy is often significantly associated with maternal complications most commonly abortions, anemia, preterm labour and abruption. Higher caesarean rates are also observed among hypothyroid mothers. Low Apgar scores, increased NICU admissions, low birth weight mainly due to prematurity are usually noted in the Joshi K, Bhatt M, Saxena R. Incidence of thyroid dysfunction in antenatal women and its effect on fetomaternal outcome. IAIM, 2016; 3(11): 136-142. Page 137 neonate. The early administration of treatment and maintenance of a normal level of thyroid hormones significantly minimize the risk of maternal and fetal complications.
Tuberculosis in immigrants in Finland, 1995–2013

SUMMARY Increasing immigration from high tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries is a challenge for surveillance and control in Finland. Here, we describe the epidemiology of TB in immigrants by using national surveillance data. During 1995–2013, 7030 (84·7%) native and 1199 (14·4%) immigrant cases were identified. The proportion of immigrant cases increased from 5·8% in 1995 to 32·1% in 2013, consistent with increasing immigrant population (2·1–5·6%) and decreasing incidence of TB in the native population (from 12·1 to 3·5/100 000). TB cases in immigrants were significantly younger, more often female, and had extrapulmonary TB more often than native cases (P < 0·01 for all comparisons); multidrug resistance was also more common in immigrants than natives (P < 0·01). Immigrant cases were born in 82 different countries; most commonly in Somalia and the former Soviet Union/Russia. During 2008–2013, 433 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from immigrants were submitted for spoligotyping; 10 different clades were identified. Clades were similar to those found in the case's country of birth. Screening immigrants from high-incidence countries and raising awareness of common characteristics and symptoms of TB is important to ensure early diagnosis and to prevent transmission.
DAMAGE-TYPE IDENTIFICATION IN A CFRP CROSS-PLY LAMINATE FROM ACOUSTIC EMISSION SIGNALS DETECTED BY A FIBER-OPTIC SENSOR IN A NEW REMOTE CONFIGURATION

Recently, the authors have developed a highly sensitive fiber-optic ultrasonic sensing system using a phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating (PSFBG). The sophisticated PSFBG sensing system enabled us to detect acoustic emission (AE) waves generated by micro-damages in composite materials. This research attempted to establish a reliable method for damage types identification in CFRP laminates by analysing the detected AE signals. To enhance the performance of the method for practical AE detections during material tests, first of all, we proposed a new remote measurement configuration. Instead of a direct attachment, in the configuration, a lead optical fiber was mounted onto the material sample and used as a waveguide to propagate AEs from composite to the PSFBG. Because the PSFBG sensor was put away from the adhesive point, it was insensitive to the static strain applied to the material. That resulted in a stable AE measurement during material tests, such as tensile tests. Interestingly, experiments figured out that the remotely located PSFBG sensor still demonstrated accurate remote sensing for AE signal propagating through the adhesive point. Taking advantage of the great sensing characteristics, we analysed AE signals on the basis of a Lamb wave theory to quantitatively identify the damage types in the CFRP laminates. As a result, the analysis showed different characteristics of Lamb wave modes included in three types of AEs caused by a transverse crack, delamination and fiber breakage. The analysis also revealed that the peak frequencies in the AE signals had a correlation with the modes. Additionally, the ratios of the amplitudes of the S0 mode to the A0 mode and the peak frequencies quantitatively evaluated the mode characteristics in the AE signals. Simultaneously using the two physical parameters, we identified the three types of damage among the AE signals detected in a three-point bending test. Hence, the proposed identification method with the PS-FBG sensor has great physical reliability for evaluating damage in composite laminates.
X ON-FARM ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF ZERO-TILLAGE WHEAT : A CASE OF NORTH-WEST INDIA By JEETENDRA

†International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Climate EconomistSouth Asia, §International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Agronomist CG Block, National Agricultural Science Center (NASC) Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110012, India, ¶International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Senior Agronomist CG Block, National Agricultural Science Center (NASC) Complex, DPS Marg, Pusa Campus, New Delhi 110012, India and §§International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University Senior Agricultural Economist Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, India
Changes in selection and evolutionary responses in migratory brown trout following the construction of a fish ladder

Brown trout (Salmo trutta) are extensively harvested and its habitat highly influenced by human encroachments. Using a 40‐year time series of mark–recapture data we estimate vital rates for a piscivorous trout population. This population spawns upstream of a waterfall, which historically acted as a migration barrier for smaller trout. In 1966, the waterfall was dammed and a fish ladder constructed. All fish ascending the fish ladder were individually tagged and measured for a variety of traits. The fish ladder overall favoured access to upstream spawning areas for middle‐sized trout, resulting in stabilizing selection acting on size at spawning. Over time, natural and fishing mortality have varied, with fishing mortality generally decreasing and natural mortality increasing. The average and, particularly, variance in size‐at‐first‐spawning, and growth rates during the first years of lake residence have all decreased over the 1966–2003 period. These changes are all consistent with a shift from directional to stabilizing selection on age and size at spawning. Estimated rates of phenotypic change are relatively high, in particular for size at first spawning, adding further support for the growing notion that human interference may lead to rapid life‐history trait evolution.
Developmental trends in infant preferences for affective intent in mothers ’ speech

According to Kitamura & Burnham (2003), affective intent is modified in infant-directed (ID) speech such that mothers accentuate different emotional messages at different ages – ‘comforting’ at 3 months, ‘approving’ at 6 months, and ‘directive’ at 9 months. This study examined preferences for the three ID emotion types by infants aged 3, 6 and 9 months. After adults had rated utterances according to affective category, infants were tested with the 12 best exemplars using an auditory preference procedure. Results revealed that 3-month-olds preferred ‘comforting’ utterances; 6month-olds preferred ‘approving’ to ‘directive’ ID utterances, and listened equally to ‘approving’ and ‘comforting’ utterances; and 9-month-olds showed no preference for any ID emotion type. Because it was possible that 9-month-olds were attending to segmental information, they were tested using low-pass filtered stimuli, and were found to prefer ‘directive’ to ‘comforting’ ID utterances, and listen equally to ‘directive’ and ‘approving’ utterances. It is concluded that during the first year, mothers’ speech not only relies on contingent responsiveness but is also affected by their infant’s age and state of development.
Exploring preferences for symptom management in primary care: a discrete choice experiment using a questionnaire survey

Background Symptoms are important drivers for the use of primary care services. Strategies aimed at shifting the focus away from the GP have broadened the range of primary healthcare available. Aim To explore preferences for managing symptoms and investigate trade-offs that the public are willing to make when deciding between different primary care services. Design and setting UK-wide postal questionnaire survey of 1370 adults. Method A discrete choice experiment examined management preferences for three symptoms of differing seriousness (diarrhoea, dizziness, and chest pain). Willingness-to-pay estimates compared preferences between symptoms, and by sex, age, and income. Results Preferences differed significantly between symptoms. ‘Self-care’ was the preferred action for diarrhoea and ‘consulting a GP’ for dizziness and chest pain. ‘Waiting time’ and ‘chance of a satisfactory outcome’ were important factors for all three symptoms, although their relative importance differed. Broadly, people were more prepared to wait longer and less prepared to trade a good chance of a satisfactory outcome for symptoms rated as more serious. Generally, preferences within subgroups followed similar patterns as for the whole sample, although there were differences in the relative strength of preferences. Conclusion Despite increased choices in primary care, ‘traditional’ actions of ‘self-care’ for minor symptoms and ‘GP consultation’ for more serious symptoms were preferred. The present findings suggest, however, that people may be willing to trade between different health services, particularly for less serious symptoms. Understanding the relative importance of different factors may help inform interventions aimed at changing management behaviour or improving services.
An approach to compare Affymetrix and cDNA gene expressions

The development of microarray technology for highthroughput measurement of gene expressions is proving a powerful means for studying the transcriptome on a genomic scale and across diverse biological systems and experimental designs. The technology has grown rapidly in academia, medicine and the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, agrochemical and food industries. The technology confers the freedom to conduct experiments in its multiple platforms and attends to the extensive molecular surveillance of cells and tissues. Despite a large number of studies available in the literature comparing results between the existing platforms remains a challenging task in microarray technology. In this direction, we have developed an approach that allows integration of microarray experiments between two of its platforms, i.e. Affymetrix and cDNA microarrays. In this communication, we elaborate on our approach and present our validation. In addition, we have also examined our approach to evaluate where it stands amid a few existing methods.
Comparative study of organic solvents and extraction conditions on colour and antioxidant capacity in red cabbage

In industrially natural-dye production, there are many organic solvent with different efficiencies for extracting colour and antioxidants of red cabbage. The objective of this study was to investigate appropriate organic solvent and extract condition on colour and antioxidant activity. Two organic solvents were used for extraction: ethanol for hydrophilic antioxidants and hexane for lipophilic antioxidants. Experimental results showed that red cabbage extracted by ethanol was significantly higher in purple colour, anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical assay (DPPH), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power assay (FRAP) than extraction by hexane due to anthocyanins being the main phenolic compound in extract. To find the appropriate concentration and extraction time, the results revealed that the red cabbage extracted by 70% ethanol for 18 h was suitable for extracting bioactive polar compounds, such as hydrophilic antioxidants.
Business Ecosystems Revisited

Coined by Tansley in 1935 to designate a basic ecological unit composed of both the environment and the organisms that inhabit it, the term ecosystem was taken up again by Moore (1993) to designate the systems of actors maintaining relationships of coopetition: business ecosystems. Moore’s definition is regularly employed in academic literature today, without having been the object of in-depth discussion. With critical intention, the first section of this research note sets out to show the weakness of this ecological metaphor, a metaphor which, without a doubt, contributed to the success of the concept, but which, today, needs to be put aside. It will then be demonstrated that Moore’s efforts to define the business ecosystem led to contradictions and, in order to circumvent these contradictions, the second section will distinguish among different types of business ecosystems. Apart from avoiding the wholesale attribution of characteristics to all business ecosystems, when, in fact, they rightly belong to only certain among them, this typology brings our attention to business ecosystems whose composition is more heterogeneous. The last part of this note suggests that a study of these systems should use theories that may shed light on the way in which actors come to agreement even while belonging to different worlds.