Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the moving force problem

The problem of the vibration of a beam subject to a travelling force is considered. The purpose of the study is to develop simple tools for finding the maximum deflection of a beam for any given velocity of the travelling force. It is shown that, for given boundary conditions, there exists a unique response–velocity dependence function. A technique to determine this function is suggested, which is based on the assumption that the maximum beam response can be adequately approximated by means of the first beam mode. To illustrate this, the maximum response function is calculated analytically for a simply supported (SS) beam and constructed numerically for a clamped–clamped beam. The effect of the higher modes on the maximum response is investigated, and the relative error of the one-mode approximation for a SS beam is constructed. The estimates obtained substantiate the assumption about adequacy of the one-mode approximation in a wide range of velocities; in particular, the relative error in the neighborhood of the velocity that results in the largest response is less than one percent. r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Mycotoxins, pesticides and toxic metals in commercial spices and herbs

ABSTRACT A total of 300 samples representing six condiments (black pepper, basil, oregano, nutmeg, paprika, and thyme) were analysed for 11 mycotoxins, 134 pesticides and 4 heavy metals by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mycotoxins were detected in 4%, 10% and 30% of all nutmeg, basil and thyme samples, respectively. The residues of 24 pesticides were detected in 59% of the analysed condiments. The maximum residue levels of pesticides were exceeded in 10% of oregano and 46% of thyme samples. A risk assessment of heavy metals was performed, indicating daily intake levels far below the tolerable intake levels.
Large-scale ICT innovation and policy

Drawing upon actor-network theory (ANT), this study presents a case analysis for a socio-technical framework to assess Korea's strategy for the development of the ubiquitous city (u-city). The u-city initiative, a national development project, focuses on strengthening the role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in urban planning and management. Analyzing empirical materials from u-city development, this study traces and unpacks the interaction occurring around the u-city innovation and also identifies patterns of innovation, concentrating on negotiation and translation implementation. ANT provides a framework of ideas for describing the process of innovation and developing stories that explain technology take-up. Results provide insight into the Korean IT environment by offering a socio-technical analysis of u-city development and how it involves the dynamics of industry, regulation, and technology.
Glutathione synthesis by red blood cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Glycoxidation may damage the enzymes that synthesise glutathione (GSH), an endogenous intracellular antioxidant. Erythrocytes (RBCs) taken from NIDDM subjects, and non-diabetic controls, were GSH-depleted using 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, incubated in a solution containing GSH-rebuilding substrates, and sampled for GSH using a 5,5′-γ-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)/enzymatic recycling procedure. NIDDM subjects, on average, had the same GSH concentration and synthesising ability as non-diabetic controls, indicating normal function of the synthesis enzymes. A positive correlation between synthesis and concentration of GSH seen in non-diabetic controls did not exist in NIDDM, due to their putatively larger oxidative load. The results, to the best of our knowledge, provide the first evidence that, despite a higher oxidative load, intact RBCs from NIDDM subjects are able to synthesise GSH normally. It is hypothesised that increased rates of GSH synthesis would maintain a normal steady-state GSH concentration.
In vivo 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase activity in internodes of deepwater rice : enhancement by submergence and low oxygen levels.

Inasmuch as the activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase cannot be measured in homogenates of deepwater rice internodes (Oryza sativa L.), we have employed an in vivo assay to determine the activity of this enzyme. This assay is based on the accumulation of ACC in tissue kept under N(2). Submergence of whole plants or stem sections containing the uppermost, developing internode enhances the in vivo activity of ACC synthase in the stem. This stimulation of in vivo ACC-synthase activity is especially pronounced in the region of the internode containing the intercalary meristem and the elongation zone above it. Enhancement of in vivo ACC-synthase activity is evident after 2 hours of submergence and shows a peak after 4 hours. Reduced levels of atmospheric O(2), which promote ethylene synthesis and growth in internodes of deepwater rice, also enhance the in vivo activity of ACC synthase. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that induction of ACC-synthase activity at low partial O(2) pressures is among the first biochemical events leading to internodal growth in deepwater rice.
Loss of β2 microglobulin from the cell surface of cutaneous malignant and premalignant lesions

Biopsies from twenty‐three patients with malignant skin lesions and from twenty‐two patients with premalignant or benign skin lesions were stained for β2 microglobulin by use of the immunoperoxidase technique. The results showed a significant loss of demonstrable surface β2 microglobulin from the surface of malignant cells compared to benign, and a partial loss in the premalignant cases. This difference could prove to be a useful tool in the histological diagnosis of malignant skin lesions, and in assessing whether or not the lesion has been completely excised.
Predicting outcomes after percutaneous ethanol injection for small hepatocellular cancer.

From the Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Received on May 10, 2006; accepted for publication May X, 2006. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article. Address correspondence to: Udai S. Kammula, MD, Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, CRC, Room 3-5930, 10 Center Drive MSC 1201, Bethesda, MD 20892-1201. E-mail: udai_kammula@nih.gov Copyright © 2006 Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc.
A Study on the Prevalence and KAP Regarding Cervical Cancer Among Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Perambalur

Article title: A study on the prevalence and KAP regarding cervical cancer among women attending a tertiary care hospital in Perambalur. Background: The level of awareness on cervical cancer of the female population of Perambalur is unknown. Nevertheless, it is an important parameter for the development and monitoring of a screening program and for the follow-up of an eventual vaccination against HPV in the future. A positive attitude towards screening for premalignant cervical lesions can help in bringing down the prevalence of cervical cancer. Methodology: Seventy four women attending the OBG department at a tertiary care hospital in Perambalur were comprised the study population. Pap smear test was done for all the women to estimate the prevalence. A questionnaire was prepared and the women were interviewed to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical cancer. Results: Only one of the women had shown uncertain result (ASC-US) on screening cervical cancer. Intraepithelial neoplasia was not detected in any women participants at the end of screening. Twenty seven of the participants had good knowledge. About 56.75% of the study population had satisfactory knowledge while 6.75% had only poor knowledge about cervical cancer, its screening modalities and its significance. The participants had showed 83.78% positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening. The majority of participants were not undergoing screening for cervical cancer. Only 1.35% were found to have good screening practice on cervical cancer with 1.35% of the women having irregular. Conclusion: The study was revealed that though reasonable knowledge about cervical cancer present among half of the women participants, there was a very low screening rate in the community. This was mostly rendered towards the lack of proper infrastructure, facilities and partly towards the hesitation shown by the women.
Recognition of osteoporosis by primary care physicians.

OBJECTIVES This study explored the recognition and treatment of osteoporosis and vertebral fracture among older women by primary care physicians. METHODS Data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 1993 to 1997 were examined for evidence of diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture during visits by White women 60 years and older to primary care physicians. RESULTS Fewer than 2% of the women received diagnoses of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture, although expected prevalence is 20% to 30%. Appropriate drug treatment, including antiresorptive agents and calcium and vitamin D, was offered to only 36% of the diagnosed patients. CONCLUSIONS Few cases of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture in older women are being diagnosed and treated by primary care physicians.
Quality of life and social support following distal arterial bypass in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND The chronic progressive course of peripheral arterial occlusive disease with its limb-threatening and life-threatening potential is associated with physical, psychological and social distress for elderly patients and their families. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the influence of infra-inguinal bypass surgery for limb salvage, and social support, on quality of life in elderly patients (over 60 years old). METHODS Sixty patients aged 60 years and above diagnosed with limb-threatening ischemia were evaluated using the SF-36 generic questionnaire for quality of life, and the MOS-SS questionnaire for social support. Thirty patients (group I) were evaluated in the hospital prior to reconstructive surgery and 30 postoperative patients (group II) were evaluated at home at least 6 months after infra-inguinal bypass operations. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, prevalence of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and other athero-sclerosis risk factors. RESULTS All quality of life parameters were higher among patients who underwent limb salvage surgery (group II) as compared to preoperative patients (group I), yet the obtained values were lower than those in the general population. Patients in the surgical intervention group had higher levels of function, lower pain levels, and higher emotional and social well-being and, in addition, were spared limb amputation. The findings also indicate that the social support dimensions (emotional support, receipt of information, affection and positive social interaction), as measured in terms of perceived availability, do not operate as one entity. Different types of social support were more beneficial along different stages of the disease. CONCLUSION Peripheral arterial occlusive disease causes severe impairment of the quality of life in elderly patients. Arterial reconstructive surgery improves the quality of life though it still remains low compared to the general population. Social support is beneficial in the treatment of these patients, and the social worker in the vascular surgery department has a key role in identifying the various needs of the patients along the path of their chronic illness.
If You See a Cyborg in the Road, Kill the Buddha

A stream in transhumanism argues that the aims of Buddhism and transhumanists are akin. It is the case that transhumanism contains religious tropes, and its parallels to Christianity are readily apparent. It does not share much, however, with Buddhism’s Zen tradition. Zen tends to focus its practitioners on becoming fully present and human, not on becoming transcendent, super-powered, or posthuman. This paper explores some of the tensions between transhumanism and Buddhism through the lens of Zen, and suggests that transhumanist Buddhists should be careful not to conflate moments of spiritual enlightenment with permanent techno-social transcendence.
The first isolation of the avian PMV-1 virus responsible for the current panzootic in pigeons ?

From a virus stock (designated BVC 78) of 'viral encephalomyelitis of pigeons' an avian paramyxovirus type 1 was isolated in 1981. This virus shares all known characteristics with paramyxoviruses which were later (1982/84) obtained from diseased pigeons in the panzootic in Europe and elsewhere. It appears that the BVC 78 virus represents the first isolate of the pigeon PMV-1 viruses.
Effects of estrogen–progestin and raloxifene therapy on nitric oxide, prostacyclin and endothelin-1 synthesis

This randomized double-blind study was conducted to investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol plus norethisterone acetate, and raloxifene, on nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin (PGI2) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) serum levels in postmenopausal women. Treatment was initiated after a 28-50 day placebo period. Fourteen women were treated daily with 17β-estradiol 2 mg plus norethisterone acetate 1 mg (E2 + NETA), and 14 with raloxifene HCl 60 mg for a period of 6 months. Serum NO, PGI2 and ET-1 levels were estimated at baseline, after placebo, and at months 3 and 6. E2 + NETA decreased NO levels significantly, while raloxifene did not cause any appreciable change. Both regimens decreased PGI2 levels and ET-1 levels significantly. Finally, E2 + NETA and raloxifene increased the NO/ET-1 ratio by 61.4% and 81.1%, respectively. In conclusion, both regimens may exert a cardioprotective effect by decreasing ET-1 levels and increasing the NO/ET-1 ratio. In contrast, both regimens had a negative influence on PGI2 levels.
Impacts of a Pinatubo‐size volcanic eruption on ENSO

Observations and model simulations of the climate responses to strong explosive low‐latitude volcanic eruptions suggest a significant increase in the likelihood of El Niño during the eruption and posteruption years, though model results have been inconclusive and have varied in magnitude and even sign. In this study, we test how this spread of responses depends on the initial phase of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the eruption year and on the eruption's seasonal timing. We employ the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory CM2.1 global coupled general circulation model to investigate the impact of the Pinatubo 1991 eruption, assuming that in 1991 ENSO would otherwise be in central or eastern Pacific El Niño, La Niña, or neutral phases. We obtain statistically significant El Niño responses in a year after the eruption for all cases except La Niña, which shows no response in the eastern equatorial Pacific. The eruption has a weaker impact on eastern Pacific El Niños than on central Pacific El Niños. We find that the ocean dynamical thermostat and (to a lesser extent) wind changes due to land‐ocean temperature gradients are the main feedbacks affecting El Niño development after the eruption. The El Niño responses to eruptions occurring in summer are more pronounced than for winter and spring eruptions. That the climate response depends on eruption season and initial ENSO phase may help to reconcile apparent inconsistencies among previous studies.
A single-switch continuous-conduction-mode boost converter with reduced reverse-recovery and switching losses

A single-switch continuous-conduction-mode boost converter with reduced reverse-recovery and switching losses is proposed. By utilizing the leakage inductances of a pair of coupled inductors and two additional rectifiers, the turn-off rates (di/dt) of the boost output rectifier and the additional rectifiers are slowed down to reduce the reverse-recovery loss. The boost power transistor is also operated under a low-voltage turn-on condition to reduce the switching loss. Experimental results are presented to confirm the theoretical analysis and the performance of the proposed converter.
DÓRIS - Um Agente de Acompanhamento Pedagógico em Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes

Resumo: Os Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes, caracterizados por incorporarem tecnicas de Inteligencia Artificial no seu projeto e desenvolvimento, atuam como auxiliares no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Atualmente, tem sido aplicados conceitos de Agentes Inteligentes a estes sistemas, como forma de aprimora-los. Desenvolveu-se um agente de acompanhamento pedagogico para Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes. Este agente tem como tarefas: acompanhar a interacao do aluno com o sistema tutor inteligente, extrair as informacoes necessarias a modelagem do perfil do aluno, utilizado na personalizacao do ambiente, e auxiliar e orientar o aluno durante a construcao de seu aprendizado. Este artigo relata as caracteristicas e a funcionalidade do agente desenvolvido. Abstract: Os Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes, caracterizados por incorporarem tecnicas de Inteligencia Artificial no seu projeto e desenvolvimento, atuam como auxiliares no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Atualmente, tem sido aplicados conceitos de Agentes Inteligentes a estes sistemas, como forma de aprimora-los. Desenvolveu-se um agente de acompanhamento pedagogico para Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes. Este agente tem como tarefas: acompanhar a interacao do aluno com o sistema tutor inteligente, extrair as informacoes necessarias a modelagem do perfil do aluno, utilizado na personalizacao do ambiente, e auxiliar e orientar o aluno durante a construcao de seu aprendizado. Este artigo relata as caracteristicas e a funcionalidade do agente desenvolvido.
Prospective Study of UV Exposure and Cancer Incidence Among Swedish Women

Background: Except for skin melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer, little evidence from prospective studies is available on the association between UV exposure and cancer risk. Methods: We followed prospectively 49,261 women aged 30 to 49 years at enrollment in 1991 to 1992 for 15 years. Cancer incidence was analyzed by fitting Cox models, and estimating hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: 2,303 incident cases of cancer were diagnosed (breast: 1,053, ovary: 126, lung: 116, colon-rectum: 133, and brain: 116). No associations were found between any cumulative measure of UV exposure at ages 10 to 39 years and overall cancer risk. However, spending ≥1 week/year between ages 10 and 29 years on sunbathing vacations led to an inverse association with overall cancer risk (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.93) and breast cancer risk (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36–0.89) when compared with women who never went on such vacations. Solarium use was inversely associated with breast cancer risk, whereas ≥2 sunburns/year was inversely associated with lung cancer risk. No other associations were found between sun exposure or solarium use at ages 10 to 39 years and cancer risk. Conclusion: We found no evidence of an association between any cumulative measure of UV exposure at ages 10 to 39 years and overall cancer risk. UV exposure earlier in life was related to reduced overall and breast cancer risk. Impact: Further research is needed to define the amount of solar or artificial UV exposure that may, or may not, be beneficial for cancer prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(7); 1358–67. ©2011 AACR.
Gene organization and primary structure of human hormone-sensitive lipase: possible significance of a sequence homology with a lipase of Moraxella TA144, an antarctic bacterium.

The human hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) gene encodes a 786-aa polypeptide (85.5 kDa). It is composed of nine exons spanning approximately 11 kb, with exons 2-5 clustered in a 1.1-kb region. The putative catalytic site (Ser423) and a possible lipid-binding region in the C-terminal part are encoded by exons 6 and 9, respectively. Exon 8 encodes the phosphorylation site (Ser551) that controls cAMP-mediated activity and a second site (Ser553) that is phosphorylated by 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase. Human HSL showed 83% identity with the rat enzyme and contained a 12-aa deletion immediately upstream of the phosphorylation sites with an unknown effect on the activity control. Besides the catalytic site motif (Gly-Xaa-Ser-Xaa-Gly) found in most lipases, HSL shows no homology with other known lipases or proteins, except for a recently reported unexpected homology between the region surrounding its catalytic site and that of the lipase 2 of Moraxella TA144, an antarctic psychrotrophic bacterium. The gene of lipase 2, which catalyses lipolysis below 4 degrees C, was absent in the genomic DNA of five other Moraxella strains living at 37 degrees C. The lipase 2-like sequence in HSL may reflect an evolutionarily conserved cold adaptability that might be of critical survival value when low-temperature-mobilized endogenous lipids are the primary energy source (e.g., in poikilotherms or hibernators). The finding that HSL at 10 degrees C retained 3- to 5-fold more of its 37 degrees C catalytic activity than lipoprotein lipase or carboxyl ester lipase is consistent with this hypothesis.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Adult Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Experience in Japan

Objective:We sought to determine the outcome of living donor liver transplantation (LDLTx) in 316 adult patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Summary Background Data:LDLTx has increasingly been performed worldwide, but the impact of the procedure on HCC has not been evaluated in a large series. Methods:Between October 1989 and December 2003, 1389 adults underwent LDLTx at 49 centers in Japan. In 316 (22.8%) who received LDLTx for HCC (70 females, 22%, median age 57 years; and 246 males, 88%, median age, 54 years), we analyzed pretransplant clinical status, imaging diagnosis, transplant procedure, pathologic study of explanted liver, and outcome. In 232 patients (73.4%), various surgical and nonsurgical therapies had been employed prior to LDLTx. The median follow-up period was 16 months (range, 2.5–72.0) Results:Currently, 236 (74.7%) of the patients are living. One- and 3-year patient survivals were 78.1% and 69.0%, respectively. Model end-stage liver disease score and preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein level were independent risk factors for patient survival. Forty patients (12.7%) developed HCC recurrence. Alpha-fetoprotein level, tumor size, vascular invasion, and bilobar distribution were independent risk factors for HCC recurrence. Grade of histologic differentiation of HCC showed close correlation with tumor characteristics and recurrence. One- and 3-year recurrence-free survivals were 72.7% and 64.7%, respectively. When the Milan criteria were applied, patient survival and disease-free survival at 3 years were 78.7% and 79.1%, respectively, in patients who met the criteria, and 60.4% and 52.6%, respectively, in those who did not. Conclusion:LDLTx can achieve acceptable survival in HCC patients, even when liver function is markedly impaired, or HCC is uncontrollable by conventional antitumor treatments.