Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Title : Home-Based Exercise Improves Fitness and Exercise Attitude and Intention in GDM Women

Purpose: To determine the effect of a home-based cycling program for women recently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on aerobic fitness, weight gain, selfreported mobility, attitude and intentions towards maternal exercise, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Forty women (28.8 ± 0.9 weeks gestation) were randomized to either a supervised, home-based exercise program, combining continuous steady-state and interval cycling at various intensities, in combination with unsupervised moderate intensity aerobic activity and conventional diabetic management (EX; n = 20), or to conventional management alone (CON; n = 20). The program began following diagnosis until week 34 of pregnancy (mean duration of training 6 ± 1 weeks). Results: Mean compliance to the training program was 96%. Maternal aerobic fitness, and attitude and intentions towards exercise were improved in response to the home-based exercise intervention compared with CON (p < 0.05). No differences were observed between groups with respect to maternal weight gain or obstetric and neonatal outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A home-based exercise program of 6 ± 1 weeks in duration commenced following diagnosis of GDM can improve aerobic fitness and attitude and intentions towards exercise, with no adverse effect on maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes.
Microbubble Contrast Agents for Ultrasound Imaging — Safety and Efficacy in Abdominal and Vascular Imaging

The use of contrast agents is an essential component of abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) examination. However, the use of contrast agents in ultrasound has not been as popular in North America, as at the time of writing they are not approved in the US for clinical use in abdominal imaging. We have enjoyed using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in Canada, where contrast agents for ultrasound have been approved for abdominal imaging since 2001. In our experience, CEUS is an excellent imaging modality with a strong safety profile and superb diagnostic capability for many indications in abdominal imaging. CEUS is also widely available in Europe and East Asia, and the use of CEUS has rapidly increased over recent years. This article provides a summary of our experience with CEUS in liver and other abdominal imaging. What Is the Contrast Agent for Ultrasound? Contrast agents for ultrasound comprise gas-filled microbubbles with a mean diameter less than that of red blood cells. The first-generation contrast agents for ultrasound contained room air coated with galactose microcrystals (Levovist) or denatured albumin (Albunex). However, the enhancement of this generation of agents necessitated the disruption of the microbubbles with a high power output (mechanical index [MI]). Therefore, CEUS studies were technically challenging as the microbubbles are disrupted as they enter the field of view, limiting their effect. These contrast agents are no longer in common use. Secondgeneration contrast agents for ultrasound that are popular today typically contain perfluorocarbon gases such as perfluoropropane (Definity, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Billerica) or sulfur hexafluoride (SonoVue, Bracco, Milan), and are encapsulated with phospholipid shells. These contrast agents show strong enhancement without microbubble disruption using a contrast-specific imaging mode with a low MI. These microbubbles have excellent durability, enabling continuous realtime imaging over three to five minutes.
Global uniqueness in determining polygonal periodic structures with a minimal number of incident plane waves

In this paper, we investigate the inverse problem of recovering a two-dimensional perfectly reflecting diffraction grating from the scattered waves measured above the structure. Inspired by a novel idea developed by Bao et al (Trans. Am. Math. Soc. to appear), we present a complete characterization of the global uniqueness in determining polygonal periodic structures using a minimal number of incident plane waves. The idea in this paper combines the reflection principle for the Helmholtz equation and the dihedral group theory. We characterize all periodic polygonal structures that cannot be identified by one incident plane wave, including the resonance case where a Rayleigh frequency is allowed. Furthermore, we show that those unidentifiable gratings provide non-uniqueness examples for appropriately chosen wave number and incident angles. We also indicate and fix a gap in the proof of the main theorem of Elschner and Yamamoto (2007 Z. Anal. Anwend. 26 165–77) and generalize the uniqueness results of that paper.
The Possible Underworld of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome From Neurotransmitters Polymorphisms to Disease

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex and debilitating disorder. Several clinical studies suggest dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and perturbations of the immune and central nervous systems. In this study we esamined the association between serotonin transporter (SERT) and receptor 2A (HTR2A), Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B) and Brain Derived N eurotrophic Factor (BDNF) genes polymorphisms and CFS, in order to describe genetic associations. Methods: The coding and untranslated regions of each gene examined were amplified by PCR-RFLP. Results: The 44% of the CFS patients presents depressive symptoms: in this subgroup the presence of female sex is significantly higher (88%) than in not depressed patients (35%) (P = 0.0002). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the HTR2A -1438G / A polymorphism showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.05): the AA genotype is more present in patients with depressive symptoms. In particular, the frequency of the AA genotype was higher in the depressed patients (48%) compared to the patients without depressive symptoms (21%). The crude odds ratio for the presence of CFS associated with depression in subjects bearing the homozygous AA genotype was 3.56 (95% CI, 1.13 - 11.17). Conclusions: References of increased promoter activity, mRNA, protein levels and receptor binding with this promoter polymorphism and the association of the A allele with CFS sustain a hyperactive serotonergic system in this disease. So we suppose that the neuroendocrine system remains an intriguing field of research in CFS. doi:10.4021/jnr86w
Supplementary feeding increases Common Buzzard Buteo buteo productivity but only in poor-quality habitat

Temporal heterogeneity in the effects of food supply during the breeding season on the productivity of the Common Buzzard Buteo buteo was investigated in a supplementary feeding experiment. Pairs were fed artificially (1) before egg-laying, (2) after chicks hatched and (3) continuously throughout the season, and compared with (4) unfed controls. Pairs fed before egg-laying had marginally larger clutches than those not fed, but lay date, egg volume and weight, brood size and hatching success were unaffected. Territorial quality had far greater effects, with pairs nesting in low-quality habitats (bog, scrub and semi-natural grassland) laying later and having lower hatching success, smaller broods and fewer fledglings than those in more productive agricultural landscapes. Supplementary feeding after egg hatching neutralized the negative effect of poor habitat, resulting in fed birds having significantly more fledglings. This study emphasizes the importance of food availability when provisioning chicks in suboptimal habitats and has implications for the success of diversionary feeding in reducing game losses to Buzzards.
Determination of aerosol properties from MAX-DOAS observations of the Ring effect

Abstract. The first quantitative comparison of MAX-DOAS observations of the Ring effect with model simulations is presented. It is performed for a large variety of viewing geometries (solar zenith angles: 45° to 90°, elevation angles: 3°, 6°, 10°, 18°, 90°; three different azimuth angles), which allows a comprehensive test of our capabilities to measure and simulate the Ring effect. In addition to the Ring effect, also the observed O4 absorptions (optical densities) and radiances are compared with model simulations. In general good agreement is found for all measured quantities. From several sensitivity studies it is found that for most measurement situations, the aerosol optical depth has usually the strongest influence on the observed quantities, but also other aerosol properties like e.g. the vertical distribution have a significant effect. In some aspects, the qualitative dependence of the Ring effect on aerosol properties is similar to that of the O4 absorption. This can be understood, since both quantities depend strongly on the light path length in the lower atmosphere. However, since the Ring effect depends also on the properties of the scattering processes, in specific cases observation of the Ring effect can provide complementary information to that retrieved from the O4 observations. This is e.g. possible for measurements at small relative azimuth angles, from which information on the aerosol phase function can be derived. Observations at large solar zenith angle might allow the retrieval of stratospheric aerosol properties, even in cases with very low aerosol optical depths. In addition, Ring effect observations in zenith direction are rather sensitive to the aerosol optical depth (in contrast to O4 observations), which might allow to retrieve information on aerosol properties from existing zenith UV data sets prior to the MAX-DOAS era.
The Structure and Degree of Dependence - A Quantile Regression Approach

The copula function defines the degree of dependence and the structure of dependence. This paper proposes an alternative framework to decompose the dependence using quantile regression. We demonstrate that the methodology provides a detailed picture of dependence including asymmetric and non-linear relationships. In addition, changes in the degree or structure of dependence can be modeled and tested for each quantile of the distribution. The empirical part applies the framework to three different sets of financial time-series and demonstrates substantial differences in dependence patterns among asset classes and through time. The analysis of 54 global equity markets shows that detailed information about the structure of dependence is crucial to adequately assess the benefits of diversification in normal times and crisis times.
Semi-fragile Image Watermarking Algorithm Based on Region-Segmentation

In order to improve the invisibility and the robustness of semi-fragile watermarking, the paper first brings up the idea which embedding watermark based on the attacks’ characteristic, brings forward the region segmentation operator and the image-segmentation embedding method, puts forward the characteristic and its representation in DWT transform domain based on visual features model, and brings forward the quantized central limit theorem which applies to adjusting the coefficients in general transform domain. These all make semi-fragile watermarking embedded through dynamic quantization achieve the greatest robustness. It gives wavelet transform domain coefficient redressal operator and the best restoration probability of the pixel value adjusting in experiments when the images were under attack. It leads up to a better invisibility of carrier image, a better robustness to the image processing, such as JPEG compression, noise adding, filtering, and the larger amount of embedded information. What’s more, it can ascertain the position of vicious attack exactly.
Application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for the estimation of protein and L-canavanine contents in seeds of one-flowered vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.)

In this work it has been evaluated the effectiveness of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the estimation of two constituents affecting the nutritional quality of the seeds of one-flowered vetch (Vicia articulata Hornem.) : protein and L-canavanine, a toxic non-protein amino acid . The NIRS calibrations showed good statistics with coefficients of mul tiple determination (R 2 ) of 0.97 for total protein and 0.95 for L-canavanine . The developed equations were further used to estimate the contents of protein and L-canavanine of a set of unknown samples (external validation). The equation for total protein was able to predict with an accuracy similar to that of the reference method showing a correlation (r 2 ) between the reference and predicted values of 0.95. In the case of L-canavanine , r2 was only 0.7 2 and the equation was only effective
Employment Status for People with Disabilities in Greece

This article reviews the status of individuals with disabilities in Greece, based on data from a primary research carried out within the framework of Community Initiative Programme (CIP) Equal. In particular, the article examines the features of people with disabilities, the relation of educational studies to occupation, and the factors which influence the decision to work. It investigates the interest of disabled people in working, their current and past employment status, the field and the duration of employment as well as the importance of several factors contributing to job-seeking. In addition the article examines the means exploited in the process of finding a job, attitudes while working, as well as comparing the performance of disabled people at work to that of other employees. The findings of the research reveal to a full extent the problem of exclusion of disabled people from employment and point out the need for initiatives on behalf of the state in order to provide some solutions to tackle the problem.
Emplacement of creative it specialists in Latvia

Current paper contains the research concerning the role and concentration of IT specialists in contemporary Latvia. It is based on theoretical findings about the location of creative class in certain areas that meet the requirements of technology, tolerance and talent. At the same time, the advantages of creative people staying in the area are undoubted. Creative class and, first of all, super-creative core of creative class bring economic and technological development into the area it is located at. The goal of the article is to examine areas of creative IT specialist concentration within Latvia. The statistics and dynamics of IT position increase were examined and trends found. In order to define the role of IT specialists in Latvia, the allocations of IT specialists across the country were analysed. Herfindahl-Hirschman Index of Information and communication industry employee concentration was calculated. It was found that IT specialists in Latvia are extremely concentrated. Riga planning region accumulates 91.51% of all IT specialists in Latvia.
Acute and chronic reactive peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis : neurogenic inflammation and citrate treatment

The prevalent problems associated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) are ultrafiltration failure and peritonitis. During PD the patient is sustained on a state of intraperitoneal inflammation, which over time impairs structure, and function of the peritoneal membrane, leading to loss of ultrafiltration efficacy. The aims of this project was: to establish whether neurogenic inflammation and mast cell activation are triggered by PD fluid exposure and to evaluate the effects of citrate as an additive to PD fluid in acute and chronic animal models.
Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth and Stem Bark Extract of Acacia Hockii De Wild in Mice

Inflammation causes discomfort, suffering and lower productivity of the victims. Synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs are not readily available and have adverse side effects. Alternative herbal medicines possess bioactive compounds that are safer and efficient in the management of various diseases and disorders. The present study evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extracts of Kigelia africana and Acacia hockii in mice to scientifically validate their traditional use among the Embu and Mbeere communities in Kenya. The plant samples were collected with the help of local herbalists in Embu County, Kenya and transported to Kenyatta University biochemistry and biotechnology laboratories for cleaning, air drying, milling, and extraction. Swiss albino mice of either sex were randomly divided into six groups of 5 animals each; normal control, negative control, positive control and three experimental groups. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was compared to reference drug diclofenac. The leaf extract of K. africana reduced inflamed hind paw diameter of mice by between 0.21%- 4.98% while the stem bark extract of A. hockii reduced inflamed hind paw diameter by between 0.6%-5.38%. The diclofenac reduced inflamed hind paw diameter by between 1.11%-4.9%. The qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of saponins, flavonoid, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and cardiac glycosides. The present study demonstrated potent antiinflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of K. africana and A. hockii in a dose-dependent manner, which supports their traditional use. The present study, therefore, recommends the ethnomedicinal use of K. africana and A. hockii in the management of inflammation.
LARGE-EDDY SIMULATIONS FOR TUNDISH WITH TURBO-STOPPER FLOWS

Large-eddy simulations (LES) of a continuous tundish with turbo-stoppers flows are presented. The numerical computations are performed by solving the conservation equations for compressible fluids. An implicit dual time stepping scheme combined with low Mach number preconditioning and a multigrid accelerating technique is developed for LES computations. The method is validated by comparing data of turbulent pipe flow at Reτ=1280 at different Mach numbers with experimental findings from the literature. Finally, the characteristics of the turbulent flow in a one-strand tundish with turbo-stoppers is analyzed and discussed. The comparison of LES findings of the implicit method with experimental data from literature showed very good agreement for the mean velocity profiles and the turbulence intensity distributions in the tundish.
How Does Schooling Influence Maternal Health Practices? Evidence from Nepal

Women’s schooling is associated with much of the world’s improvement in child survival and maternal and child health since 1960. Evidence for these associations is widely interpreted as representing a causal influence of formal education on health. The relationships of variations in female school attendance at the levels of individuals, populations, and historical periods to reproductive health outcomes raise new questions for comparative educational research concerning the process involved. This article reports the results of a survey designed to test a theoretical model positing that literacy skills acquired by girls in school are retained into their adult years, facilitating their exposure to public health messages in the media, which in turn influence the health knowledge affecting their health behavior as mothers. This survey was conducted in Nepal, a low-income country in which both mass schooling and demographic transition are recent developments, using direct assessment of literacy skills instead of the self-reports or imputation from school attainment levels often used in demographic and health surveys. After a brief review of the relevant studies to provide an empirical basis for
Survival, Habitat Selection, and Body Condition of the Woodchuck (Marmota monax) across an Urban-Rural Gradient

Abstract Urban-adapter species facultatively exploit human-subsidized resources in the urban and suburban matrix. We used the woodchuck (Marmota monax) to study how aspects of autecology in an urban-adapter can vary across a gradient of urbanization. We captured and monitored woodchucks by radiotelemetry in southern Illinois from summer 2007 to spring 2009. We captured 47 woodchucks (19 adults, 19 yearlings, 8 young-of-the-year) during the active seasons, and implanted radiotransmitters in 17 adults and 3 yearlings (13 F, 7 M). Overall annual survival was estimated to be 0.76 ± 0.12, with three confirmed mortalities during the study period. Survival and home-range size did not vary by % urban landcover in a buffer surrounding an individual's home range. Habitat-selection analyses indicated that rural edge was the highest-ranked habitat at the home-range scale, whereas urban cover (specifically, developed areas with human structures) was most highly ranked at the within-home-range scale. Body condition was negatively related to % urban landcover. Overall, our findings indicated no clear relationship between woodchuck ecology and urbanization level within our study area. However, our data on body condition and adipose composition, although preliminary, suggested a possible mechanism for variation in overwinter survival across the urban-rural gradient.
Motion of the Easter hot spot relative to Hawaii and Louisville hot spots

Hot spots have been widely used as a fixed reference frame for plate motions; however, it should be expected that the underlying plumes are advected in a dynamic mantle. Here a simple numerical model of hot spot motion due to large‐scale mantle flow is applied to the Easter, Hawaii and Louisville hot spots. Computations are performed for a range of different buoyant plume rising speeds, ages and locations, mantle density and viscosity structures, etc. It is shown that a westward motion of the Easter hot spot at several cm per year relative to Hawaii and Louisville hot spots is a robust result for a large range of model parameters. In order to obtain an appropriate boundary condition for mantle flow near the Easter hot spot and to find out on which plate to expect the Easter hot spot track for a given time, published isochrons were rotated to the past ridge locations in a reference frame that takes the computed motion of Hawaii and Louisville hot spots into account. Calculations that include flow in the mantle and therefore relative movement of hot spots yield a better explanation of the observed age distribution along the Sala y Gomez ridge than assuming hot spot fixity; at the same time they predict a hot spot track on the Nazca plate that is roughly similar to the shape of the Nazca and Sala y Gomez ridges. Furthermore, the Easter hot spot was in an intraplate location on the Nazca plate during the past 43 Ma, somewhat closer to the ridge between ∼43 and 26 Ma than between ∼26 Ma and now. In contrast, if hot spots are assumed fixed, a location close to the ridge and rather on the Pacific plate between ∼43 and 26 Ma is predicted. Based on morphology and gravity signature it is suggested that the Nazca ridge and the eastern Tuamotu Island Plateau were created by plume material that erupted at the East Pacific Rise while the Easter plume was located sufficiently close to enable such an interaction, whereas the Sala y Gomez ridge was formed above the Easter plume in an intraplate setting. This implies that, if hot spots have indeed moved as computed here, during formation of the Nazca ridge (between ∼43 and 26 Ma) plume material erupted at the ridge several 100 km away from the plume, whereas no volcanism occurred directly above the plume. It also implies that any seamounts on the Pacific plate east of the Tuamotu Plateau are unrelated to the Easter plume.