Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic criteria in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Awaji and revised El Escorial diagnostic criteria (rEEC) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods: We conducted a large prospective multicenter study, recruiting 416 patients (253 male, 163 female) between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2015, to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Awaji and rEEC in accordance with standards of reporting of diagnostic accuracy criteria. Results: The sensitivity of the Awaji criteria (57%, 50.0%–63.3%) was higher when compared to rEEC (45%, 38.7%–51.7%, p < 0.001), translating to a 12% gain in sensitivity. The specificity of the both criteria were identical, 99.5%, indicating the number needed to test in order to diagnose one extra case of ALS was 1.8 (1.5–2) for Awaji criteria and 2.4 (2–2.6) for rEEC. The Awaji criteria exhibited a higher sensitivity across subgroups, including bulbar (p < 0.001) and limb-onset (p < 0.001) patients. The inclusion of the possible diagnostic category as a positive finding enhanced sensitivity of the Awaji criteria and rEEC, particularly in early stages of ALS, while maintaining specificity. Conclusion: The present study established a higher sensitivity of Awaji criteria when compared to rEEC, with diagnostic benefits evident in bulbar and limb-onset disease. Inclusion of possible as a positive finding enhanced sensitivity of both criteria, while maintaining specificity, and should be considered in clinical practice and future therapeutic trials. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that the Awaji criteria have a higher sensitivity and the same specificity as the rEEC in identifying patients with ALS.
An orientation alignment problem using only local information

We study an orientation alignment problem using only local information. Due to the absence of a common sense of orientation, orientation alignment problem is distinguished from agreement problem using the information with respect to global coordinate system. A decentralized strategy that achieves convergence to equilibrium points is proposed and analyzed. Under the proposed strategy, final patterns of phase variables are determined from initial values of the states.
A new quill mite Syringophiloidus plocei sp. nov. (Prostigmata: Syringophilidae) parasitizing ploceid birds (Passeriformes) in Gabon - a combined description using morphology and DNA barcoding

A new species of quill mites (Syringophilidae) Syringophiloidus plocei sp. nov. parasitizing Ploceus cucullatus (St. Muller) (type host), P. aurantius (Vieillot) and P. nigerrimus (Vieillot) (Ploceidae: Passeriformes) in Gabon is described using external morphology and DNA barcode data (the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences (COI) and D1–D3 region of the nuclear 28S rRNA gene). Females of S. plocei sp. nov. differ from S. pseudonigritae Glowska, Dragun-Damian and Dabert, 2012 by the length of setae ag3 190–230 (vs 145–160). The genetic distances (K2P) between COI haplotypes of S. plocei sp. nov. individuals (from P. cucullatus, P. nigerrimus and P. aurantius) and S. pseudonigritae ranges from 13.1–13.7%.
A morphometric and ultrastructural study of the microvessels of the functional zone of normal human endometrium with some notions on possible secretory functions of the endothelial cells.

A comparative analysis of microvessel concentration in 24 specimens of normal human endometrium has been carried out in the mid-proliferative (n = 12) and mid-secretory (n = 12) phases of the menstrual cycle, with the finding of a significantly greater vascularity in the mid-secretory phase (25.0+/-12.7 microvessels/sq mm compared with 12.2+/-6.3; mean +/-SD; p<0.005). No significant difference was observed between the 2 phases in measurements of maximum luminal diameter, mean luminal diameter or luminal area, but there was a significantly greater mean diameter at the basement membrane in the proliferative compared with the secretory phase. This indicates that the microvessel diameter was larger in the proliferative phase due to greater height of the endothelial cells, while luminal size remained constant. Mean area (+/-SD) of endothelial cell cytoplasm per transverse microvessel section was 58.5+/-28.6 sq um in the mid-proliferative phase and 44.9+/-26.2 sq um in the mid-secretory phase (p = 0.001). In a detailed ultrastructural study made of all the microvessels seen in 12 specimens of normal endometrium (6 mid-proliferative and 6 mid-secretory), the morphological appearance of the microvessels varied widely, especially with respect to cytoplasmic density and organelle concentration. Three distinct types of endothelial cell junction were observed each of which would impart a different level of cohesion to the vessel. A proposal is put forward that the presence of very weak junctions may be a factor leading to a propensity for excessive menstrual bleeding in some women. Endothelial cells have been shown by others to be highly metabolically active and secretory in nature and it has been assumed that they externalise their products by exocytotic secretory mechanisms. We have described unusual projections from the luminal membranes of human endometrial endothelial cells and free membrane-bound luminal bodies observed in over a quarter of all endometrial microvessels. The function of these projections and bodies is unknown, but their appearances are consistent with the hypothesis that they represent a form of apocrine secretion with release of cytoplasmic material into the microvessel lumen for local and distant use.
A Thermally Responsive PDMS Composite and Its Microfluidic Applications

This paper describes a novel composite actuator for controlled liquid actuation in microsystems which is based on a thermally responsive elastomer. The composite actuator consists of expandable microspheres incorporated in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix and entails the merits of both PDMS and expandable microspheres. The main characteristic of the composite actuator is to expand upon heat. The expansion is irreversible and the relative volume increase is measured up to 270% of its original volume after heating to 80 degC. The composite was used to fabricate single-use microfluidic pumps and valves. We show the displacement of liquids in the range of nanoliters even against counter pressures up to 100 kPa. Moreover, liquid flow in microchannels was entirely blocked by means of the integrated valves. The valves can withstand pressures up to 140 kPa. The devices are fabricated using low-cost materials only, and the composite actuator allows using wafer-level processing. The fluidic components based on the novel composite are highly integrable and do not require external actuators
An Examination of Second Language Education Provision Among U.S. and European Hospitality and Tourism Management Schools

ABSTRACT The research investigated deans’ and directors’ attitudes toward and perceptions of the need for second language education and training in undergraduate hospitality and tourism courses in the United States and Europe and subsequently identified whether any differences exist in curricular programming efforts. The methodology utilized a mixed-methods approach that included (a) a qualitative assessment using content analysis of hospitality curricula from 4-year hospitality institutions and (b) a quantitative analysis of a questionnaire distributed online via the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education member listserv to U.S. and European hospitality and tourism school directors. The results highlight the disparity in approach between U.S. and European schools and emphasize the importance of second language education and training for successful student placement upon graduation. The regional differences suggest a need for a change in approach within the current U.S. educational system as it relates to the issue of 2nd language education and training.
Long-Term Trends in International Migration: Lessons from Macroeconomic Model

Abstract In this paper I develop a stylized model of the world economy and use it to explain the long-run trends in international migration. The model very well fits the trends of the last 40 years which are mainly governed by the evolution of population disparities between industrialized and developing countries. Then I provide migration projections for the 21st century and show that future migration is also governed by socio-demographic changes. I predict a robust increase in immigration pressures from sub-Saharan Africa and MENA countries to European countries.
How Reliable Is the “Scratch Test” Versus the Weber Test After Tympanomastoid Surgery?

Objectives To identify whether the scratch test can be used as an alternative to the Weber’s test after tympanomastoid surgery. Methods This twin-center prospective study assessed major tympanomastoid surgery patients over a 6-month period. Patients were assessed postoperatively on Day 0 or Day 1 of surgery using a standardized proforma. A Weber’s test was performed using a 512-Hz tuning fork, placed midline on the forehead to assess the direction of sound localization. This was directly compared with a scratch test, by asking the patient the following while scratching the head bandage in the midline: “Can you hear this? And which side is loudest? ” Results Fifty-six patients were assessed in total. Sixteen mastoid explorations, 14 tympanoplasties, 18 combined approach tympanoplasties, and 8 other procedures were included, all of which had standard external auditory canal packing and head bandage. Assessment with Weber’s test found 41 patients to have sound lateralizing to the operated ear. In comparison, 50 patients lateralized sound to the operated ear with the scratch test. Overall, Weber’s test had a sensitivity of 73.2% and specificity of 100% compared with a sensitivity of 89.3% and specificity of 100% for the “Scratch Test. ” No patients had a dead ear after surgery. Conclusion The scratch test proved to be more accurate than traditional postoperative tuning fork assessment and provides a quick, accurate, and simple solution for when such equipment is unavailable.
Absence of the RGS9·Gβ5 GTPase-activating Complex in Photoreceptors of the R9AP Knockout Mouse*

Timely termination of the light response in retinal photoreceptors requires rapid inactivation of the G protein transducin. This is achieved through the stimulation of transducin GTPase activity by the complex of the ninth member of the regulator of G protein signaling protein family (RGS9) with type 5 G protein β subunit (Gβ5). RGS9·Gβ5 is anchored to photoreceptor disc membranes by the transmembrane protein, R9AP. In this study, we analyzed visual signaling in the rods of R9AP knockout mice. We found that light responses from R9AP knockout rods were very slow to recover and were indistinguishable from those of RGS9 or Gβ5 knockout rods. This effect was a consequence of the complete absence of any detectable RGS9 from the retinas of R9AP knockout mice. On the other hand, the level of RGS9 mRNA was not affected by the knockout. These data indicate that in photoreceptors R9AP determines the stability of the RGS9·Gβ5 complex, and therefore all three proteins, RGS9, Gβ5, and R9AP, are obligate members of the regulatory complex that speeds the rate at which transducin hydrolyzes GTP.
Shoulder musculature activity and stabilization during upper extremity weight-bearing activities.

BACKGROUND Upper extremity weight-bearing exercises are routinely used in physical therapy for patients with shoulder pathology. However, little evidence exists regarding the demand on the shoulder musculature. OBJECTIVE To examine changes in shoulder muscle activity and center of pressure during upper extremity weight-bearing exercises of increasing difficulty. METHODS Electromyographic (EMG) and kinetic data were recorded from both shoulders of 15 healthy subjects (10 male and 5 female). Participants were tested in a modified tripod position under three conditions of increasing difficulty: (1) hand directly on the force plate, (2) on a green Stability Trainer(™) and (3) on a blue Stability Trainer(™). Ground reaction forces were recorded for each trial. Surface EMG was recorded from the serratus anterior, pectoralis major, upper trapezius, lower trapezius, infraspinatus, anterior deltoid, posterior deltoid, and the lateral head of the triceps muscles. RESULTS Mean deviation from center of pressure significantly increased when using the Stability Trainer(™) pads. The activities of the triceps, serratus anterior, and anterior deltoid muscles significantly increased as each trial progressed, irrespective of stability condition. Additionally, activity in the anterior deltoid, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles significantly decreased with increasing difficulty, whereas activity in the triceps muscles significantly increased. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Balancing on a foam pad made it more difficult to maintain the upper extremity in a stable position. However, this activity did not alter the proprioceptive stimulus enough to elicit an increase in shoulder muscle activation. While the results on this study support the use of different level Stability Trainers(™) to facilitate neuromuscular re-education, a less compliant unstable surface may produce larger training effects.
Internationalization of Chinese SMEs: The Perception of Disadvantages of Foreignness

ABSTRACT The paper aims at extending previous research on the specific barriers experienced by emerging markets-based small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) expanding internationally and the necessary corporate resources and capabilities to support the first stages of their expansion. Framed within resource-based theory (RBV) and liability of foreignness perspectives, the study focuses on four main areas: limited knowledge of external markets, socio-cultural differences, unfamiliarity with foreign contexts and business practices, and limited local business contacts, reliable representatives, and control systems. The data were collected from more than 500 Chinese SMEs and then analyzed using multivariate and stepwise regressions. The research results show that external factors, both at the domestic level and in host markets, ranging from local regulations and distribution facilities to cultural differences and exchange rates, are perceived to be critical for the performance of business expansion. The research provides deep insights on the barriers faced by SMEs from emerging economies when doing business abroad and especially to discriminate among its different sources of liabilities. The results also suggest that the RBV approach is insufficient to analyze the barriers associated with liabilities of foreignness, newness, and outsidership.
Extended hepatectomy using the bipolar tissue sealer: an experimental model of small-for-size syndrome in pigs.

PURPOSE After liver transplantation with a small-for-size liver graft or after extensive hepatectomy for liver malignancies or other non malignant conditions with an insufficient liver volume, the survival of patients depends on liver regeneration. This study was carried out in order to create a new porcine model for the study of small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) after extensive hepatectomy. METHODS In the present study we used 23 domestic Landrace pigs weighing 28.3±3 kg and aged 19-21 weeks. We describe our detailed surgical procedure for 75% partial hepatectomy a in porcine model, using the saline-coupled bipolar sealing device (Aquamantys®) for hepatectomy. RESULTS The Aquamantis 2.3 bipolar sealer was connected to the Aquamantis generator and was adjusted to produce 150 watts at a medium flow rate of 20 ml/min. The device temperature was programmed to remain at approximately 100° C and, as a consequence, it produced a tissue ablation without charring. The mean operating time was 153.8 min and the mean blood loss 81.9 ml. The estimated residual liver weight (ERL) was 177 g, whereas the mean proportion of ERL was 24.5%. There was no perioperative mortality. CONCLUSIONS A large animal model, such as pig, is extremely useful in order to reproduce and understand the SFSS. Our simple technique for successful resection of 75% of the liver in pigs, using the Aquamantys system, achieves effective and safe liver parenchymal transection with significant decrease of intraoperative blood loss and can provide useful information for researchers.
Constrained Presidential Power in Africa? Legislative Independence and Executive Rule-Making in Kenya, 1963-2013

Do institutions constrain presidential power in Africa? Conventional wisdom holds that personalist rule grants African presidents unchecked powers. Consequently, very little research exists on African institutions and their impact on executive authority. In this paper, I use original data on the exercise of presidential authority (issuance of subsidiary legislation) to examine how legislative independence conditions presidential rule-making in Kenya. Exploiting quasi-exogenous changes in legislative independence, I find that Kenyan presidents issue relatively more legal notices under periods of legislative weakness but are constrained from doing so under periods of legislative independence. These findings shed new light on institutional politics in Kenya, and illustrate how executive-legislative relations in the country conform to standard predictions in the literature on unilateral executive action.
In Vivo Detection of Calcium from Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate Dentifrices in Demineralized Human Enamel and Plaque

A series of studies was conducted to clarify the role of DCPD in improving the effects of fluoride in the mouth. We performed plaque fluid studies to see if the use of DCPD dentifrices increases the levels of free Ca2+ ions and the DSenamel in plaque fluid. The results of these studies showed that plaque fluid was undersaturated with respect to DCPD; therefore, DCPD would dissolve in the mouth. The Ca2+ activity in plaque fluid measured 12 hours post-treatment was significantly elevated with the use of DCPD dentifrices in comparison with silica dentifrices. The use of DCPD dentifrices also increased the DSenamel of plaque fluid in comparison with a NaF/silica dentifrice. To determine whether Ca from DCPD could be detected in demineralized enamel and whole plaque after in vivo usage of a DCPD/ fluoride dentifrice, we conducted a 44Ca labeling study. Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) was used to detect and measure changes in 44Ca levels in enamel before and after 6 days of in vivo treatment with a 44DCPD/fluoride dentifrice. The results showed that 44Ca from DCPD was incorporated into enamel and detected in plaque 18 hours post-treatment. The findings from these studies show that brushing with a DCPD dentifrice introduces additional, exogenous Ca into the oral environment, which fosters improved remineralization of teeth in combination with fluoride.
Cranial expression of class 3 secreted semaphorins and their neuropilin receptors

The semaphorin family of chemorepellents and their receptors the neuropilins are implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including axon guidance and cell migration. Semaphorins may bind more than one neuropilin or a heterodimer of both, thus a detailed knowledge of their expression patterns may reveal possible cases of redundancy or mutual antagonism. To assess their involvement in cranial development, we cloned fragments of the chick orthologues of Sema3B and Sema3F. We then carried out mRNA in situ hybridisation of all six class 3 semaphorins and both neuropilins in the embryonic chick head. We present evidence for spatiotemporal regulation of these molecules in the brainstem and developing head, including the eye, ear, and branchial arches. These expression patterns provide a basis for functional analysis of semaphorins and neuropilins in the development of axon projections and the morphogenesis of cranial structures. Developmental Dynamics 228:726–733, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of Dominant and Nondominant Eyes in Binocular Rivalry

Purpose. To investigate the relation between sighting and sensory eye dominance and attempt to quantitatively examine eye dominance using a balance technique based on binocular rivalry. Methods. The durations of exclusive visibility of the dominant and nondominant eye target in binocular rivalry were measured in 14 subjects. The dominant eye was determined by using the hole-in-card test (sighting dominance). In study 1, contrast of the target in one eye was fixed at 100% and contrast of the target in the other eye was varied from 100% to 80% to 60% to 40% to 20%, when using rectangular gratings of 1, 2, and 4 cycles per degree (cpd) at 2°, 4°, and 8° in size. In study 2, contrast of the target in the nondominant eye was fixed at 100% and contrast of the target in the dominant eye was varied from 100% to 80% to 60% to 40% to 20%, when using a rectangular grating of 2 cpd at 4° in size. Results. In study 1, the total duration of exclusive visibilities of the dominant eye target; that is, the target seen by the eye that had sighting dominance was longer compared with that of the nondominant eye target. When using rectangular gratings of 4 cpd, mean total duration of exclusive visibility of the dominant eye target was statistically longer than that of the nondominant eye target (p < 0.05). In study 2, reversals (in which duration of exclusive visibility of the nondominant eye becomes longer than the dominant eye when the contrast of the dominant eye target is decreased) were observed for all contrasts except for 100%. Conclusions. The dominant sighting eye identified by the hole-in-card test coincided with the dominant eye as determined by binocular rivalry. The contrast at which reversal occurs indicates the balance point of dominance and seems to be a useful quantitative indicator of eye dominance to clinical applications.
The association between obesity and self‐reported sinus infection in non‐smoking adults: a cross‐sectional study

The aim of this article was to examine the associations between having had a sinus infection (SI) and BMI and physical activity (PA), diet quality, stress and/or sleep. A total of 2915 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006 were examined. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between having had an SI with BMI and PA, diet quality, stress or sleep. As these factors are known to influence one another, a fully adjusted model with PA, diet quality, stress and sleep was also constructed to examine their independent associations with having had an SI. Overall, 15.5 ± 1.2% of the population report having had an SI in the past year. In all models, individuals with obesity were approximately twice as likely to have had an SI compared to those of normal weight (P < 0.05). While PA and diet quality were not significantly associated with having had an SI (P > 0.05), individuals with stress and sleep troubles were also twice as likely to have had an SI (P < 0.05) independent of BMI. In the fully adjusted model, only the associations for BMI and sleep troubles remained significant (P < 0.05). Results from this study suggest that obesity and sleep troubles, but not PA, quality of diet and stress, are associated with having had an SI. As interactions exist between obesity, immune system factors and exposure to infectious disease(s), more research is necessary to understand the directionality of these relationships.