Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of upper airway surgery on CPAP compliance in difficult-to-manage obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE To study the role of adjunctive upper airway surgery in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who were poorly compliant with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. DESIGN Retrospective study of obese patients with OSA and documented poor CPAP compliance who underwent noncurative upper airway surgery for anatomical obstruction. Data collected included polysomnogram (PSG) parameters, CPAP settings and compliance, and surgical complications. SETTING An urban academic county hospital with an 8-bed sleep laboratory. Data were collected retrospectively from 2002 through 2005. PATIENTS Subjects who met the following criteria: (1) documented OSA (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] > or =5.0) treated with CPAP therapy, (2) poor CPAP compliance (<4 hours per night), (3) subjected to upper airway surgery, (4) repeated PSG after surgery revealed persistent OSA (AHI > or = 5) requiring continued treatment with CPAP, and (5) availability of presurgery and postsurgery CPAP compliance data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Compliance with CPAP. RESULTS Data from 11 patients were available for analysis. Their PSG parameters revealed the mean AHI (79.0 before surgery vs 30.2 after surgery; P < .001) and mean CPAP pressure setting (11.8 cm H(2)O before surgery vs 10.4 cm H(2)O after surgery; P = . 09) improved following surgery. A mean increase of 48.6 minutes in CPAP compliance was noted after surgery (P = .03). Eight of the 11 patients improved their CPAP compliance following surgical intervention, including 5 who improved by more than 1 hour. CONCLUSION Upper airway surgery in select patients with OSA may improve CPAP compliance and should be considered as a potential adjunctive therapeutic measure in poorly compliant patients with OSA.
Development of a 100 kVA SiC inverter with high overload capability of 300 kVA

High overload inverters were developed by using SiC devices for the first time, although its realization by using Si devices had been difficult because of Si's low maximum Tj. The newly developed 100 kVA overload SiC inverter provides an overload capability rate of 200 % and can supply 300 kVA for up to 3 seconds. Moreover, the volume was downsized to 1/7.5 of the previous inverter and the 150 hour continuous inverter operation test at 110 kVA was performed successfully.
Purification and characterization of trypsin inhibitor from Cicer arietinum L. and its efficacy against Helicoverpa armigera

Protease inhibitors in legumes are one of the most promising weapons that confer resistance against insects by inhibiting proteases present in the gut of insect larvae. In the present study, trypsin inhibitor activity was detected in the seed flour extracts of 10 selected varieties of chickpea. The presence of inhibitor was confirmed by dot blot analysis. All the varieties showed inhibitory activity in vitro against the gut protease of Helicoverpa armigera (HGP). Trypsin inhibitor has been purified to near homogeneity to 60.46 fold and 29.20% recovery from chickpea seeds using heat denaturation, ammonium sulphate fractionation, DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Sephadex G-75. The purified inhibitor showed a single band on SDS-PAGE corresponding to molecular mass of 30,000 Da. The purified inhibitor was active over a wide pH range although it retained maximum activity between pH 6 and 10. The inhibitor protein was stable up to 80°C but retained only 40% of activity when heated at 100°C for 20 min. The inhibitor lost its activity completely at 121°C. The chickpea trypsin inhibitor exhibited inhibitory activity against Helicoverpa armigera both in vitro and in vivo. In insect bioassay, a progressive decline in larval weight, growth and survival as well as temporal extension of larval growth was observed after feeding H. armigera larvae on diet supplemented with increasing concentrations of chickpea trypsin inhibitor. The adult emergence was also adversely affected by the inhibitor. It may be concluded that chickpea trypsin inhibitor has insecticidal potential against H. armigera.
Non-assistance à trésor en danger. À propos des archives sonores de Bagdad. Un témoignage

Cet article presente un temoignage historique sur le sort du Centre de musique traditionnelle de Bagdad (markaz al-turath al-mosiki), fonde par l’auteur en 1971. Pendant presque sept ans, cette institution a reuni des milliers d’heures d’enregistrements sonores, assortis de documents ecrits et photographiques, provenant aussi bien des collectes sur le terrain que de copies des archives de la radio et de certaines archives privees. En 1977, le Centre fut annexe par le Departement de la musique et fut renomme « Centre international de musique traditionnelle ». En 2003, lors de l’invasion de l’Irak par les USA, le Centre a ete partiellement detruit par les bombardements, sans qu’aucune mention n’apparaisse dans la presse et les registres de la guerre. En l’absence de soutiens officiels, sa reconstitution reste aujourd’hui a faire…
Determinants of user behaviour and recommendation in social networks: An integrative approach from the uses and gratifications perspective

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the determinants of social network use behaviour using Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Uses and Gratifications Theory. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative study was carried out with data gathered by personal interview using a structured questionnaire. Relationships proposed in the theoretical model were estimated through structural equation models. In total, 811 users of social networks over 14 and residents in Spain were part of the sample. Findings – Results indicate that use attitude and the subjective norm, both TPB variables, directly and significantly influence social network loyalty. Thus, network loyalty can be achieved if the individual shows a favourable attitude towards use and receives positive feed-back (comments, opinions, etc.) from friends, acquaintances and other individuals in their environment. Perceived control has no influence on social network loyalty. Finally, this research highlights the importance of socialisation an.
High-resolution K-shell photoabsorption measurements of simple molecules.

{ital K}-shell photoabsorption spectra of CO, {sup 13}C{sup 18}O, NO, O{sub 2}, CO{sub 2}, N{sub 2}O, C{sub 2}H{sub 2}, C{sub 2}D{sub 2}, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, C{sub 2}D{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 6}, C{sub 2}D{sub 6} measured with unprecedented energy resolution and signal-to-noise ratio are presented. These spectra reveal many new features in core-excited valence and Rydberg states. Detailed vibrational structures are observed in these spectra, providing valuable information on the geometrical and vibrational properties of the core-excited molecules. In addition, C 1{ital s} and N 1{ital s} core-hole lifetimes are found to be {similar to}120 and {similar to}135 meV in these molecules with little dependence on their bonding environments. These results and the tentative peak assignments are discussed briefly in terms of the equivalent core model, multielectron excitations, exchange interactions, and the geometry of the excited molecules.
Good Maintenance of Exercise‐Induced Bone Gain with Decreased Training of Female Tennis and Squash Players: A Prospective 5‐Year Follow‐Up Study of Young and Old Starters and Controls

This prospective 5‐year follow‐up study of 64 adult female racquet sports players and 27 controls assessed the changes in the playing‐to‐nonplaying arm bone mineral content (BMC) differences to answer three questions: (1) Are training‐induced bone gains lost with decreased training? (2) Is the bone response to decreased training different if the playing career has been started before or at puberty rather than after it? (3) Are the possible bone changes related to the changes in training? The players were divided into two groups according to the starting age of their tennis or squash playing. The mean starting age was 10.5 years (SD, 2.2) among the players who had started training before or at menarche (young starters; n = 36) while 26.4 years (SD, 8.0) among those players who had begun training a minimum of 1 year after menarche (old starters; n = 28). At baseline of the 5‐year follow‐up, the mean age of the young starters was 21.6 years (SD, 7.6) and that of old starters was 39.4 years (SD, 10.5). During the follow‐up, the young starters had reduced the average training frequency from 4.7 times a week (2.7) to 1.4 times a week (1.3) and the old starters from 4.0 times a week (1.4) to 2.0 times a week (1.4), respectively. The 5‐year follow‐up revealed that despite reduced training the exercise‐induced bone gain was well maintained in both groups of players regardless of their clearly different starting age of activity and different amount of exercise‐induced bone gain. The gain was still 1.3–2.2 times greater in favor of the young starters (at the follow‐up, the dominant‐to‐nondominant arm BMC difference was 22% [8.4] in the humeral shaft of the young starters versus 10% [3.8] in the old starters, and 3.5% [2.4] in controls). In the players, changes in training were only weakly related to changes in the side‐to‐side BMC difference (rs = 0.05–0.34, all NS), and this was true even among the players who had stopped training completely a minimum 1 year before the follow‐up. In conclusion, if controlled interventions will confirm our findings that an exercise‐induced bone gain can be well maintained with decreased activity and that the maintenance of the bone gain is independent of the starting age of activity, exercise can be recommended for preventing osteoporosis and related fractures.
Induction of ResDE-Dependent Gene Expression in Bacillus subtilis in Response to Nitric Oxide and Nitrosative Stress

ABSTRACT Transcription of ResDE-controlled genes in Bacillus subtilis was induced by sodium nitroprusside and nitric oxide. This induction requires the sensor kinase ResE and the response regulator ResD. Among members of the ResDE regulon, only the flavohemoglobin gene was induced by nitrosative stress via both a ResDE-dependent mechanism and an unidentified ResDE-independent mechanism.
A Saudi Gastroenterology Association Position Statement on the Use of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alfa Antagonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The objective of this position statement from the Saudi Gastroenterology Association is to guide gastroenterologists on the use of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) antagonists for the treatment of the idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. In this article, we summarize the relevant literature regarding the safety and efficacy of TNF-α antagonists, highlight relevant safety concerns specific to the environment in Saudi Arabia, and provide specific recommendations for the use of these agents.
Certification and Career Success: A LEADS Project.

This study examines the relationship between certification examination test results and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) career success. The sample was drawn from the Longitudinal Emergency Medical Technician Attributes and Demographics Study (LEADS). LEADS participants were matched with National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) certification testing data: (1) exam scores for each attempt until passing the exam, and (2) total number of attempts to pass the exam. Career success was measured both objectively and subjectively.
Object identification and manipulation using silhouette moments

Abstract : The theory of silhouette moments are presented along with results for classifying clean and noisy images. Noise reduction by image averaging is examined comparatively in image and moment spaces. Results are presented for classifications using subsets of the complete moment set. An inverse moment transform procedure is developed and demonstrated. Keywords include: Shape analysis; moments; Fourier descriptors; pattern recognition; noise reduction; FLIR imagery; silhouette imagery; inverse moment transform; Legendre moments; image averaging; moment subset classification; six airplane experiment; aspect ratio normalization; variance balancing.
Prediction of Outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury with Computed Tomographic Characteristics: A Comparison between the Computed Tomographic Classification and Combinations of Computed Tomographic Predictors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The Marshall computed tomographic (CT) classification identifies six groups of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), based on morphological abnormalities on the CT scan. This classification is increasingly used as a predictor of outcome. We aimed to examine the predictive value of the Marshall CT classification in comparison with alternative CT models. METHODS: The predictive value was investigated in the Tirilazad trials (n = 2269). Alternative models were developed with logistic regression analysis and recursive partitioning. Six month mortality was used as outcome measure. Internal validity was assessed with bootstrapping techniques and expressed as the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC). RESULTS: The Marshall CT classification indicated reasonable discrimination (AUC = 0.67), which could be improved by rearranging the underlying individual CT characteristics (AUC = 0.71). Performance could be further increased by adding intraventricular and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage and by a more detailed differentiation of mass lesions and basal cisterns (AUC = 0.77). Models developed with logistic regression analysis and recursive partitioning showed similar performance. For clinical application we propose a simple CT score, which permits a more clear differentiation of prognostic risk, particularly in patients with mass lesions. CONCLUSION: It is preferable to use combinations of individual CT predictors rather than the Marshall CT classification for prognostic purposes in TBI. Such models should include at least the following parameters: status of basal cisterns, shift, traumatic subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage, and presence of different types of mass lesions.
A field (researcher's) guide to cortisol: tracking HPA axis functioning in everyday life

Abstract Researchers have been incorporating ambulatory cortisol sampling into studies of everyday life for over a decade. Such work provides an important supplement to acute laboratory stress paradigms and provides a novel perspective on the interrelationships between stress, psychological resources, and health. However, the results of many field studies have been inconclusive and more studies have been undertaken than published. We describe some of the challenges facing naturalistic cortisol researchers, including lack of power, methodological and analytical problems, and patterns of confusing or conflictual results. We then summarize key findings of published naturalistic cortisol studies to date, grouped by type of cortisol outcome (morning awakening response, diurnal slope, area under the curve, and associations between momentary experiences and cortisol). We propose research questions relevant to everyday stress researchers and suggest next steps for researchers who are interested in incorporating naturalistic cortisol sampling into future studies.
Nonlinear mushy-layer convection with chimneys: stability and optimal solute fluxes

Abstract We model buoyancy-driven convection with chimneys – channels of zero solid fraction – in a mushy layer formed during directional solidification of a binary alloy in two dimensions. A large suite of numerical simulations is combined with scaling analysis in order to study the parametric dependence of the flow. Stability boundaries are calculated for states of finite-amplitude convection with chimneys, which for a narrow domain can be interpreted in terms of a modified Rayleigh number criterion based on the domain width and mushy-layer permeability. For solidification in a wide domain with multiple chimneys, it has previously been hypothesized that the chimney spacing will adjust to optimize the rate of removal of potential energy from the system. For a wide variety of initial liquid concentration conditions, we consider the detailed flow structure in this optimal state and derive scaling laws for how the flow evolves as the strength of convection increases. For moderate mushy-layer Rayleigh numbers these flow properties support a solute flux that increases linearly with Rayleigh number. This behaviour does not persist indefinitely, however, with porosity-dependent flow saturation resulting in sublinear growth of the solute flux for sufficiently large Rayleigh numbers. Finally, we consider the influence of the porosity dependence of permeability, with a cubic function and a Carman–Kozeny permeability yielding qualitatively similar system dynamics and flow profiles for the optimal states.
Loop based design for wafer scale systems

This paper presents a loop based design scheme suitable for wafer scale systems and introduces a variant of the basic reconfiguration algorithm. The underlying topology has been extended to a nonplanar graph of vertex degree five. The yield for this system is higher than that of a planar graph of vertex degree six and requires less hardware for its implementation. Several comparisons among various topologies and reconfiguration algorithms are made within the context of percolation models. >
Model of web-based supply chain management system for salt industry

The salt industry finds it difficult to meet the high demand because of the difficulty to predict and meet the needs of raw materials, and also to allocate products. Supply Chain Management (SCM) system can overcome these problems, but the existing SCM is not yet in accordance with business processes for the salt industry. This research intended to create a model of web-based supply chain management (e-SCM) for Salt Industry. The data were gathered through interviews, questionnaires, and literature review. The analysis and design of the system used the Object Oriented Analysis & Design (OOAD) method which refers to Unified Process and using Unified Modeling Language (UML) notation. The analysis method is applied while the business is being operated and is based on the needs of the industry. The result of this research was an e-SCM system model that is intended to support operational activities for salt industry.
The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Thrombin Generation Assessed by the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram

Observational and in vitro studies suggest that vitamin D may have antithrombotic activity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between vitamin D supplementation and thrombin generation. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and thrombin generation parameters were measured in 73 healthy volunteers. Participants with serum 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L (n = 53) were treated with vitamin D3 and tested for 25(OH)D and thrombin generation at the end of treatment. Lag time and time to peak decreased after treatment by a mean of −0.49 ± 0.51 minute (P < .001) and −0.76 ± 0.70 minute (P < .001), respectively, whereas endogenous thrombin potential and peak height increased after treatment by a mean of 170.1 ± 339.8 nmol/L minute (P = .001) and 34.2 ± 47.8 nmol/L (P < .001), respectively. Treatment with vitamin D supplementation seems to have prothrombotic effect in patients with vitamin D insufficiency. These findings should be interpreted with caution and need to be replicated in future studies.
Medication-associated Depersonalization Symptoms: Report of Transient Depersonalization Symptoms Induced by Minocycline

Patients with depersonalization disorder experience episodes in which they have a feeling of detachment from themselves. Symptoms of depersonalization may occur in individuals who have other mental disorders, or who have various medical conditions, or who have taken certain medications. A woman developed depersonalization symptoms after initiation of minocycline therapy. Her symptoms ceased after treatment was stopped and recurred when she restarted the drug. Medications that have been associated with causing symptoms of depersonalization are presented and the postulated pathogenesis by which some of these drugs induced depersonalization symptoms is discussed. Medication-associated depersonalization symptoms typically resolve once the inducing drug has been withdrawn.
A Medical Information System to Manage a Cancer Database

Cancer is the second main cause of death in Brazil, and according to statistics disclosed by INCA – National Cancer Institute 466,730 new cases of the disease are forecast for 2008. The storage and analysis of tumour tissues of various types and patients' clinical data, genetic profiles, characteristics of diseases and epidemiological data may provide more precise diagnoses, providing more effective treatments with higher chances for the cure of cancer. In this paper we present a Web system with a client-server architecture, which manages a relational database containing all information relating to the tumour tissue and their location in freezers, patients, medical forms, physicians, users, and others. Furthermore, it is also discussed the software engineering used to developing the system.
A CLUSTER FOR CLUSTERS: HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING FOR MOLECULAR DYNAMICS OF LARGE RARE-GAS ATOMIC CLUSTERS

A rare-gas atomic cluster in the size range of 10-200 atoms can be prepared in either a liquid or solid state, an effect clearly seen in computer simulations and also to some extent in experiments. Larger clusters have not been studied in detail, especially the liquid state. Larger clusters prepared computationally initially in a liquid state seem to show a spontaneous, sharp transition to the solid. To study this effect in detail, one must be able to efficiently simulate the dynamics of clusters with thousands or tens of thousands of atoms. In order to meet these demands, high performance computing solutions and methods of improving and parallelizing the molecular dynamics program were investigated. A rack-mounted four node dual-processor cluster running the Clustermatic software package (developed at Los Alamos Labs) was designed to meet the high processing demands. This cluster has achieved a performance of 21.5 Gi gaFLOPS during initial testing using HPL, a benchmark based on matrix calculations. The molecular dynamics program was parallelized using MPI (message passing interface). We have run clusters up to 10,000 atoms, seeing a roughly 7.7 factor speed increase, with results confirming the presence of the spontaneous transition from liquid to solid, which now appears to be ubiquitous for large clusters.
Numerical Study of the Oregonator Models on the Basis of the Two-Phase Rozenbrock's Method with Complex Coefficients

Chemical transformations typically occur according to multiphase schemes. Changes in the concentrations of the starting materials and intermediates with time are not always described with increasing or decreasing functions. A detailed study of a complex process kinetics showed that at the presence of feedback far from equilibrium there may occur vibrational modes - periodic increase or decrease in the concentration of one of the components in time. In a numerical study of oscillating reactions there appears a problem in solving a rigid system of typical differential equations. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm and a program to solve the direct kinetic problem and to investigate multicomponent chemical systems with complex nonlinear dynamics.