Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracheobronchopathia Osteochondroplastica - Case Report

Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TO) is a rare and usually benign disorder affecting the trachea and occasionally the bronchi. The authors described a case of 42−year−old man who was diagnosed to have TO by chance because of difficult intubation preceding cholecystectomy. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed a characteris− tic picture of TO: multiple whitish, irregularly shaped nodules in the walls of the trachea and the main right bronchus excepts in the pars membranacea. CT−scan revealed a moderate narrowing of the trachea with a irregu− larity of the walls related to the presence of nodules containing calcium deposits. Despite macroscopic changes lung function tests were within normal limits. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of TO and the immunocytochemical analysis of a dysplastic epithelium did not reveal the overexpression of cancer molecular markers. The case presented here demonstrates that even progressive TO may remain asymptomatic (Adv Clin Exp Med 2005, 14, 6, 1327–1330).
Review of Input and Output Policies for Cereals Production in Pakistan

The marketing of farm inputs and outputs has become a major problem for farmers in Pakistan. Farm input supplies are irregular, characterized by shortages and high prices at critical times. This report reviews the input and output policies for cereals implemented in Pakistan during the period 1996â€“2010. Pakistan has a long and varied history of intervening in farm input and output markets, going back decades before the period under review. Most significantly, in the wake of economic reforms launched during the 1980s, it has withdrawn from most of the commodity markets except wheat. In other commodity markets, intervention is by and large notional and without much practical involvement. The rolling back of the public sector from markets has certainly saved public funds, but the savings have come at a cost. Some of the cost, in terms of higher prices and variability stemming from the uncertain economic environment and supply, is borne by consumers, and some, in terms of lower producer prices at harvest, is borne by farmers, especially small and medium farmers, whose farms account for more than 50 percent of the area under cereals.
Firm size and compliance costs asymmetries in the investment services

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to find out how effectively implemented are measuring approaches to compliance and whether there is a correlation between the measures implementation, financial specialisation and international activity. The authors evaluate if the regulatory framework implies a measure cost asymmetry, depending both on the proportionality principle and on the existence of different supervisors with an heterogeneous set of enforcement rules. Design/methodology/approach - The analysis is based on a survey involving 84 financial firms (banks, investment companies and insurance companies). Two criteria have been used to interpret the results: the prevailing workability within international and domestic intermediaries; the intermediary typology, creating a distinction between banks other financial intermediaries (FIs) and insurance companies. Findings - Italian financial firms are sensitive to minimise sanctions, but the reputational impact is becoming more important. International firms are more sophisticated than domestic ones for their ability to measure both the probability of non-compliance events and their severity. Banks show the highest attitude to adopt insurance or financial contracts to minimise the negative impact of non-compliant behaviours. Small FIs are late in measuring the exposure and losses due to non-compliance actions. Originality/value - Four years after the Basel Document on compliance, a large percentage of firms is still managing the process within a function with different purposes; nevertheless, reputational impact has become more important. Small intermediaries show a lower attitude to implement a risk management approach, with a capital management sensitivity. This finding addresses the question about the existence of size effect which could reduce the compliance attitude.
Is there a relationship between peak-signal-to-noise ratio and structural similarity index measure?

In this study, the authors analyse two well-known image quality metrics, peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) as well as structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and the authors derive an analytical relationship between them which works for some kinds of common image degradations such as Gaussian blur, additive Gaussian noise, Jpeg and Jpeg2000 compressions. The analytical relationship brings more clarity on the interpretation of PSNR and SSIM values, explains some differences found between these quality measures in the literature and confirms some experimental observations regarding these measures. A series of tests realised on images from the Kodak database give a better understanding of the performance of SSIM and PSNR in assessing image quality.
Does Oral Health Promotion Influence the Oral Hygiene and Gingival Health of Patients Undergoing Fixed Appliance Orthodontic Treatment? A Systematic Literature Review

Objective To determine the effectiveness of orthodontic oral health promotion (OHP) upon gingival health. Data sources The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL (January 2005)], MEDLINE [OVID and PubMed platforms (1966 to May 2005)] and EMBASE (1966 to May 2005) were searched. A grey literature search was also conducted. Data selection Of the 218 studies identified, 37 were retrieved for detailed examination. Methodological quality was determined using a checklist and inter-rater reliability was calculated using the unweighted kappa statistic. Six randomised (RCT) and quasi-randomised controlled clinical trails (CCT) met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction Categorical data about the effect of oral health promotion on dental plaque levels and/or gingival bleeding were independently collected from the four RCTs and two CCTs by two reviewers using a data extraction proforma. Data synthesis Positive effects on plaque and/or gingival health were produced in only four of the included trials. OHP resulted in no difference being detected in two of the included trials. None of the trials that were included produced a negative effect of orthodontic oral health promotion on oral hygiene and gingival health. Direct comparison between the trials was difficult due to the heterogeneity in the outcome measures between the included studies. Conclusions • An OHP programme for patients undergoing fixed appliance orthodontic treatment produces a short-term reduction (up to 5 months) in plaque and improvement in gingival health • No particular OHP method produces a greater short term benefit to periodontal health during fixed appliance orthodontic treatment • Further studies using appropriate methods and in particular longer follow up periods are required
Calcium-induced Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Gene Expression Is Differentially Regulated by ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in Oral Keratinocytes and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma*

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play an important role in the invasive behavior of a number of cancers including oral squamous cell cancer (OSCC), and increased expression of MMP-9 is correlated with invasive and metastatic OSCC. Because calcium is an important regulator of keratinocyte function, the effect of modulating extracellular calcium on MMP-9 expression in OSCC cell lines was evaluated. Increasing extracellular calcium induced a dose-dependent increase in MMP-9 expression in immortalized normal and premalignant oral keratinocytes, but not in two highly invasive OSCC cell lines. Differential activation of MAPK signaling was also induced by calcium. p38 MAPK activity was down-regulated, whereas ERK1/2 activity was enhanced. Pharmacologic inhibition of p38 MAPK activity or expression of a catalytically inactive mutant of the upstream kinase MAPK kinase 3 (MKK3) increased the calcium induced MMP-9 gene expression, demonstrating that p38 MAPK activity negatively regulated this process. Interestingly blocking p38 MAPK activity enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting reciprocal regulation between the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways. Together these data support a model wherein calcium-induced MMP-9 expression is differentially regulated by the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways in oral keratinocytes, and the data suggest that a loss of this regulatory mechanism accompanies malignant transformation of the oral epithelium.
Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

Eighty-one patients and relatives with Tourette's syndrome, members of 21 selected families, participated in a 1-day clinic. In 12 of the 13 Jewish families and six of the eight non-Jewish families, there were multiple members with motor and vocal tics by observation or history. Males predominated among those with persistent symptoms, but among those with spontaneous clearing, females predominated. Twelve propositi had troublesome sexual and aggressive impulses, differing only quantitatively from normal. No evidence of abnormality was found in plasma dopamine beta hydroxylase, or norepinephrine levels.
Peripheral neuropathy in cats with inherited primary hyperchylomicronaemia

Primary hyperlipoproteinaemia (hyperchylomicronaemia) with a slight increase in very low density lipoprotein) is described in 20 cats. Fasting hyperlipaemia, lipaemia retinalis and peripheral neuropathies were the most frequently detected clinical signs. The disease is thought to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait but the exact mode of inheritance has not been determined. Affected cats showed reduced lipoprotein lipase activity measured after heparin activation compared with the response in normal cats. Plasma triglyceride and cholesterol were increased in all the cats with the major proportion of triglyceride and cholesterol being present in chylomicrons. The peripheral nerve lesions were caused by compression of nerves by lipid granulomata. It is probable that the lipid granulomata result from trauma because the nerves most often affected were at sites like the spinal foraminae where they were susceptible to trauma.
Demography-driven suburban decline? At the crossroads: mature single-family housing estates in Germany

Germany is one of the Western countries in which the impact of the second demographic transition is most apparent. Among many other effects on socioeconomic systems, demographic shrinkage will seriously challenge the housing market. Recent studies hypothesize that a demography-induced fall in demand could hit not only multi-storey residential buildings but also single-family housing estates. As yet, these claims are not based on convincing empirical evidence. Against this background, this paper aims to address the future perspectives of single-family homes based on 29 case studies and a mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative design. Although the analysed housing estates are still fully occupied, several local policy-makers and real estate experts report on market changes, with pressures on housing prices and a long-term risk of housing vacancies. Finally, the paper presents a framework of strategic action, comprising a range of measures that local authorities can take.
Genetic differentiation across a latitudinal gradient in two co‐occurring butterfly species: revealing population differences in a context of climate change

Genetic differentiation within a species’ range is determined by natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. Selection and drift enhance genetic differences if populations are sufficiently isolated, while gene flow precludes differentiation and local adaptation. Over large geographical areas, these processes can create a variety of scenarios, ranging from admixture to a high degree of population differentiation. Genetic differences among populations may signal functional differences within a species’ range, potentially leading to population or ecotype‐specific responses to global change. We investigated differentiation within the geographical range of two butterfly species along a broad latitudinal gradient. This gradient is the primary axis of climatic variation, and many ecologists expect populations at the poleward edge of this gradient to expand under climate change. Our study species inhabit a shared ecosystem and differ in body size and resource specialization; both also find their poleward range limit on an island. We find evidence for divergence of peripheral populations from the core in both taxa, suggesting the potential for genetic distinctiveness at the leading edge of climate change. We also find differences between the species in the extent of peripheral differentiation with the smaller and more specialized species showing greater population divergence (microsatellites and mtDNA) and reduced gene flow (mtDNA). Finally, gene flow estimates in both species differed strongly between two marker types. These findings suggest caution in assuming that populations are invariant across latitude and thus will respond as a single ecotype to climatic change.
The Intergenerational Overlap and Human Capital Formation

A new microeconomic explanation for the divergent experiences of economies in forming human capital is proposed. It is suggested that the positive effect of a longer life expectancy on human capital formation arises from two separate effects: a life-expectancy effect and a prolonged intergenerational overlap effect. It is argued that the duration of the overlap between generations and the associated parental support can affect the marginal cost of human capital formation and hence its level: parental support is cheaper than market financing. The strong correlation between the formation of human capital and life expectancy is thus attributed not merely to a higher marginal benefit arising from a longer payback period but also to a lower marginal cost arising from a prolonged intergenerational overlap. Conditions are provided under which a longer overlap results in a higher level of per capita output.
DISS-X: Use of two MAC protocols with DISSense for low Power consumption and emergency event detection

This paper aims at presenting DISS-X, a modified version of DISSense[1] (An adaptive ultra-low power communication protocol for Wireless sensor networks (WSN's)) that uses two Medium Access Control protocols, namely CSMA/CA and XMAC one after the other. It aims at catering the applications related to physical environment monitoring in the Building Management Industry. DISS-X is similar to DISSense with the fact that it provides both the data accumulation and data dissemination services. The qualities of DISSENSE like adaptable active cycle period for reducing the overall duty cycle and reliable data delivery to the sink have been maintained. This paper aims at modifying the medium access methodology of DISSense by replacing CSMA/CA MAC with X-MAC[2] (a periodic preamble based approach) during the Data Collection Interval of active period of DISSense. Also, other drawbacks of DISSense like: i) lack of capability for critical applications like safety and security and ii) the problem of being lesser flexible in context of the active period for parent and child nodes have been addressed and an attempt to find a feasible solution for the same has been made in DISS-X.
Notice of RetractionProtein sensor for the waste dialysate material

In hemodialysis process some time the protein leaks out through dialysis membrane. This protein enters in waste dialysate material. The following research focuses a protein sensor system which can be placed in dialysis machine to monitor the protein leakage in dialysate material. The sensor consists of electrodes system and micropump. The micropump carries the dialysate material towards the electrodes and electrodes sense the presence of protein in dialysate material. The protein sensor is made of three sensing electrodes, including a counter electrode, working electrode, and reference electrode. The principle of the proposed sensor is the variation in the electric current between the working electrode and the reference electrode. When protein is absorbed on to the working electrode it reduces the conducting area, as a result resistance increases and current decreases between reference electrode and working electrode. This change of current is used for the measurement of the concentration of protein in the waste dialysate material.
Genetic variants of the P-glycoprotein gene Abcb1b modulate opioid-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance and dependence

Objective Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a state of paradoxically increased nociceptive sensitivity seen in both humans and rodents following the resolution of the acute opioid antinociceptive effects or during periods of chronic opioid administration. Using the power of genetic analysis, we hoped to discover novel mechanisms modulating this trait. Basic methods The degree of opioid-induced hyperalgesia displayed in response to a thermal stimulus applied to the hind paw was measured in 16 strains of inbred mice after 4 days of morphine administration. The degree of thermal sensitization was then used in a recently developed in silico haplotypic mapping algorithm along with a haplotypic map constructed from a database containing 209 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Main results Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of several haplotype blocks strongly associated with the thermal opioid-induced hyperalgesia trait. The most strongly associated block was located within the Abcb1b P-glycoprotein drug transporter gene. Experiments using the P-glycoprotein inhibitor cyclosporine A and P-glycoprotein null mutant mice supported the hypothesis that a functional association exists between P-glycoprotein transporters and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The observation of a correlation between morphine brain concentrations and the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia was consistent with this hypothesis as well. In addition, P-glycoprotein gene deletion and pharmacological inhibition altered morphine ED50, tolerance and physical dependence. Conclusions We conclude that the use of haplotypic mapping to identify novel mechanisms controlling complex traits is a viable approach. Variants of the Abcb1b gene may explain some portion of the interstrain differences in OIH and perhaps other consequences of chronic opioid administration.
Human Milk Warming Temperatures Using a Simulation of Currently Available Storage and Warming Methods

Human milk handling guidelines are very demanding, based upon solid scientific evidence that handling methods can make a real difference in infant health and nutrition. Indeed, properly stored milk maintains many of its unique qualities and continues to be the second and third best infant feeding alternatives, much superior to artificial feeding. Container type and shape, mode of steering, amount of air exposure and storage temperature may adversely affect milk stability and composition. Heating above physiological temperatures significantly impacts nutritional and immunological properties of milk. In spite of this knowledge, there are no strict guidelines regarding milk warming. Human milk is often heated in electrical-based bottle warmers that can exceed 80°C, a temperature at which many beneficial human milk properties disappear. High temperatures can also induce fat profile variations as compared with fresh human milk. In this manuscript we estimate the amount of damage due to overheating during warming using a heat flow simulation of a regular water based bottle warmer. To do so, we carried out a series of warming simulations which provided us with dynamic temperature fields within bottled milk. We simulated the use of a hot water-bath at 80°C to heat bottled refrigerated milk (60ml and 178 ml) to demonstrate that large milk portions are overheated (above 40°C). It seems that the contemporary storage method (upright feeding tool, i.e. bottle) and bottle warming device, are not optimize to preserve the unique properties of human milk. Health workers and parents should be aware of this problem especially when it relates to sick neonates and preemies that cannot be directly fed at the breast.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL CAPITAL ON THE OPPORTUNITY RECOGNITION PROCESS

The study hypothesizes that social capital of entrepreneurs enhances their opportunity recognition process. The study investigated metal- and ICT-ventures established in 1998 in three different regions of Finland. The results showed that entrepreneurs when recognizing opportunities have (1) active social interaction to acquire knowledge, to forecast future trends, and to evaluate information and decisions, (2) personal contacts to acquire knowledge and to analyze markets, and (3) cognitively committed relationships to evaluate and understand the information and to enact proactively future trends.
Urbanization and Socioeconomic Metabolism in Taipei

The analysis of socioeconomic metabolism has largely been dominated by quantification of material flows on a mass basis. This neglects the energetic dimensions of the urban metabolism and makes analysis that integrates material and energy flows difficult. The present research applies Odum's emergy concept to integrate energy and material flows for the study of the socioeconomic metabolism of the Taipei area. We also take into consideration the urban sprawl in the Taipei area to study its relationship to the change of socioeconomic metabolism. We interpret SPOT satellite images from 1992 and 2002 to provide a deeper understanding of the whole urban system; results show that Taipei's urban areas increased in size during the past decades. Emergy‐based indicators show decreasing empower densities (total emergy use per area) of undeveloped and agricultural areas, whereas the empower density of urban areas has increased, which signals a convergence of resource flows toward urban areas. Such an increase of empower density is mainly due to fossil fuel use and translates into increased environmental loading and decreased sustainability. An analysis of the relationship between urbanization and socioeconomic metabolism indicates that changes in land use affect the characteristics of socioeconomic metabolism in Taipei. The effects of urban sprawl on Taipei's urban sustainability are also discussed.
Driving Forces behind Exiting from Farming in Western Europe

This study examines the exit process of Western European farmers. Using a simple theoretical model of structural change, we examine empirically the impact of farm characteristics, macroeconomic conditions and policy intervention on farm exits during the 1990s. Econometric estimates using regional data for 110 regions in Western Europe indicate that exits from farming are strongly influenced by farm characteristics and policy conditions. In particular, exit rates are higher in regions with smaller farms and are closely related to production structures. Exit rates are lower in regions with more part-time farming, high subsidy payments and high relative price increases for agricultural outputs, indicating that off-farm income and government intervention slow down structural change in European agriculture.
The relationship between organizational level and workplace friendship

This study examines the effect of organizational level on workplace friendship, which remains unclear in the organizational literature regarding interpersonal relationships. As was hypothesized, the result from a survey of 288 Taiwanese employees revealed that individuals at higher organizational levels perceived less workplace friendship. The finding does not support the argument that higher levels are presumed to have more workplace friendship in view of their capability of resource-supplying or their being in the centrality of working relationships/networks in their organizations. The workplace of organizational higher levels, and the situations for the finding are also discussed.