Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urban brand awareness and preferences for milk products: An empirical Study on Kolkata Metropolitan

The dairy market has been growing progressively over the years and is now bigger than the other food market but their lies a great state wise inequality in India in terms of consumption pattern of dairy products. Though Kolkata’s economy is increasing through sectorial shifts from necessary food to high value foods but in terms of per capita expenditure, Kolkata remain relatively behind. Consumers brand preferences represent a fundamental step in understanding consumer behaviour. A deeper understanding of such preference can help marketers’ better design marketing program and build a long term relationship with consumers. This warrants an empirical study for such specific rural pockets to help marketers improvise the dynamics of segmentation and marketing mix variables to capitalize their efforts to the fullest in rural markets. The present study was conducted in purposively selected Kolkata Municipality area to explore the rural consumer buying behavior through brand awareness and influence of demographic factors on brand preference. Kolkata Municipality area is divided into 16 borough and each borough consists of several wards. Hence, five boroughs were selected randomly and from each borough two wards were selected randomly.The results indicated that there were no statistical relationships between age, gender, education with dairy products preference. But there was statistical relationship between occupation and gender with the brand preference consumers in the Kolkata metropolitan in West Bengal.
Regulation and solubilization of Candida albicans chitin synthetase

A cytoplasmic component which inhibited the activation of chitin synthetase was studied in the dimorphic fungus Candida albicans. The inhibitor was found to be heat stable and trypsin sensitive and was only effective when incubated with a vacuolar protease, an activator of chitin synthetase, before the activation of chitin synthetase. In addition, the particulate chitin synthetase from the yeast form of C. albicans was solubilized by a sodium cholate-digitonin extraction and subsequently was purified approximately 30-fold by Sepharose column chromatography and Amicon XM 100 filtration. Activity of the soluble enzyme was increased by the addition of trypsin or phosphatidyl serine. The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 400,000.
Prospective Cohort Study of EnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli Infections in Argentinean Children

ABSTRACT In a follow-up study, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli(ETEC) infections in 145 children from two communities located in northeastern Argentina were monitored for 2 years. The occurrence of diarrhea was monitored by weekly household visits. Of 730 fecal specimens collected, 137 (19%) corresponded to diarrheal episodes. ETEC was isolated from a significantly higher proportion of symptomatic (18.3%) than asymptomatic (13.3%) children (P = 0.04541). Individuals of up to 24 months of age were found to have a higher risk of developing ETEC diarrhea than older children (odds ratio [OR], 3.872; P = 0.00021). When the toxin profiles were considered, only heat stable enterotoxin (ST)-producing ETEC was directly associated with diarrhea (P = 0.00035). Fifty-five percent of the ETEC isolated from symptomatic children and 19% of the ETEC isolated from asymptomatic children expressed one of the colonization factors (CFs) investigated, i.e., CF antigen I (CFA/I), CFA/II, CFA/III, and CFA/IV; coli surface antigens CS7 and CS17; and putative CFs PCFO159, PCFO166, and PCFO20, indicating a clear association between diarrhea and ETEC strains that carry these factors (P = 0.0000034). The most frequently identified CFs were CFA/IV (16%), CFA/I (10%), and CS17 (9%). CFs were mostly associated with ETEC strains that produce ST and both heat-labile enterotoxin and ST. Logistic regression analysis, applied to remove confounding effects, revealed that the expression of CFs was associated with illness independently of the toxin type (OR, 4.81;P = 0.0003). When each CF was considered separately, CS17 was the only factor independently associated with illness (OR, 16.6; P = 0.0151). Most CFs (the exception was CFA/IV) fell within a limited array of serotypes, while the CF-negative isolates belonged to many different O:H types. These results demonstrate that some CFs are risk factors for the development of ETEC diarrhea.
Cranial Nerve Examination for Neurogenic Dysphagia Patients

This cross-sectional study aimed to validate a cranial nerve assessment for swallowing against fiber optic-endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES) in a group of neurological patients. A specific cranial nerve evaluation was designed, comprising semi-qualitative evaluations of the main five cranial nerves involved in swallowing. Eighty-five participants were consecutively recruited with the following inclusion criteria were: a) neurological diagnosis; b) ability to respond to simple verbal command; c) absence of citrus allergy and age<18 years. All participants first underwent cranial nerve examination (the “I&I” test), followed by a FEES conducted by a blinded otolaryngologist who completed the penetration aspiration scale (PAS) and the functional oral intake scale (FOIS). The results showed that I&I test had a high sensitivity (0.89) and specificity (0.93) for identify dysphagia in persons with neurologic disorders, with an area under ROC curve of 0.97. Significant differences were found from the comparison between I&I test scores and the three severity levels of PAS. In conclusion, the I&I test is a useful scale to detect the major deficits affecting the cranial nerves in patients with swallowing disorders. In addition, it allows defining the pathophysiological dysphagia symptoms, which are fundamental for planning the customized rehabilitation interventions.
The throughput of some wireless multiaccess systems

We compute the throughput of some multiaccess wireless systems for delay-tolerant data communications, characterized by an infinite population of uncoordinated users accessing a common channel. The channel is affected by block fading, and the channel state is perfectly known to the receiver but unknown to the transmitters. To cope with multiaccess interference (MAI) and fading, the users employ retransmission of erroneously received packets. We consider unspread and randomly spread (code-division multiple-access (CDMA)) systems with decentralized (single-user) decoding and a system where the receiver employs joint multiuser decoding. The following conclusions can be drawn from our analysis: (a) unspread systems with packet retransmission outperforms CDMA systems with conventional detection, but are outperformed by CDMA with linear minimum mean-square error (MMSE) detection. (b) For all systems based on single-user decoding (SUD), there exists a threshold value of (E/sub b//N/sub o/) below which the throughput is maximized by an infinite number of users per dimension transmitting at vanishing rate, and above which the throughput is maximized by a finite average number of users per dimension transmitting at nonvanishing rate. Moreover, as (E/sub b//N/sub o/) increases, the optimal average number of users per dimension tends to one. In this sense, we say that the optimized systems "self-orthogonalize. " (c) For the system based on joint multiuser decoding, a simple slotted ALOHA strategy is able to recover the throughput penalty due to fading in the limit for high (E/sub b//N/sub o/), while an incremental redundancy (INR) strategy recovers the fading penalty for any (E/sub b//N/sub o/).
We Really are all Multiculturalists Now

Treating multiculturalism as a social fact, this article develops the argument that it ought to be construed as a form of political claims-making advanced by spokespersons on behalf of what can be described as communities of fate. After brief examinations of the claims-makers and those groups that claims are made on behalf of, five types of claims are analyzed: (1) exemption, (2) accommodation, (3) preservation, (4) redress, and (5) inclusion. This leads to a concluding section devoted to analyzing the politics of identity as constituting an effort to ovecome the burdens of stigmatization, with a focus on the respective contributions of Goffman, Taylor, and Alexander.
SOME PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ARABLE SOILS AROUND SELECTED OIL EXPLORATION SITES IN THE NIGER-DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

This article evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics of soils around oil exploration sites in Niger delta. A free survey technique was used in the choice of sampling sites. A total of 6 pedons (greater than 180 cm deep) were dug with 4 sunk in polluted sites; and the remaining 2 pedons from unpolluted sites served as control profile pits. Pedons were described according to FAO procedure. Soil samples were collected from pedons based on horizon differentiation. These soil samples were air-dried and sieved using 2mm sieve in readiness for routine and special laboratory analyses. Soil data were subjected to statistical analysis using correlation, coefficient of determination and coefficient of variation. Results of the analysis showed that the soils were deep (0 -200 cm) and sandy (728 – 982 g kg -1 ). The average value of moisture content varies from 15.61 g kg -1 to 33.28 g kg -1. The electrical conductivity in polluted pedons were lower (46.33 us/cm) than that of unpolluted pedons (55 um/cm). Heavy metals concentration was generally higher in polluted soils but their values were below critical levels for crop production. The values of Ni ranged from 0.18 -2.06 mg/kg (polluted) and 0.03 – 1.00 mg/kg (unpolluted). The physical parameters had high significant correlation association in unpolluted soils than in polluted soils.
Retrograde transfer RNA nuclear import provides a new level of tRNA quality control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Significance Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) traffic in a retrograde direction from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, a process that is conserved from yeast to vertebrates. The biological significance of retrograde tRNA nuclear import is poorly understood. We report that the tRNA retrograde pathway serves as a quality control pathway that monitors 5′ and 3′ end processing and the modification status of cytoplasmic tRNAs. Aberrant tRNAs are imported into the nucleus where they are repaired or destroyed. This newly discovered quality control function of the tRNA retrograde nuclear pathway likely functions in parallel with the cytoplasmic 5′–3′ exonuclease tRNA quality control pathway. In eukaryotes, transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are transcribed in the nucleus yet function in the cytoplasm; thus, tRNA movement within the cell was believed to be unidirectional—from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. It is now known that mature tRNAs also move in a retrograde direction from the cytoplasm to the nucleus via retrograde tRNA nuclear import, a process that is conserved from yeast to vertebrates. The biological significance of this tRNA nuclear import is not entirely clear. We hypothesized that retrograde tRNA nuclear import might function in proofreading tRNAs to ensure that only proper tRNAs reside in the cytoplasm and interact with the translational machinery. Here we identify two major types of aberrant tRNAs in yeast: a 5′, 3′ end-extended, spliced tRNA and hypomodified tRNAs. We show that both types of aberrant tRNAs accumulate in mutant cells that are defective in tRNA nuclear traffic, suggesting that they are normally imported into the nucleus and are repaired or degraded. The retrograde pathway functions in parallel with the cytoplasmic rapid tRNA decay pathway previously demonstrated to monitor tRNA quality, and cells are not viable if they lack both pathways. Our data support the hypothesis that the retrograde process provides a newly discovered level of tRNA quality control as a pathway that monitors both end processing of pre-tRNAs and the modification state of mature tRNAs.
Marijuana smoking as a possible cause of tongue carcinoma in young patients

Abstract A case of T1N0M0 carcinoma of the tongue in a male 23-year-old ‘regular’ marijuana smoker is described. Hemiglossectomy and complete bilateral neck dissection were carried out. No post-operative radiotherapy was given as the resection margins were histologically negative. The tumour recurred one year later in the left cervical region involving the mandible and surgery was again performed, but after three months, neck disease was still evident. The case described case implies the introduction of marijuana as a possible new risk factor in the development of oral cavity tumours. Resection of the primary lesion has to be as wide as possible even in T1 cases, due to the aggressive biological behaviour of such tumours in young subjects.
Practicing The Perceptron : Introducing Data Mining To The CS 2 Classroom

We describe a 2-week team project designed for a typical CS2 class, giving students experiences crafting a complex object-class called a Perceptron. The basic perceptron is a statistical machine learning model resulting from a training algorithm capable of distinguishing between two or more categories of input vectors. In the process, students are introduced to basic concepts of data mining and data visualization, and use the model they build to explore datasets of interest to them. Several semesters of assigning variations of this project to students of varying levels in our Computer Science program refined the process for introducing this topic to students within our CS2 curriculum so it appears both relevant and meaningful. Initial observations indicated that having students work in small teams enhanced their individual understanding, and thus the ultimate success of their project. Reports from past students indicated having a choice in final datasets to use, as well as the teamwork aspects made this project particularly compelling to computer science majors in our program, a potential positive indicator for our departmental retention goals.
Design of OBF-TS Fuzzy Models Based on Multiple Clustering Validity Criteria

Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Models within the framework of Orthonormal Basis Functions (OBF-TS Fuzzy Models) have shown to be an effective approach to nonlinear system identification and control due to several advantages they exhibit over those dynamic model topologies most commonly adopted in the literature. Despite all the theoretical advances and encouraging application results obtained so far, the automatic determination of the number of local OBF models remains an issue. This paper elaborates on the use of a mixture of clustering validity criteria to automatically determine the number of local models based on product space fuzzy clustering of I/O data.
A Comparison of Radiation Exposure between Diagnostic CTA and DSA Examinations of Cerebral and Cervicocerebral Vessels

This article compares radiation exposure from CTA and DSA used to evaluate the extra- and intracranial circulations. Experiments were performed on a phantom using a 64-section CT scanner and biplane DSA. The authors concluded that the effective dose for CTA assessment of cerebral vessels was approximately one-fifth the dose compared with DSA. In the imaging of cervicocerebral vessels, the effective dose for CTA was approximately one-third higher compared with DSA. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: While the number of CTA examinations is continually increasing compared with DSA examinations, there is little comparative dose information about the different imaging techniques. We compared patient radiation exposure resulting from diagnostic CTA and DSA examinations for both cerebral and cervicocerebral vessels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An anthropomorphic phantom was irradiated by using typical diagnostic CTA and DSA setups and imaging parameters. For both imaging techniques, the imaging area of cerebral vessels included intracranial vessels only, while the imaging area of cervicocerebral vessels included both cervical and intracranial vessels from the aortic arch to the vertex. The effective dose was determined by using RPLDs. The DSA examination was simulated by using a biplane angiography system, and the CTA examination, by using a 64-row multidetector CT scanner. RESULTS: For the imaging of cerebral vessels, the effective dose according to ICRP 103 was 0.67 mSv for CTA and 2.71 mSv for DSA. For the imaging of cervicocerebral vessels, the effective dose was 4.85 mSv for CTA and 3.60 mSv for DSA. The maximum absorbed dose (milligray) for skin, brain, salivary glands, and eyes was 166.2, 73.5, 35.6, and 21.8 mGy for DSA and 19.0, 16.9, 20.4, and 14.8 mGy for CTA, respectively. The conversion factors from DAP and DLP to effective dose were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: The effective dose for CTA assessment of cerebral vessels was approximately one-fifth the dose compared with DSA. In the imaging of cervicocerebral vessels, the effective dose for CTA was approximately one-third higher compared with DSA.
[Intratympanic dexamethasone for sudden sensorineural hearing loss].

OBJECTIVE To report the effect of intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). METHOD The effect of ITD on a case with bilateral SSNHL was presented and the relevant literature was reviewed. RESULT The patient's hearing was improved more than 40 dB in both ears. CONCLUSION TID is effective and helpful for SSNHL.
The relationship between self-reported sexual satisfaction and general well-being in women.

INTRODUCTION The extent to which low sexual function or sexual dissatisfaction in women impacts on well-being remains uncertain, yet this is a critical issue in the controversy as to the benefits of pharmacotherapy for women seeking treatment for female sexual dysfunction. Aim. To explore the relationship between well-being and self-perceived satisfaction with sexual function in women and to determine if there is an independent effect of menopausal status or age. DESIGN A community-based cross-sectional study. PATIENTS A total of 421 women, aged 18 to 65 years were recruited from the community. Women were required to self-identify at study outset as being either satisfied or dissatisfied with their sexual life and be premenopausal or postmenopausal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Scores from the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWB), the Beck Depression Index (BDI) and a daily diary of sexual function. RESULTS A group of 349 women were included in the analysis. Total PGWB and domain scores of positive well-being and vitality were lower in dissatisfied women compared to satisfied women. PGWB total and domain scores of depressed mood, positive well-being and vitality were higher in older women. Menopause did not have an independent effect on well-being. CONCLUSIONS Women who self-identify as having sexual dissatisfaction have lower psychological general well-being. These findings reinforce the importance of addressing sexual health and well-being in women as an essential component of their health care.
Analysis of the SH3-binding region of HIV-1 nef: partial functional defects introduced by mutations in the polyproline helix and the hydrophobic pocket.

An SH3-binding domain within the Nef protein of primate lentiviruses has been reported to be important to viral replication and infectivity and dispensable for CD4 downregulation, but its precise role remains unclear. This study investigates the effects of mutations in both the polyproline helix and in the hydrophobic pocket that constitute the SH3-binding domain of Nef. The data demonstrate that the well-studied mutation of the central prolines is only partially disruptive to viral infectivity and replication. The central prolines also make a subtle contribution to the efficiency of CD4 downregulation, detectable only using low levels of Nef expression. Mutation of a conserved arginine in the polyproline helix abrogated more completely Nef-mediated enhancement of viral infectivity; this mutation also adversely affected CD4 downregulation at low levels of Nef expression. Only the R77A mutation substantially impaired downregulation of class I MHC. However, mutation of the central prolines and of R77 yielded proteins that were expressed less efficiently than wild-type Nef. The R77A mutant was expressed most poorly, compatible with its defective phenotypes in all assays. Mutations of the hydrophobic pocket were minimally detrimental to both the virologic and the receptor modulatory functions of Nef. Taken together, this analysis suggests that mutations in the SH3-binding domain do not abrogate fully any Nef-associated phenotype in the absence of detrimental effects on protein expression. We suggest that mutations in this domain can introduce incomplete effects caused by subtle impairments to protein expression; these effects may appear selective under certain experimental conditions due to different sensitivities of the assays to the level of Nef expression.
CREB DNA binding activity is inhibited by glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and facilitated by lithium

The regulatory influences of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β) and lithium on the activity of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) were examined in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells. Activation of Akt (protein kinase B) with serum‐increased phospho‐serine‐9‐GSK3β (the inactive form of the enzyme), inhibited GSK3β activity, and increased CREB DNA binding activity. Inhibition of GSK3β by another paradigm, treatment with the selective inhibitor lithium, also increased CREB DNA binding activity. The inhibitory regulation of CREB DNA binding activity by GSK3β also was evident in differentiated SH‐SY5Y cells, indicating that this regulatory interaction is maintained in non‐proliferating cells. These results demonstrate that inhibition of GSK3β by serine‐9 phosphorylation or directly by lithium increases CREB activation. Conversely, overexpression of active GSK3β to 3.5‐fold the normal levels completely blocked increases in CREB DNA binding activity induced by epidermal growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, forskolin, and cyclic AMP. The inhibitory effects due to overexpressed GSK3β were reversed by treatment with lithium and with another GSK3β inhibitor, sodium valproate. Overall, these results demonstrate that GSK3β inhibits, and lithium enhances, CREB activation.