Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trait Routinization, Functional and Cognitive Status in Older Adults

This study examined the associations between trait routinization and functional and cognitive as well as demographic indicators. A sample of American older adults living independently in a retirement community (n = 80) were assessed regarding their functional status, cognitive status, and preference for routine. Robust associations between functional status and trait routinization were found, as well as correlations between education, age, and routinization. No association between routinization and cognitive status was found. The results suggest that trait routinization is linked with various aspects of well-being in older age. Various explanations regarding the role of trait routinization and its validity are presented.
Single switched inductor capacitor coupled transformerless high gain converter for PV application

This paper presents a new single switched inductor-capacitor coupled transformer-less high gain DC-DC converter which when directly fed from PV in which the low dc output voltage of PV module is converted into high dc output voltage. A state space model of the proposed converter is also presented in the paper. The constant output voltage of 300V is obtained by close loop control of converter using PID controller for different input voltage from PV module. PID controller is designed using Ziegler Nichols Method. Thirty six solar cells are used to design a PV module connected to the dc-dc converter. A MPPT controller using Perturb and Observe algorithm is used to find the maximum power point of the PV module. All the simulations are done in MATLAB-SIMULINK environment.
Transitions from home to nursing home in a capitated long-term care program: the role of individual support systems.

OBJECTIVE This study calculated the risk of nursing home admission for clients receiving home- and community-based (HCB) care in a capitated long-term care system. DATA SOURCES Program administrative data for non-institutionalized elderly and physically disabled (EPD) clients who had an HCB long-term care placement in the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) during the period from January 1989 through December 1991. STUDY DESIGN The program experience of clients who were initially placed in HCB care (N = 2,923) was tracked from the date on which they entered the program until the end of December 1992. DATA EXTRACTION METHODS Program administrative data were used to create spans of program experience for each client. Cox proportional hazards regression models were then used to assess the individual factors associated with the risk of nursing home entry during the study period. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The greatest risk of nursing home entry was observed for those who were older or white, and for those clients with Alzheimer's disease. Little significant effect was observed for support system variables. CONCLUSIONS Study results suggest that efforts to prevent nursing home entry may be most productive if they focus on the point at which clients are first assessed for placement into the ALTCS program. Once in HCB care, subsequent risk of nursing home placement may be more related to the client's health and frailty than to support system factors.
Hepatic CT enhancement. Part II. Alterations in contrast material volume and rate of injection within the same patients.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of alterations in contrast material volume and injection rate on liver computed tomographic (CT) enhancement within the same patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty patients underwent repeat CT within 6 months, one with 150 mL of nonionic contrast material at 2 mL/sec, the other with 150 mL (n = 8, group A), 100 mL (n = 14, group B), or 180 mL (n = 18, group C) at 3 mL/sec. Comparisons were made only within the same patients. RESULTS In group A, mean liver enhancement was greater with the higher rate (3 mL/sec) up to 130 seconds after injection, mean peak liver enhancement was greater by 10 HU, and mean time to peak enhancement was shorter by 15 seconds. In group B, mean peak enhancement was greater with 150 mL by 9 HU, and mean time to peak enhancement was longer by 27 seconds. In group C, peak enhancement and time to peak liver enhancement were greater. CONCLUSION Contrast material volume and injection rate have interdependent effects on liver enhancement and potentially tumor conspicuity. Higher rates compensate partially for lower volume, but enhancement is still reduced. The optimal window of time for imaging after injection varies with injection technique.
Biological Roles for the NOX Family NADPH Oxidases*

Linking the phagocyte defect in patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD)2 with the biochemical basis for oxygen consumption by stimulated neutrophils (1) represented a seminal advance in understanding the molecular basis for a key component of innate immunity. In subsequent decades, the catalytic and regulatory elements of the “respiratory burst oxidase” were elucidated, tacitly assuming all along that the NADPH-dependent oxidase under study represented a system uniquely expressed in phagocytic cells and dedicated to generating relatively large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) destined to destroy invading microbes. Development of more sensitive analytical systems for ROS detection revealed that some physiological and pathophysiological events in non-phagocytic cells were associated with ROS generation, although the subcellular source of oxidants remained uncertain. With the identification of mox1 in 1999 (2) as a homolog of gp91phox, the catalytic component of the phagocyte oxidase, came the birth of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) protein family and the eventual identification of its seven members. With remarkable rapidity, many features of the structure, activity, cell biology, and physiology of the NOX proteins have been described, as summarized in several excellent and comprehensive recent reviews (3–5). This more circumscribed minireview provides an overview of the organizing features of the protein family, a summary of the physiology and pathophysiology in which NOX proteins participate (or might participate), and identification of some of the remaining unanswered questions in the field.
Screening for thrombophilia in high‐risk situations: a meta‐analysis and cost‐effectiveness analysis

Laboratory testing for the identification of heritable thrombophilia in high‐risk patient groups have become common practice; however, indiscriminate testing of all patients is unjustified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of universal and selective history‐based thrombophilia screening relative to no screening, from the perspective of the UK National Health Service, in women prior to prescribing combined oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, women during pregnancy and patients prior to major orthopaedic surgery. A decision analysis model was developed, and data from meta‐analysis, the literature and two Delphi studies were incorporated in the model. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for screening compared with no screening was calculated for each patient group. Of all the patient groups evaluated, universal screening of women prior to prescribing hormone replacement therapy was the most cost‐effective (ICER £6824). In contrast, universal screening of women prior to prescribing combined oral contraceptives was the least cost‐effective strategy (ICER £202 402). Selective thrombophilia screening based on previous personal and/or family history of venous thromboembolism was more cost‐effective than universal screening in all the patient groups evaluated.
Prebiotic Oligosaccharides: Comparative Evaluation Using In Vitro Cultures of Infants' Fecal Microbiomes

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to systematically assess the bifidogenic effect of three commonly used prebiotic products using in vitro cultures of infant fecal samples. Fresh stool samples collected from six term infants, each exclusively fed human milk (n = 3) or infant formula (n = 3), at 28 days of age were used as inocula. The following prebiotic products were added at concentrations applicable to infant formula: Vivinal GOS 15 (containing 28.5% galacto-oligosaccharide [GOS]) at 7.2 g/liter, Beneo HP (99.5% long-chain inulin [IN]) at 0.8 g/liter, Beneo Synergy 1 (enriched oligofructose and inulin [OF-IN]) at 4 g/liter, and a combination of Vivinal GOS 15 (7.2 g/liter) and Beneo HP (0.8 g/liter) (GOS-IN). The growth of total bacteria, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium longum, and Escherichia coli was quantified using specific quantitative PCR (qPCR). Bifidobacterium was also enumerated on selective Beerens agar plates, with representative colonies identified by sequencing of their 16S rRNA genes. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) and pH in the cultures were also determined. Irrespective of the feeding methods, the GOS product, either alone or in combination with Beneo HP, resulted in substantially higher growth of total bifidobacteria, and much of this growth was attributed to growth of B. longum. Beneo Synergy 1 also increased the abundance of total bifidobacteria and B. longum. Corresponding to the increases in these two bacterial groups, acetic acid concentrations were higher, while there was a trend of lower E. coli levels and pH. The lower pH and higher acetic acid concentration might be directly responsible for the lower E. coli population. At the concentrations studied, the GOS product was more bifidogenic and potent in inhibiting E. coli than the other products tested. These results suggest that supplementation of infant formula with GOS may increase intestinal bifidobacteria and benefit infant health.
[Effects of epimedium flavonoids on synapse related protein in brains of dementia transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE To investigate changes of synapse related protein, such as synaptophysin (SYP) and postsynaptic dense material 95 (PSD-95), in brains of 10 months old transgenic mice, and the effects of Epimedium flavonoids (EF) on expression of SYP and PSD-95 in brain of 10 months old of APP transgenic mice. METHODS The mice of drug treated group were administered intragastrically by EF (at low doses of 0.03 and high dose of 0.1 g.kg(-1). d(-1)) from 4 to 10 months old. The mice of normal group and negative transgene group were administered of distilled water by the same way. The expression of SYP in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) areas of hippocampus and cortex, and PSD-95 in hippocampus and cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot respectively. RESULTS Compared to negative transgenic mice, the expression of SYP in cortex was decreased by 51.3% (P < 0.01). The IOD value of SYP immuno-reactivity cell in CA1, CA3 and DG areas of hippocampus in 10 months old transgenic mice were significantly decreased (the suppression rates were 59.1%, 57.7% and 56.5% in CA1, CA3 and DG respectively, all P < 0.01). The expression of PSD-95 in cortex decreased by 36.4% (P < 0.01). The count of PSD-95 immuno-reactivity cell in CA1 area of hippocampus decreased with the suppression rate of 18.5% (P < 0.05). After being administered intragastrically by EF for 6 months, the expression of SYP in cortex of EF low doses and high dose group mice increased by 40.0% (P < 0.05) and 106.4% (P < 0.01) respectively in comparison with that of the control group. The IOD value of SYP immuno-reactivity cell in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG areas of EF low and high dose group mice were all significantly increased (all P < 0.01). The expression of PSD-95 in cortex of EF low and high dose group mice increased by 57.3% (P < 0.05) and 84.3% (P < 0.01) respectively when compare to the control group. The count of PSD-95 immuno-reactivity cell in CA1 area of hippocampus of mice in EF high dose group increased by 22.5% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Epimedium flavonoids could protect the synaptic structure and function by promoting the expression of synaptophysin and postsynaptic dense material 95, which suggest that Epimedium Flavonoids may have a promising application prospect in improving the synaptic impairment of AD.
Connections of the superior olivary complex in the rufous horseshoe bat Rhinolophus rouxi

In the rufous horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus rouxi), the superior olivary complex contains four main divisions. In comparison with other species, the most lateral division is clearly homologous to the lateral superior olive (LSO); the most medial division is homologous to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB). Lying between these landmarks, in approximately the position of the medial superior olive (MSO) of other mammals, are two additional divisions that are cytoarchitecturally distinct from one another yet do not greatly resemble the MSO of nonecholocating mammals such as the cat. We refer to these nuclei as the dorsal medial superior olive (DMSO) and the ventral medial superior olive (VMSO). We examined the afferent and efferent connections of all of these cell groups with retrograde and anterograde transport of WGA‐HRP from the superior olivary complex. In the same animals we recorded the binaural response properties of single units in the superior olivary complex. Virtually all units recorded in LSO were excitatory to the ipsilateral ear and inhibitory to the contralateral ear (EI); all of the units sampled in the MNTB and most of those sampled in the VMSO responded only to the contralateral ear (OE). In DMSO the binaural properties of units were varied: the number of units that were inhibitory to the ipsilateral ear and excitatory to the contralateral ear (IE) was about equal to the number of units excitatory to both ears (EE); a few units had OE responses; no units had EI responses. Connectional correlates for these binaural response properties are seen in the patterns of retrograde transport from WGA‐HRP injections in the divisions of the superior olive. The LSO receives projections from the ipsilateral cochlear nucleus and MNTB; MNTB receives projections from the contralateral cochlear nucleus. The DMSO and VMSO both receive bilateral projections from the cochlear nuclei. The results of retrograde and anterograde transport suggest that VMSO, in addition, receives projections from the ipsilateral MNTB. The LSO, DMSO, and VMSO all project to the ventral two‐thirds of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus, and their targets are approximately coextensive. However, the LSO projects bilaterally to the inferior colliculus, whereas the medial cell groups project mainly ipsilaterally.
A rule based decision support system for programming language selection

One of the most important things in project management is using the most suitable tools and methods in an effective way for project success. The available tools for software project management mainly focus on planning, time management, team management, collaboration, and tracking the development progress. However, there is a lack of supporting mechanisms to guide managers and decision makers for making technical decisions during the early stages. In this paper, we propose a rule based decision support system to guide decision makers and software engineers in programming language selection. Firstly, the system provides a mechanism to build and modify a knowledge base. After that, the system provides guidance about programming language selection before the coding stage according to the project details. The proposed system is implemented with a rule-based programming language.
Common and Uncommon Sonographic Features of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Objective . To determine the relative frequency of various sonographic findings in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Methods . We retrospectively analyzed the sonographic features in 55 patients with proven papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Sonographic features analyzed were echo texture, cystic change, margin, contour, presence of a peripheral halo, vascularity, and calcification pattern. Features were classified as common (≥35% of cases) or uncommon (<10% of cases). Combinations of features were also analyzed. Results . Common sonographic features of papillary carcinoma included hypoechoic texture (86%), microcalcifications (42%) or no calcifications (47%), well‐defined margins (47%), and intrinsic hypervascularity (69%). Uncommon features included hyperechoic or mixed echo texture, cystic elements, irregular margins, hypovascularity, and coarse or peripheral calcifications. Of the 29 lesions that had calcifications, 20 (69%) had microcalcifications; 5 (17%) had coarse calcifications; and 1 had peripheral calcifications. In total, 54% of cases had at least 1 uncommon feature, and 11% had 2 or more uncommon features. Cystic carcinomas were rare and accounted for only 6% of lesions; all had hypervascular solid components. No carcinomas in our series were completely avascular. Conclusions . There is a broad spectrum of sonographic findings in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. Half of the lesions in this series had at least 1 uncommon sonographic feature.
Accurate current mirroring in the presence of gate leakage current

As oxide thicknesses begin to scale below 1.5 nm, gate tunneling currents are expected to become significant as compared to the drain current. In this paper, the impacts of parasitic gate currents on analog designs are explored. Specifically, current mirror topologies are considered because of their sensitivity to gate tunneling current and their ubiquitous use. A new current mirror topology, which relies on partially-depleted (PD) SOI devices, is developed to reduce the effects of gate tunneling current. These circuits were verified through simulation in a 90 nm IBM SOI technology.
Acute appendicitis presenting as a complicated inguinal hernia: a case of left-sided Amyand’s hernia in an elderly man

Abstract Amyand’s hernia (AH) is characterized by the presence of the vermiform appendix in an inguinal hernia sac. Typically presenting on the right side and with manifestations similar to those seen in complicated hernias, it presents a diagnostic challenge and is frequently only diagnosed intraoperatively. We present the case of a left-sided AH on a 75-year-old man treated with appendicectomy, orchidectomy and hernioplasty without mesh.
A double-blind randomized clinical evaluation of enamel matrix derivative proteins for the treatment of proximal class-II furcation involvements.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present randomized, double-blind study was to evaluate the clinical response of proximal furcations treated with enamel matrix derivative proteins (EMD). MATERIAL AND METHODS Fifteen patients, each with a pair of contralateral class-II proximal furcation involvements, presenting probing depths (PDs) >/=5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were selected. The patients were randomly assigned to: control group (n=15) - open flap debridement (OFD)+24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) conditioning; test group (n=15) - OFD+24% EDTA conditioning+EMD application. Plaque index (PI), BOP, PD, gingival margin position (GMP), relative vertical and horizontal clinical attachment level (RVCAL and RHCAL), vertical and horizontal bone level (VBL and HBL) and furcation closure were evaluated immediately before and 2, 4 and 6 months after the surgeries. RESULTS At 6 months, the RVCAL gains of the control and test group were 0.39 +/- 1.00 and 0.54 +/- 0.95 mm, while the RHCAL gains were 1.21 +/- 2.28 and 1.36 +/- 1.26 mm (p>0.05). The VBL and HBL gains of the control group were 1.04 +/- 1.12 and 1.00 +/- 1.79 mm, and 0.82 +/- 1.82 and 1.17 +/- 1.38 mm for the test group (p>0.05). In addition, a statistical difference was observed in the number of the remaining class-II furcations between the test and control groups (p<0.05) in this period. CONCLUSION It may be concluded that the use of EMD in proximal furcations did not promote a superior reduction in PD or a gain in clinical and osseous attachment levels, but resulted in a higher rate of class-II to class-I furcation conversion.
Development and characterization of floating spheroids of atorvastatin calcium loaded NLC for enhancement of oral bioavailability

Objective: The obejctive of the present study was to investigate the potential use of floating spheroids of Atorvastatin Calcium (ATS) Loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). Materials and Methods: The final formula of floating spheroids was optimized on the basis of shape (spherical), diameter (0.47 mm), lag time (20 s), and floating time (> 32 h). Results: The results were further confirmed by different pharmacokinetic parameters—it was observed that the developed optimized floating ATS spheroid-loaded NLCs formulation has significantly improved relative bioavailability, that is, 3.053-folds through oral route in comparison to marketed formulation.
Thermal conductivity of heavily doped LPCVD polysilicon

We report the first experimental values for the thermal conductivity κσof polycrystalline silicon, an important design parameter for polysilicon micromechanics applied to sensors [1,2]. Because conventional methods to measure κσ[3] are inappropriate for thin-film materials, we introduce a new technique that makes use of an inhomogeneously doped polysilicon microbridge. A bias is applied across the bridge and current-voltage characteristics are measured when the bridge is in vacuum and again when the bridge is immersed in heated silicone oil. The high-vacuum and oil-bath data are plotted on the same axes. Intercepts in the resulting pair of curve families provide a means to determine a power dissipation versus temperature plot. A thermal analysis relates the oil-bath temperature to the bridge temperature. The thermal conductivity is obtained from these data. Experiments have been repeated several times using various sizes for the polysilicon bridges. Values obtained for κσfor heavily doped polysilicon range from 0.30 to 0.35 Wcm-1K-1, only 20 to 25% of the value for single-crystal silicon (1.41 Wcm-1K-1) [4]. This research provides a basis for thermal modeling of polycrystalline silicon structures and offers a technique for studying possible effects on a mechanical polysilicon property of variations in the process technology of the material. The technique can be used for other conducting materials that can be processed into small bridge structures.
Learning Koopman Invariant Subspaces for Dynamic Mode Decomposition

Spectral decomposition of the Koopman operator is attracting attention as a tool for the analysis of nonlinear dynamical systems. Dynamic mode decomposition is a popular numerical algorithm for Koopman spectral analysis; however, we often need to prepare nonlinear observables manually according to the underlying dynamics, which is not always possible since we may not have any a priori knowledge about them. In this paper, we propose a fully data-driven method for Koopman spectral analysis based on the principle of learning Koopman invariant subspaces from observed data. To this end, we propose minimization of the residual sum of squares of linear least-squares regression to estimate a set of functions that transforms data into a form in which the linear regression fits well. We introduce an implementation with neural networks and evaluate performance empirically using nonlinear dynamical systems and applications.