Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation induced parotid stimulation on salivary flow

Aims and Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the duration of stimulation over the parotid salivary flow following the use of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) in different age groups. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in three different age groups. Under group A individuals from 21 to 35 years of age, group B 36-50 years and group C above 51 years were considered. In each group 30 subjects were taken of whom 15 were males and 15 were females. The placement of pads was approximated bilaterally over the parotid glands. The working parameters of TENS unit were fixed at 50 Hz and the unit was in normal mode. Results: Subjects belonging to group B were showing statistically significant increases in the duration of stimulated parotid salivary flow following the use of TENS. Conclusion: TENS can be considered as a non-pharmacological alternative to improve salivation for longer period in xerostomia patients.
Correlates of the sustainability of community-based heart health promotion interventions.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated factors related to the perceived sustainability of 189 heart health promotion interventions initiated by a public health department or research initiative and implemented in a variety of organizations across Canada. METHODS Data were collected in a telephone survey of key informants from schools, restaurants, grocery stores, health care facilities, and sports facilities that had implemented a heart health promotion intervention (risk factor screening, courses for smoking cessation, healthy eating or physical activity, support groups to promote healthy lifestyles, environmental modification, dissemination of information) in the past 8 years. RESULTS Overall, 43.6% of 189 interventions were perceived to be very permanent, 34.8% were somewhat permanent, and 21.5% were not permanent. Independent correlates of perceived sustainability included intervention used no paid staff (odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (95% Cl) = 3.7 (1.8, 7.5)), intervention was modified during implementation (OR (95% Cl) = 2.7 (1.4, 5.0)), there was a good fit between the local provider and the intervention (OR (95% Cl) = 2.4 (1.2, 5.0)), and there was the presence of a program champion (OR (95% Cl) = 2.3 (1.2, 4.4)). CONCLUSION Consideration of these factors by health promotion program planners could increase the potential for sustainability of health promotion interventions implemented in the community.
Cooling with Mentor Graphics HyperLynx Thermal

The electronics designing process exceeded the simple level of developing projects based on empirical approaches, when for every single change tremendous cost in time and money was spent in most of the cases. Moving the design process from the real to the virtual world changed the engineering perspective on what can be done in less time. As previous discussed [9], [12], signal integrity and power integrity analysis become more and more recommended for the current electronic designs developed around the world. Combining the high frequency and high component density on most of current electronic designs, the generated temperature becomes a very important result of power consumption. This kind of issue can be controlled using certain approaches. Metal mounting holes with their screw, radiators, fans and some other thermal transfer solutions might be instated. The designer experience can be used to control the board temperature but the significant amount of time and money on checking solutions is tremendously reduced by using HyperLynx Thermal, the thermal analysis solution provided by the Mentor Graphics Company. The paper focuses on this thermal analysis solution capabilities for controlling temperature techniques on virtual prototypes of printed circuit boards by running what if scenarios.
Qualitative evaluation of the design variables of a teaching intervention to expose accounting students to pervasive skills

The primary objective of this article is to evaluate the design variables of a newly developed teaching intervention, ‘The Amazing Tax Race’. It comprises a race against time in which accounting students participate within teams in multiple tax-related activities so that they are exposed to pervasive skills. The findings provide information to accounting educators on the effectiveness of the design variables considered in the development of teaching initiatives aimed at pervasive skills development. The evaluation was conducted by means of a qualitative analysis of focus group transcripts gathered from interviews held with accounting students who participated in the teaching intervention hosted at a South African university accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. Overall, the design variables applied were found to contribute positively to pervasive skills development. The format of the intervention could serve to overcome the challenge of accommodating large student groups. The author also notes limitations and makes recommendations for designing future teaching interventions.
Two Types of Sporadic Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a type of β-amyloidosis that occurs in leptomeningeal and cortical vessels of the elderly. In a sample of 41 CAA cases including 16 Alzheimer disease (AD) cases and 28 controls, we show that 2 types of sporadic CAA exist: The first type is characterized by immunohistochemically detectable amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in cortical capillaries, leptomeningeal and cortical arteries, arterioles, veins, and venules. It is referred to here as CAA-Type 1. The second type of CAA also exhibits immunohistochemically detectable Aβ deposits in leptomeningeal and cortical vessels, with the exception of cortical capillaries. This type is termed CAA-Type 2. In cases with CAA-Type 1, the frequency of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ϵ4 allele is more than 4 times greater than in CAA-Type 2 cases and in controls. CAA-Type 2 cases have a higher ϵ2 allele frequency than CAA-Type 1 cases and controls. The ratio of CAA-Type 2 to CAA-Type 1 cases does not shift significantly with respect to the severity of AD-related β-amyloidosis, with respect to degrees of CAA-severity, or with increasing age. Therefore, CAA-Type 1 is unlikely to be the late stage of CAA-Type 2; rather, they represent 2 different entities. Since both the ApoE ϵ2 and the ϵ4 allele are known to be risk factors for CAA, we can assign the risk factor ApoE ϵ4 to a distinct morphological type of CAA. The ApoE ϵ4 allele constitutes a risk factor for CAA-Type 1 and, as such, for neuropil-associated dyshoric vascular Aβ deposition in capillaries, whereas the ϵ2 allele does not. CAA-Type 2 is not associated with the ϵ4 allele as a risk factor but shows a higher ϵ2 allele frequency than CAA-Type 1 cases and controls in our sample.
Tuberculosis in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Clinical features, response to therapy, and survival.

Tuberculosis has been reported previously in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who are at increased risk of prior infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We performed a population-based study of AIDS and tuberculosis in San Francisco using the Tuberculosis and AIDS Registries of the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Of 287 cases of tuberculosis in non-Asian-born males 15 to 60 yr of age reported from 1981 through 1985, 35 (12%) also had AIDS, including 23 American-born whites. Patients with tuberculosis and AIDS were more likely to be nonwhite and heterosexual intravenous drug users than were AIDS patients without tuberculosis. Fifty-one percent had tuberculosis diagnosed before AIDS, and 37 percent had AIDS diagnosed at least 1 month prior to the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Although the lungs were the most frequent site of tuberculosis in both AIDS and non-AIDS patients, 60% of the AIDS group had at least 1 extrapulmonary site of disease compared to 28% of the non-AIDS group (p less than 0.001). Nonsignificant tuberculin skin tests were more common in AIDS patients (14 of 23 patients tested) than in non-AIDS patients (12 of 129 patients tested; p less than 0.0001). Chest radiographs in AIDS patients showed predominantly diffuse or miliary infiltrates (60%), whereas non-AIDS patients had predominantly focal infiltrates and/or cavitation (68%). Response to antituberculosis therapy was favorable in AIDS patients, although adverse drug reactions occurred more frequently than in non-AIDS patients (p less than 0.02). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Dynamics of Signaling during Insulin-stimulated Endocytosis of Its Receptor in Adipocytes (*)

Insulin causes rapid insulin receptor autophosphorylation, receptor endocytosis, and phosphorylation of its principle substrate (IRS-1). Using rat adipocytes, we studied the dynamics of receptor autophosphorylation, the kinase activity, and the IRS-1 phosphorylation state relative to the subcellular localization of these proteins. After 2 min of insulin exposure, the specific phosphotyrosine content of the insulin receptor in the internal membranes (IM) peaks at a level 5-6-fold higher than the plasma membrane (PM) receptor and then declines after 5-8 min to a level similar to the PM receptor. The exogenous kinase activity of these receptors exactly mirrored their phosphotyrosine content. The distribution of IRS-1 is 80% cytosolic, 20% IM-associated, and essentially undetectable in the PM. The phosphorylation state of IRS-1 in the IM parallels that of the insulin receptor, but cytosolic IRS-1 phosphorylation remains constant. Insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation to the PM occurs after the peak of IRS-1 phosphorylation. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that insulin action may be mediated by receptor internalization and interaction with its substrate(s) associated with internal membranes. A small fraction of phosphorylated insulin receptors is sufficient for signal transduction. The dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor and IRS-1 in the IM appears to be a concerted process, possibly mediated by the same enzyme.
Thermographic and electrical measurements for cardiac surgery inspection

The aim of this paper is to analyze the validity of new methods applicable for cardiac surgery intraoperation inspection. In vivo measurements on pigs using passive and active thermography as well as electroimpedance spectroscopy applied to investigation of the heart tissue properties during open chest cardiac surgery are related. The measurement results clearly show that each of proposed modalities is giving different information valuable for evaluation of the heart muscle biological properties. This information may have very high importance in terms of intra-operation inspection as well as for decisions of proper medical interventions. A series of cardiac operations on anaesthetized pigs involving a controlled heart infarct followed by extensive histopathologic study allowed the authors to make an objective evaluation of the value of the discussed methods.
Hours of Paid Work in Duel Earner Couples: The U.S. in Cross-National Perspective

In this paper we examine the hours of paid work of husbands and wives in ten industrialized countries, using data from the Luxembourg Income Study. We present results on the average hours of paid work put in jointly by couples, on the proportion working very long weekly hours, and on gender equality in working time within families. The United States ranks at or near the top on most indicators of working time for couples, because of 1) a high proportion of dual-earner couples; 2) long average work weeks, especially among women; and 3) a high proportion of individuals who work very long hours. In terms of gender equality, the U.S. ranks above average in paid working time among dual-earner couples with no children, but fares less well among working parents. Finally, we discuss policies and institutions that may help explain the distinctive U.S. results -- namely the long hours and moderate levels of gender equality -- including the regulation of maximum hours, the demand for part-time work, and the public provision of child care.
Control of AlgU, a member of the sigma E-like family of stress sigma factors, by the negative regulators MucA and MucB and Pseudomonas aeruginosa conversion to mucoidy in cystic fibrosis

The alternative sigma factor AlgU (Pseudomonas aeruginosa sigma E) is required for full resistance of P. aeruginosa to oxidative stress and extreme temperatures. AlgU also controls conversion of P. aeruginosa to the mucoid, alginate-overproducing phenotype associated with lethal infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Mutations that cause conversion to mucoidy in cystic fibrosis isolates occur frequently in mucA, the second gene within the algU mucABCD gene cluster. Here we analyze the biochemical basis of conversion to mucoidy. MucA was shown to act as an anti-sigma factor by binding to AlgU and inhibiting its activity. MucB, another negative regulator of AlgU, was localized in the periplasm. MucB exerts its function from this compartment, since deletion of the leader peptide and the cytoplasmic location of MucB abrogated its ability to inhibit mucoidy. These data support a model in which a multicomponent system, encompassing an anti-delta factor and elements in the periplasmic compartment, modulates activity of AlgU. Since factors controlling AlgU are conserved in other gram-negative bacteria, the processes controlling conversion to mucoidy in P. aeruginosa may be applicable to the regulation of AlgU (sigma E) equivalents in other organisms.
How does a boundaryless mindset enhance expatriate job performance? The mediating role of proactive resource acquisition tactics and the moderating role of behavioural cultural intelligence

Abstract Drawing on self-determination theory, this study explores how a boundaryless mindset influences expatriate job performance, while incorporating the mediating role of proactive resource acquisition tactics and the moderating role of behavioural cultural intelligence. Analyses of three waves of data totalling 389 expatriate–supervisor dyads collected from 10 large Chinese multinational corporations indicated that a boundaryless mindset has a positive influence on expatriate task and contextual performance through the mediating role of proactive resource acquisition tactics. Furthermore, behavioural cultural intelligence enhanced the effects of proactive resource acquisition tactics on task performance and contextual performance. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Trends in menopausal hormone therapy use of US office-based physicians, 2000-2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate recent trends and the adoption of practice recommendations for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use from 2001 to 2009 by formulation, dose, woman's age, and characteristics of physicians reporting MHT visits. Methods: The IMS Health (Plymouth Meeting PA) National Disease and Therapeutic Index physician survey data from 2001 to 2009 were analyzed for visits in which MHT use was reported by US office-based physicians. Estimated national volume of visits for which MHT use was reported. Results: MHT use declined each year since 2002. Systemic MHT use fell from 16.3 million (M) visits in 2001 to 6.1 M visits in 2009. Declines were greatest for women 60 years or older (64%) but were also substantial for women younger than 50 years (59%) and women 50 to 59 years old (60%). Women 60 years or older accounted for 37% of MHT use. Lower dose product use increased modestly, from 0.7 M (2001) to 1.3 M (2009), as did vaginal MHT use, from 1.8 M (2001) to 2.4 M (2009). Declines in continuing systemic MHT use (65%) were greater than for newly initiated MHT use (51%). Compared with other physicians, obstetrician/gynecologists changed their practices less, thereby increasing their overall share of total MHT visits from 72% (2001) to 82% (2009). Conclusions: Total MHT use has steadily declined. Increased use of lower dose and vaginal products reflects clinical recommendations. Uptake of these products, however, has been modest, and substantial use of MHT continues in older women.
Migration and proliferation of guinea pig and human airway epithelial cells in response to tachykinins.

Restoration of the epithelial lining of a damaged airway is a necessary component of airway repair. Tachykinins, including substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), are localized to sensory nerves within the airway mucosa. These tachykinins regulate several airway functions, but their role in the repair of the epithelium has not been explored. To determine whether tachykinins stimulate migration and proliferation of airway epithelial cells, guinea pig tracheal epithelial (GPTE) and human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were grown in primary culture for 4-5 days. Epithelial cell migration was assessed in a blindwell chemotaxis chamber, and proliferation was determined by immunohistochemistry after incorporation of the thymidine analogue 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Both GPTE and HBE cells migrated after stimulation with 10(-11) M NKA [23.0 +/- 3.6 vs. 5.4 +/- 1.2 cells per 10 high-power fields (hpf), P < 0.001, n = 8 for GPTE cells; 18.4 +/- 2.3 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.5 cells per 10 hpf for control, P < 0.001, n = 4 for HBE cells]. Migration was stimulated within 2 h, was maximal after 6 h, and was attenuated substantially by the neurokinin 2 (NKA)-receptor antagonist SR-48968. NKA-stimulated migration was both chemokinetic and chemotactic, and it could be blocked by inhibition of protein synthesis with cyclohexamide, inhibition of microtubular function with colchicine, or inhibition of actin microfilament elongation with cytochalasin D. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A new robust validity index for fuzzy clustering algorithm

This paper proposes a robust validity index for Fuzzy c-Means (FCM) algorithm. The Fuzzy c-Means algorithm has become of most widely used method in fuzzy clustering. After clustering, it is often necessary to evaluate its results. Such assessment techniques are called cluster validity. The disadvantage of FCM is that the number of clusters must be predetermined. Even if the number of clusters is given, the clustering results of these algorithms are influenced by the choice of initial cluster centers. In this paper, a new cluster validity index is proposed to evaluate the fitness of clusters obtained by FCM. The example shows the result of proposed index have good performances than other cluster validities.
Iodine prophylaxis using iodized salt and risk of maternal thyroid failure in conditions of mild iodine deficiency.

CONTEXT Mild to moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy can cause transient maternal hypothyroidism and impaired mental development of the progeny. These unfavorable effects are preventable by iodine supplementation. In Europe, however, less than 50% pregnant women receive iodine-containing supplements, thus representing dietary iodized salt the only carrier of iodine for most women in this life stage. OBJECTIVE/DESIGN This longitudinal study is aimed to investigate the effects of long-term iodized salt consumption on maternal thyroid function during gestation. PARTICIPANTS/OUTCOME MEASURES: We prospectively evaluated thyroid function in 100 consecutive thyroperoxidase antibody-negative pregnant women from a mildly iodine-deficient area. Sixty-two women who had regularly used iodized salt for at least 2 yr prior to becoming pregnant and 38 who commenced iodized salt consumption upon becoming pregnant were classified as long-term (LT) and short-term (ST) iodine supplemented, respectively. RESULTS Long-term iodized salt consumption resulted in a very low prevalence of maternal thyroid failure (MTF) in LT women. Conversely, short-term iodine prophylaxis does not seem to protect against the risk of MTF, the prevalence of which was almost 6-fold higher in ST than LT women (36.8% vs. 6.4%; chi(2) 14.7, P < 0.0005; relative risk 5.7, 95% confidence interval 2.03-16.08, P < 0.001). The relative risk reduction amounted to 82.5%, this measure indicating the extent to which long-term iodine prophylaxis using iodized salt would reduce the risk of MTF in ST women. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged iodized salt significantly improves maternal thyroid economy and reduces the risk of maternal thyroid insufficiency during gestation, probably because of a nearly restoring intrathyroidal iodine stores.
Evaluation and improved design about acoustic noise and vibration in IPMSM

This paper presents evaluation and analysis of acoustic noise and vibration in interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). Acoustic noise and vibration have a close relationship. Acoustic noise is generated by vibration of the motor stator due to the magnetic force. It is called local force that is composed of normal force and tangential force. Harmonics of normal force associated with resonant frequency of structure are mainly cause of acoustic noise and vibration. In this paper, the vibration of proto-model and improved model caused by normal force is evaluated using FEM. And experimental evaluations of improved model's acoustic noise and vibration are presented. The experimental results will be compared with simulation results.
The nature and developments of the Common Agricultural Policy: lessons for European integration from the UK perspective

Abstract The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has undergone different reforms often presented as a historical evolutionary process in which old policy instruments are replaced by new measures. In this paper we explore the current nature and developments of the CAP by interviewing experts closely involved in the reforms either as commentators or lobbyists. The results show a policy historically built by an additive process of layering specific instruments on top of the others. This multilayered nature implies structural challenges. Interviews reveal a strong dispute between powerful lobby groups and their paradigms for more space within the CAP. Current developments include the effort for incorporating environmental issues within the CAP promoted by environmentalists and the proposal for sustainable intensification promoted by farmers.
An exploratory case study of the maintenance effectiveness of traceability models

Analysing the role of traceability models in software maintenance and comprehension is an important research issue. An exploratory case study evaluating the relationship between the granularity of the traceability model adopted and the effectiveness of the maintenance process is presented in this paper. Two maintenance effectiveness aspects were taken into account: efficiency and accuracy. The analysis was carried out in an object-oriented environment, with the support of an integrated platform of software tools. The preliminary results show that some aspects of the effectiveness of the maintenance process can be improved by modifying the degree of granularity of the model. These results encourage further research into this topic, while some additional side-effects that emerged from the study are also investigated.