Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Diagnostic value of peak flow variability in patients with suspected diagnosis of bronchial asthma in general practice].

BACKGROUND National guidelines advice self measurement of peak flow variability as a diagnostic tool for asthma. However, its actual value for this purpose remains controversial. PATIENTS AND METHODS 219 persons were recruited by 14 general practitioners after they presented themselves for the first time with symptoms suspicious of obstructive airway disease. They were asked to measure and record peak expiratory flow (PEF) three times daily for two weeks. PEF variability was calculated with three different indices and compared to the post bronchodilator FEV (1) response or methacholine inhalation challenge. RESULTS 132 (60.3 %) patients completed the peak flow diary. 60 (45.5 %) of them were found to have asthma. But the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of PEF variability were low. The number of daily measurements did not enhance diagnostic accuracy. Variation of the cut-off value (PEF variability > 25 %) increased the probability for asthma to 77.8 %. However, only one out of six had PEF variability > 25 %. None of the three methods sufficed to rule out asthma. CONCLUSION The diagnostic accuracy of PEF variability was low. Thus, in case of inconclusive spirometric results in general practice bronchial provocation remains an essential tool for diagnosing asthma. Diagnostic algorithms, as recommended by national guidelines, should be reconsidered in relation to the diagnostic value of peak flow variability.
The Effect of Board Classification in the Restaurant Industry

Previous literature suggests that classified boards of directors could impact firm performance in the context of firm-specific characteristics. In continuation of this discussion, this study investigates the effect of classified boards on firm value in the restaurant industry. Even though classified boards can reduce firm value because of higher monitoring costs, existing literature argues that classified boards are devoted to protecting investors and shareholders against opportunistic bids, which in turn increases their debt financing capabilities. Data from U.S. restaurant firms was analyzed by Compustat and RiskMetrics from 2007–2011 to investigate whether classified boards impact firm value in the restaurant industry. Our results indicate that classified boards of directors lower the value destruction of restaurant firms in terms of cost of debt. That is, cost of debt is lower in classified board firms, thereby reducing their negative impact on firm value. The implications and limitation of this research are also discussed.
A Game Theoretic Framework for Fair-Efficient Threshold Parameters Selection in Call Admission Control for CDMA Mobile Multimedia Systems

While efficient use of network resources is an important control objective of call admission control (CAC), the issue of fairness among services should also be taken into account. Game theory provides a suitable framework for formulating such fair and efficient CAC problem. Thus, in this paper, a game theoretic framework for selecting fair-efficient threshold parameters of CAC for the asymmetrical traffic case in CDMA mobile multimedia systems is proposed. For the cooperative game, the arbitration schemes for the interpersonal comparisons of utility and the bargaining problem, including the Nash, Raiffa, and modified Thomson solutions, are investigated. Furthermore, since CAC should be simple and flexible to provide a fast response to diverse QoS call requests during a connection setup, this paper also applies the concept of load factor to the previous Jeon and Jeong's CAC scheme and proposes an approximation approach to reduce the computational complexity (proposed throughput-based CAC scheme). From the numerical results, the proposed throughput-based CAC scheme shows a comparable performance to the previous Jeon and Jeong's CAC scheme while achieving lower computational complexity. All the solutions attain the fairness by satisfying their different fairness senses and efficiency by the Pareto optimality.
Enforcement of Corporate Governance Codes

Corporate governance codes have been published in several European jurisdictions. Most are of a self regulatory nature, others are rooted in the law. In both cases the provisions of the codes apply on a comply and explain basis. Enforcement mainly takes place through market mechanisms, including by shareholders using their legal and factual rights within the company. Moreover, the legal system will normally absorb these rules through blank norms, such as liability or contract rules. In states where the law has expressly referred to the code - in Germany and in the Netherlands, additional questions arise.The role of the market supervisors and of the auditors have expressly been discussed in these jurisdictions. The analysis concludes that market led enforcement, along with a strengthening of company law mechanisms constitutes the best equilibrium for developing adaptive but nevertheless effective corporate governance practices.
Comparison of intracortical inhibition and facilitation in distal and proximal arm muscles in humans

1 Cortico‐cortical inhibition and facilitation induced by paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the human motor cortex were investigated in the distal muscle opponens pollicis (OP) and the proximal muscle biceps brachii (BB) of normal subjects. 2 The test response evoked by TMS (125 % of motor threshold, MTh) in the relaxed OP and BB muscles was inhibited by a conditioning TMS (80 % of MTh) at short interstimulus intervals (ISIs; 2‐5 ms) and facilitated at longer ISIs (10‐25 ms). The test response was significantly less inhibited at short ISIs and more facilitated at long ISIs in the BB than OP. 3 The MTh at rest was significantly lower for the OP than for the BB, indicating a greater excitability of OP cortical area. However, the above pattern of inhibition and facilitation was preserved both when the stimulus intensity was adjusted to evoke test responses of matched size in the two muscles and within an ample range of conditioning stimulus intensities. 4 The use of a circular coil or a focal figure‐of‐eight coil produced no qualitative differences in the pattern of inhibition and facilitation in either muscle. 5 The significant difference in MTh between muscles was lost during voluntary activation. In both muscles, pre‐innervation abolished the cortico‐cortical facilitation and reduced the cortico‐cortical inhibition. However, the latter remained larger in the OP than BB muscle. 6 We suggest that the different potency of intracortical inhibitory and facilitatory circuits directed towards distal and proximal arm muscles is related to their diverse prevalent functions.
A Design and Development of Word Sense Disambiguation Algorithm for English Language Understanding for Database Access

Problem statement: This study attempts to present an object-net method for word sense disambiguation. It is proposed to model the elementary meanings which assist the machine to autonomously undertake the analysis and synthesis processes of meaning. Approach: In the proposed methodology, the disambiguation process was performed in context manner. Starting from natural text, the context of the sentence was identified, then the actual meaning identified using correlation of elementary object meanings existed in object-net database. It was because even ambiguous word will have only one meaning based on the context or object or domain on which the sentence was written. Results: This object-net approach disambiguates original text with high precision of 96% of the verbs and 97% of nouns for data extraction from the database and reporting in terms of graphs. Conclusion: The accuracy of finding the sense of a word and extracting data from the database and projecting into graphs was based on number of trained objects in object-net database. Due to this object-net database plays a major role in this proposed method.
Oscillatory properties of guinea‐pig inferior olivary neurones and their pharmacological modulation: an in vitro study.

The oscillatory properties of the membrane potential in inferior olivary neurones were studied in guinea‐pig brain‐stem slices maintained in vitro. Intracellular double‐ramp current injection at frequencies of 1‐20 Hz revealed that inferior olivary neurones tend to fire at two preferred frequencies: 3‐6 Hz when the cells were actively depolarized (resting potential less than ‐50 mV), and 9‐12 Hz when they were actively hyperpolarized (resting potential more than ‐75 mV). In 10% of the experiments spontaneous subthreshold oscillations of the membrane potential were observed. These oscillations, which resembled sinusoidal wave forms and had a frequency of 4‐6 Hz and an amplitude of 5‐10 mV, occurred synchronously in all cells tested within the slice. These oscillations persisted in the presence of 10(‐4) M‐tetrodotoxin and were blocked by Ca2+ conductance blockers or by the removal of Ca2+ from the bathing solution. The oscillations were affected by gross extracellular stimulation of the slice but not by intracellular activation of any given neurone. The data indicate that these oscillations reflect the properties of neuronal ensembles comprised of a large number of coupled elements. Similar ensemble oscillation could be induced, in most experiments, by adding harmaline (0.1 mg/ml) and serotonin (10(‐4) M) to the bath and could be blocked by bath addition of noradrenaline. Harmaline was found to increase cell excitability by hyperpolarizing the neurones and shifting the inactivation curve for the somatic Ca2+ spike to a more positive membrane potential level. The role inferior olivary oscillations play in the organization of motor coordination is discussed.
Combining EEG Microstates with fMRI Structural Features for Modeling Brain Activity

Combining information from Electroencephalography (EEG) and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has been a topic of increased interest recently. The main advantage of the EEG is its high temporal resolution, in the scale of milliseconds, while the main advantage of fMRI is the detection of functional activity with good spatial resolution. The advantages of each modality seem to complement each other, providing better insight in the neuronal activity of the brain. The main goal of combining information from both modalities is to increase the spatial and the temporal localization of the underlying neuronal activity captured by each modality. This paper presents a novel technique based on the combination of these two modalities (EEG, fMRI) that allow a better representation and understanding of brain activities in time. EEG is modeled as a sequence of topographies, based on the notion of microstates. Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) were used to model the temporal evolution of the topography of the average Event Related Potential (ERP). For each model the Fisher score of the sequence is calculated by taking the gradient of the trained model parameters. The Fisher score describes how this sequence deviates from the learned HMM. Canonical Partial Least Squares (CPLS) were used to decompose the two datasets and fuse the EEG and fMRI features. In order to test the effectiveness of this method, the results of this methodology were compared with the results of CPLS using the average ERP signal of a single channel. The presented methodology was able to derive components that co-vary between EEG and fMRI and present significant differences between the two tasks.
Technical Note - A Risk-Averse Newsvendor Model Under the CVaR Criterion

The classical risk-neutral newsvendor problem is to decide the order quantity that maximizes the one-period expected profit. In this note, we consider a risk-averse newsvendor with stochastic price-dependent demand. We adopt Conditional Value-at-Risk ( CVaR ), a risk measure commonly used in finance, as the decision criterion. The aim of our study is to investigate the optimal pricing and ordering decisions in such a setting. For both additive and multiplicative demand models, we provide sufficient conditions for the uniqueness and existence of the optimal policy. Comparative statics show the monotonicity properties and other characteristics of the optimal pricing and ordering decisions. We also compare our results with those of the newsvendor with a risk-neutral attitude and a general utility function.
Promoting Good Governance in the Security Sector: Principles and Challenges

The deficiencies and obscurity of the existing legal framework in Turkey allow the executive to exclusively classify information and documents related to defence and security issues, and thus to block Parliament from having access to the information needed for effective parliamentary oversight. Therefore, there is a need for legal regulation of not only the objective and definition of state secrets, in terms of their scope and content, but also of the principles, conditions and limits governing Parliament’s right, or that of its committees, to access state secrets. The new legislation should aim to find a balance between the confidentiality that is necessary for the security services to perform effectively and the accountability and transparency that are essential for the proper functioning of democracy.
Musculoskeletal symptoms of the neck and upper extremities among Iowa dairy farmers.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among U.S. dairy farmers is relatively unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of neck and upper extremity MSS, and to examine associations between symptoms and dairy operation activities among dairy farmers. METHODS Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected dairy farmers in the State of Iowa, USA. Demographic, site specific MSS, and dairy operation activity information was obtained. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS Among the participants (N = 341), shoulder MSS were reported most frequently (54%). Neck MSS were significantly associated with manually feeding (OR(adj) = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.09-4.80) and tractors use (OR(adj) = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.05-4.50). Also, wrist/hand MSS were associated with manually cleaning animal stalls (OR(adj) = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.06-3.63). CONCLUSIONS Neck and upper extremity MSS were common and associated with common dairy farming practices. Future studies need to more accurately assess exposures to physical risk factors for MSS so ergonomic interventions can be developed.
3D frequency-dependent RLC elements extraction by full wave analysis: identification of the return current paths in complex power and ground grids of high speed VLSI circuits

This communication deals with the extraction and simulation of on-chip RLC per unit length (p.u.l.) elements for an efficient analysis of high speed digital circuits. In this context, the current distribution in the whole circuit, power and ground grids included, has to be known to correctly estimate inductance. By using a 3D full-wave finite elements method, we identified the current paths arising in the power and ground grids when an on-chip signal switches on a wire placed in a metal below the grids.
Tax attractiveness and the allocation of risk within multinationals

This paper analyzes the impact of countries' tax attractiveness on the allocation of risk within multinational groups. Our dataset contains subsidiaries located in 32 European countries and owned by parents from 90 different countries globally. We show that tax symmetry positively influences the relative amount of risk allocated to subsidiaries. Both time and amount limitations of loss offset rules matter. Higher statutory corporate tax rates in the country of the subsidiary decrease the relative amount of risk taken.
Neurophysiologic Changes in Lumbar Nerve Root Inflammation in the Rat After Treatment With Cytokine Inhibitors: Evidence for a Role of Interleukin‐1

Study Design The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of cytokine inhibitors in experimental allergic radicultis. Objective Evaluation of the effect of cytokine inhibitors in experimental allergic radicultis. Summary of Background Data A number of cytokines are known to be involved in hyperalgesia and may play a role in radicultis. Corticosteroids and other cytokine inhibitors antagonize their effects. Methods Experimental allergic radiculitis was induced in rats by injection of bovine myelin from the peripheral nervous system. The sham group subsequently received saline injections; the treatment groups received either prednisolone or interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist. Treatment effect was assessed on the basis of motor performance and neurophysiologic parameters. Results Treatment ameliorated the symptoms of experimental allergic radiculitis. Prednisolone appeared to be somewhat more effective than interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist. Conclusions Because interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist specifically blocks the effects of interleukin‐1 at its receptors, the present results imply that interleukin‐1 is a causal factor in the model of experimental radiculitis used. Its specificity and apparent lack of side effects make interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist an attractive candidate treatment for the human disease.
Business models for growth

This report is the result of the project "Business models for growth". This project aimed to support the national Syntens growth program NLGroeit, mainly with good examples of repeatable and scalable business models for growth and with an approach for the design and implementation of business models for growth. The project focused on innovative startups and scale-ups with ambition to grow, and innovative established SME organizations in general. This report starts with a literature study performed on small firm growth, business models, and approaches for transforming business models for growth. Next, 8 example cases showing high growth and how this is achieved are described and preliminary conclusions are derived from these.
Multiple functional therapeutic effects of the estrogen receptor β agonist indazole-Cl in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Significance In the search for effective multiple sclerosis treatment, much effort has been invested in estrogens and estrogen receptor (ER) agonists because of their neuroprotective benefits. However, because estrogens can produce ERα-based feminizing effects and cancer, ERβ agonists represent more desirable therapeutic candidates. The structurally unique ERβ ligand indazole chloride (Ind-Cl), a halogen-substituted phenyl-2H-indazole core, is a preclinical development candidate with a strong dossier. Our results indicate that Ind-Cl is effective in functionally ameliorating disease even when treatment is initiated at peak experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis clinical disease. Ind-Cl’s immunomodulatory and direct remyelinating effects result in motor dysfunction amelioration. These findings support Ind-Cl's potential to provide unique therapeutic benefits to patients with multiple sclerosis, as well as patients affected by other demyelinating disorders. Currently available immunomodulatory therapies do not stop the pathogenesis underlying multiple sclerosis (MS) and are only partially effective in preventing the onset of permanent disability in patients with MS. Identifying a drug that stimulates endogenous remyelination and/or minimizes axonal degeneration would reduce the rate and degree of disease progression. Here, the effects of the highly selective estrogen receptor (ER) β agonist indazole chloride (Ind-Cl) on functional remyelination in chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice were investigated by assessing pathologic, functional, and behavioral consequences of both prophylactic and therapeutic (peak EAE) treatment with Ind-Cl. Peripheral cytokines from autoantigen-stimulated splenocytes were measured, and central nervous system infiltration by immune cells, axon health, and myelination were assessed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Therapeutic Ind-Cl improved clinical disease and rotorod performance and also decreased peripheral Th1 cytokines and reactive astrocytes, activated microglia, and T cells in brains of EAE mice. Increased callosal myelination and mature oligodendrocytes correlated with improved callosal conduction and refractoriness. Therapeutic Ind-Cl-induced remyelination was independent of its effects on the immune system, as Ind-Cl increased remyelination within the cuprizone diet-induced demyelinating model. We conclude that Ind-Cl is a refined pharmacologic agent capable of stimulating functionally relevant endogenous myelination, with important implications for progressive MS treatment.
PREDICTING PERFORMANCE IN NEW HIGH-TECHNOLOGY FIRMS.

The status of 250 high-technology firms was determined in 1973, at which time the median company studied would have been seven years old. At that time 26% had been discontinued, a much better survival rate than has been found for non-technically oriented firms. A relatively large number (22.8%) had been acquired or merged. Questionnaire responses from a sample of these firms indicated relatively high growth and moderate profitability. Twenty-seven companies achieved annual sales in excess of $5 million. As compared to the total population studied, these high growth companies were started more often by groups, were spin-offs from large organizations, and were more often similar to the parent firms.
Sodium: technological functions of salt in the manufacturing of food and drink products

Salt (sodium chloride) is used in a variety of processed foods. It not only confers its own specific flavour on products, it is also used to enhance and modify the flavour of other ingredients. The reasons for using salt can be divided into three broad categories: processing reasons, sensory (taste) reasons, and preservative reasons. In some cases it performs all three of these functions, and in many situations the distinction between them is not clear‐cut.