Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bronchial Anthracosis and Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: Bronchial anthracosis is defined as appearance of multiple dark anthracotic pigmentations on large airway mucosa with or without airway narrowing or obliteration. Since there has been vague and controversy regarding the relationship between bronchial anthracosis and pulmonary tuberculosis, we conducted this study to shed light on this matter. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data was obtained from reviewing the files of 1,594 patients who underwent bronchoscopy in Afzalipour Hospital during 2003 to 2007. Those with dark pigmentation on their airways mucosa were considered as having bronchial anthracosis. During bronchoscopy, samples were collected from the airways in the form of bronchoalveolar lavage and then the smear and culture of these samples were examined for acid fast bacilli. Patients with both positive culture and smear and those with positive culture alone for acid fast bacilli were considered as having pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: Of 1,594 cases studied in this research, 333 (20.8%) had bronchial anthracosis, out of which 158 (55.5%) were women. Risk of bronchial anthracosis was 0.4 times less in men (CI 95%=0.32-0.52) (p<0.001). In other words, bronchial anthracosis had a significantly less prevalence among men. Also, risk of tuberculosis in people with bronchial anthracosis was 2.6 times more than that of healthy people (CI 95%= 1.48-4.75) (p<0.001). Conclusion: This research revealed a significant correlation between bronchial anthracosis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Therefore, performing necessary tests and follow-ups for pulmonary tuberculosis is necessary in cases that undergo bronchoscopy for any reason and those with bronchial anthracosis. (Tanaffos 2010; 9(2): 21-25)
The role of requirements in the success or failure of software projects

Requirements engineering is pivotal and central to every successful software development project. There are several reasons why software projects fail; however, poorly elicited, documented, validated and managed requirements contribute grossly to software projects failure. Software project failures are normally very costly and risky and these could even a times be life threatening also. Projects that overlook requirements engineering processes often suffer or are most likely to suffer from failures, challenges and other consequent risks. The cost of project failures and overruns when estimated is quite great and grave. In addition, software project failures or overruns portend a challenge in today’s competitive market environment. It affects negatively the image, goodwill, profitability, and revenue drive of companies and decreases the marketability of their products, as well as, the perceived satisfaction of their customers and clients (which also leads to poor loyalty). In this paper, requirements engineering was discussed. Its role in software projects success was elaborated. The place of software requirements process in relation to software project failure was explored and examined. Furthermore, project success, challenge and failure factors were also discussed with emphasis placed on requirements factors as they play a major role in software projects’ successes, challenges and failures. The paper relied on secondary statistics to explore and examine factors responsible for the successes, challenges and failures of software projects in large, medium and small scaled software companies.
Twelve-month pancreas graft function significantly influences survival following simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation (SPK) is regarded as the treatment of choice for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and kidney dysfunction, despite the morbidity associated with pancreas transplantation. These morbidities often influence selection of SPK versus living-donor kidney alone (LD KA) transplant. This study quantifies the impact of pancreas graft function on outcomes following SPK. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Using the SRTR database, SPK wait-listed patients transplanted from 1997 to 2005 were evaluated and segregated as: (1) SPK recipients with functioning pancreas graft 12 mo posttransplant (SPK, P+); (2) SPK recipients with loss of pancreas graft function within 12 mo posttransplant (SPK, P-); (3) recipients of deceased donor (DD) KA; (4) recipients of LD KA. The study compared patient and kidney graft survival to 84 mo posttransplant. RESULTS Patient survival for SPK, P+ was significantly better than the LD KA; SPK, P-; and DD KA cohorts (88.6% versus 80.0%, 73.9% and 64.8%, respectively [P < 0.001]), a finding confirmed by multivariate analysis and not influenced by pancreas-after-kidney transplantation (PAK) rates and outcomes. Unadjusted graft survival was also highest in the SPK, P+ cohort (72.0% versus 63.6%, 59.8%, 49.7%, P = 0.015 versus LD KA). CONCLUSIONS SPK recipients with functioning pancreas grafts have superior survival compared with LD KA and DD KA, including in the setting of PAK. Early pancreas graft failure results in kidney and patient survival rates similar to KA. These data help further clarify the decision-making of SPK versus KA transplant options for patients and providers.
Effects of soy isoflavones on endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women

Objective:To evaluate the effects of soy isoflavone administration on endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women. Design:Sixty naturally postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to receive isoflavone or placebo tablets for 6 months. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was measured by brachial reactivity technique along with levels of plasma soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, P-selectin and soluble thrombomodulin, von Willebrand factor, and tissue plasminogen activator. Differences between endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilatation were assessed by evaluating brachial reactivity parameters after reactive hyperemia and after sublingual administration of nitroglycerin; furthermore, in the active group, the effect of isoflavones was also evaluated during the intra-arterial infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Serum levels of lipids [high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a)] and hemostatic factors (prothrombin, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and fibrin D-dimer) were also measured. To confirm the absorption of isoflavones, their blood concentrations were determined. Results:Isoflavone treatment versus placebo was associated with a significant improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation but had no impact on endothelial-independent arterial diameter and flow. Intra-arterial infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine inhibited the significant effect of isoflavones on endothelium-mediated vasodilatation. Furthermore, isoflavone group experienced statistically significant reductions in plasma concentrations of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E-selectin. Levels of soluble thrombomodulin, von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator, lipids, and hemostatic factors did not change significantly throughout the study in both groups. Conclusions:Our findings suggest a positive influence of soy isoflavones on endothelial function in healthy postmenopausal women as evidenced by an improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and a reduction in plasma adhesion molecule levels.
Similar preferences for ornamentation in opposite‐ and same‐sex choice experiments

Selection due to social interactions comprises competition over matings (sexual selection stricto sensu) plus other forms of social competition and cooperation. Sexual selection explains sex differences in ornamentation and in various other phenotypes, but does not easily explain cases where those phenotypes are similar in males and females. Understanding such similarities requires knowing how phenotypes influence nonsexual social interactions as well, which can be very important in gregarious animals, but whose role for phenotypic evolution has been overlooked. For example, ‘mate choice’ experiments often found preferences for ornamentation, but have not assessed whether those are strictly sexual or are general social preferences. Using choice experiments with a gregarious and mutually ornamented finch, the common waxbill (Estrilda astrild), we show that preferences for ornamentation in the opposite‐sex also extend to same‐sex interactions. Waxbills discriminated between opposite‐ and same‐sex individuals, but most preferences for colour traits were similar when interacting with either sex. Similar preferences in sexual and nonsexual associations may be widespread in nature, either as social adaptations or as by‐product of mate preferences. In either case, such preferences may set the stage for the evolution of mutual ornamentation and of various other similarities between the sexes.
The role of health literacy in patient-physician communication.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients' health literacy is increasingly recognized as a critical factor affecting patient-physician communication and health outcomes. We reviewed research on health literacy, examined its impact on patient-physician communication, and offer recommendations to enhance communication with patients who have poor health literacy. METHODS We conducted a literature review using the MEDLINE database for January 1966 through July 2001. The keywords "literacy" and "health literacy" were searched independently and in combination with the medical subject headings (MeSH) "physician-patient communication," "communication," and "reading. " RESULTS Poor health literacy is common, especially among elderly patients. More than 33% of patients ages 65 and older have inadequate or marginal health literacy, as do up to 80% of patients in public hospital settings. Patients with poor health literacy have a complex array of communication difficulties, which may affect health outcomes. Such patients report worse health status and have less understanding about their medical conditions and treatment; they may have increased hospitalization rates. Professional and public awareness of the health literacy issue must be increased, beginning with education of medical students and physicians and improved patient-physician communication skills. CONCLUSIONS Future research needs to address identification of optimal methods for communicating with patients who have low literacy skills. This should focus on the effect of poor health literacy on patients' ability to communicate their history and physicians' ability to solicit information, as well as identifying the most-effective techniques to educate patients.
A March-based fault location algorithm for static random access memories

A March-based fault location algorithm is proposed for repair of word-oriented static RAMs. A March algorithm of complexity 12N, N is the number of memory words, is defined for fault detection and partial diagnosis. A 3N or 4N March-like algorithm is used for location of the aggressor words of inter-word state, idempotent, inversion, write-disturb coupling faults (CF). Then another March-like algorithm of complexity 9(1 + logB), B is the number of bits in the word, is applied to locate the aggressor bit in the aggressor word. Finally, a March algorithm of complexity 6(1 + logB)N is used to detect and locate intra-word stuck-at, transition faults, as well as CFs. The proposed algorithm has higher fault location ability and lower time complexity than other known algorithms developed for fault location in SRAMs.
Oxidative stress in expired breath condensate of patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and 8-isoprostane in the expired breath condensate (EBC) of patients with COPD, and to assess the relationship between the above markers of oxidative stress and parameters expressing inflammatory process and disease severity. SETTING Inpatient respiratory unit and outpatient clinic in tertiary care hospital. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS Thirty stable COPD patients (all smokers) with disease severity ranging from mild to severe. Ten subjects who were smokers with stage 0 disease (ie, at risk for COPD; mean [+/- SD] FEV(1), 88 +/- 5% predicted) were studied as a control group. METHODS H(2)O(2) and 8-isoprostane levels were measured in EBC, and the values were correlated with variables expressing COPD severity (ie, FEV(1) percent predicted, dyspnea severity score (ie, Medical Research Council scale) and airway inflammation (ie, differential cell counts from induced sputum). RESULTS The mean concentration of H(2)O(2) was significantly elevated in COPD patients compared to control subjects (mean, 0.66 micromol/L [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54 to 0.68 micro mol/L) vs 0.31 micro mol/L [95% CI, 0.26 to 0.35 micromol/L], respectively; p < 0.0001). The difference was primarily due to the elevation of H(2)O(2) in patients with severe and moderate COPD, whose expired breath H(2)O(2) levels were significantly higher than those of patients with mild disease (mean, 0.96 micromol/L [95% CI, 0.79 to 1.13 micromol/L], 0.68 micromol/L [95% CI, 0.55 to 0.81 micromol/L], and 0.33 micromol/L [95% CI, 0.24 to 0.43 micromol/L], respectively, p < 0.0001). The mean concentration of 8-isoprostane was significantly elevated in patients with COPD compared to that of the control group (47 pg/mL [95% CI, 41 to 53 pg/mL] vs 29 pg/mL [95% CI, 25 to 33 pg/mL], respectively; p < 0.0001) but did not differ significantly among the different stages of the disease (p = 0.43). Repeatability and stability data within measurements showed that H(2)O(2) has a better repeatability and stability than 8-isoprostane. Furthermore, we observed significant correlations of H(2)O(2) with FEV(1), neutrophil count, and dyspnea score. Those correlations existed only in patients with moderate and severe disease. No correlations were found between levels of 8-isoprostane and the above parameters. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that levels of H(2)O(2) and 8-isoprostane are elevated in the EBC of patients with COPD, but that H(2)O(2) seems to be a more repeatable and a more sensitive index of the inflammatory process and the severity of the disease.
Customers' Choice between Online or Offline Channel about Search Products, Experience Products and Credence Products

This study aims to find out customers’ decisions between online or offline channel about search products, experience products and credence products. For this purpose, we analyzed 120 volunteers with 5 experiments, to verify 6 hypotheses. We summarized traditional online and offline channel theory and tried to research this topic in five aspects, which are website design, offline shop distance, customer group selection, media publicity and offline channel’s help for online. According to the results of 5 experiments, we finally find out customer’s choice between online and offline channel influenced by the category of products and 5 different factors. Besides, we also offer some suggestions about how to attract customers from offline channel to online channel.
[Effects of branched amino acids in endurance sports: a review].

INTRODUCTION The report issued by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in 2010 on nutrition and health claims, shows that there is no scientific evidence to support supplementation with branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of consumption of BCAAs in endurance sports. METHODS A literature review on the current state of the effect of consumption of dietary supplements of BCAAs. We conducted a search in the PubMed database and snowball strategy. INCLUSION CRITERIA Spanish / English randomized clinical trial related to the consumption of BCAAs, leucine, valine and isoleucine in endurance sports and its effects on muscle damage, athletic performance, central fatigue, anabolic signals during recovery and immune system response published in any country until May 2014. RESULTS Out of 330 studies identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria. The mean of subjects participating in the study was (11.36±7.43). Only two studies included a group of women. The sports that we found in the studies were: run, cycling, combining cycling and running, Olympic distance triathlon and one study included 2 groups of athletes (Olympic distance triathletes and runners). The effects of BCAAs and muscle damage, athletic performance, central fatigue, anabolic signals during recovery period and immune response were studied at different times: before, during and after training or a combination of these. DISCUSSION It is observed that there is a lesser degree of pain and muscle damage, less perceived exertion and mental fatigue, greater anabolic response in recovery period and improved immune response when supplemented with BCAAs, notwithstanding its decision before or during physical activity does not improve athletic performance. No consensus was found in the dose and timing of the most effective decision, although it is more effective if there is 2-3/1/1g relationship between leucine / isoleucine and valine amino acids.
Comparison of cardiac sympathetic nervous function with left ventricular function and perfusion in cardiomyopathies by (123)I-MIBG SPECT and (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin electrocardiographically gated SPECT.

UNLABELLED The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between cardiac sympathetic nervous function (CSNF) and left ventricular (LV) function and perfusion in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). METHODS Thirty-eight cases (32 males, 6 females; mean age, 56 +/- 15 y), consisting of 5 healthy control subjects, 15 patients with DCM, and 18 patients with HCM, were studied with (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and (99m)Tc-tetrofosmin SPECT. CSNF was evaluated from cardiac uptake and washout of MIBG, whereas LV perfusion and function were evaluated from tetrofosmin uptake and wall thickening on electrocardiographically gated SPECT. As quantitative parameters of global cardiac MIBG uptake and washout, the heart-to-mediastinum ratio (H/M) and percentage washout were calculated from early and delayed planar images. As quantitative regional parameters, the regional uptake and percentage washout of MIBG were calculated from SPECT images dividing the left ventricle into 12 segments. In the tetrofosmin study, the H/M and LV ejection fraction were calculated as the parameters of global LV perfusion and function. As quantitative regional parameters, the regional uptake and wall thickening were also calculated for the 12 myocardial segments using the quantitative gated SPECT software. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the correlations between the parameters from the 2 studies. RESULTS In DCM and HCM, multiple linear regression analysis of the regional parameters showed significant correlations between LV function and CSNF (P < 0.0001) and between LV perfusion and CSNF (P < 0.0001). According to the partial correlation coefficients, washout and early uptake of MIBG were the most significant factors for predicting LV function and LV perfusion, respectively. CONCLUSION In cardiomyopathies, CSNF was closely related to LV function. The quantitative parameters of MIBG washout could reflect cardiac functional impairment. Early MIBG uptake might be determined by myocardial perfusion in cardiomyopathies.
Related Investing: Corporate Ownership and Capital Mobilization During Early Industrialization

Scholars engage in extensive debate about the role of families and corporations in economic growth. Some propose that personal ties provide a mechanism for overcoming such transactions costs as asymmetrical information, while others regard familial connections as conduits for inefficiency, with the potential for nepotism, corruption and exploitation of other stakeholders. This empirical study is based on a unique panel dataset comprising all of the shareholders in a sample of early corporations, including information on such characteristics as gender, age, occupation, household composition, real estate holdings and personal wealth. Related investing was widespread among directors and elite shareholders, but was also pervasive among women and small shareholders. Personal ties were especially evident among ordinary investors in the newer, riskier ventures, and helped to ensure persistence in shareholding. “Outsider investors” were able to overcome a lack of experience and information by taking advantage of their own networks. The link between related investing and the concentration of ownership in these corporations suggests that this phenomenon was likely associated with a reduction in perceptions of risk, especially beneficial for capital mobilization in emerging ventures. These patterns are consistent with a more productive interpretation of related investing and its function in newly developing societies.
Enzymatic and nonenzymatic superoxide-generating reactions of isoniazid

During the course of horseradish peroxidase-mediated oxidation of either o-dianisidine or 2-2'-azino-di(3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), no O2 consumption took place. When isonicotinic acid hydrazide (isoniazid) (INH) was included in the reaction mixture, O2 was consumed in amounts linearly related to the INH concentration. Nicotinic acid hydrazide at equimolar concentrations induced lower rates of O2 consumption. Superoxide dismutase activated O2 consumption. At equimolar concentrations, INH, nicotinic acid hydrazide, and phenylhydrazine induced bleaching of p-nitrosodimethylaniline in the horseradish peroxidase mediation of ABTS oxidation. Bleaching was not inhibited by hydroxyl radical (. OH) scavengers. After a short lag period, INH reacted with NADH at alkaline pH to produce superoxide radical (O2-), as detected by superoxide dismutase-inhibitable Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction. Nicotinic acid hydrazide with NADH caused a lower rate of O2- production after a longer lag period than INH.
Bacterial Communities of Bartonella-Positive Fleas: Diversity and Community Assembly Patterns

ABSTRACT We investigated the bacterial communities of nine Bartonella-positive fleas (n = 6 Oropsylla hirsuta fleas and n = 3 Oropsylla montana fleas), using universal primers, clone libraries, and DNA sequencing. DNA sequences were used to classify bacteria detected in a phylogenetic context, to explore community assembly patterns within individual fleas, and to survey diversity patterns in dominant lineages.
The Empirical Analysis under SEM Model on Governance Effect of BOD's Power

The process of managerial revolution gradually promotes the position of the handlers, making it an important fa ctor affecting firm performance. Based on managerial discretion theory, the four core measurement elements of managerial discretion are defined while the conceptual model of the managerial discretion and firm performance are built. Besides, since the power of board of directors, as a key internal governance mechanism, plays an impo rtant regulatory role on the model, this article put forward thehypothesis of the relationship among managerial di scretion, power of board of directors and firm performance.