Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lung ultrasonography to diagnose meconium aspiration syndrome of the newborn

Objective To investigate the diagnostic value of lung ultrasonography for neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Methods This prospective observational study enrolled patients diagnosed with MAS based on medical history, clinical manifestations and chest X-ray and control newborns without MAS. During ultrasonography, each lung was divided into three regions (front, lateral, and back), using anterior and posterior axillary lines as the boundary. While scanning each region of the lungs, the hand piece was perpendicular or parallel to the ribs. Results This study enrolled 117 newborns with MAS and 100 controls. The main lung ultrasonographic findings in patients with MAS were: (i) pulmonary consolidation with air bronchogram was found in all patients; (ii) pleural line anomalies and the disappearance of the A-line was found in all patients; (iii) atelectasis was found in 19 (16.2%) severe cases, who demonstrated severe massive atelectasis and visible lung pulse; (iv) pleural effusion was found in 16 patients (13.7%); and (v) alveolar-interstitial syndrome or B-line in the non-consolidation area was found in all patients with MAS. Conclusion Ultrasonography can be used routinely to diagnose MAS in an accurate, reliable, convenient, and non-invasive manner.
A 1W Class-D Audio Power Amplifier in a 0.35μm CMOS Process

A fully integrated class-D audio power amplifier for mobile applications is presented. The amplifier is realized in a 0.35 μm CMOS process featuring 3.3 V and 5 V transistors. To reduce the out-of-band noise generation, possibly eliminating the need of an output filter, the double sided natural sampling (DSNS) pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme is used at a designed carrier frequency of 384 kHz. By using a 5 V full bridge, a maximum output power of 1 W (rms) was measured in a 7. 5Ω load at 1% THD+N and an efficiency of 80%. The THD+N was 0.24% at 500 mW output, and 0.15% in minimum. The total chip area is 2.55 mm2 including pads. This chip was designed and simulated with Cadence IC design tools as a student project in the course IC Project and Verification at Lund University.
The effects of green supply chain management on the supplier’s performance through social capital accumulation

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the effects of green supply chain management (GSCM) on environmental and operational performances with a perspective of social capital accumulation in the supply chain. The roles of structural capital and relational social capital in GSCM were empirically explored. Design/methodology/approach – A research model was developed to investigate the effects of GSCM on a supplier’s environmental and operational performances through structural and relational social capitals. Using an exploratory factor analysis, the study identified the structural and relational dimensions of social capital and the environmental and operational performance dimensions of supplier’s performance. The hypotheses were tested on data of 207 responses collected from supplying firms in South Korea, using structural equation modeling. Findings – The paper finds that GSCM contributes to the environmental and operational performance improvements of the supply chain through social capital accumulation. Relational capital, in particular, plays a more important pivoting role in the relationships between GSCM and environmental and operational performances. Practical implications – The findings of this paper provide useful insights about how supply chain members should integrate environmental issues into supply chain management practices that would enhance social capital accumulation to foster stronger operational and environmental performances throughout the entire supply chain. Originality/value – This research is one of the few studies that explore the effects of GSCM on performance by explicitly considering social capital as an important intervening variable. By applying social capital theory, this study provides theoretical underpinning for furthering the GSCM literature.
The “Imageries” of Department Stores

What is it that really constitutes a store's “image”? How do downtown department stores and suburban department stores differ in imagery? Here are the highlights of a study of the shopping attitudes of 4,500 women shoppers — the different types of appeal in department stores, the different customer characteristics, differences in shopping behavior, and differences between the imagery of suburban branch department stores and their “parent” stores in the city.
A natively unfolded yeast prion monomer adopts an ensemble of collapsed and rapidly fluctuating structures

The yeast prion protein Sup35 is a translation termination factor, whose activity is modulated by sequestration into a self-perpetuating amyloid. The prion-determining domain, NM, consists of two distinct regions: an amyloidogenic N terminus domain (N) and a charged solubilizing middle region (M). To gain insight into prion conversion, we used single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (SM-FRET) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to investigate the structure and dynamics of monomeric NM. Low protein concentrations in these experiments prevented the formation of obligate on-pathway oligomers, allowing us to study early folding intermediates in isolation from higher-order species. SM-FRET experiments on a dual-labeled amyloid core variant (N21C/S121C, retaining wild-type prion behavior) indicated that the N region of NM adopts a collapsed form similar to “burst-phase” intermediates formed during the folding of many globular proteins, even though it lacks a typical hydrophobic core. The mean distance between residues 21 and 121 was ≈43 Å. This increased with denaturant in a noncooperative fashion to ≈63 Å, suggesting a multitude of interconverting species rather than a small number of discrete monomeric conformers. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy analysis of singly labeled NM revealed fast conformational fluctuations on the 20- to 300-ns time scale. Quenching from proximal and distal tyrosines resulted in distinct fast and slower fluctuations. Our results indicate that native monomeric NM is composed of an ensemble of structures, having a collapsed and rapidly fluctuating N region juxtaposed with a more extended M region. The stability of such ensembles is likely to play a key role in prion conversion.
Molecular simulations of sliding process between Fe and DLC films on various boundary conditions

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have been extensively studied over the past decades due to their unique combination of properties, such as a low friction coefficient, high hardness, high wear resistance and chemical inertness. But many results of DLC films exhibit a wide range of sometimes contradictory tribological properties. In the experiment, isolating the influences of factors, such as film structure, testing conditions and environments effects has proven different. In the paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study a sliding friction process between Fe and DLC films on various boundary conditions (such as: water, oil and no lubrication). The results have been shown that for all the boundary conditions, boundary lubrication occurs, even where there is no lubricant between the Fe and DLC films. The Lubrication boundaries have little effect on the tribological properties between Fe and DLC films. The friction forces for all the cases are almost the same.
The Adjuvant Activity of Nonionic Block Polymer Surfactants

We evaluated the molecular and physicochemical properties of surfaces formed by defined layers of block copolymers which were especially effective as adjuvants or in the induction of granulomas. The copolymers which were adjuvants formed hydrophilic surfaces with a large area. They bound protein in a way which left it particularly accessible to antibody and induced the activation of complement. Copolymers which induced granulomas, in contrast, formed hydrophobic crystalline surfaces. They bound less protein and did not activate complement, but were toxic for macrophages. Their surfaces were found to be similar to those of the mycobacterial glycolipid trehalose‐6.6‐dimycolate or quartz, in that they consisted of regular geometric arrays of hydrophilic and hydrophobic adsorptive domains. These studies demonstrated that changes in the size and arrangement of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks in copolymers produce a diversity of surface physicochemical properties which correlate with biologic activity.
18.5 A 2.14mW EEG neuro-feedback processor with transcranial electrical stimulation for mental-health management

Recently, mental diseases have been successfully treated by neuro-feedback therapy based on Quantitative EEG (QEEG) and Event Related Potential (ERP) online data measurements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first EEG test for diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2013 [1]. The EEG signals are measured by an EEG cap and analyzed by a high performance computer to extract not only the EEG power at a predetermined frequency and site combinations, but also the degree of coherence between all sites. Based on these results, brain stimulation is performed to modulate brain rhythms (EEG) toward the normal values for the therapy.
Constraining Variations in the Fine Structure Constant in the presence of Early Dark Energy

We discuss present and future cosmological constraints on variations of the fine structure constant � induced by an early dark energy component having the simplest allowed (linear) coupling to electromagnetism. We find that current cosmological data show no variation of the fine structure constant at recombination with respect to the present-day value, with �=�0 ¼ 0:975 � 0:020 at 95% C.L. , constraining the energy density in early dark energy to �e < 0:060 at 95% C.L. Moreover, we consider constraints on the parameter quantifying the strength of the coupling by the scalar field. We find that current cosmological constraints on the coupling are about 20 times weaker than those obtainable locally (which come from Equivalence Principle tests). However forthcoming or future missions, such as the Planck Surveyor and the CMBPol satellite, can match and possibly even surpass the sensitivity of current local tests.
The Impact of Adverse Selection and Risk Propensity on Managers’ Project Evaluation Decisions

This study aims to partially replicate and extend prior escalation of commitment (e.g., Harrell & Harrison, 1994; Harrison & Harrell, 1993). It extends prior studies by examining the impact of risk propensity on managers’ project evaluation decisions. In addition, the study examines the joint effects of private information, potential for personal gain, and risk propensity on managers’ project evaluation decisions. A laboratory experiment involving 146 subjects was conducted to test the various hypotheses developed for this study. The results are consistent with prior studies, suggesting that managers exhibit a greater tendency to continue unprofitable projects under conditions of private information and potential for personal gain. Furthermore, the results reveal that managers with high risk propensity exhibit a greater tendency to commit additional resources to unprofitable projects than those with low risk propensity. The results support the proposition that high risk propensity managers who experience conditions of private information and potential for personal gain exhibit a greater tendency to commit additional resources to unprofitable projects than low risk propensity managers who experience only one or neither of these conditions.
High-temperature fiber-tip pressure sensor

This paper presents a miniature fiber-optic high-temperature pressure sensor fabricated on the tip of a singlemode (SM) fiber by means of fusion splicing, cleaving, and wet chemical etching. A new approach was developed to simplify the fabrication and greatly improve the sensitivity. The sensor is made entirely of fused silica, whose high-temperature sensing capability is explored in detail for the first time. Two sensors were tested up to 611/spl deg/C and 710/spl deg/C, respectively, showing excellent repeatability better than 0.62% and 1.4%. The maximum operating temperature is limited by the mechanical creep of the fused silica diaphragm.
Strategic Management of Outsourcing

The monograph deals with outsourcing from the point of view of Slovenian enterprises, which accept outsourced activities from strong foreign enterprises. Three research activities - pilot, quantitative and central qualitative - have revealed that Slovenian enterprises frequently enter outsourcing relationships without adequate strategic, long-term audits which, consequently, represent a considerable amount of risk for them. The book deals with outsourcing as a form of control within the dimension ranging from marketplace to hierarchy. In addition, different forms are discussed and a number of strategic audits on which managerial decisions about entering outsourcing relationships or other forms of company control and alliances are based.
Cannabis Arteritis: Review of the Literature

Consumption of cannabis in young adults has continued to increase in recent years. Cannabis arteritis was first described in the 1960s, but the number of cases has continued to increase. We reviewed current knowledge of the different types of cannabis arteritis in young adults and found 70 cases of cannabis arteritis in the literature. We discuss physiopathological arguments in favor of cannabis vascular toxicity per se, although we did not find sufficient evidence to identify cannabis arteritis as a specific diagnostic entity. Many factors suggest a link between cannabis consumption and arteritis in young adults, but it is difficult to say whether this type of arteritis is similar to thromboangiitis obliterans. We were unable to demonstrate a formal association between cannabis smoking and the development of thromboangiitis obliterans, because most case reports showed associated tobacco smoking (97%) and the number of years cannabis had been smoked by the participants was mostly unknown. Cannabis consumption would however seems to be an aggravating factor, together with tobacco, in arteritis, which occurs in young adults.
CPE Clearance—A Response to Kim et al.

colonized patients with CPE, using the recovery from clinical sites as a marker for infection. Interestingly, our results were similar to these studies, mainly in relation to the incidence rate of infections among colonized patients and the predominance of KPC-2-KP among the CPE isolates. On the other hand, in these studies, no data on polymyxin B resistance was reported. In conclusion, despite a low incidence of infections by KPC-2-KP in previously colonized patients, a KPC-2-KP predominant clone presenting with a high polymyxin B resistance level has been responsible for most intensive care unit infections due to CPE isolates. Although our results should be validated by further studies, they serve as a warning to prevent the spread of polymyxin-resistant KPC-2-KP by the early detection of carriers, especially among critically ill patients.
[Prevalence of non-fatal road traffic injuries in Mexico: results from ENSANUT 2006].

OBJECTIVE To determine non-fatal road traffic injuries (NFRTI) prevalence and its distribution in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from ENSANUT Survey 2006 were used. Using simple random sampling, one adult, one adolescent and one child were selected in each household, constituting a final sample of 94,197 representing an N of 102,886,482 people. The dependent variable was the prevalence of road traffic injuries (RTI) during the 12 months prior to the survey. RESULTS The general accident prevalence was 6.0%; 16.7% corresponded to NFRTI. Men in the 20 to 44 age group living in urban areas and with high socioeconomic status had a higher RTI prevalence (p<0.05). Jalisco, Aguascalientes and Sonora were states with the highest prevalence of RTI, while Guerrero, Michoacan and Oaxaca were those with the lowest. CONCLUSIONS NFRTI are frequent in Mexico and they are concentrated among men in productive ages in urban areas; they are associated with socioeconomic status at the individual level and with the state's development at the population level.
Impact of bromocriptine-QR therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects on metformin

ABSTRACT Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a substantially increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Bromocriptine-QR (B-QR), a quick release sympatholytic dopamine D2 receptor agonist, is a FDA-approved therapy for T2DM which may provide CVD risk reduction. Metformin is considered to be an agent with a potential cardioprotective benefit. This large placebo controlled clinical study assessed the impact of B-QR addition to existing metformin therapy on CVD outcomes in T2DM subjects. Methods: 1791 subjects (1208 B-QR; 583 placebo) on metformin ± another anti-diabetes therapy at baseline derived from the Cycloset Safety Trial, a 12-month, randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in T2DM, were included in this study. The primary CVD endpoint evaluated was treatment impact on CVD event rate, prespecified as a composite of time to first myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina/congestive heart failure. Impact on glycemic control was evaluated as a secondary analysis. Results: The composite CVD end point occurred in 16/1208 B-QR treated (1.3%) and 18/583 placebo treated (3.1%) subjects resulting in a 55% CVD hazard risk reduction (intention-to-treat, Cox regression analysis; HR: 0.45 [0.23–0.88], p = 0.028). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a significantly lower cumulative incidence rate of the CVD endpoint in the B-QR treatment group (Log-Rank p = 0.017). In subjects with poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.5) at baseline, B-QR therapy relative to placebo resulted in a significant mean %HbA1c reduction of −0.59 at week 12 and −0.51 at week 52 respectively (p < 0.001 for both) and a 10 fold higher percent of subjects achieving HbA1c goal of ≤7% by week 52 (B-QR 30%, placebo 3%; p = 0.003). Conclusion: These findings suggest that in T2DM subjects on metformin, BQR therapy may represent an effective strategy for reducing CVD risk. Cycloset Safety Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00377676.
Relationship of tensile interfacial strength to lead-free BGA impact performance

With the increased use of Lead-free alloys in BGA packages and assemblies, new reliability issues have become critical. A common mode of failure during impact conditions for BGA assemblies is brittle failure at the interface between the BGA substrate pad and the bulk solder joint. However, the strength characteristics of these interfaces, which include an intermetallic compound (IMC) layer, are not well understood as most existing tests focus on the strain of the entire joint at failure (or number of drops to failure). The present study uses high-speed tensile tests to isolate and characterize the interfacial strength of BGA assemblies. These results are compared to the impact performance of the BGA assemblies as measured by a four-point dynamic bend test and the relative merit of the test methods are assessed. In addition, the interfacial mi era structure of the different assemblies is characterized and related to test results
An Analysis of the Impact Economic Factors on Marketing Extension of Rural Small Food Industries from Managers and Experts Perspective

The purpose of the present study was analyze the im pact of economic factors on marketing extension of rural small food industries from view point of managers and exp erts in the years 2010-2011.This was an applied res earch with descriptive-survey methodology. The main data-colle cting tool was a questionnaire. The validity was co rrection by the research committee members and other experts in this field. The reliability was measured by the ap plication of Cronbach coefficient and its alpha was 0.88 for man agers and 0.90 for experts. The available studies have shown that the main factor which affected marketing exten sion had been the existence of suitable infrastruct ures, that managers viewed as the first priority. The experts views indicated that the increase in the financial ability also played a role in marketing extension. To sum up, th e managers and experts declearde that the economic factors would affect marketing extension to a great extent.
Corporate boards and outside stakeholders as determinants of environmental litigation

Each year, hundreds of firms are prosecuted for violating environmental laws and hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties are assessed. At the same time, a much larger number of firms escape the various costs associated with litigation by adhering to the provisions of the same laws and regulations. It is not a priori apparent why this dichotomy exists. In this paper we draw on corporate governance and stakeholder theories to empirically investigate environmental lawsuits. Specifically, we compare the pre-lawsuit profile of 209 violators to a sample of matched control firms between 1994 and 1998. We find that the likelihood of becoming a lawsuit defendant increases with board size, with the fraction of directors in industrial firms, and with the fraction of inside ownership, and decreases with the number of directorships held by outside directors. These findings are robust to alternative dependent variable specifications. Together, our results suggest that managers, researchers, and policy-makers need to direct their attention to the corporate board as the core decision-making unit forming corporate environmental policies. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cystic diseases of the kidney: molecular biology and genetics.

CONTEXT Cystic diseases of the kidney are a very heterogeneous group of renal inherited conditions, with more than 33 genes involved and encompassing X-linked, autosomal dominant, and autosomal recessive inheritance. Although mostly monogenic with mendelian inheritance, there are clearly examples of oligogenic inheritance, such as 3 mutations in 2 genes, while the existence of genetic modifiers is perhaps the norm, based on the extent of variable expressivity and the broad spectrum of symptoms. OBJECTIVES To present in the form of a mini review the major known cystic diseases of the kidney for which genes have been mapped or cloned and characterized, with some information on their cellular and molecular biology and genetics, and to pay special attention to commenting on the issues of molecular diagnostics, in view of the genetic and allelic heterogeneity. Data Sources. -We used major reviews that make excellent detailed presentation of the various diseases, as well as original publications. CONCLUSIONS There is already extensive genetic heterogeneity in the group of cystic diseases of the kidney; however, there are still many more genes awaiting to be discovered that are implicated or mutated in these diseases. In addition, the synergism and interaction among this repertoire of gene products is largely unknown, while a common unifying aspect is the expression of nearly all of them at the primary cilium or the basal body. A major interplay of functions is anticipated, while mutations in all converge in the unifying phenotype of cyst formation.