Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the link between cardiovascular reactivity and end-organ damage in African and Caucasian men: the SABPA study.

BACKGROUND Heart failure in the African population is reaching alarming levels. Increased afterload as a result of increased vasoconstriction during stress may lead to impaired ventricular function and stroke volume (SV) as well as vascular hypertrophy. In this study, we challenged the cardiovascular system in order to evaluate the possible contribution of indicators of α-adrenergic vasoconstriction (i.e., vascular resistance and SV reactivity) on left ventricular mass and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in African and Caucasian men. METHODS We evaluated 101 African and 101 Caucasian male schoolteachers. Ambulatory blood pressure measurements were taken. Total peripheral resistance, Windkessel compliance and SV, and resting and reactivity values were obtained using a Finometer device while the Stroop color word conflict test was being applied. The electrocardiogram was recorded to obtain the Cornell product as indication of left ventricular mass. The CIMT was measured and the cross-sectional wall area (CSWA) calculated. RESULTS African men showed higher total vascular resistance resting values as well as higher positive reactivity values compared with Caucasian men. The SV decreased significantly during stress in African men while resting blood pressure and the Cornell product value increased. SV showed a consistent association with left ventricular mass (β = -0.21; P = 0.04) and CSWA (β = -0.24; P = 0.01) in single and multiple regression analyses. No such associations were evident in the Caucasian men. CONCLUSIONS African men showed a suppressed SV, possibly as a result of an increased ventricular afterload leading to end-organ damage.
Antihypertensive Use and Recurrent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings From the Health ABC Study.

BACKGROUND Despite wide-spread use of antihypertensives in older adults, the literature is unclear about their association with incident recurrent falls over time. METHODS Health, Aging and Body Composition study participants (n = 2,948) who were well functioning at baseline (1997) were followed to Year 7 (2004). The main outcome was recurrent falls (≥2) in the ensuing 12 months. Antihypertensive use was examined as: (a) any versus none, (b) long- versus short-term (≥2 vs <2 years), and by (c) summated standardized daily dose (SDD; 1 = maximum recommended daily dose for one antihypertensive), and (d) subclass. RESULTS Controlling for potential demographic, health status/behavior and access to care confounders, we found no increase in risk of recurrent falls in antihypertensive users compared to nonusers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.88-1.46), or those taking higher SDDs or for longer durations. Only those using a loop diuretic were found to have a modest increased risk of recurrent falls (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.11-2.03). CONCLUSIONS Antihypertensive use overall was not statistically significantly associated with recurrent falls after adjusting for important confounders. Loop diuretic use may be associated with recurrent falls and needs further study.
10.2 A 28nm HPM heterogeneous multi-core mobile application processor with 2GHz cores and low-power 1GHz cores

The worldwide demand for high-performance mobile or car infotainment application processors (AP) is increasing. This demand coexists with the need for low power to achieve long battery life and avoid thermal runaway. A heterogeneous CPU configuration is an effective solution. The proposed heterogeneous quad/octa-core AP has a combination of high-performance 2GHz cores and energy-efficient 1GHz cores. The maximum performance in the octa-core configuration is 35600 DMIPS. The key design highlights are: 1) Using a dedicated PLL and H-tree clock in the high-performance CPU achieves both 2GHz operation and reduced dynamic power. 2) A low-leakage SRAM in a 28nm HPM process is used and the leakage current of the peripheral circuits of the SRAM macro is optimized via multiple threshold voltages (Vt) and gate lengths (Lg). 3) The effects of process and voltage variations are accurately corrected by an on-chip process sensor and direct sensing of the voltage in the power mesh of the chip. 4) An enhanced CPU clock control mechanism is employed, which uses an on-chip delay sensor to reduce AC IR drop. 5) The heterogeneous CPU architecture maintains high performance even during thermal throttling.
Homocysteine and lipid peroxidation in haemodialysis: role of folinic acid and vitamin E.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in haemodialysis patients. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor. Basic research has provided strong evidence that oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress, lipid metabolism alterations, and hyperhomocysteinaemia observed in haemodialysis patients could induce increases in LDL oxidation. This study was designed to determine the effect of folinic acid on hyperhomocysteinaemia and to assess the antioxidant efficacy of folinic acid. The antioxidant effect of folinic acid was compared with that of vitamin E. METHODS Sixteen stable patients (11 men, five women; mean age 54.3+/-6.32 years) on standard haemodialysis received 400 mg of vitamin E, orally, at the end of each haemodialysis session for 3 months. After a 1-month wash-out, they received 10 mg of folinic acid, intravenously, at the end of each haemodialysis session for an additional 3 months. Blood samples were drawn in the morning after an overnight fast and before dialysis. Plasma vitamin E was analysed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using a fluorimetric method and plasma copper oxidized anti-LDL antibodies (Ab-LDLox) were measured with an ELISA method using native LDL and oxLDL as antigens. Plasma homocysteine was determined by an FPIA method. RESULTS Folinic acid supplements significantly reduced hyperhomocysteinaemia (-44%), MDA concentrations (-40%), and IgG-LDLox titres (-13%). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with folinic acid lowers plasma homocysteine levels and, like vitamin E, affords antioxidant protection, which prevents lipid peroxidation. This lowering of lipid peroxidation may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and prevent or delay cardiovascular complications in HD patients.
Outbreak of Salmonella serotype Javiana infections--Orlando, Florida, June 2002.

On July 16, 2002, the Minnesota Department of Health identified two cases of Salmonella serotype Javiana infections among persons who had attended the 2002 U.S. Transplant Games held at theme park A in Orlando, Florida, during June 25-29. Isolates from both patients were indistinguishable by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The U.S. Transplant Games is a 4-day athletic competition among recipients of solid organ transplants (i.e., heart, liver, kidney, lung, and pancreas) and bone marrow transplants. Approximately 6,000 persons from the United States and five other countries, including 1,500 transplant-recipient athletes, participated in the games. This report summarizes the results of an ongoing epidemiologic and laboratory investigation that has identified 141 ill persons in 32 states who attended the games.
Minimum time reference trajectory generation for an autonomous quadrotor

A three dimension trajectory generation and tracking for an autonomous quadrotor is studied in this paper. The vehicle is represented as one point which is its center of gravity, and only the kinematic equations are considered for trajectory generation problem. The model is derived using Newton's second law. The proposed trajectory generation method allows the computation of a time optimal trajectory which satisfies vehicle's capacity and minimizes traveled time between an initial configuration and a final one. Next, the obtained reference trajectory is applied to the full quadrotor dynamic model and an autopilot to ensure the trajectory tracking is designed. Numerical simulations with different scenarios are realized in order to illustrate the proposed trajectory generation method and validate the designed tracking strategy.
THE IMPACT OF FLAT TAX RATES ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT

Main aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate income tax rates on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the countries which has flat tax application in the pattern of long-run relationship of FDI and its determinants which are known as market size, labor cost, trade barrier, growth rate, openness, trade deficit, and tax rates. For the empirical analysis we use annual data for 1990-2014 for the countries which have applied flat tax reforms and smaller corporate income tax rates in order to focus and draw out the effect of tax rate instrument on capital movements in the point of tax competition. According to panel regression and cointegration results, corporate tax rate has significant and negative impact on FDI.
The increase in global HIV epidemics in MSM

Epidemics of HIV in MSM continue to expand in most low, middle, and upper income countries in 2013 and rates of new infection have been consistently high among young MSM. Current prevention and treatment strategies are insufficient for this next wave of HIV spread. We conducted a series of comprehensive reviews of HIV prevalence and incidence, risks for HIV, prevention and care, stigma and discrimination, and policy and advocacy options. The high per act transmission probability of receptive anal intercourse, sex role versatility among MSM, network level effects, and social and structural determinants play central roles in disproportionate disease burdens. HIV can be transmitted through large MSM networks at great speed. Molecular epidemiologic data show marked clustering of HIV in MSM networks, and high proportions of infections due to transmission from recent infections. Prevention strategies that lower biological risks, including those using antiretrovirals, offer promise for epidemic control, but are limited by structural factors including, discrimination, criminalization, and barriers to healthcare. Subepidemics, including among racial and ethnic minority MSM in the United States and UK, are particularly severe and will require culturally tailored efforts. For the promise of new and combined bio-behavioral interventions to be realized, clinically competent healthcare is necessary and community leadership, engagement, and empowerment are likely to be key. Addressing the expanding epidemics of HIV in MSM will require continued research, increased resources, political will, policy change, structural reform, community engagement, and strategic planning and programming, but it can and must be done.
The psychoneuroimmunology of depression

Chronic stress, by initiating changes in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the immune system, acts as a trigger for anxiety and depression. There is experimental and clinical evidence that the rise in the concentration of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and glucocorticoids, which occurs in a chronically stressful situation and also in depression, contribute to the behavioural changes associated with depression. A defect in serotonergic function is associated with these hormonal and immune changes. Neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and amygdalae are the frequent outcome of the changes in the HPA axis and the immune system. Such changes may provide evidence for the link between chronic depression and dementia in later life. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is “glocalization” still the golden way for Electrolux? Is there more to be done?

Electrolux is the company in the worldwide household appliances industry with the widest geographic reach. But Electrolux manages to cope with regionalization in a clear and effective way, based on its dedication to deep local consumer insight. Electrolux is balancing between globalization and localization in the different key functions, searching to take the best from the two. We conclude that Electrolux has chosen a true glocalization strategy. But there still remain some tough future challenges for Electrolux in terms of coping with slow and blurred internal reporting lines.
The Impact of Service Improvisation Competence on Customer Satisfaction: Evidence from the Hospitality Industry

This study formally develops and empirically tests a new construct, termed service improvisation competence (Serv‐IC), that constitutes a novel way to improve customer experience in high‐contact service contexts. Serv‐IC is operationalized as the systemic ability of a service firm's employees to deviate from established service delivery processes and routines to respond in a timely manner to unforeseen events using available resources. Serv‐IC is a realized operational competence resulting from a deliberate set of service design choices consistent with a firm's service concept. The construct embodies a multidisciplinary perspective that explains, in part, how some firms can systemically use employee improvisation to align service processes and employee behaviors in the presence of customer‐induced uncertainty. As a first, theory‐building step we follow a rigorous, two‐stage approach to develop a reliable and valid multi‐item measurement scale for Serv‐IC, emphasizing discriminant validity with related concepts. We then introduce a set of experientially based service design choices that constitute a Serv‐IC deployment strategy. Finally, we investigate its effect on customer satisfaction. Our empirical results show that Serv‐IC can play an important role in satisfying customers within certain boundaries. Counter to conventional wisdom, Serv‐IC increases customer satisfaction in lower‐tier hotels more than in upscale ones.
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the intensive care unit—A prospective study of 147 procedures in 107 patients

ObjectiveTo determine the value and safety of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in an intensive care unit (ICU). DesignProspective survey. SettingICUs at a tertiary care hospital (except for seven procedures that were performed at a peripheral hospital ICU). PatientsA total of 107 patients with a mean age of 43.9 yrs (range 15 to 84). InterventionsOne hundred forty-seven fiberoptic bronchoscopy procedures (116 performed on patients who were undergoing mechanical ventilation) were performed on 107 patients. Ninety-four procedures were for diagnostic reasons (upper and lower airway inspection, focal and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates), 37 for therapeutic reasons (bronchial toilet, pulmonary hemorrhage, endotracheal intubation), and 16 for both reasons. Topical anaesthesia was used for fiberoptic bronchoscopy; sedation was rarely needed. Appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed. Measurements and Main ResultsOxygen saturation, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure were monitored. Transbronchial biopsies (all on mechanical ventilation) for diffuse pulmonary infiltrates were diagnostic in five of seven cases, and were suggestive of the diagnosis in a further case. Endobronchial biopsies were not diagnostic in any of three cases. Bronchial brushings for microbiology were positive in nine of 50 procedures and for cytology in one of nine procedures. Protected specimen brushes for pulmonary infiltrates gave positive microbiology findings in five of 23 procedures. In pulmonary hemorrhage, focal bleeding was found in five cases, diffuse bleeding in four, and no bleeding source in three. In lobar atelectasis, bronchial toilet led to full reexpansion (n = 20 procedures), partial reexpansion (n = 5), and no change (n = 3). Intubation with fiberoptic bronchoscopy was successful in four of five patients. Hypoxemia (oxygen saturation <90%) occurred in 29 procedures; it caused no problems. Complications included hemorrhage (n = 2), supraventricular tachycardia (n = 1), pneumothorax (n = 1), pneumatocele (n = 1), and bronchospasm (n = 1). No deaths were attributable to fiberoptic bronchoscopy. ConclusionsFiberoptic bronchoscopy in the ICU is safe, contributes valuable diagnostic information, and is useful for therapeutic purposes. (Crit Care Med 1994; 22:259–264)
Europe's fast- and slow-burning crises

ABSTRACT The European Union has been confronted with crises across a range of policy areas. Crises have typically been viewed as providing impetus for further integration but are now straining the European project. This research agenda piece proposes a framework to understand crises and distinguish how they are comprehended as ‘fast-burning’ and ‘slow-burning’ phenomena. Those who view crises as fast-burning typically rally material and ideational resources to address issues with high political intensity. When a crisis is perceived as slow-burning, the key concern is with how the issue is framed and how social expectations are changing. Thinking of fast- and slow-burning crises permits analytical distinctions in how authorities and social actors view crises and how they consider actual conditions and future narratives. The framework assists in specifying how authorities and expert and civil society groups develop policy programmes and frames, as well as changes to European societies’ experiences and expectations.
Anxiogenic‐like effects of fluprazine and eltoprazine in the mouse elevated plus‐maze: profile comparisons with 8‐OH-DPAT, CGS 12066B, TFMPP and mCPP1

It has recently been proposed that the “serenic” (antiaggressive) agents, fluprazine and eltoprazine, may enhance fear/anxiety reactions in laboratory rodents. In the present study, the influence of these compounds (1.25–10.0 mg/kg) on anxiety-related behaviour in male mice was examined in the elevated plus-maze test. For comparative purposes, the effects of 8-OH-DPAT (0.01–1.0 mg/kg) CGS 12066B (1.25–10 mg/kg), TFMPP (0.63–5.0 mg/kg) and mCPP (0.5–4.0 mg/kg) were also assessed. Behavioural analysis incorporated not only traditional parameters but also several novel measures of defensive behaviour (i.e. “risk assessment”). The selective 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT produced effects only at 1.0 mg/kg, with evidence of an anxio-lytic/sedative action at this dose. In the absence of other behavioural changes, CGS 12066B (a selective 5-HT1B agonist) caused a preferential and dose-dependent (2.5–10.0 mg/kg) stimulation of closed arm entries, an effect also seen with low doses of TFMPP (0.63 mg/kg) and the serenics (1.25–2.5 mg/kg). In addition, both TFMPP and mCPP (5-HT1C/1B agonists) induced dose dependent anxiogenic-like effects over the dose ranges tested, with the most pronounced changes observed on measures of risk assessment. The profiles of fluprazine and eltoprazine on plus-maze behaviour were not only similar to one another but, on most parameters, were also remarkably like those observed with TFMPP and mCPP. These data question the behavioural selectivity of the serenics and further support the proposal that these compounds may potentiate anxiety. Findings are discussed in relation to underlying receptor mechanisms, and the utility of a more ethological approach to the analysis of behaviour on the elevated plus-maze.
Reduced Pressure Ice Fog Technique for Controlled Ice Nucleation during Freeze-Drying

A method to achieve controlled ice nucleation during the freeze-drying process using an ice fog technique was demonstrated in an earlier report. However, the time required for nucleation was about 5 min, even though only one shelf was used, which resulted in Ostwald ripening (annealing) in some of the vials that nucleated earlier than the others. As a result, the ice structure was not optimally uniform in all the vials. The objective of the present study is to introduce a simple variation of the ice fog method whereby a reduced pressure in the chamber is utilized to allow more rapid and uniform freezing which is also potentially easier to scale up. Experiments were conducted on a lab scale freeze dryer with sucrose as model compound at different concentration, product load, and fill volume. Product resistance during primary drying was measured using manometric temperature measurement. Specific surface area of the freeze-dried cake was also determined. No difference was observed either in average product resistance or specific surface area for the different experimental conditions studied, indicating that with use of the reduced pressure ice fog technique, the solutions nucleated at very nearly the same temperature (−10°C). The striking feature of the “Reduced Pressure Ice Fog Technique” is the rapid ice nucleation (less than a minute) under conditions where the earlier procedure required about 5 min; hence, effects of variable Ostwald ripening were not an issue.
Etanercept therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND In a phase II study, etanercept (recombinant human tumor necrosis factor receptor [p75]:Fc fusion protein) safely produced rapid, dose-dependent improvement in rheumatoid arthritis over 3 months. OBJECTIVE To confirm the benefit of etanercept therapy of longer duration and simplified dosing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with blinded joint assessors. SETTING 13 North American centers. PATIENTS 234 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. INTERVENTION Twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of etanercept, 10 or 25 mg, or placebo for 6 months. MEASUREMENTS The primary end points were 20% and 50% improvement in disease activity according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) responses at 3 and 6 months. Other end points were 70% ACR responses at 3 and 6 months and other measures of disease activity at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS Etanercept significantly reduced disease activity in a dose-related fashion. At 3 months, 62% of the patients receiving 25 mg of etanercept and 23% of the placebo recipients achieved 20% ACR response (P < 0.001). At 6 months, 59% of the 25-mg group and 11% of the placebo group achieved a 20% ACR response (P < 0.001); 40% and 5%, respectively, achieved a 50% ACR response (P < 0.01). The respective mean percentage reduction in the number of tender and swollen joints at 6 months was 56% and 47% in the 25-mg group and 6% and -7% in the placebo group (P < 0.05). Significantly more etanercept recipients achieved a 70% ACR response, minimal disease status (0 to 5 affected joints), and improved quality of life. Etanercept was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxic effects. CONCLUSIONS Etanercept can safely provide rapid, significant, and sustained benefit in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.
Longitudinal prostate-specific antigen reference ranges: Choosing the underlying model of age-related changes

Serial measurements of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are used as a biomarker for men diagnosed with prostate cancer following an active monitoring programme. Distinguishing pathological changes from natural age-related changes is not straightforward. Here, we compare four approaches to modelling age-related change in PSA with the aim of developing reference ranges for repeated measures of PSA. A suitable model for PSA reference ranges must satisfy two criteria. First, it must offer an accurate description of the trend of PSA on average and in individuals. Second, it must be able to make accurate predictions about new PSA observations for an individual and about the entire PSA trajectory for a new individual.