Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of some natural 5‐hydroxy‐isoflavones on cultured human endothelial cells in presence and absence of hydrogen peroxide

Due to their biological activity, it has been suggested that consumption of isoflavone‐rich diets may prevent prostate and breast cancers, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Preventive effects of isoflavones on cancer and cardiovascular diseases have been associated with their oestrogenic and antioxidant properties. However, concerns still exist about the potential dangers of consuming high levels of these compounds, since it is known that some of them have cytostatic or cytotoxic properties, depending on the concentration. To evaluate the potential cytotoxic risk and antioxidant benefit of natural 5‐hydroxy‐isoflavones (5‐OH‐isoflavones) for human vascular endothelium, the effect of some natural 5‐OH‐isoflavones was evaluated on cultured human endothelial cells, in the presence and absence of H2O2 (3 mm for 4 h). None of the isoflavones tested were able to prevent oxidative damage to endothelial cells at maximal extracellular concentrations of 1 mm. The low antioxidant capacity of these compounds was also shown by the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical) method. On the other hand, genistein and biochanin A, having a free 7‐OH group, were toxic to the human endothelial cells in a dose‐dependent manner, at concentrations ≥300 μm and ≥ 100 μm, respectively. These results indicate that the non‐specific cytotoxic effect of 5‐OH‐isoflavones is associated with the free 7‐OH group. In conclusion, we were not able to show that 5‐OH‐isoflavones are beneficial to human endothelial cells when the cells were exposed to oxidative stress caused by 3 mm of H2O2, but it can be concluded that consumption of 5‐OH‐isoflavones is of no direct cytotoxic risk to the human vascular endothelium since toxic concentrations are believed to be unreachable in‐vivo.
Muscle synergies during locomotion in the cat: a model for motor cortex control

It is well established that the motor cortex makes an important contribution to the control of visually guided gait modifications, such as those required to step over an obstacle. However, it is less clear how the descending cortical signal interacts with the interneuronal networks in the spinal cord to ensure that precise changes in limb trajectory are appropriately incorporated into the base locomotor rhythm. Here we suggest that subpopulations of motor cortical neurones, active sequentially during the step cycle, may regulate the activity of small groups of synergistic muscles, likewise active sequentially throughout the step cycle. These synergies, identified by a novel associative cluster analysis, are defined by periods of muscle activity that are coextensive with respect to the onset and offset of the EMG activity. Moreover, the synergies are sparse and are frequently composed of muscles acting around more than one joint. During gait modifications, we suggest that subpopulations of motor cortical neurones may modify the magnitude and phase of the EMG activity of all muscles contained within a given synergy. Different limb trajectories would be produced by differentially modifying the activity in each synergy thus providing a flexible substrate for the control of intralimb coordination during locomotion.
A 10-Gb/s CMU/CDR chip-set in SiGe BiCMOS commercial technology with multistandard capability

A 10-Gb/s CMU/CDR chip-set presenting multistandard compliance with SDH/SONET and 10-GbE specifications has been fabricated in a commercial SiGe BiCMOS technology. The clock multiplier unit (CMU) features dual reference clock frequency, and the phase tracking loop uses a charge pump with low common-mode current to minimize frequency ripple; the output jitter is below 80 mUIpp. The clock and data recovery (CDR) features a 20-mV-sensitivity limiting amplifier, a 2-DFF-based decision circuit to maximize clock phase margin (CPM) and a dual-loop phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture with external reference clock. A novel phase detector topology featuring a transition density factor compensation loop has been exploited to minimize jitter. Power consumption is 480 mW and 780 mW, respectively, for the two ICs, from 3.3-V and 2.5-V power supplies
Quasi-Steady-State Approach for Analysis of Frequency Oscillations and Damping Controller Design

This paper proposes a quasi-steady-state modeling approach for an approximation of long-term frequency dynamics in power systems. A specific phenomenon of concern is an onset of frequency swings during load/generation imbalance scenarios. The effects of system voltage characteristics, system inertia, and, more importantly, damping controllers are explained and quantified using the described quasi-steady-state models. Application of the methodology to a 14-generator benchmark system demonstrates that described models are suitable for simulation of different disturbance scenarios that can trigger frequency instability. Moreover, linearization of the proposed models can provide convenient means for impact assessment and coordinated design of damping controllers. To demonstrate this, coordinated tuning of multiband power system stabilizers to improve frequency dynamics has been performed and validated through nonlinear simulations using a commercial transient stability software.
Perspective on the role of P2X‐purinoceptor activation in human vas deferens contractility

The contractile actions of α,β‐methylene ATP (α,β‐meATP) and ATP and the effects of K+ channel blockers in longitudinal and circular muscles of human vas deferens were investigated with a view to clarifying the functional importance of P2X1‐purinoceptor activation and K+ channels in modulating contractility of the tissues. The results provide an experiment‐based perspective for resolving differing reports on purinergic activation of the tissues and uncertain roles of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BKCa) and voltage‐gated delayed rectifier K+ (KV) channels. α,β‐Methylene ATP (3–100 μm) evoked suramin‐sensitive contractions of longitudinal muscle but rarely of circular muscle. ATP (0.1–3 mm) less reliably activated only longitudinal muscle contractions. These were enhanced by ARL 67156 (100 μm), but a different ectonucleotidase inhibitor, POM 1, was ineffective. Both muscle types were unresponsive to ADP‐βS (100 μm), a P2Y‐purinoceptor agonist. Longitudinal muscle contractions in response to α,β‐meATP were enhanced by FPL 64176 (1 μm), an L‐type Ca2+ agonist, TEA (1 mm), a non‐specific K+ channel blocker, 4‐aminopyridine (0.3 mm), a selective blocker of KV channels, and iberiotoxin (0.1 μm), a selective blocker of BKCa channels. Quiescent circular muscles responded to α,β‐meATP reliably in the presence of FPL 64176 or iberiotoxin. Apamin (0.1 μm), a selective blocker of small conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SKCa) channels had no effect in both muscle types. Y‐27632 (1–10 μm) reduced longitudinal muscle contractions in response to α,β‐meATP, suggesting involvement of Rho‐kinase‐dependent contractile mechanisms. The results indicate that P2X1‐purinoceptor stimulation elicits excitatory effects that: (a) lead to longitudinal muscle contraction and secondary activation of 4‐aminopyridine‐sensitive (KV) and iberiotoxin‐sensitive (BKCa) K+ channels; and (b) are subcontractile in circular muscle due to ancillary activation of BKCa channels. The novel finding of differential action by P2X1‐purinoceptor agonists in the muscle types has functional implication in terms of the purinergic contribution to overall contractile function of human vas deferens. The modulatory effects of KV and BKCa channels following P2X1‐purinoceptor activation may be pivotal in providing the crucial physiological mechanism that ensures temporal co‐ordination of longitudinal and circular muscle contractility.
Tracking depressed mood using speech pause patterns

The speech of people with depression often shows clear signs of their condition (e.g., ﬂat intonation, slow speech, long pauses), but it is not clear to what extent these signs covary with diurnal ﬂuctuations in mood. In this paper, we report results from a pilot longitudinal study where 11 people with depression tracked various aspects of their mental health for a month. This included a daily mood tracker and regular completion of speech tasks. Speech tasks were designed to be emotionally neutral and require different levels of automaticity. We found that participants differed in their willingness to complete the speech tasks, and that preliminary analyses show no clear link between mood and prosody. We discuss implications of this study for tracking depressed mood using speech in real-life applications.
Evaluation of ground grain versus pre- and post-pellet whole grain additions to poultry diets via a response surface design

ABSTRACT 1. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of pre- and post-pellet whole grain wheat additions to diets on growth performance, gizzard and pancreas development, nutrient utilisation and starch and protein (N) digestibility coefficients in broiler chickens via an equilateral triangle response surface design. 2. The three apical treatments of the equilateral triangle comprised (1A) a standard diet containing 600 g/kg ground wheat, (2B) the same diet containing 600 g/kg pre-pellet whole wheat and (3C) the same diet containing 300 g/kg ground wheat and 300 g/kg post-pellet whole wheat. Seven blends of the three apical diets were located within the triangle to complete the design and a total of 360 male Ross 308 chicks were offered the ten experimental diets from 7 to 28 d post-hatch. Model prediction and response surface plots were generated with R 3.0. 3 software. 3. The most efficient FCR of 1.466 was observed in birds offered an almost equal mixture of the pre- and post-pellet whole grain apical dietary treatments, which corresponded to 172 g/kg ground grain, 256 g/kg pre-pellet whole grain, 172 g/kg post-pellet whole grain in a diet containing 600 g/kg wheat. 4. The most efficient energy utilisation (ME:GE ratio of 0.766) was observed in birds offered a blend of the ground grain and pre-pellet whole grain apical dietary treatments which corresponded to a mixture of 384 g/kg pre-pellet whole grain and 216 g/kg ground grain. 5. Pre-pellet whole grain feeding generated the most pronounced responses in increased relative gizzard contents, reduced gizzard pH and increased relative pancreas weights. Consideration is given to the likely differences between pre- and post-pellet whole grain feeding.
Modulation of pectoralis muscle function in budgerigars Melopsitaccus undulatus and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata in response to changing flight speed

SUMMARY Flight power varies in a U-shaped relationship with flight speed, requiring the modulation of flight muscle power in order to meet these changing power demands. The power output of the pectoralis muscle can potentially be modulated by changing strain trajectory and the relative timing and intensity of muscle activity. Pectoralis muscle length change and activity patterns were recorded in budgerigars Melopsitaccus undulatus and zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata at a range of flight speeds using sonomicrometry and electromyography (EMG). The pectoralis muscles in these species contain a single muscle fibre type. Therefore, the power output is entirely determined by muscle activity and strain trajectory, rather than recruitment of motor units with different contractile properties as in many other vertebrate muscle systems. Relative EMG intensity, wingbeat frequency and muscle strain varied in an approximately U-shaped relationship with flight speed. The shape of the length trajectory varied with flight speed in budgerigars, with the proportion of the cycle spent shortening being lowest at intermediate flight speeds. In zebra finch pectoralis muscle the shape of the length trajectory did not vary significantly with flight speed. In both species the observed changes in muscle recruitment and length trajectory are consistent with meeting flight power requirements that vary in a U-shaped pattern with speed. Both species utilised intermittent flight, tending to spend relatively less time flapping at intermediate flight speeds. This supports the idea that intermittent flight is used as a simple power modulation strategy. However, the idea that intermittent flight serves to maintain a `fixed gear' is over-simplistic and fails to recognise the plasticity in performance at the level of the muscle. Intermittent flight is only one component of a complex power modulation strategy.
Bronchial deposition and clearance of aerosols.

The regional deposition and mucociliary clearance kinetics of inhaled particles have been measured by following the retention of inert γ-emitting monodisperse test aerosols. This study extends the previously reported work with quantitative assessment of the extent of intersubject variability and intrasubject reproducibility; and reports on the effects of acute cigarette smoke exposure, abstinence from cigarettes in smokers, and of injected methacholine on particle deposition and clearance. The results are integrated with our previous findings and the work of other investigators into a tentative schema for the pathogenesis of chronic bronchitis.
What trajectors reveal about TIME metaphors : analysis of English and Swedish

This paper is an analysis of trajectors (i.e. located entities) in language about fixed durations of TIME. More specifically, trajectors in instances including the English prepositions in or on, or their Swedish equivalents i or pa, are analyzed. On the structure of the inverse Moving Observer/Moving Time metaphors (Lakoff & Johnson 1999) instances such as these should be construed relative to a Moving Observer, and trajectors people that move relative to fixed durations of TIME (as reflected in e.g. when we come to launching the 4th edition in early 1990). My analysis, however, suggests that our understanding of TIME through SPACE is more nuanced than suggested by these metaphors. In this specific context, trajectors are not typically people in motion, but rather events or processes located in, or on, unit of time landmarks. My study emphasizes the need to test the systematicity of the mappings proposed by Conceptual Metaphor Theory.
Peripheral Nerve Destruction for Pain Conditions

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE The following Coverage Policy applies to health benefit plans administered by Cigna Companies. Certain Cigna Companies and/or lines of business only provide utilization review services to clients and do not make coverage determinations. References to standard benefit plan language and coverage determinations do not apply to those clients. Coverage Policies are intended to provide guidance in interpreting certain standard benefit plans administered by Cigna Companies. Please note, the terms of a customer’s particular benefit plan document [Group Service Agreement, Evidence of Coverage, Certificate of Coverage, Summary Plan Description (SPD) or similar plan document] may differ significantly from the standard benefit plans upon which these Coverage Policies are based. For example, a customer’s benefit plan document may contain a specific exclusion related to a topic addressed in a Coverage Policy. In the event of a conflict, a customer’s benefit plan document always supersedes the information in the Coverage Policies. In the absence of a controlling federal or state coverage mandate, benefits are ultimately determined by the terms of the applicable benefit plan document. Coverage determinations in each specific instance require consideration of 1) the terms of the applicable benefit plan document in effect on the date of service; 2) any applicable laws/regulations; 3) any relevant collateral source materials including Coverage Policies and; 4) the specific facts of the particular situation. Coverage Policies relate exclusively to the administration of health benefit plans. Coverage Policies are not recommendations for treatment and should never be used as treatment guidelines. In certain markets, delegated vendor guidelines may be used to support medical necessity and other coverage determinations.
Estudio multicaso de la evolución de la mejora continua.

En este trabajo proponemos una definicion conceptual diferenciada para los facilitadores y para las conductas de la mejora continua. Tambien hemos recopilado y resumido un listado de los facilitadores que dan soporte al desarrollo de la mejora continua en la empresa y proponemos un modelo de cuando y como se activan los facilitadores y el impacto que tienen esos facilitadores para ir avanzando en las diferentes etapas de evolucion del programa de mejora continua. De este modo, extendemos el modelo de Bessant et al (2001) con una propuesta adaptada para empresas medianas, con recursos economicos y lideres en sus sectores.
Design of a semantic person-oriented nurse call management system

Context information is becoming increasingly important in a world with more and more wireless devices that have to be in touch with the environment around them. In this paper, we focus on how this context information can be efficiently modelled by employing an ontology. This ontology can then be used by reasoning algorithms (e.g., Rules) which are based on this context information. This way, the algorithm is more sensitive to the varying conditions of the environment. This is illustrated with a use case which studies the transition from a place-oriented to a person-oriented nurse call system. The Context-aware Service Platform (CASP) context framework (Strobbe et al., 2007; 2006) was extended to implement the use case. A web service interface was designed which allows the insertion or extraction of new information into the Knowledge Base. Finally, a simulation was set up to illustrate the advantages and the performance of the new person-oriented approach.
ENTREPRENEURIAL GOVERNANCE: CHALLENGES OF LARGE‐SCALE PROPERTY‐LED URBAN REGENERATION PROJECTS

Large-scale urban regeneration projects become highly complex as they involve multiple actors with different expectations. In general, the implementation of such projects entails building governance regimes at the city or regional level, but this often means forging partnerships between public and private actors to serve as policy instruments. Each city government formulates its own strategy for coping with the complexities of various levels of policy-making, thereby establishing multi-level governance regimes. And each city has its own particular experience with the implementation trajectory: long or short, successful or unsuccessful. This paper focuses on how the complexities of multi-actor governance influence the implementation of these projects. The purpose is to show how the macro-level institutional context affects the project's success and to analyse the challenges posed by multi-actor governance. Comparative analysis of two old port regeneration projects, namely Rotterdam's Kop van Zuid in the Netherlands, and Het Eilandje in Antwerp, Belgium, reveals how similar challenges were dealt with in different institutional contexts. Copyright (c) 2009 by the Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG.
Information needs and sources of information for patients during cancer follow-up.

BACKGROUND Now more than ever, cancer patients want health information. Little has been published to characterize the information needs and preferred sources of that information for patients who have completed cancer treatment. METHODS We used a nationally validated instrument to prospectively survey patients attending a cancer clinic for a post-treatment follow-up visit. All patients who came to the designated clinics between December 2011 and June 2012 were approached (N = 648), and information was collected only from those who agreed to proceed. RESULTS The 411 patients who completed the instrument included individuals with a wide range of primary malignancies. Their doctor or health professional was overwhelmingly the most trusted source of cancer information, followed by the Internet, family, and friends. The least trusted sources of information included radio, newspaper, and television. Patients most preferred to receive personalized written information from their health care provider. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors are keenly interested in receiving information about cancer, despite having undergone or finished active therapy. The data indicate that, for patients, their health care provider is the most trusted source of cancer information. Cancer providers should ask patients about the information they want and should direct them to trusted sources.
Brain-Computer Interface Learning System for Quadriplegics

The proposed Brain-Computer Interface system enables Quadriplegic patients, people with severe motor disabilities to send commands to electronic devices and communicate with ease. Interactive sessions are vital for effective knowledge transfer in any learning eco-system. The growth of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) has led to rapid development in 'Assistive Systems' for the disabled called 'assistive domotics'. Brain-Computer-Interface is capable of reading the brainwaves of an individual and analyse it to obtain some meaningful data. This processed data can be used to assist people having speech disorders and sometimes people with limited locomotion to communicate. In this Project, Emotiv EPOC Headset is used to obtain the electroencephalogram (EEG). The obtained data is processed to communicate pre-defined commands and queries for interactive learning. EEG data can also be used to monitor student's emotional behaviour and provide emotional feedback to the students. Other Vital Information like the heartbeat, blood pressure, ECG and temperature are monitored and uploaded to the server. The Data is processed in Intel Edison, system on chip (SoC). Patient metrics are displayed via Intel IoT Analytics cloud service.
Long‐term course and outcome in unipolar affective and schizoaffective psychoses

ABSTRACT– Of 301 first‐time admitted patients with delusional psychoses, 50 met DSM‐III criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), 33 schizoaffective disorder, depressive type (SADD), and 94 schizophrenia. At personal follow‐up after 3–39 (mean 22) years, the SADD group was recorded in between on course and outcome variables, but closer to MDD. The findings in MDD and SADD were respectively: remission 66% vs. 42%, personality disorders 14% vs. 12%, anxiety disorder or alcohol abuse 2% vs. 6%, psychosis 18% vs. 36% (with bipolar development in 2% vs. 6%, paranoid disorder 2% vs. 3%, schizophrenia 4% vs. 3%). Chronic psychosis was recorded in 10% vs. 27%. No significant outcome difference was found between early onset MDD and SADD cases and those who fell ill at a higher age. The assumption that antidepressants may induce mania could not be confirmed. Normal premorbid personality seemed to predict a favourable course.
Application of optimally-shaped phononic crystals to reduce anchor losses of MEMS resonators

This work is focused on the application of Phononic Crystals to reduce anchor losses of MEMS contour mode resonators. Anchor losses dominates the losses in these type of released resonators at low frequency and at low temperature. The use of phononic crystals, intended as finite-periodic distribution of holes in the anchor, is fully compatible with fabrication processes and moreover it is easy to implement. The numerical results obtained in this work show how the use of these crystals can significantly reduce the anchor losses: without the use of the crystal the Q-factor related to only anchor losses is 344, with the use of the crystal it can reach up to 105900.