Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech and Voice after Laryngectomy: Perceptual and Acoustical Analyses of Tracheoesophageal Speech Related to Voice Handicap Index

Objective: To perform perceptual and acoustical analyses of tracheoesophageal (TE) speech and relate these analyses to self-reported voice handicap. Methods: Recordings of 35 TE speakers were perceptually assessed by 5 speech-language pathologists. Acoustical analyses were made of voice aspects and temporal speech aspects. Self-assessments of voice were made with the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Results: Perceptual assessment of TE speech showed significant correlations between overall degree of deviation and low speaking rate, deviant articulation, monotonous intonation, roughness and low pitch. The overall degree of deviation correlated significantly with acoustical measurements of speaking rate, articulation rate, and phrase length. Significant correlations were also found between assessed pitch and measured fundamental frequency, between assessed speaking rate and measured number of words per minute, and between assessed phrase length and measured number of syllables per breath. Self-assessments of VHI were significantly correlated with voice intensity and temporal speech aspects such as total reading time, phrase length, and percent pause time. No significant correlations were found between perceptual assessment and VHI degree. Conclusion: The listeners’ ratings of overall degree of deviation in TE speech showed relations to both voice quality and temporal aspects in speech. The TE speakers’ voice handicap degree were mainly related to changes in temporal aspects of speech.
Cardiovascular Morbidity in COPD: A Study of the General Population

ABSTRACT Although there are a number of studies on the coexistence of heart disease and COPD among patients acutely admitted to hospital, this relationship has not been accurately described in the general population. Especially data on the prevalence of both reduced lung function and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are sparse. We used data from the 4th examination of The Copenhagen City Heart Study, which comprises 5,890 individuals with data on pulmonary and cardiac symptoms, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary function tests, ECG and relevant medical history. Among the participants a randomly selected subgroup of 3,469 individuals underwent both spirometry and echocardiography. The participants were classified according to COPD stage using the international GOLD staging according to FEV1 in %% of predicted. The prevalence of COPD was 5.7%% for mild COPD (GOLD stage 1), 9.4%% for moderate COPD (GOLD stage 2) and 2.5%% for severe and very severe COPD (GOLD stages 3++4). Individuals with COPD were older and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Among the echocardiographical findings, only the presence of left ventricular hyperthrophy was significantly more frequent among individuals with COPD (17.7%%) than among participants without COPD (12.1%%.), yet this relationship was no longer significant after statistical adjustment for age and gender. In the general population, subjects with COPD have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and an unfavourable cardiovascular risk profile compared with individuals without COPD, but this was mainly related to higher age among the participants with COPD.
Axial load behavior of large-scale columns confined with fiber-reinforced polymer composites

Confinement of concrete is an efficient technique used to increase the load-carrying capacity and ductility of concrete columns and is of interest for upgrading columns, piers, and chimneys. This article reports on an experimental and analytical study of axially-loaded large-scale columns confined with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) wrapping reinforcement; this work updates previous studies on smaller-scale columns. The effective circumferential FRP failure strain and the effect of increasing confining action were investigated. The authors compared the different existing compressive strength models to their study results. The authors then present a revision of an existing model developed previously by the second author. This revised model addresses the effective FRP failure strain that is attributed to localized stress concentrations near failure due to nonhomogenous deformations of the damaged concrete. The authors note that the wrapping configuration of the confinement has a considerable influence on the effectiveness of the FRP wrapping. The authors conclude that although the available models were developed based on small-size cylinders, four models seem to predict the ultimate strength of large-scale columns fairly accurately (Miyauchi et al, Saafi et al, Samaan et al, and Toutanji Revised).
Experimental infection with BCG as a model of tuberculosis in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Abstract AIMS: To study the development and progression of lesions produced following experimental inoculations of possums with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Pasteur Strain 1173P2 and to compare these with lesions that occurred following natural Mycobacterium bovis infection. METHODS: Possums were inoculated with 5 x 106 colony forming units (cfu) of BCG via the intra-dermal (I/D) route into the dorsum of the neck (n=38) or the left brachium (n=7), orally (n=10), via the endo-bronchial (E/B) route (n=12), or intravenously (I/V) (n=10, half of which received 5 x 106 cfu and half of which received 5 x 107 cfu of BCG). The possums were humanely killed between 1–4 weeks post inoculation (p.i.), and the nature and distribution of lesions examined grossly and histopathologically. RESULTS: The distribution of lesions following I/D inoculation via either route was similar to that of the natural disease, but there were few lesions in the lung. Endo-bronchial inoculation resulted in pulmonary disease but produced few lesions outside the respiratory tract. Lesions produced by I/V inoculation were similar in distribution to those seen in terminally ill tuberculous possums. No lesions were produced following oral inoculation. Regression of lesions commenced after 3 weeks p.i. CONCLUSIONS: Although the phenomenon of lesion resolution restricts the use of BCG to the study of early lesion development, it avoids the overwhelming disease induced using M. bovis and thus allows the early phases of the development and progression of tuberculosis in this species to be observed. Intra-dermal inoculation produced evidence that infection through the skin is associated with lesions in superficial lymph nodes, whereas pulmonary disease was associated with E/B inoculation. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that both percutaneous and respiratory routes are important in natural infection of possums with M. bovis.
Induction of ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase mRNAs by ammonium in Nitrosomonas europaea

In Nitrosomonas europaea, ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) catalyse the oxidation of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2−). A transcript of 3500 bases hybridizes to probes for amoA and amoB (genes that code for AMO proteins). A transcript of 2100 bases hybridizes to probes for hao (the gene that codes for HAO). Induction of the mRNAs detected by amo and hao probes required the presence of ammonium (NH4+). To correlate new levels of mRNA with de novo activity, existent mRNA pools and AMO activity were depleted prior to induction by NH4+. The mRNAs of AMO and HAO were depleted by depriving the cells of energy for at least 8 h; AMO activity was inactivated with acetylene (C2H2) after mRNA depletion. In cells treated this way, levels of new AMO mRNA and de novo AMO enzyme activity were correlated with increased NH4+ concentrations up to 1 mM after 3 h of incubation. HAO mRNA also increased in the NH4+‐treated cells. Other proteins and RNAs induced by NH4+ were detected in 14CO2‐labelling experiments. The AMO and HAO mRNAs were preferentially synthesized during energy‐limiting conditions.
Convergent validity of the constant-murley outcome measure in patients with rotator cuff disease.

PURPOSE Despite the popularity of the Constant-Murley score (CMS), a combined patient-report and objective (health professional administered) shoulder outcome measure, minimal information exists on its reliability or validity. The purpose of this study was to examine (1) internal consistency and convergent validity of the CMS and (2) the degree to which other shoulder measures explain variation in range of motion and strength components of the CMS. METHODS In this cross-sectional study of outcome measures, 45 patients undergoing conservative or surgical treatment for rotator cuff disease participated. Two disease-specific outcome measures, one shoulder-specific measure, and one upper extremity outcome measure were compared to the CMS. RESULTS Correlations between competing measures and relative total CMS were moderate (0.56 to 0.75). The American Shoulder & Elbow Score, the Upper Extremity Functional Index, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and the Rotator Cuff Quality of Life index explained 38%, 28%, 26%, and 10% of variance of the objective component of the CMS respectively. CONCLUSIONS The patient-report component of the CMS measures a multidimensional concept. The strength component had moderate correlations with isometric strength measures of the shoulder external rotators and abductors. The total CMS appears to measure a construct that is not totally captured by competing measures. The unexplained variance may be due, in part, to the lack of importance of the patient's physical impairment to symptoms or activity limitations as measured by other instruments.
Ant colony optimization for power plant maintenance scheduling optimization

In order to maintain a reliable and economic electric power supply, the maintenance of power plants is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, a formulation that enables ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithms to be applied to the power plant maintenance scheduling optimization (PPMSO) problem is developed and tested on a 21-unit case study. A heuristic formulation is introduced and its effectiveness in solving the problem is investigated. The performance of two different ACO algorithms is compared, including Best Ant System (BAS) and Max-Min Ant System (MMAS), and a detailed sensitivity analysis is conducted on the parameters controlling the searching behavior of ACO algorithms. The results obtained indicate that the performance of the two ACO algorithms investigated is significantly better than that of a number of other metaheuristics, such as genetic algorithms and simulated annealing, which have been applied to the same case study previously. In addition, use of the heuristics significantly improves algorithm performance. Also, ACO is found to have similar performance for the case study considered across an identified range of parameter values.
Indirect Observation in Everyday Contexts: Concepts and Methodological Guidelines within a Mixed Methods Framework

Indirect observation is a recent concept in systematic observation. It largely involves analyzing textual material generated either indirectly from transcriptions of audio recordings of verbal behavior in natural settings (e.g., conversation, group discussions) or directly from narratives (e.g., letters of complaint, tweets, forum posts). It may also feature seemingly unobtrusive objects that can provide relevant insights into daily routines. All these materials constitute an extremely rich source of information for studying everyday life, and they are continuously growing with the burgeoning of new technologies for data recording, dissemination, and storage. Narratives are an excellent vehicle for studying everyday life, and quantitization is proposed as a means of integrating qualitative and quantitative elements. However, this analysis requires a structured system that enables researchers to analyze varying forms and sources of information objectively. In this paper, we present a methodological framework detailing the steps and decisions required to quantitatively analyze a set of data that was originally qualitative. We provide guidelines on study dimensions, text segmentation criteria, ad hoc observation instruments, data quality controls, and coding and preparation of text for quantitative analysis. The quality control stage is essential to ensure that the code matrices generated from the qualitative data are reliable. We provide examples of how an indirect observation study can produce data for quantitative analysis and also describe the different software tools available for the various stages of the process. The proposed method is framed within a specific mixed methods approach that involves collecting qualitative data and subsequently transforming these into matrices of codes (not frequencies) for quantitative analysis to detect underlying structures and behavioral patterns. The data collection and quality control procedures fully meet the requirement of flexibility and provide new perspectives on data integration in the study of biopsychosocial aspects in everyday contexts.
Exploratory Study Examining Clinical Measures of Adiposity Risk for Predicting Obesity in Adolescents with Physical Disabilities

ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were to assess the accuracy of clinical measures for predicting adiposity when compared with a criterion standard of body fat percentage measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and to determine the most appropriate cut points for classifying obesity for each measure in adolescents with physical disability. DesignBody mass index, triceps skinfolds, and waist, arm, and leg circumferences were collected on 29 adolescents aged 14–17 yrs with spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida. Percentage of body fat was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the ability of measures to predict percentage of body fat. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify optimal cut points for each measure. ResultsAlthough all clinical measures correlated with body fat as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, current cut points are not adequate in this group. Using a body mass index of 20 kg/m2 (boys) and 19 kg/m2 (girls) was optimal but still misclassified a significant number of participants as nonobese in this group. Using the optimal cut points for waist circumference, which were 83 cm (boys) and 78 cm (girls), was the best predictor. ConclusionsBody mass index, triceps skinfolds, and waist, leg, and arm circumferences are valid measures for estimating obesity in adolescents with physical disability, but further research is needed to validate disability-specific cut points. To Claim CME Credits:Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online at http://www.physiatry. org/JournalCME CME Objectives:Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Understand disparities in obesity rates among adolescents with mobility disabilities; (2) Describe limitations of current clinical screening methods of obesity in children with mobility disabilities; and (3) Identify potential alternatives for obesity screening in children with mobility disabilities. Level:Advanced Accreditation:The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for amaximumof 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Practical management of bleeding in patients receiving non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants

Summary Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are increasingly used in the prevention and treatment of venous thromboembolism and in the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. In phase III clinical trials and meta-analyses, the NOACs were at least as effective as vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and were associated with a similar or lower incidence of major bleeding, including consistent and significant decreases in intracranial bleeding, although with an increase in gastrointestinal bleeding for some agents compared with VKAs. Subsequent real-world evidence supports these outcomes. Despite this, physicians have concerns about serious bleeding or emergencies because there are no specific reversal agents for the NOACs. However, in clinical trials, patients receiving NOACs generally had similar or better outcomes after these events than those taking VKAs. As with any bleeding, anticoagulant-related bleeding should first be stratified according to severity and location; risk can be minimised by ongoing assessment. Management protocols for NOAC-related bleeding are similar to those for VKAs but should take into account the pharmacological profile of the specific drug. Because of their short half-lives, NOAC-related mild bleeding can often be controlled by temporarily withholding treatment. More severe bleeding requires standard escalating haemodynamic support measures, and non-specific reversal agents can be considered in life-threatening situations, based on limited clinical data. Specific and rapid reversal agents are not currently available for any oral anticoagulant and restoration of coagulation may not necessarily lead to better outcomes. Nevertheless, specific NOAC reversal agents are in development and show promise in healthy volunteers.
Mechanism of Filament Nucleation and Branch Stability Revealed by the Structure of the Arp2/3 Complex at Actin Branch Junctions

Actin branch junctions are conserved cytoskeletal elements critical for the generation of protrusive force during actin polymerization-driven cellular motility. Assembly of actin branch junctions requires the Arp2/3 complex, upon activation, to initiate a new actin (daughter) filament branch from the side of an existing (mother) filament, leading to the formation of a dendritic actin network with the fast growing (barbed) ends facing the direction of movement. Using genetic labeling and electron microscopy, we have determined the structural organization of actin branch junctions assembled in vitro with 1-nm precision. We show here that the activators of the Arp2/3 complex, except cortactin, dissociate after branch formation. The Arp2/3 complex associates with the mother filament through a comprehensive network of interactions, with the long axis of the complex aligned nearly perpendicular to the mother filament. The actin-related proteins, Arp2 and Arp3, are positioned with their barbed ends facing the direction of daughter filament growth. This subunit map brings direct structural insights into the mechanism of assembly and mechanical stability of actin branch junctions.
Central visual field changes using flicker perimetry in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of flicker perimetry compared with that of static perimetry in determining central visual field losses in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS Flicker and static perimetry were performed using the Medmont field analyser on 20 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 24 age-matched control participants. RESULTS Flicker, but not static, perimetry demonstrated significant reductions in thresholds in those participants who had a recent diagnosis of diabetes or who had no or only minimal diabetic retinopathy compared to the control group at eccentricities close to fixation. CONCLUSION Flicker perimetry is recommended for the evaluation of visual field losses in participants with recent onset of diabetes and minimal diabetic retinopathy.
Fundamental limits of location privacy using anonymization

In [1]–[3], the concept of perfect location privacy is defined and sufficient conditions for achieving it were obtained when anonymization is used. In this paper, necessary conditions for perfect privacy are obtained. Specifically, we prove that the previous sufficient bounds are tight, and thus we obtain the threshold for achieving perfect location privacy using anonymization. First, we assume that a user's current location is independent from her past locations. Using this i.i. d model, we show that if the adversary collects more than equation anonymous observations, then the adversary can successfully recover the users' locations with high probability. Here, n is the number of users in the network and r is the number of all possible locations that users can go to. Next, we model users' movements using Markov chains to better model real-world movement patterns. We show similar results if the adversary collects more than equation observations, where |E| is the number of edges in the user's Markov chain model.
Serologic Testing with ANCA, ASCA, and Anti-OmpC in Children and Young Adults with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Diagnostic Value and Correlation with Disease Phenotype

OBJECTIVES:Serologic testing is increasingly being utilized to evaluate children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this paper was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a currently available panel involving four antibodies: deoxyribonuclease (DNase)-sensitive perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (DNase-sensitive pANCA), IgA and IgG antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (IgA and IgG ASCA), and antibody to Escherichia coli outer membrane porin (anti-OmpC). We also wished to determine whether antibody levels correlated with disease activity, and whether a specific antibody pattern correlated with location and outcome of disease in children.METHODS:We studied sera from 81 children with Crohn's disease (CD), 54 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 63 controls. Clinical data, disease activity, and disease diagnosis were gathered at the time of serum sampling, and charts were re-reviewed at time of the study to determine long-term outcome. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to determine titers of antibodies to ASCA, DNase-sensitive pANCA, and anti-OmpC; the presence of perinuclear staining for ANCA was confirmed by immunofluorescence.RESULTS:We identified ASCA antibodies in 44% of CD patients, 0% of UC patients, and 1 control patient. DNase-sensitive pANCA antibodies were found in 70% of patients with UC, 18% of CD patients (predominantly Crohn's colitis), and 3% of controls. Anti-OmpC as an isolated assay had low sensitivity for both CD (24%) and UC (11%), and displayed a 5% false-positive rate. However, anti-OmpC did identify a small number of IBD patients not detected by the other assays. If any one or more of the four antibodies was positive, the overall sensitivity of the four antibody panel was 65% for CD and 76% for UC, with a specificity of 94%. Patients who were ASCA-positive were more likely to have disease of the ileum or ileum and right colon than patients who were ASCA-negative (58% vs 18%, p < 0.001). Patients with ASCA-positive were also more likely to require ileocecal resection (36% vs 13%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:A currently available commercial antibody panel has good sensitivity and excellent specificity for CD and UC. The ASCA antibodies, while highly specific for CD, identify predominantly the subset of children with disease of the ileum and ascending colon who may be at increased risk of surgery.