Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of ‘open throat’ technique on vibrato rate, extent and onset in classical singing

Mitchell, Kenny et al. (2003) identified ‘open throat’ as integral to the production of an even and consistent sound in classical singing. In this study, we compared vibrato rate, extent and onset of six advanced singing students under three conditions: ‘optimal’ (O), representing maximal open throat; ‘sub-optimal’ (SO), using reduced open throat; and loud sub-optimal (LSO), using reduced open throat but controlling for the effect of loudness. Fifteen expert judges correctly identified the sound produced when singers used open throat with 85% accuracy. Having verified the technique perceptually, we used a series of univariate repeated measures ANOVAs with planned orthogonal contrasts to test the hypotheses that frequency modulations associated with vibrato rate, extent and onset would vary outside acceptable or desirable parameters for SO and LSO. Hypotheses were confirmed for vibrato extent and onset but not for rate. There were no significant differences between SO and LSO on any of the vibrato parameters. As vibrato is considered a key indicator of good singing, these findings suggest that open throat is important to the production of a good sound in classical singing.
CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR BUSINESS – IT ALIGNMENT:A REVIEW OF CURRENT RESEARCH

Business-IT alignment still remains one of the three main research streams in IS literature, and from 1994 it constantly ranks among the top three concerns of CIOs. While a lot of research has been published around business-IT alignment in the last three decades, a number of models have been proposed to structure the concept into various dimensions and levels. However, only a few studies have been made regarding the critical success factors. Moreover, we were unable to find any systematically consolidated evidence in this regard. This is a major gap because research is collaborative venture and each researcher build on what have been found and understood before. After searching some of the most comprehensive science databases such as ScienceDirect, JStore, ACM Digital Library, SpringerLink we could identify only six articles on the matter. Using the model proposed by Schlosser et al. (Schlosser, et al., 2012) to structure the alignment concept, our results show that most of the identified CFSs are related to individual skills and knowledge of IT and business executives.
Determinan Struktur Modal Inovasi dan Nilai Perusahaan (Studi pada Industri Manufaktur di Bursa Efek Indonesia)

The purpose of this research is to develop a model of the determinants of capital structure, innovation and firm value of the psychological aspect, which is controlled by company-specific variables and blockholder ownership structure. This research was conducted in manufacturing industry in Indonesian Stock Exchange on the company. Partial Last Square is used as the method of analysis. There were twenty two companies which were analyzed The study found that capital structure determined by an overconfidence attitude of managers who are supported by company’s internal factors. In addition to determining capital structure, managers’ overconfidence also plays a role in the innovation decision and the firm value determination. Financing innovation in is much more determined by internal sources. The value of manufacturing company in Indonesia is more determined by internal factors and the structure of blockholder ownership. Keywords: overconfidence, capital structure, innovation, blockholder, internal factors, firm value.
Biologic modulation of chemotherapy in patients with hepatic colorectal metastases: The role of anti‐VEGF and anti‐EGFR antibodies

In the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, the subset of patients with liver‐only metastases shows the greatest promise for prolonged survival and cure. Advances in surgery and medical treatment have encouraged multimodality treatment strategies and therefore require a true multidisciplinary approach. The current standard of care includes peri‐operative chemotherapy and surgery. The new era of biologically targeted therapy requires an in‐depth look at the possible efficacy and risks of adding these agents to the treatment protocol. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:937–945. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling Issues and Performance Analysis of High-Speed Interconnects Based on a Bundle of SWCNT

The effects of the uncertainties associated with the transverse pattern of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) of the conducting type in a semiglobal interconnect based on a densely packed CNT bundle are investigated. The effectiveness of the insertion of a variable number of repeaters along the interconnect and the influence of the contact resistances between CNTs and external circuitry are also studied. The numerical computations are performed by using a multiconductor transmission line model in which the per-unit length parameters are accurately derived from a macroscopic fluidlike description of the conduction phenomena in CNTs.
Seismic evidence of tectonic control on the depth of water influx into incoming oceanic plates at subduction trenches

Water transported by slabs into the mantle at subduction zones plays key roles in tectonics, magmatism, fluid and volatiles fluxes, and most likely in the chemical evolution of the Earth's oceans and mantle. Yet, incorporation of water into oceanic plates before subduction is a poorly understood process. Several studies suggest that plates may acquire most water at subduction trenches because the ocean crust and uppermost mantle there are intensely faulted caused by bending and/or slab pull, and display anomalously low seismic velocities. The low velocities are interpreted to arise from a combination of fluid‐filled fractures associated to normal faulting and mineral transformation by hydration. Mantle hydration by transformation of nominally dry peridotite to water‐rich serpentinite could potentially create the largest fluid reservoir in slabs and is therefore the most relevant for the transport of water in the deep mantle. The depth of fracturing by normal‐fault earthquakes is usually not well constrained, but could potentially create deep percolation paths for water that might hydrate up to tens of kilometers into the mantle, restrained only by serpentine stability. Yet, interpretation of deep intraplate mineral alteration remains speculative because active‐source seismic experiments have sampled only the uppermost few kilometers of mantle, leaving the depth‐extent of anomalous velocities and their relation to faulting unconstrained. Here we use a joint inversion of active‐source seismic data, and both local and regional earthquakes to map the three dimensional distribution of anomalous velocities under a seismic network deployed at the trench seafloor. We found that anomalous velocities are restrained to the depth of normal‐fault micro‐earthquake activity recorded in the network, and are considerably shallower than either the rupture depth of teleseismic, normal‐fault earthquakes, or the limit of serpentine stability. Extensional micro‐earthquakes indicate that each fault in the region slips every 2–3 months which may facilitate regular water percolation. Deeper, teleseismic earthquakes are comparatively infrequent, and possibly do not cause significant fracturing that remains open long enough to promote alteration detectable with our seismic study. Our results show that the stability field of serpentine does not constrain the depth of potential mantle hydration.
c‐myc amplification in pre‐malignant and malignant lesions induced in rat liver by the resistant hepatocyte model

We have investigated by restriction fragment analysis genomic abnormalities involving the c‐myc gene in DNA isolated from adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). Adenomas and HCCs were induced by the “resistant hepatocyte” protocol in diethylnitrosamine‐initiated male F344 rats. Southern‐blot analysis of EcoRI‐restricted DNA from normal liver, early and late adenomas, 12 weeks (EAs) and 30 weeks (LAs) after initiation, and HCCs, showed 2 bands of 18 and 3.2 kb hybridizing with c‐myc, in all tissues. c‐myc amplification occurred in almost all HCCs, and in the majority of EAs and LAs. These results were confirmed by dilution analysis. c‐myc amplification was also seen in adenomas and HCCs by Southern analysis with HindIII‐restricted DNA, and in HCCs by differential PCR. c‐myc mRNA increase occurred in all adenomas and HCCs, but it was higher in the lesions showing gene amplification. Moreover, a 13‐kb DNA extraband, hybridizing with c‐myc, was found in the HindIII‐restricted DNA from HCCs, but not in normal liver and adenomas, and a 7.1‐kb extra band was present in EcoRI‐digested DNA from one LA. EcoRI‐restricted DNA from some adenomas exhibited a decrease in intensity of the 18‐kb fragment, and an increase in intensity of the 3.2‐kb fragment. No alteration in banding pattern occurred in the β‐actin gene in adenomas. These results provide evidence of amplification and some other rearrangements involving the c‐myc gene, in pre‐malignant and malignant liver lesions, induced by the RH protocol, and suggest a role of c‐myc rearrangement in the progression of adenomas to malignancy. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Golgi structural stability and biogenesis depend on associated PKA activity

The mammalian Golgi complex consists of stacks of cisternae linked laterally into a continuous perinuclear ribbon structure. Protein kinase A is stably associated with the Golgi complex during interphase. To analyze its role in Golgi structural maintenance cells were depleted of protein kinase A regulatory subunits using small interfering RNAs. Under these conditions, the catalytic subunits redistributed to the cytosol and the entire Golgi complex underwent disassembly into multiple juxtanuclear fragments. A similar effect took place following pharmacological inhibition or redistribution of the complete holoenzyme to the cytosol. Golgi fragments maintained their polarization and competence for anterograde protein trafficking. By electron microscopy, they were identified as whorl-like structures composed of concentrically arrayed cisternae. To test a possible role of protein kinase A in Golgi biogenesis we analyzed its involvement during Golgi reassembly from the endoplasmic reticulum. In cells incubated with protein kinase A inhibitors, Golgi reconstruction was arrested at a late step of the reassembly process. This is consistent with the stage of enzyme recruitment from cytosol to emerging Golgi membranes during the reassembly process. We conclude that protein kinase A activity plays a relevant role in the assembly and maintenance of a continuous Golgi ribbon from separated membrane stacks.
Effects of epidermal growth factor on the growth of human gastric cancer cell and the implanted tumor of nude mice.

AIM Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in the regulation of gastrointestinal tissue growth and development, and it can stimulate epithelial proliferation, cell differentiation and growth. It has been established that the EGF can promote gastric cytoprotection and ulcer healing. But the potential ability of EGF to regulate the gastric cancer growth is unknown. This study is to investigate the influence of EGF on human gastric cancer cell and the implanted tumor growth of nude mice. METHODS The cell growth rates of human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines MKN-28, MKN-45, SGC-7901 and normal human gastric epithelial cells 3T3 were assessed when incubated with recombinant human EGF (rhEGF, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 10, 50, 100 mg.L(-1)) using MTT method. The cells of MKN-28, MKN-45, SGC-7901 (gastric cancer tissue 1.5mm(3)) were implanted in the BALB/cA nude mice for 10 days. The EGF was given intraperitoneally (15, 30, 60 microg.kg(-1)) for 3 weeks. The body weights of the tumor-bearing animals and their tumor mass were measured afterwards to assess the mitogenic effect of rhEGF in the nude mice. RESULTS Within the concentration range of 0.05-100mg.L(-1), rhEGF could increase the cell growth of normal 3T3 cells (cell growth rate 100% vs 102.8%, P<0.05), but partially restrain the gastric cancer cell growth. The latter effect was related to cell differentiation. In 15-60 microg/kg rhEGF groups, the mean implanted tumor mass of MKN-28 cell were 1.75 g, 1.91 g, 2.08 g/NS group 1.97 g (P>0.05), the mean tumor mass of SGC-7901 cell were 1.53 g, 1.07 g, 1.20 g/NS group 1.07 g (P>0.05), and for MKN-45 cell, the tumor mass were respectively 1.92 g, 1.29 g, 1.77 /NS group 1.82 g (P>0.05). So rhEGF had no obvious effect on implanted MKN-28, SGC-7901 and MKN-45 tumor growth. CONCLUSION EGF has no stimulating effect on the human gastric cancer cell growth neither in vitro nor in vivo.
Liquidity Risk, Liquidity Creation, and Financial Fragility: A Theory of Banking

Loans are illiquid when a lender needs relationship‐specific skills to collect them. Consequently, if the relationship lender needs funds before the loan matures, she may demand to liquidate early, or require a return premium, when she lends directly. Borrowers also risk losing funding. The costs of illiquidity are avoided if the relationship lender is a bank with a fragile capital structure, subject to runs. Fragility commits banks to creating liquidity, enabling depositors to withdraw when needed, while buffering borrowers from depositors' liquidity needs. Stabilization policies, such as capital requirements, narrow banking, and suspension of convertibility, may reduce liquidity creation.
Three-Dimensional Implicit Stratigraphic Model Building From Remote Sensing Data on Tetrahedral Meshes: Theory and Application to a Regional Model of La Popa Basin, NE Mexico

Remote sensing data provide significant information to constrain the geometry of geological structures at depth. However, the use of intraformational geomorphologic features such as flatirons and incised valleys often calls for tedious user interaction during 3-D model building. We propose a new method to generate 3-D models of stratigraphic formations, based primarily on remote sensing images and digital elevation models. This method is based on interpretations of the main relief markers and interpolation of a stratigraphic property on a tetahedral mesh covering the domain of study. The tetrahedral mesh provides a convenient way to integrate available data during the interpolation while accounting for discontinuities such as faults. Interpretive expert input may be provided through constrained interactive editing on arbitrary cross-sections, and additional surface or subsurface data may also be integrated in the modeling. We demonstrate this global workflow on a structurally complex basin in the Sierra Madre Oriental, Northeastern Mexico.
Expression of ZAP-70 Protein Correlates with Disease Stage in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and is Associated with, but not Generally Restricted to, Non-mutated Ig VH Status

The mutational status of immunoglobulin variable region genes (Ig VH) is a well established prognostic parameter in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Recently, a subset of genes with a characteristic expression profile correlating with the mutational status of B-CLLs has been identified. One of the overexpressed genes in the prognostically unfavorable group of CLL patients with unmutated Ig VH genes encodes for the protein tyrosine kinase ZAP-70, which is physiologically involved in T-cell signaling. Since ZAP-70 has been described to be prognostically relevant in CLL, we analyzed the possible relationship of its expression to the mutational status of Ig VH genes as well as to other prognostic factors in CLL and indolent lymphomas. The mutational status of Ig VH genes was analyzed by seminested PCR, direct sequencing and comparison with the sequences of the EMBL databases in 60 samples of patients with B-CLL and 18 samples of patients with indolent B-cell malignancies. ZAP-70 protein expression was assessed in all samples by immunoblotting and for semiquantitative analysis the ratio of ZAP-70 to tubulin expression was calculated. ZAP-70 protein was found to be expressed in all investigated B-cell malignancies. Expression levels varied within a wide range in each entity. The highest mean level of ZAP-70 expression was observed in unmutated B-CLLs, however, with broad expression variability. High levels of ZAP-70 expression correlated with higher stage Binet B or C and with unmutated Ig VH genes. Overall survival rates estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves did not differ among patients with high or low ZAP-70 expression. We conclude that ZAP-70 is associated with the mutational status of Ig VH genes, but this expression pattern is not present in all individual cases. Furthermore, high levels of ZAP-70 correlated with Binet stages B or C indicating an involvement of ZAP-70 in mechanisms promoting growth of B-CLL cells.
Neuroendocrine‐immunology of Experimental Chagas' Disease

The cytokine‐mediated stimulation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is relevant for immunoregulation and survival during bacterial endotoxemia and certain viral infections. However, only limited information is available regarding the effect of endogenous glucocorticoids on parasitic diseases. Here, we discuss evidence that the increased levels of corticosterone that occur following Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice is an endocrine response that protects the host by impeding an excessive production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Comparative studies between susceptible C57Bl/6J and resistant Balb/c mice indicate that the predisposition to the disease depends on the appropriate timing and magnitude of the activation of the HPA axis. However, this endocrine response also results in thymus atrophy and depletion of CD4+CD8+ by apoptosis. On the other hand, using tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐receptor knockout mice, we found that TNF‐α plays a complex role during this disease; it is involved in the mediation of cardiac tissue damage but it also contributes to prolonged survival. Taken together, this evidence indicates that a subtle balance between endocrine responses and cytokine production is necessary for an efficient defense against T. cruzi infection.
Amniotic membrane as an option for treatment of acute Achilles tendon injury in rats.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of human amniotic membrane (hAM) fragment on inflammatory response, proliferation of fibroblast and organization of collagen fibers in injured tendon. METHODS Sixty rats were divided into 3 groups: C - surgical procedures without tendon lesion and with simulation of hAM application; I - surgical procedures, tendon injury and simulation of hAM application; T - surgical procedures, tendon injury and hAM application. These groups were subdivided into four experimental times (3, 7, 14 and 28 days). The samples underwent histological analysis and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. RESULTS Histological analysis at 14 days, the T group showed collagen fibers with better alignment. At 28 days, the I group presented the characteristics described for the T group at 14 days, while this group presented aspects of a mature connective tissue. FT-IR analysis showed a clear distinction among the three groups at all experimental times and groups T and I presented more similarities to each other than to group C. CONCLUSION Acute injury of tendon treated with human amniotic membrane fragment showed a faster healing process, reduction in inflammatory response, intense proliferation of fibroblasts and organization of collagen fibers.
Pattern optimization of linearly tapered slot antennas using reactive loading

The linearly tapered slot antenna is an important member of integrated circuit antennas in the millimeter-wave and microwave frequencies. Previously, we have reported our results for the analysis of LTSAs on a dielectric substrate, and the variation of the antenna pattern with changing antenna dimensions and taper angle. In this article, it is shown that the antenna pattern can be improved using a top layer of a dielectric with varying permittivity. The method is succesfully applied to the case of resonant sized sample antennas in air.
Divided Based Return Forecast as Benchmark for REIT Performance

REIT return benchmark in specific REIT market are produced using NAV, Leverage, Income, Dividend forecast and Star rating of investment. A range of benchmarks exist across the different REIT markets including US NAREIT, UK IPD, AUX LPT and EPRA. The Asian REIT market have S-REIT index and J-REIT index as a benchmark for REIT return, yet there is absence of regional benchmark index. This paper focuses on establishing a sector predicted benchmark for REIT performance in Malaysia for competitive comparison across Asian REIT market in full consideration of the joint contribution of identified return predicting factors. To measure portfolio or investment performance, studies have traditionally employed performance measures that compare the returns of managed portfolio with benchmarks like S&P500 index, NYSE Composite, NAREIT Index, Composite Price Index (CPI), KLCI, ASI, or ratios like Jensen Measures, Treynor ratio, Sharpe ratio etc. This study attempt a forecast of REITs return benchmark using Time Series analysis. The study adopted the quantitative research approach. A sample of 10 listed conventional REITs were selected to reflect diversity in portfolio and location. Data were extracted from the annual reports of selected REIT companies through their websites for period of eight years (2006-2013). Time Series regression was performed on the collected data from the listed REITs to establish a linear model for the forecast of REIT return at any period that can serve as benchmark for the REITs. The data shows that none of the predicting variables have a one direction of influence with dividend. A decline in the Size or NAV or FFO does not rigidly lead to a fall in dividend and vice-versa. Therefore the predictors jointly influence dividend. The regression for the trend estimation for forecast also support this position of joint significant influence of predicting factors on dividend. The study found that predicted return of 7.5% is above the actual return from REIT (6.26%) which indicates that REIT is performing below their capacity and could do more. The forecast is 18% higher than the actual. The forecast for the first quarter of 2014 is a bit higher than the actual dividend declared (table 6). A final dividend of 9.2 Sen and 7.6% annual return is predicted for year 2014 and could serve as benchmark for REIT performance for 2014. The study covers the conventional REITs that were listed in Bursa Malaysia, hence, the 4 Islamic REIT were excluded from the study. Similar study on Islamic REIT could serve a subject for another research.
In Vitro Expansion Improves In Vivo Regulation by CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells1

CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) can actively suppress immune responses and thus have substantial therapeutical potential. Clinical application is, however, frustrated by their scarcity, anergic status, and lack of defined specificity. We found that a single injection of a small number of expanded but not fresh HY-specific Tregs protected syngeneic male skin grafts from rejection by immune-competent recipients. The expanded Tregs were predominantly located in the grafts and graft-draining lymph nodes. In vitro expanded Tregs displayed a phenotype of CD25highCD4lowFoxp3+CTLA4+, and also up-regulated IL10 and TGFβ while down-regulating IFN-γ, GM-CSF, IL5, and TNF-α production. Furthermore, expanded Tregs appeared to express a reduced level of Foxp3, which could be prevented by adding TGFβ to the culture, and they also tended to lose Foxp3 following the repeated stimulation. Finally, a proportion of expanded HY-specific Tregs secreted IL2 in response to their cognate peptide, and this finding could be confirmed using Tregs from Foxp3GFP reporter mice. We not only demonstrated that expanded Tregs are superior to fresh Tregs in suppressing T cell responses against alloantigens, but also revealed some novel immunobiological properties of expended Tregs which are very instructive for modifying current Treg expansion procedures.