Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intra-cyclic Distance per Stroke Phase, Velocity Fluctuations and Acceleration Time Ratio of a Breaststroker's Hip: A Comparison between Elite and Nonelite Swimmers at Different Race Paces

The aim of this study was to compare the intra-cyclic velocity graphs of breaststroke swimmers at two skill levels in relation to their movement phases. Two groups of nine male swimmers were videotaped underwater at three swimming race paces corresponding to their actual competitive times for the 200-m, 100-m and 50-m breaststroke. Their forward intra-cyclic hip velocity was recorded with a velocity-meter. The breaststroke cycle was divided into four phases: leg propulsion, leg-arm lag phase, arm propulsion, and arm and leg recovery. From the velocity-time data, the following parameters were computed: an index of velocity fluctuations (IVF), the distance covered during each stroke phase, and an acceleration-deceleration time ratio (ADTR). The main results showed that in both groups of swimmers, when the race pace increased, the distance covered during the leg-arm lag phase decreased, while the other swimming phases remained stable. When expressed in relative values, the percentage of distance covered during the leg-arm lag phase decreased. In nonelite swimmers, the percentage of distance covered in the other stroke phases increased significantly, while only a tendency was noted in the elite group. Elite swimmers demonstrated a higher ADTR at the 50-m pace than at their 100-m and 200-m paces. An inter-group comparison showed that elite swimmers had higher values for the IVF and ADTR, which indicated their capacity to accelerate to boost the swim and highlighted the relevancy of these factors to discriminate skill level.
A single DNA‐binding transcription factor is sufficient for activation from a distant enhancer and/or from a promoter position.

Typical cell type‐specific or inducible mammalian genes are under the control of one or more remote enhancers which transmit their effect to the promoter region located at the initiation site of transcription. Both enhancers and promoters are composed of multiple binding sites for transcription factors. To study the requirements for promoter and enhancer function, we have used a reporter gene that is completely dependent on a single DNA‐binding transcription factor in vivo. This factor is a truncated, hormone‐independent form of the glucocorticoid receptor which interacts strongly with a palindromic binding site. After transfection into HeLa cells, transcription of a reporter gene with one, two or four copies of the binding site upstream of the TATA box is enhanced less than 10, at least 100 and greater than 1000‐fold respectively, in the presence of the receptor. Even when the TATA box is deleted, the four upstream binding sites confer receptor‐dependent transcription, though from scattered initiation sites. When four copies of the palindromic binding site are placed downstream of the transcription unit, they form a very strong receptor‐dependent enhancer. This enhancer can activate comparably well promoters containing binding sites for either glucocorticoid receptor, Sp1 factor, or octamer factor. Our data show that a single defined DNA‐binding factor can mediate both promoter and enhancer activity, and that it can co‐operate functionally both with itself and with seemingly unrelated transcription factors.
Vaccination with the Chlamydia trachomatis Major Outer Membrane Protein Can Elicit an Immune Response as Protective as That Resulting from Inoculation with Live Bacteria

ABSTRACT BALB/c mice were vaccinated by the intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) routes with a native preparation of the Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis (MoPn) major outer membrane protein (MOMP), using Montanide ISA 720 and CpG-1826 as adjuvants. A negative control group was immunized with ovalbumin and the two adjuvants, and a positive control group was immunized intranasally (i.n.) with 104 inclusion-forming units (IFU) of C. trachomatis. Four weeks after the last i.m. -plus-s.c. immunization, mice were challenged in the ovarian bursa with 105 IFU of C. trachomatis MoPn. Six weeks after the genital challenge, animals were mated, and the pregnancies were monitored. After vaccination with MOMP, the mice developed strong Chlamydia-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Following the genital challenge, of the mice vaccinated with the MOMP, only 15% (3/20) had positive vaginal cultures, while 85% (17/20) of the animals immunized with ovalbumin had positive cultures over the 6 weeks of observation (P < 0.05). Also, only 14% (3/21) of the animals inoculated i.n. with Chlamydia had positive vaginal cultures. After mating, 75% (15/20) of the mice vaccinated with MOMP carried embryos in both uterine horns. Of the animals vaccinated i.n. with the Chlamydia, 81% (17/21) had embryos in both uterine horns (P > 0.05). In contrast, only 10% (2/20) of the mice immunized with ovalbumin had embryos in both uterine horns (P < 0.05). In conclusion, immunization with a purified preparation of the MOMP is as effective as vaccination with viable C. trachomatis in eliciting a protective immune response against a genital challenge in mice.
Factors affecting autologous peripheral blood stem cell collection in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma: A single institution result of 168 patients

From 1996 to April 2006, 174 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) received ESHAP as salvage and for mobilisation. Males 92, females 76. DLCL 64: HL 104, prior radiation in 35%. First relapse 45%, second relapse 12%, induction failure 43%. Median prior chemotherapy cycles were 6. Median age at apheresis was 26.5 years. Six patients failed mobilisation and 21 patients had CD34+ cells collection <2×106/kg on first apheresis. Median CD34+ cells/kg collection was 5.5×106/kg for first apheresis and 6.7×106/kg for all apheresis. We evaluated impact of histology, gender, age, stage, marrow involvement, prior radiation and chemotherapy cycles, timing (relapse1: relapse > 1: refractory), platelet count and weight. For first apheresis collection; all patients, younger age (p = 0.004), for DLCL (64), younger age (p = 0.021) and higher platelet count (p = 0.013) and for HL (104), younger age (p = 0.036) and male gender had better CD34+ cells collection. For all apheresis product, for all patients, age (p = 0.001) and no prior radiation therapy (p = 0.051) had better CD34+ cells collection. Higher first harvest CD34+ cells collection also resulted in early neutrophil (p ≤ 0.001) and platelet (p = 0.004) engraftment.
Expression of laminin chains by central neurons: Analysis with gene and protein trapping techniques

Summary: Laminins exert numerous effects on neurons in vitro, but expression of laminin subunit genes by neurons in vivo remains controversial. To reexamine this issue, we generated mice from ES cells in which the laminin α1, α5, β1, and γ1 genes had been “trapped” by insertion of a histochemically detectable selectable marker, βgeo (β‐galactosidase fused to neomycin phosphotransferase). The presence of laminin‐βgeo fusion proteins was assayed histochemically and immunochemically, revealing expression of laminin β1 and γ1 genes, but not α chain genes, by defined subsets of neurons in brain and retina. We also used the gene traps in a novel way to assay expression of endogenous laminin subunits, which were barely detectable by ordinary immunohistochemical methods. The trapping vector included a transmembrane domain that anchors proteins otherwise destined for secretion. Laminin α/β/γ heterotrimers are assembled intracellularly, and we show that the trapped laminin γ1 fusion protein “co‐trapped” endogenous β1 intracellularly. The laminin γ1 fusion was also able to co‐trap transgene‐derived α chains, but we detected no co‐trapped endogenous α chains. The co‐trapping method may be generally useful for identifying proteins or isolating protein complexes associated with trapped gene products. genesis 36:114–127, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On neuromorphic spiking architectures for asynchronous STDP memristive systems

Neuromorphic circuits and systems techniques have great potential for exploiting novel nanotechnology devices, which suffer from great parametric spread and high defect rate. In this paper we explore some potential ways of building neural network systems for sophisticated pattern recognition tasks using memristors. We will focus on spiking signal coding because of its energy and information coding efficiency, and concentrate on Convolutional Neural Networks because of their good scaling behavior, both in terms of number of synapses and temporal processing delay. We propose asynchronous architectures that exploit memristive synapses with specially designed neurons that allow for arbitrary scalability as well as STDP learning. We present some behavioral simulation results for small neural arrays using electrical circuit simulators, and system level spike processing results on human detection using a custom made event based simulator.
Fgf9 signaling regulates small intestinal elongation and mesenchymal development

Short bowel syndrome is an acquired condition in which the length of the small intestine is insufficient to perform its normal absorptive function. Current therapies are limited as the developmental mechanisms that normally regulate elongation of the small intestine are poorly understood. Here, we identify Fgf9 as an important epithelial-to-mesenchymal signal required for proper small intestinal morphogenesis. Mouse embryos that lack either Fgf9 or the mesenchymal receptors for Fgf9 contained a disproportionately shortened small intestine, decreased mesenchymal proliferation, premature differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and significantly elevated Tgfβ signaling. These findings suggest that Fgf9 normally functions to repress Tgfβ signaling in these cells. In vivo, a small subset of mesenchymal cells expressed phospho-Erk and the secreted Tgfβ inhibitors Fst and Fstl1 in an Fgf9-dependent fashion. The p-Erk/Fst/Fstl1-expressing cells were most consistent with intestinal mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs). We found that isolated iMSCs expressed p-Erk, Fst and Fstl1, and could repress the differentiation of intestinal myofibroblasts in co-culture. These data suggest a model in which epithelial-derived Fgf9 stimulates iMSCs that in turn regulate underlying mesenchymal fibroblast proliferation and differentiation at least in part through inhibition of Tgfβ signaling in the mesenchyme. Taken together, the interaction of FGF and TGFβ signaling pathways in the intestinal mesenchyme could represent novel targets for future short bowel syndrome therapies.
EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT (AN 18‐YEAR EXPERIENCE): 1974–1992

Painful episodes are the most frequent complaints of patients with sickle cell disease. The Emergency Department (ED) has provided management for acute events using the usual triage format for emergencies. A prospective study evaluated the role of the ED in the care of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). The protocol, thus, addressed issues of acute events related to SCD and provided better care for patients with SCD in the ED. Approximately 37% of ED visits were for painful events. An inciting cause was identified in 35% of painful events and 75% of these required admission to the hospital. A 15-year follow-up prospectively showed similar results and that uncomplicated pain crisis can be treated with ED protocols. Outpatient clinics and urgent centers could reduce these visits. Absolute indications for admission include sepsis, fever > 102°F, white cell counts > 20 000, worsening anemia, hypoxemia, acute chest syndrome and new CNS events. Patient database in the ED must be revised annually to avoid extensive workup in the ED and a complete history/physical examination, and a CBC could be sufficient for triage in an uncomplicated pain crisis. An acceptable protocol for care should be available at all EDs and a registry and information system for SCD will discourage overutilization of investigational tests and visits to multiple EDs.
Self-reference in suicidal behaviour

ABSTRACT Introduction: Several lines of evidence suggest a perturbed sense of self in people who attempt suicide, but it has rarely been experimentally studied. Here, we aimed to explore in this population the narrative self through explicit self-perception and the self-reference effect in memory. Methods: Forty-seven patients with a mood disorder, including 20 with a personal history of suicide attempt, completed a self-referential task. During the encoding phase, they were presented with personality traits and had to successively judge whether each trait described themselves (“self condition”) or was a desirable trait, in general (“general condition”). Then, they were unexpectedly asked to retrieve as many previously presented traits as possible (free recall phase). Results: Suicide attempters did not differ from non-attempter patients in any self-reference measures. Moreover, none of these measures correlated with current suicidal ideas. During the encoding phase, patients in both groups attributed negative traits to themselves more often than they considered them to be desirable, in general, with an opposite pattern for positive traits. The number of negative traits during the self but not the general condition was correlated with depression, anxiety, and mental pain levels, whereas depression and mental pain levels were correlated with suicidal ideas. No self-reference effect in memory was found. Conclusions: Overall, measures of the narrative self were not directly associated with suicidality. However, biased self-perception was related to painful and depressive feelings, which were in turn related to suicidal ideas. More research on self-related processing during the suicidal process is warranted.
Effect of Nisin on Microbial, Physical and Sensory Qualities of Micro-Filtered Coconut Water (Cocos Nucifera L.) During Refrigerated Storage

The efficacy of nisin (25-75 ppm) and effect of storage time on quality attributes of micro-filtered coconut water during refrigerated storage (4°C) for 8 days was investigated in terms of total viable counts, colour, turbidity and overall sensory acceptance. All treatments significantly retarded the bacterial growth in coconut water during storage when compared to the control sample (p < 0.05). The samples treated with 50 and 75 ppm nisin had significantly lower aerobic microbial counts than the control (p < 0.05) without affecting colour, turbidity and sensory acceptability. The treated samples also had the significantly higher scores in overall acceptance than the control sample after 7 days of storage.50 ppm Nisin was suggested to be applied in micro-filtered coconut water without effects on colour, turbidity, and sensory acceptability by a reduction in changes of the microbial growth during the refrigerated storage.
Crystal structure of 2-(4-chlorobenzamido)benzoic acid

In the title molecule, C14H10ClNO3, the amide C=O bond is anti to the o-carboxy substituent in the adjacent benzene ring, a conformation that facilitates the formation of an intramolecular amide-N—H⋯O(carbonyl) hydrogen bond that closes an S(6) loop. The central amide segment is twisted away from the carboxy- and chloro-substituted benzene rings by 13.93 (17) and 15.26 (15)°, respectively. The most prominent supramolecular interactions in the crystal packing are carboxylic acid-H⋯O(carboxyl) hydrogen bonds that lead to centrosymmetric dimeric aggregates connected by eight-membered {⋯HOC=O}2 synthons.
Après nous le déluge? Perceived distance of climate change impacts and pro-environmental behaviour

This research addresses the role of perceived distance of climate change impacts as an antecedent of pro-environmental behaviour using data from a large, representative survey. Doing so, it complements existing research that has largely concentrated on environmental concerns, beliefs and behavioural intentions. Focusing on temporal and spatial distance dimensions, it finds that differences in perceptions are reflected in differences in self-reported pro-environmental behaviours but that the relevance of perceived distance rapidly vanishes as this distance increases. Little systematic evidence emerges that individuals take climate impacts into account when these impacts are not anticipated to produce personal consequences. Some implications for the promotion of pro-environmental behaviour relying on “proximising” climate change impacts are discussed.
Where is the beef? Vantage point from the livestock supply chain

The livestock sector is an important and integral component of the agricultural sector in Malaysia. It provides gainful employment and animal proteins for the population. Livestock farming includes the production of poultry meat, eggs, pork, beef, mutton and milkas food items. In addition, some animal species also produce by-products, such as skin, bones and feathers. Over the last decade, Malaysia has experienced rapid economic and population growth, leading to an upsurge in demand-driven consumption of livestock products. The non-ruminant sub-sector responded to this increased demand by increasing domestic supply of poultry, eggs and pork but in the ruminant sector, however, the production system was severely strained. The beef sub-sector in particular wasunable to cope with the increasing domestic demand resulting in the need for increased importation of frozen, chilled and fresh beef, along with beef cattle for slaughtering to keep up with consumer demand. While current domestic production of beef is able to meet 28% of domestic demand if no drastic measures are taken to revive the beef sub-sector it will definitely decline and Malaysia will be forced to depend on other countries to satisfy its domestic beef demand. The price elasticity of beef demand is inelastic which implies that the consumers are not sensitive to changes in its price. This is due to the availability of substitute products. Similarly the income elasticity for beef demand is also inelastic which implies that consumers are not influenced by changes in their incomes. Further, the beef sub-sector is found to be inefficient in terms of production and it also does not have comparative advantage. Comparative advantage may however be achieved with large scale beef farming. Thus beef can be considered as normal good. In order to increase the sufficiency level to 40% by 2020, Malaysia will require 250,000 heads of breeding stock over the 2010-2020. For future long term sustainable growth of its beef sub-sector Malaysia cannot remain dependent solely on imported breeding animals and will thus have to work on developing its own cow-calf systems or breed lots.
Valuations in Corporate Takeovers and Financial Constraints on Private Targets

I examine acquisitions of private firms by public acquirers to better understand the effects of financial constraints on the division of economic gains in takeovers. Empirical tests exploit interstate bank branching deregulation, which relaxes financial constraints on private firms and can strengthen their bargaining position in an acquisition. Using a proxy for the degree to which targets depend on acquirers for financing, I find that private targets depend less on acquirers as a result of interstate bank branching deregulation. Relaxing financial constraints on private targets leads to an increase in target valuation multiples and a decrease in acquirer wealth gains.
How Parents Make Decisions to Use Medication to Treat Their Child’s ADHD

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence of efficacy, a substantial percentage of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) either do not begin medication prescribed for their core symptoms or fail to continue treatment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to understand (a) how parents decide to use medication to treat their child’s ADHD and (b) the factors that influence their adherence to medication over time. DESIGN: Grounded theory guided data collection and analysis. Sixteen semistructured interviews with parents (13 mothers, 3 fathers) of children with ADHD were conducted. RESULTS: The substantive theory developed from the data demonstrates that in seeking to help their child and restore a sense of stability around family life, parents engage in a process of “doing what helps most” in deciding to use medication to treat their child’s ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to support and guide parents throughout the decisional process are critical to meet the needs of families of children with ADHD.
A review of experimental techniques for aerosol hygroscopicity studies

Abstract. Hygroscopicity is one of the most important physicochemical properties of aerosol particles and also plays indispensable roles in many other scientific and technical fields. A myriad of experimental techniques, which differ in principles, configurations and cost, are available for investigating aerosol hygroscopicity under subsaturated conditions (i.e., relative humidity below 100 %). A comprehensive review of these techniques is provided in this paper, in which experimental techniques are broadly classified into four categories, according to the way samples under investigation are prepared. For each technique, we describe its operation principle and typical configuration, use representative examples reported in previous work to illustrate how this technique can help better understand aerosol hygroscopicity, and discuss its advantages and disadvantages. In addition, future directions are outlined and discussed for further technical improvement and instrumental development.
Slackline training and neuromuscular performance in seniors: A randomized controlled trial

Slackline training (balancing on nylon ribbons) has been shown to improve neuromuscular performance in children and adults. Comparable studies in seniors are lacking. Thus, 32 seniors were randomly assigned [strata: age, gender, physical activity (PA)] to an intervention [INT; n = 16, age: 65 ± 4 years, PA: 9 ± 5 h/week] or control [CON, n = 16, age: 63 ± 4 years, PA: 8 ± 4 h/week] group. Slackline training was given for 6 weeks (3 times per week, attendance 97%). Static and slackline standing balance performance, force development, and maximal strength of the ankle muscles were assessed before and after slackline training. Muscle activity (lower limb and trunk) was recorded during balance testing. Moderate to large group × time interactions (0.02 < P < 0.04, 0.11 < ηp2 < 0.17) in favor of INT were found for slackline standing times (INT: left, +278%, P = 0.02; right, +328%, P = 0.03; tandem, +94%, P = 0.007) and muscle activity during single‐limb slackline standing [INT: right: rectus abdominis (RA), P = 0.003, −15%; multifidus (MF), P = 0.01, −15%; left: tibialis anterior (TIB), P = 0.03, −12%; soleus (SOL), P = 0.006, −18%; RA, P = 0.04, −11%; MF, P = 0.01, −16%; gastrocnemius medialis (GM), P = 0.02, −19%]. Static balance performance, ankle strength, and power were not affected. Slackline training induced large task‐specific improvements of slackline standing performance accompanied with reductions of lower limb and trunk muscle activity. Transfer effects to static balance and strength measures seem limited.