Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of aortic stenosis by three-dimensional echocardiography: an accurate and novel approach

Background: Accurate assessment of aortic valve area (AVA) is important for clinical decision-making in patients with aortic valve stenosis (AS). The role of three-dimensional echocardiography (3D) in the quantitative assessment of AS has not been evaluated so far. Objectives: To evaluate the reproducibility and accuracy of real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3D) and 3D-guided two-dimensional planimetry (3D/2D) for assessment of AS, and compare these results with those of standard echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation (Cath). Methods: AVA was estimated by transthoracic echo-Doppler (TTE) and by direct planimetry using transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as well as RT3D and 3D/2D. 15 patients underwent assessment of AS by Cath. Results: 33 patients with AS were studied (20 men, mean (SD) age 70 (14) years). Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement and small absolute differences in AVA between all planimetric methods (RT3D vs 3D/2D: −0.01 (0.15) cm2; 3D/2D vs TEE: 0.05 (0.22) cm2; RT3D vs TEE: 0.06 (0.26) cm2). The agreement between AVA assessment by 2D–TTE and planimetry was −0.01 (0.20) cm2 for 3D/2D; 0.00 (0.15) cm2 for RT3D; and −0.05 (0.30) cm2 for TEE. Correlation coefficient r for AVA assessment between each of 3D/2D, RT3D, TEE planimetry and Cath was 0.81, 0.86 and 0.71, respectively. The intraobserver variability was similar for all methods, but interobserver variability was better for 3D techniques than for TEE (p<0.05). Conclusions: The 3D echo methods for planimetry of the AVA showed good agreement with the standard TEE technique and flow-derived methods. Compared with AV planimetry by TEE, both 3D methods were at least as good as TEE and had better reproducibility. 3D aortic valve planimetry is a novel non-invasive technique, which provides an accurate and reliable quantitative assessment of AS.
Potent Inhibition of Human Cytomegalovirus by Modulation of Cellular SNARE Syntaxin 5

ABSTRACT Formation of the cytoplasmic viral assembly compartment (cVAC) is an important step for efficient human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) assembly. To do this, the virus must alter and repurpose the normal cellular balance of membrane and protein flux, a process that is not well understood. Although a recent screen identified three viral proteins essential for cVAC formation, less is known about the contribution of cellular factors. We show that HCMV infection increases the protein level of a cellular trafficking factor, syntaxin 5 (STX5), a member of the syntaxin family of SNARE proteins. STX5 is recruited to the cVAC in infected cells and is required for the efficient production of infectious virions. We find that STX5 is important for normal cVAC morphology and the proper localization of viral proteins. A previously identified inhibitor of trafficking, Retro94, causes the mislocalization of STX5, an altered cVAC morphology, and dispersal of viral proteins. The presence of Retro94 results in severely impaired production of infectious virions, with a decrease as great as 5 logs. We show that this inhibition is conserved among different strains of HCMV and the various cell types that support infection, as well as for murine CMV. Thus, our data identify a key cellular trafficking factor important for supporting HCMV infection. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes severe disease and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, including organ transplant and AIDS patients. In addition, infection of a developing fetus may result in lifelong complications such as deafness and learning disabilities. Understanding in detail the processes involved in HCMV replication is important for developing novel treatments. One of these essential processes, assembly of infectious virions, takes places in the cytoplasmic viral assembly compartment. We identify a cellular protein, syntaxin 5, important for generating this compartment, and show that it is required for the efficient production of infectious virions. We also show that a small molecule that disrupts this protein also significantly reduces the amount of infectious virions that are generated. Thus, by pinpointing a cellular protein that is important in the replication cycle of HCMV, we identified a novel target that can be pursued for therapeutic intervention.
Biochemical evidence of platelet‐activating factor (paf) in human middle ear effusions

Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is one of the most potent biological lipid mediators. This is especially true in relation to inflammation. In order to characterize the biochemical features of otitis media with effusion, the authors characterized and determined the concentration of the PAF present in human middle ear effusions obtained from 23 patients with otitis media with effusion. Each sample of middle ear effusion was divided into two groups: serous (n = 12) and mucoid effusions (n = 11). The platelet‐activating factor activity was found mainly in mucoid middle ear effusions, and the amounts of PAF were higher in mucoid type (3.55 ± 1.19 ng/g, mean ± standard deviation [SD]) than in the serous type (0.44 ± 0.19 ng/g). Phospholipids obtained from the middle ear effusions contained a large amount of lyso‐platelet‐activating factor, the biologically inactive precursor or breakdown product of platelet‐activating factor. Based on these findings, it is suggested that platelet‐activating factor may play an important role as a mediator of the inflammatory responses in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion.
Nucleosides, Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids

In-Vitro Cytotoxicity and Cell Cycle Analysis of Two Novel bis-1,2, 4triazole derivatives: 1,4-bis[5-(5mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-methyl)thio-4-(p-tolyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]butane (MNP-14) and 1,4-bis[5(carbethoxy-methyl)-thio-4-(p-ethoxy phenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-butane (MNP-16) Madhusudan N. Purohit a , Kuppusamy Panjamurthy b , Santhini Elango b , Karteek Hebbar c , Yergeri C. Mayur d & Sathees C. Raghavan b a Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, JSS College of Pharmacy , JSS University , Mysore, 570015, India b Department of Biochemistry , Indian Institute of Science (IISc) , Bangalore, 560 012, India c Biocon India Pvt. Ltd , Bangalore, India d Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy , Mumbai, 400 056, India Published online: 07 Nov 2011.
Exchange Rate Adjustments and US Trade with China: What does a State Level Analysis Tell Us?

Abstract In this paper we explore the trade effects of bilateral real exchange rate changes between the 50 US states and China over the period of 2005–2012. The empirical results based on state-level trade flows and state-level relative prices suggest that the long-run real exchange rates elasticity of US exports to China is in the range of [–3.77, –2.85] and that of Chinese exports to the US is in the range of [–0.23, –3.34]. We also find that state-level differences in human capital and financial development are significant determinants of their export performances with respect to China. Based on the most optimistic scenario, our results suggest that the RMB needs to further appreciate against the dollar by at least 1.8 percent a year for 16 years for the US to achieve balanced trade with China.
Exploring the Attributes, Experiences, and Motivations of Female Public Elementary School Administrators of Colour in Ontario

This study explores how the attributes, experiences, and motivations of female public elementary school administrators of colour in Ontario have contributed to their entry into administration. Data were obtained through qualitative life-history interviews with 3 currently practicing, middle-aged administrators: 2 African Canadian (a principal and a vice-principal) and 1 South Asian (principal). Resilience theory was used to investigate internal and external attributes of the participants, disruptions they faced, and motivational factors that enabled them to become administrators. Cross-case analysis revealed relevant attributes the participants shared: focus, resourcefulness, independence, social competence, a capacity for hard work, self-discipline, optimism, a positive attitude, perseverance, and a willingness to learn. Barriers to their entrance into administration were: the interview process, the struggle to obtain Canadian credentials, politics, and difficulty having their leadership skills acknowledged. Motivations to enter administration were: encouragement from others, persistence after unsuccessful attempts to enter administration, being able to meet interviewers’ expectations, and a passion for the work. Among the findings were participants’ recommendations for aspiring female administrators of colour: Keep your ambitions to yourself. Know that it is a lonely job. Understand what the work entails. Recognize that administrative positions are not powerful ones. Avoid interacting only with people from your own ethnic background. Do not use the “race card” as an excuse for not
The Community Work Programme: potentials and problems

Abstract: This article provides a detailed and critically reflective ‘insider’ account of the origins and development of a Community Work Programme as a public employment programme intervention. The article explores the significant potential of such a Community Work Programme to reduce unemployment and improve socio-economic livelihoods for programme participants, and its potential to model public/private alignment across sectors that complements what can be accomplished within the budgetary constraints of the central government alone. It also describes the challenges of programme implementation as a social policy intervention, arising in part from the difficulties of scaling up successful pilots to create a nationwide programme. The article demonstrates real achievements but also the difficulties of engagement with the state by non-profit organisations, and the difficulties of forging sustainable partnerships between communities and government around shared goals.
Generalized Primitive Stamps for Nonlinear Circuit-Field Coupling in the Transient Case

The simultaneous solution of circuit and field equations is often required in the analysis of magnetic devices. Although schemes for the solution of this coupled problem have been proposed, the existing formulations are usually tied to specific time discretization or nonlinear iteration expressions and therefore lack generality. In this paper, a highly systematized approach is proposed for strong circuit-field coupling in a transient finite element context, by identifying primitive stamps for field elements, circuit elements, and circuit-field couplings. The filamentary and solid conductors of the field model are the key elements for systematic interconnection using generalized stamps and modified nodal analysis. As a result, the coupling equations are treated just as any other circuit element, simplifying the implementation and providing a unified framework for circuit-field analysis. Both circuit and field stamps are independent of the time discretization and nonlinear solving procedure. With the proposed scheme, the finite element equations can be linked to circuits of arbitrary topology. The theory is developed for the axisymmetric and Cartesian 2-D cases and several examples are then solved to show the effectiveness of our new approach. Solutions are compared with those produced by well-known and validated commercial software packages which implement different, proprietary, and/or undisclosed circuit-field coupling methods.
Reducing outages in distribution by testing recloser controls

Reclosers and distribution automation solutions have been increasingly implemented into the distribution network in the utilities in East Asia and Western Pacific countries. Recloser controls nowadays offer many functions that are similar to the protection relays in the substation. This paper aims at stating the increasing need of advanced recloser control system in modern power system, and further extends the discussion to explain the importance and convenience of testing recloser controls during commissioning and maintenance in the field.
REINVENTING ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION FROM THE GRASSROOTS UP

An edited version of this paper was published in:Environmental ManagementFebruary 2000, Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 115-127byArchon FungHarvard University, JFK School of GovernmentandDara O’RourkeMIT, Dept. of Urban Studies and PlanningDecember 31, 1998Keywords: Environmental regulation, Toxics Release Inventory, EPA, community organizing.
Neutralizing Anti-IL-10 Antibody Blocks the Protective Effect of Tapeworm Infection in a Murine Model of Chemically Induced Colitis1

There is increasing evidence that parasitic helminth infection has the ability to ameliorate other disease conditions. In this study the ability of the rat tapeworm, Hymenolepis diminuta, to modulate dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis in mice is assessed. Mice receiving DNBS (3 mg intrarectally) developed colitis by 72 h after treatment. Mice infected 8 days before DNBS with five H. diminuta larvae were significantly protected from the colitis, as gauged by reduced clinical disease, histological damage scores, and myeloperoxidase levels. This anticolitic effect was dependent on a viable infection and helminth rejection, because no benefit was observed in mice given killed larvae or in infected STAT6 knockout mice or rats, neither of which eliminate H. diminuta. The anticolitic effect of H. diminuta was associated with increased colonic IL-10 mRNA and stimulated splenocytes from H. diminuta- plus DNBS-treated mice produced more IL-10 than splenocytes from DNBS-only treated mice. Coadministration of an anti-IL-10 Ab blocked the anticolitic effect of prophylactic H. diminuta infection. Also, mice infected 48 h after DNBS treatment showed an enhanced recovery response. Finally, using a model of OVA hypersensitivity, we found no evidence of concomitant H. diminuta infection enhancing enteric responsiveness to subsequent ex vivo OVA challenge. The data show that a viable infection of H. diminuta in a nonpermissive system exerts a profound anticolitic effect (both prophylactically and as a treatment) that is mediated at least in part via IL-10 and does not predispose to enhanced sensitivity to bystander proteins.
National survey of problems and competencies among four- to sixteen-year-olds: parents' reports for normative and clinical samples.

We compared parent-reported problems and competencies for national samples of 2,600 4-16-year-olds assessed at intake into mental health services and 2,600 demographically matched nonreferred children assessed in a home interview survey. Parents responded to the ACQ Behavior Checklist, which includes 23 competence items, three competence scales, 216 problem items, eight syndrome scales, Internalizing, Externalizing, and total competence and problem scores. Most items and scales discriminated significantly (p less than .01) between referred and nonreferred samples. There were important sex and age differences in problem patterns, but regional and ethnic differences were minimal. Somewhat more problems and fewer competencies were reported for lower- than upper-socioeconomic-status children. Referral rates were similar in the most urban and rural areas, but they were significantly higher in areas of intermediate urbanization. Correlations of problem scores with those obtained 10 years earlier in a regional survey and with surveys in other countries showed considerable consistency in the rank order of prevalence rates among specific problems. Apparently owing to its more differentiated response scales, the ACQ was susceptible to respondent characteristics that reduced its discriminative power below that of the Child Behavior Checklist. Comparisons of procedures for discriminating between the normal and the clinical range supported the value of a borderline category for children who are neither clearly normal nor clearly deviant. Interview data from the survey sample yielded significantly higher ACQ problem scores for children who had fewer related adults in their homes, those who had more unrelated adults in their homes, those whose biological parents were unmarried, separated, or divorced, those whose families received public assistance, and those whose household or family members had received mental health services. Children who scored higher on Externalizing than Internalizing problems tended to have unmarried, separated, or divorced parents and to come from families receiving public assistance. However, among children whose household or family members had received mental health services, there were greater proportions of both Externalizing and Internalizing patterns than among other children.
Bacteria Associated with Immunoregulatory Cells in Mice

ABSTRACT This study examined bacteria-immune interactions in a mouse model possessing microbiota-dependent immune regulatory features similar to those occurring in human atopy, colitis, and immune regulation. Associations between the abundance of several bacterial phylotypes and immunoregulatory target cell types were identified, suggesting that they may play a role in these phenotypes.
Joint Fractional Time Allocation and Beamforming for Downlink Multiuser MISO Systems

It is well known that the use of traditional transmit beamforming at a base station (BS) to manage interference in serving multiple users is effective only when the number of users is less than the number of transmit antennas at the BS. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) can improve the throughput of users with poorer channel conditions by compromising their own privacy, because other users with better channel conditions can decode the information of users with poorer channel conditions. NOMA still prefers that the number of users is less than the number of antennas at the BS transmitter. This letter resolves such issues by allocating separate fractional time slots for serving users with similar channel conditions. This enables the BS to serve more users within a time unit while the privacy of each user is preserved. The fractional times and beamforming vectors are jointly optimized to maximize the system’s throughput. An efficient path-following algorithm, which invokes a simple convex quadratic program at each iteration, is proposed for the solution of this challenging optimization problem. Numerical results confirm its versatility.
Identification and Molecular Characterization of EatA, an Autotransporter Protein of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) strains remain a formidable cause of diarrheal disease. To identify novel surface proteins of ETEC, we performed TnphoA mutagenesis of prototype ETEC strain H10407 and discovered a secreted protein not previously recognized in ETEC. DNA sequencing of the interrupted locus in mutant TnphoA.977 revealed a candidate 4,095-bp open reading frame without significant homology to commensal E. coli K-12 genomic DNA. Translation of this sequence revealed that it encoded a predicted peptide of 147.7 kDa that bears significant homology to members of the autotransporter family of bacterial virulence factors, particularly the serine protease autotransporters of the Enterobacteriaceae proteins. The gene identified in H10407, eatA (ETEC autotransporter A), encodes a potential serine protease motif (GDSGSP) in the secreted amino-terminal domain, and the predicted peptide shows more than 80% homology with SepA, a virulence protein secreted by Shigella flexneri. DNA hybridization and PCR demonstrated that eatA resides on the 92-kDa pCS1 virulence plasmid of H10407 and that it is present in multiple clinical ETEC strains. Immunoblots with antisera directed against a recombinant EatA passenger protein fragment identified a 110-kDa protein in supernatants purified from H10407 but not from the TnphoA.977 mutant or H10407-P, which lacks pCS1. EatA possesses serine protease activity that is abolished by mutations within a serine protease catalytic triad formed by residues H134, D162, and S267. Finally, interruption of the eatA gene retarded fluid accumulation in the rabbit ileal loop model, suggesting that this autotransporter contributes to the virulence of ETEC.
Reliability of the maximal oxygen uptake following two consecutive trials by indirect calorimetry.

BACKGROUND The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2máx) assessment by indirect calorimetry is the most reliable method to determine VO2máx, but when repeated tests are conducted, the results have been controversial. AIM To determine the reliability of the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2máx) in healthy adults following two consecutive trials with 10 min rest between trials using the Bruce protocol. METHODS Participants were 6 males apparently healthy physically active (Mean age=23,4±1,3 years), who performed twice the Bruce protocol and after reaching their VO2máx in the first trial they stepped down the treadmill and rested seated on a chair during 10 min. RESULTS The data analysis showed high reproducibility values between tests, indicated by the correlation coefficient Pearson product moment and R squared with confidence intervals at 95% (CI95%), the correlation of the maximum oxygen consumption was VO2máx =0.907 with a R2=0.823, the maximum heart rate was HRmáx=0.786, with R2=0.618 and the rate of ventilation and carbon dioxide elimination was VE/VCO2=0.868, with an R2=754. No adverse effects were reported during the 10 min rest between trials. CONCLUSION Resting 10 min between consecutive maximal exercise tests using Bruce protocol treadmill tests does not affect VO2máx in healthy young adults. It is feasible and reliable to perform maximal treadmill tests in a single session without adverse effects for the participant.