Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Perception and Cognition in Multichannel Audio for Electroacoustic Music

Listeners experience electroacoustic music as full of significance and meaning, and they experience spatiality as one of the factors contributing to its meaningfulness. If we want to understand spatiality in electroacoustic music, we must understand how the listener’s mental processes give rise to the experience of meaning. In electroacoustic music as in everyday life, these mental processes unite the peripheral auditory system with human spatial cognition. In the discussion that follows we consider a range of the listener’s mental processes relating space and meaning from the perceptual attributes of spatial imagery to the spatial reference frames for places and navigation. When considering multichannel loudspeaker systems in particular, an important part of the discussion is focused on the distinctive and idiomatic ways in which this particular mode of sound production contributes to and situates meaning. These include the phenomenon of image dispersion, the important consequences of the precedence effect and the influence of source characteristics on spatial imagery. These are discussed in close relation to the practicalities of artistic practice and to the potential for artistic meaning experienced by the listener.
Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease Mimicking sjogren's syndrome: A case report

Immunoglobulin G4–related sclerosing disease (IgG4‐RSD) is a fibroinflammatory condition that has the potential to affect nearly every organ system. Classic histological findings include storiform fibrosis and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–positive plasma cells. The clinical features of IgG4‐RSD may be an under‐recognized disease process that can mimic other autoimmune disorders, including Sjogren's syndrome. We describe a rare case of IgG4‐RSD involving the salivary glands, initially misdiagnosed as Sjogren's syndrome. Clinical features of IgG4‐RSD can mimic those of other autoimmune disorders affecting the head and neck. Therefore, otolaryngologists should have IgG4‐RSD on their differential when evaluating patients with diffuse salivary gland swelling. Laryngoscope, 126:2242–2245, 2016
Upregulated Expression of AQP 7 in the Skeletal Muscles of Obese ob/ob Mice

Aquaporin (AQP) is suggested to be regulated by leptin through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. AQP7 and AQP9 are membrane proteins with water and glycerol channels, the latter of which is essential for triglyceride synthesis. We conjectured that the expression of AQP7 and AQP9 would be altered in the skeletal myofibers in obese leptin deficient ob/ob mice as compared with that of wild mice. RNA and protein levels were studied in the quadriceps femoris muscles of ob/ob and wild mice. Real time quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that mouse AQP7 mRNA levels in skeletal muscles were significantly higher in ob/ob mice than in wild mice (P<0.01), whereas mouse AQP9 mRNA level was not different between the two groups (P>0.05). Histologically the type 1 myofibers of ob/ob mice contained numerous lipid droplets in oil red O stain samples. Immunohistochemical staining of ob/ob mouse muscles revealed enhanced expression of AQP7 at myofiber surface membranes, while AQP9 expression appeared to be similar to that of wild mice. The findings suggest that the upregulated expression of AQP7 in ob/ob mouse muscles facilitates the secretion of glycerol from myocytes.
How Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – UAV’s – (or Drones) Can Help in Case of Natural Disasters Response and Humanitarian Relief Aid?

This paper evaluates the crucial role of unmanned aerial vehicles – UAV’s – (or Drones) in the case of natural disasters response and humanitarian relief aid. The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate how unmanned aerial vehicles – UAV’s – (or Drones) in the present and near future can play a crucial role to help survivors in the case of a tsunami, earthquake, flooding, and any natural disaster. We need to assume that in any natural disaster always exist the high possibility of damage to the infrastructure, transportation systems, telecommunications systems access, and basic services immediately. We propose in three areas the uses of unmanned aerial vehicles – UAV’s – (or Drones) in the case of natural disasters response and humanitarian relief aid. There are (i) the aerial monitoring post-natural disaster damage evaluation, (ii) the natural disaster logistic and cargo delivery, (iii) the post-natural disaster aerial assessment.
Dating Clinopyroxene Phenocrysts in Submarine Basalts Using 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology

Dating submarine basalts using 40Ar/39Ar geochronology is often hindered by a lack of potassium‐bearing phenocrystic phases and severe alteration in the groundmass. Clinopyroxene is a common phenocrystic phase in seafloor basalts and is highly resistive to low‐temperature alteration. Here we show that clinopyroxene phenocrysts separated from marine basalts are a viable phase for 40Ar/39Ar incremental heating age determinations. We provide results from a pilot study comprising 16 age experiments from nine clinopyroxene separates, five of which from samples with dated coeval phases. The clinopyroxene ages range from 11.5 to 112 Ma with relatively high uncertainties (ranging from 0.8% to 7.1%; median of 1.9%) compared to more traditional phases. The clinopyroxene age plateaus form at low to moderate temperature steps and are characterized by relatively elevated K/Ca of 0.002–0.4, suggesting that other K‐bearing phases hosted within the clinopyroxene are likely degassing to yield the 40Ar/39Ar age information. There are three possible origins for the K and corresponding 40Ar* including films of trapped melt/nanomineral inclusions along grain defects, secondary melt inclusion bands, or variations in degassing behaviors between lower and higher crystalline Ca pyroxene phases. Regardless of the source of the K, the age determinations are successful with 75% of the experiments producing long plateaus (>60% 39Ar released) with mean square of the weighted deviations ranging from 0.6 to 1.5 and probability of fit values >0.05. We conclude that clinopyroxene dating by the 40Ar/39Ar method has the potential to provide a wealth of information for previously undated, altered seafloor lithologies and continental equivalents.
The tobacco industry, state politics, and tobacco education in California.

OBJECTIVES Proposition 99 added 25 cents to the California state cigarette tax and mandated that 20% of the new revenues be spent on tobacco education and prevention programs. This paper examines the implementation of these programs and the tobacco industry's response to Proposition 99. METHODS Political expenditure data for twelve tobacco firms and associations were gathered from California's Fair Political Practices Commission and secretary of state's Political Reform Division. Tobacco education expenditure data were collected from Governor's Budgets and the Department of Finance. RESULTS Since Proposition 99 passed, tobacco industry political expenditures in California have risen 10-fold, from $790,050 in the 1985-1986 election to $7,615,091 in the 1991-1992 election. The tobacco industry is contributing more heavily to the California legislature than to Congress. A statistical analysis of data on campaign contributions indicates that California legislators' policy-making is influenced by campaign contributions from the tobacco industry. Since fiscal year 1989-1990, the state has ignored the voters' mandate and spent only 14.7% of the new revenues to tobacco education. Medical care programs received more money than permitted by the voters. CONCLUSIONS The tobacco industry has become politically active in California following the passage of Proposition 99. One result may be that the state has underfunded tobacco education by $174.7 million through the 1993-1994 fiscal year. The estimated redirection of funds to medical care would essentially eliminate the tobacco education campaign by the year 2000.
Preferences for symmetry in human faces in two cultures: data from the UK and the Hadza, an isolated group of hunter-gatherers

Many studies show agreement within and between cultures for general judgements of facial attractiveness. Few studies, however, have examined the attractiveness of specific traits and few have examined preferences in hunter-gatherers. The current study examined preferences for symmetry in both the UK and the Hadza, a hunter-gatherer society of Tanzania. We found that symmetry was more attractive than asymmetry across both the cultures and was more strongly preferred by the Hadza than in the UK. The different ecological conditions may play a role in generating this difference. Such variation in preference may be adaptive if it reflects adaptation to local conditions. Symmetry is thought to indicate genetic quality, which may be more important among the Hadza with much higher mortality rates from birth onwards. Hadza men who were more often named as good hunters placed a greater value on symmetry in female faces. These results suggest that high quality Hadza men are more discriminating in their choice of faces. Hadza women had increased preferences for symmetry in men's faces when they were pregnant or nursing, perhaps due to their increased discrimination and sensitivity to foods and disease harmful to a foetus or nursing infant. These results imply that symmetry is an evolutionarily relevant trait and that variation in symmetry preference appears strategic both between cultures and within individuals of a single culture.
β Blockers in heart failure: a comparison of a vasodilating β blocker with metoprolol

Objective To determine whether a third generation vasodilating β blocker (celiprolol) has long term clinical advantages over metoprolol in patients with chronic heart failure. Design A double blind placebo controlled randomised trial. Setting University teaching Hospital. Patients 50 patients with stable chronic heart failure (NYHA class II-IV) due to idiopathic dilated, ischaemic, or hypertensive cardiomyopathy, with left ventricular ejection fraction < 0.45. Interventions Celiprolol 200 mg daily (n = 21), metoprolol 50 mg twice daily (n = 19), or placebo (n = 10) for three months with a four week dose titration period. After the double blind period, patients entered an open label study (with placebo group receiving β blockers) and were assessed after one year. Main outcome measures Clinical response, efficacy, and tolerance were assessed by the Minnesota heart failure symptom questionnaire, six minute walk test, Doppler echocardiography (systolic and diastolic function), radionuclide ventriculography, and atrial and brain natriuretic peptides measured at baseline and after three months. Results In the metoprolol group at 12 weeksv baseline there was a 47% reduction in symptom score (p < 0.001), improvement of NYHA class (mean (SEM), 2.6 (0.12) to 1.9 (0.13), p = 0.001), exercise distance (1246 (54) to 1402 (52) feet, p < 0.001), and left ventricular ejection fraction (26.9(3.1)% to 31(3.0)%, p = 0.016), and a fall in heart rate (resting, 79 (3) to 62 (3) beats/min, p < 0.001). In the celiprolol group there was a 38% reduction in symptom score (p = 0.02), less improvement in exercise distance (1191 (55) to 1256 (61) feet, p = 0.05), and no significant changes in NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction, or heart rate. Mortality at one year was 11% in metoprolol and 19% in the celiprolol group, and symptomatic improvement was maintained in the survivors. Conclusions Both drugs were well tolerated but the vasodilator properties of celiprolol do not seem to provide any obvious additional benefit in the long term treatment of heart failure.
Apical localization of glutamate in GLAST-1, glutamine synthetase positive ciliary body nonpigmented epithelial cells

The distribution of glutamate (Glu), the Glu transporter GLAST-1, and glutamine synthetase (GS) in human and monkey anterior uveal tissue, as well as serum (S) to aqueous humor (AH) Glu and glutamine (Gln) gradients were investigated. Cross-linked Glu (xGlu), GLAST-1, and GS were detected using the immunofluorescent antibody technique. S/AH Glu, Gln, and alanine (Ala) concentrations were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. xGlu immunoreactivity was detected in melanocytes, posterior pigmented epithelial/dilator muscle cells, vascular endothelial cells, and lymphocytes of the iris, as well as the pigmented (PE) and nonpigmented epithelial (NPE) cells and muscle cells of ciliary body. xGlu immunoreactivity was highly concentrated at the apices of GLAST-1, GS positive ciliary body NPE cells, and in GLAST-1 positive iris melanocytes and iris dilator muscle cells. AH Glu concentrations were lower (p < 0.001), while Gln was higher in monkey (p = 0.01) and human cataractous (p = 0.15) AH than serum. The results indicate that Glu is concentrated within GLAST-1, GS positive NPE cells and are consistent with the suggestion that Glu and Gln concentrations in AH may be due in part to GLAST-1 and GS activity in iris and ciliary body epithelial cells.
Type IV Collagen of the Glomerular Basement Membrane

The ultrafiltration function of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) of the kidney is impaired in genetic and acquired diseases that affect type IV collagen. The GBM is composed of five (α1 to α5) of the six chains of type IV collagen, organized into an α1·α2(IV) and an α3·α4·α5(IV) network. In Alport syndrome, mutations in any of the genes encoding the α3(IV), α4(IV), and α5(IV) chains cause the absence of the α3·α4·α5 network, which leads to progressive renal failure. In the present study, the molecular mechanism underlying the network defect was explored by further characterization of the chain organization and elucidation of the discriminatory interactions that govern network assembly. The existence of the two networks was further established by analysis of the hexameric complex of the noncollagenous (NC1) domains, and the α5 chain was shown to be linked to the α3 and α4 chains by interaction through their respective NC1 domains. The potential recognition function of the NC1 domains in network assembly was investigated by comparing the composition of native NC1 hexamers with hexamers that were dissociated and reconstituted in vitro and with hexamers assembled in vitro from purified α1-α5(IV) NC1 monomers. The results showed that NC1 monomers associate to form native-like hexamers characterized by two distinct populations, an α1·α2 and α3·α4·α5 heterohexamer. These findings indicate that the NC1 monomers contain recognition sequences for selection of chains and protomers that are sufficient to encode the assembly of the α1·α2 and α3·α4·α5 networks of GBM. Moreover, hexamer formation from the α3, α4, and α5 NC1 monomers required co-assembly of all three monomers, suggesting that mutations in the NC1 domain in Alport syndrome may disrupt the assembly of the α3·α4·α5 network by interfering with the assembly of the α3·α4·α5 NC1 hexamer.
Parameters Optimization in a Production Line Using Genetic Algorithms

In this work we present an optimization algorithm based on a discrete event simulation engine driven by a metaheuristic genetic-like search machinery; this algorithm is used to tune logical as well as physical settings in a production line. In this paper the production line and its simulation model will be described and, after a short theoretical review on genetic algorithms, the tool will be presented. Finally its use, as well as the obtained results, will be shown.
Progress in the Molecular Genetics of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Mini-Review

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is characterized by unexplained and asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy in the absence of other cardiac or systemic diseases, is an inherited cardiovascular disease and presents rising penetrance with aging. Objective: The purpose of this review is to offer an outline of recent progress in the molecular genetics of HCM and to discuss characteristics of elderly HCM patients. Methods: Studies were analyzed which included disease genes related to HCM, relationships between genotype and phenotype, potential pathogenesis of HCM, and the features of elderly patients with HCM. Results: HCM is caused by mutations in genes encoding myofilament proteins of the sarcomere, Z-disc proteins, Ca2+-handling proteins, and other proteins related to the sarcomere. Phenotypic manifestations of HCM are not just determined by these genes; modifying genes and epigenetic factors also contribute to the complexity of the HCM phenotype. The potential pathogenesis of HCM involves dominant negative function, an imbalance of myocardial energetic metabolism, and haploinsufficiency. Late-onset HCM presents its own features in the distribution of causal genes. Mutations in MYBPC3 may be the most common cause of delayed expression of HCM, and the sarcomere gene screen is most likely to be negative in elderly HCM patients. Conclusions: Despite progress in the identification of genetic causes and pathogenesis of HCM, there are still some questions that need to be better understood. It remains a great challenge to identify the cause of 50% of HCM cases in patients without an identified mutation. The application of a new genetic study technology may completely uncover the genetic background of these cases. In addition, the influences of causal mutations on the function and signaling of cardiocytes are expected to be elucidated further.
Coupling-aware minimum delay optimization for domino logic circuits

Minimum delay associated with the hold time requirement is a concern to circuit designers, since race-through hazards are inherent to any multiple clock organization or clock distribution tree irrespective of clock frequency. The monotonic property of domino logic aggravates the min-delay path failure through coupling-induced speedup. To tackle the min-delay problem for domino logic, we propose a min-delay optimization algorithm considering coupling effects. Experimental results indicate that our algorithm yields significant increase of min-delay without incurring max-delay violation.
Cystic fibrosis, pediatrics, control of breathing, pulmonary physiology and anatomy, and surfactant biology in AJRCCM in 2004.

Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London; MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom; The Children’s Hospital, Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado; Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Performance of some General Circulation Models on Predicting Temperature and Rainfall in the Sudan-Sahel Region of Nigeria

Twenty Global Circulation Models (GCMs) were evaluated by comparing their predictions of monthly average air temperature and monthly rainfall amounts of the sudan-sahel region of Nigeria with observed data for the period 1981 to 2000. The GCMs were those in the Program for Climate Model Diagnosis and Intercomparison (PCMDI) of the World Climate Research Program's (WCRP's) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3). The observed data were from four representative stations namely Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri and Sokoto. Coefficient of correlation (r), mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used as metrics for ranking the GCMs. None of the GCMs was superior in performance across the four representative stations. The trends of observed average monthly air temperature were generally better simulated with positive r-values in contrast with their monthly rainfall predictions which correlated negatively with observed data. The r-values for temperature averaged 0.211, 0.092, 0.373 and 0.212 for Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri and Sokoto respectively. For rainfall, the r-values averaged -0.216, -0.280, -0.115 and -0.351 for Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri and Sokoto respectively. Simulated rainy season commenced 4 to 6 months earlier than observed depending on the particular GCM. The average MAE from the GCMs for the respective stations ranged from 5.23 to 14.31 K for temperature and 81.91 to 91.99 mm for rainfall. For RMSE, the averages from the GCMs ranged from 5.84 to 14.42 K for temperature and 140.21 to 187.99 mm for rainfall. The results of the study have provided the basis for selection of appropriate GCMs for the locations for further downscaling procedures that might be required for the application of a selected GCM to climate change projection.
3D structure of individual nanocrystals in solution by electron microscopy

Looking at teeny tiny platinum particles Electron microscopy is a powerful technique for taking snapshots of particles or images at near-atomic resolution. Park et al. studied free-floating platinum nanoparticles using electron microscopy and liquid cells (see the Perspective by Colliex). Using analytical techniques developed to study biological molecules, they reconstructed the threedimensional features of the Pt particles at near-atomic resolution. This approach has the scope to study a mixed population of particles one at a time and to study their synthesis as it occurs in solution. Science, this issue p. 290; see also p. 232 Individual platinum nanoparticles are imaged in solution at near-atomic resolution. [Also see Perspective by Colliex] Knowledge about the synthesis, growth mechanisms, and physical properties of colloidal nanoparticles has been limited by technical impediments. We introduce a method for determining three-dimensional (3D) structures of individual nanoparticles in solution. We combine a graphene liquid cell, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, a direct electron detector, and an algorithm for single-particle 3D reconstruction originally developed for analysis of biological molecules. This method yielded two 3D structures of individual platinum nanocrystals at near-atomic resolution. Because our method derives the 3D structure from images of individual nanoparticles rotating freely in solution, it enables the analysis of heterogeneous populations of potentially unordered nanoparticles that are synthesized in solution, thereby providing a means to understand the structure and stability of defects at the nanoscale.
Oxymatrine Inhibits Renal Tubular EMT Induced by High Glucose via Upregulation of SnoN and Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling has been shown to play a critical role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The nuclear transcription co-repressor Ski-related novel protein N (SnoN) is an important negative regulator of TGF-β1/Smad signal transduction, and subsequent biological responses including tubule epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix accumulation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Oxymatrine (OM) is an alkaloid extracted from the Chinese herb Sophora japonica and has been demonstrated to prevent fibrosis. However, the anti-fibrosis effect of OM in DN is still unclear. In this study, we cultured normal rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK52Es) in high glucose and high glucose plus OM, and detected the expression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, FN, TGF-β1, SnoN, Arkadia, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 and poly-ubiquitination of SnoN. The results showed that E-cadherin and SnoN expression in NRK52Es decreased significantly, but poly-ubiquitination of SnoN, TGF-β1, α-SMA, FN, Arkadia, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 expression significantly increased due to high glucose stimulation, which could be almost completely reversed by OM, suggesting that OM may alleviate EMT induced by high glucose via upregulating SnoN expression and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway activation. Hence, OM could be a novel therapeutic for DN.