Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diastolic heart function—pathophysiology, characterization, and therapeutic approaches

In recent years diastolic cardiac function has attracted increasing attention since parameters of diastolic function were found to be altered earlier or more specifically than parameters of systolic function. Diastolic cardiac function is determined by both active (muscular relaxation, redistribution of calcium, synchronization, etc.) and passive (myocardial structure, fibrosis, etc.) factors. As a consequence, a comprehensive assessment of diastolic cardiac function cannot be based on one single parameter. For a complete analysis of diastolic function it is necessary to perform invasive diagnostic procedures involving the measurement of atrial and ventricular pressures, as well as the registration of volume changes with a high time resolution. In addition, it is necessary to measure wall thickness and ventricular configuration, so that apart from filling parameters the stress‐strain relationship can be obtained. Noninvasive techniques (Doppler echocardiography, radionuclear ventriculography, apexcardiography) may suggest alterations in diastolic function as well. They ought to be complemented by additional diagnostic procedures (pulmonary pressure, stress testing, etc.). Therapy must consider potentially harmful effects on diastolic function parameters, particularly if changes in myocardial oxygen consumption may result (heart rate, parietal wall stress). Calcium antagonists (verapamil, diltiazem, nifedipine), phosphodiesterase inhibitors (milrinone), beta‐adrenergic agonists and antagonists with vasodilating effects (e. g., celiprolol) all have beneficial effects on diastolic myocardial function.
Nachfrage- und Angebotsschocks in der Europäischen Union / Demand and Supply Shocks in the European Union

Zusammenfassung Die Analyse ökonomischer Schocks und ihrer Wirkungen auf den Wirtschaftsprozeß anhand vektorautoregressiver (VAR) Modelle steht im Mittelpunkt der vorliegenden Arbeit. In einem einfachen aggregierten Angebots-Nachfrage-Modell wird dabei zwischen Angebots- und Nachfrageschocks und ihren Wirkungen auf das reale Bruttoinlandsprodukt (BIP) sowie das Preisniveau unterschieden. Das häufig verwendete Verfahren berücksichtigt die Hypothese der temporären Wirkung von Nachfrageschocks auf das reale BIP als Vorinformation zur Berechnung der Impulse-Response-Funktionen. Diesem Vorgehen wird ein VAR-Modell gegenübergestellt, das die Annahme der langfristig senkrechten aggregierten Angebotskurve als Parameterrestriktion erfaßt. Die empirischen Untersuchungen für 18 Volkswirtschaften sowie für die EU- und die OECD-Länder insgesamt liefern teilweise brauchbare Ergebnisse. Dabei fällt auf, daß Tests der Restriktion im VAR-Modell oftmals die Ablehnung der Nullhypothese ermöglichen und zudem die Stabilität der Modelle nicht mehr unbedingt gewährleistet ist. Im Anhang werden die bei gegebenen Nullrestriktionen zulässigen Impulse- Response-Funktionen als Lösung eines Gleichungssystems vollständig beschrieben. Summary The analysis of economic shocks and their effects on the economic process is the main purpose of this paper. Using a familiar aggregate supply and demand model we distinguish between supply and demand shocks and their influence on both gross domestic product (GDP) and the price level measured by the GDP deflator. A common method to investigate the dynamics of vectorautoregressive (VAR) models is the constrained impulse response analysis. The hypothesis of transitory effects of demand shocks on output is used to restrict the impulse response functions. This method is confronted with a constrained VAR model containing the vertical supply function as a constraint which is achieved by restricting the coefficients appropriately. The restricted VAR coefficients are computed by using a feasible generalized least squares estimator. The empirical research is done for 18 countries, the European Union, and the OECD. The most important result is that, in contrast to the dynamics of the restricted impulse response functions, the dynamics of the constrained VAR models coincides with the theoretical expectations. It is noteworthy, however, that tests of the coefficient restrictions with a Wald test in the VAR model lead to a rejection of the null hypothesis for several countries. Moreover, the stability of the constrained VAR models cannot be guaranteed in every case. As a further essential contribution all feasible impulse response functions satisfying a given set of zero restrictions are characterized. Even in the special case of a two variable model the solution is not unique.
Tumor necrosis factor reduces proteoglycan synthesis in cultured endothelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐induced disruption of vascular endothelial barrier function may be due in part to alterations in proteoglycan metabolism. To test this hypothesis, confluent endothelial cell monolayers were exposed for 24 h to 500 or 1,000 U of TNF per mililiter of culture medium together with 20 μCi Na2 35SO4. HPLC anion‐exchange separation of proteoglycans secreted into media of control as well as TNF‐treated cultures revealed one major peak (representing 95% of total radioactivity) and one minor peak (representing 5% of total radioactivity), which eluted at 0.6 and 0.9 M NaCl, respectively. One single peak was obtained from control as well as TNF‐treated endothelial cell monolayers and eluted at 1.2 M NaCl. TNF treatment did not change the total quantity of radioactive proteoglycans secreted into the media but significantly decreased the amount of proteoglycans in endothelial cell monolayers. However, TNF treatment did not alter the size or glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of the proteoglycans either in the media or in the cell monolayers. In addition, mRNA levels of specific proteoglycans, perlecan and biglycan, were measured upon TNF treatment, using Northern analysis. TNF treatment caused a dose‐dependent decrease in mRNA levels for the biglycan in endothelial cultures. These results suggest that TNF decreases production of proteoglycans and alters normal endothelial cell proteoglycan metabolism which may be sufficient to impair endothelial barrier function. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling of GNSS multipath signals for altimetry applications using signal to noise ratio data

Multipaths are one of the major source of error for positioning applications using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). During the last decade, several studies demonstrated the potential of the inversion of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) due to multipaths for estimating environmental parameters such as sea level, soil moisture, and snow depth variations, vegetation growth and biomass quantification. Here, we propose i) a modeling approach contribution of the multipath signals to the SNR, ii) an inversion technique of the receiver height based on the modeled SNR.
alpha-Chloralose alters autonomic reflex function of the lower urinary tract.

The effects of alpha-chloralose on the micturition reflex were evaluated using an efficiently voiding decerebrate cat model. At laparotomy cannulas were introduced into the urethra and/or bladder for measurement of urethral perfusion pressure and/or bladder pressure during bladder filling and voiding. After establishment of efficient voiding in the anesthetic-free decerebrate cat, chloralose, 50 mg/kg iv, was administered. Parameters assessed before and after anesthetic included bladder pressure at peak of contraction (voiding pressure), intravesical pressure at onset of bladder contraction (threshold pressure), contraction amplitude, duration of bladder contraction, bladder volume at onset of bladder contraction (volume threshold), and residual bladder volume after voiding (postvoid residual). In addition to these parameters, preparations with intact bladder-urethra and with divided bladder-urethra were used to assess effects of chloralose on voiding efficiency and coordination between bladder and urethra, respectively. Chloralose significantly reduced voiding pressure, contraction amplitude, and voiding efficiency. Neither vehicle for the chloralose nor sympathetic denervation of the lower urinary tract affected these reductions. Chloralose had no effect on direct contraction of the bladder and urethra produced by intra-arterial acetylcholine (25-100 micrograms). Chloralose converted the synergic bladder and urethral responses during voiding to dyssynergic responses. Neuromuscular blockade with gallamine, 10 mg/kg iv, improved voiding efficiency. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Conflicts, Workplace Bullying and Burnout Problems among Municipal Employees

The psychosocial workplace environment among the municipal employees of a Finnish town with 57,000 inhabitants was investigated. The prevalence of both self-experienced and observed cases of conflicts, burnout, and workplace harassment (bullying) was measured. Altogether, 1,961 employees (1,491 women and 309 men) whose mean age was 42.6 yr. (SD = 9.8) participated in the study. Sex, age, and workplace differences were found. Of the respondents, 27% had experienced difficult or extreme conflicts, 29% experienced burnout, 50% had seen at least one colleague experience burnout, 16% felt they had been bullied, and 37% had seen a colleague being bullied at work. Men reported experiencing more conflicts than women. The frequency of reporting burnout symptoms and bullying was associated with age. Strong correlations were found among the various problem areas.
The combined action of a passive exoskeleton and an EMG-controlled neuroprosthesis for upper limb stroke rehabilitation: First results of the RETRAINER project

The combined use of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and robotic technologies is advocated to improve rehabilitation outcomes after stroke. This work describes an arm rehabilitation system developed within the European project RETRAINER. The system consists of a passive 4-degrees-of-freedom exoskeleton equipped with springs to provide gravity compensation and electromagnetic brakes to hold target positions. FES is integrated in the system to provide additional support to the most impaired muscles. FES is triggered based on the volitional EMG signal of the same stimulated muscle; in order to encourage the active involvement of the patient the volitional EMG is also monitored throughout the task execution and based on it a happy or sad emoji is visualized at the end of each task. The control interface control of the system provides a GUI and multiple software tools to organize rehabilitation exercises and monitor rehabilitation progress. The functionality and the usability of the system was evaluated on four stroke patients. All patients were able to use the system and judged positively its wearability and the provided support. They were able to trigger the stimulation based on their residual muscle activity and provided different levels of active involvement in the exercise, in agreement with their level of impairment. A randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the RETRAINER system to improve arm function after stroke is currently ongoing.
Wind Power Resource Appraisal and Development Stage Regional Division of China

Selecting energy consumption and economic output data of each province during 1997-2006 to establish regression equation between energy consumption and economic output,then using the regression equation and equivalent substituted methods to assess the wind power resources per hour the coal equivalent value,the crude oil equivalent value and the power equivalent value.These equivalent values are respectively 527.11 times,1195.20 times and 5745.82 times that of the GDP of China in 2006.The indicator system of the wind resource development stage regional planning in China was constructed,including energy indicators,wind resource endowment and other indicators.With the methods of Principal Component Analysis(PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA),using the indicator system and the concept equation,Chinese wind resource development stage could be divided into four phases: optimization growth stage,rapid development stage,slow growth stage and the initial stage.What the basic development strategy at each development stage should be taken was briefly discussed.
Speech and music perception with the new fine structure speech coding strategy: preliminary results

Conclusions. Taking into account the excellent results with significant improvements in the speech tests and the very high satisfaction of the patients using the new strategy, this first implementation of a fine structure strategy could offer a new quality of hearing with cochlear implants (CIs). Objective. This study consisted of an intra-individual comparison of speech recognition, music perception and patient preference when subjects used two different speech coding strategies with a MedEl Pulsar CI: continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) and the new fine structure processing (FSP) strategy. In contrast to envelope-based strategies, the FSP strategy also delivers subtle pitch and timing differences of sound to the user and is thereby supposed to enhance speech perception in noise and increase the quality of music perception. Patients and methods. This was a prospective study assessing performance with two different speech coding strategies. The setting was a CI programme at an academic tertiary referral centre. Fourteen post-lingually deaf patients using a MedEl Pulsar CI with a mean CI experience of 0.98 years were supplied with the new FSP speech coding strategy. Subjects consecutively used the two different speech coding strategies. Speech and music tests were performed with the previously fitted CIS strategy, immediately after fitting with the new FSP strategy and 4, 8 and 12 weeks later. The main outcome measures were individual performance and subjective assessment of two different speech processors. Results. Speech and music test scores improved statistically significantly after conversion from CIS to FSP strategy. Twelve of 14 patients preferred the new FSP speech processing strategy over the CIS strategy.
A Critical Assessment of the Microorganisms Proposed to be Important to Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal in Full-Scale Wastewater Treatment Systems

Understanding the microbiology of phosphorus (P) removal is considered essential to knowledge-based optimization of enhanced biological P removal (EBPR) systems. Biological P removal is achieved in these systems by promoting the growth of organisms collectively known as the polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs). Also considered important to EBPR are the glycogen accumulating organisms (GAOs), which are theorized to compete with the PAOs for resources at the expense of P removal efficiency. Numerous studies have sought to identify the PAOs and their GAOs competitors, with several candidates proposed for each over the last few decades. The current study collectively assessed the abundance and diversity of all proposed PAOs and GAOs in 18 Danish full-scale wastewater treatment plants with well-working biological nutrient removal over a period of 9 years using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The microbial community structure in all plants was relatively stable over time. Evidence for the role of the proposed PAOs and GAOs in EBPR varies and is critically assessed, in light of their calculated amplicon abundances, to indicate which of these are important in full-scale systems. Bacteria from the genus Tetrasphaera were the most abundant of the PAOs. The “Candidatus Accumulibacter” PAOs were in much lower abundance and appear to be biased by the amplicon-based method applied. The genera Dechloromonas, Microlunatus, and Tessaracoccus were identified as abundant putative PAO that require further research attention. Interestingly, the actinobacterial Micropruina and sbr-gs28 phylotypes were among the most abundant of the putative GAOs. Members of the genera Defluviicoccus, Propionivibrio, the family Competibacteraceae, and the spb280 group were also relatively abundant in some plants. Despite observed high abundances of GAOs (periodically exceeding 20% of the amplicon reads), P removal performance was maintained, indicating that these organisms were not outcompeting the PAOs in these EBPR systems. Phylogenetic diversity within each of the PAOs and GAOs genera was observed, which is consistent with reported metabolic diversity for these. Whether or not key traits can be assigned to sub-genus level clades requires further investigation.
Mast Cell Degranulating Peptide Increases the Frequency of Spontaneous Miniature Postsynaptic Currents in CA3 Rat Hippocampal Neurons

Mast cell degranulating peptide (MCDP) is a neurotoxic agent isolated from bee venom. It produces a long‐term potentiation in the hippocampus. We now report that MCDP, at nanomolar concentrations, induces a reduction of a transient voltage‐dependent potassium current (ID) in CA3 rat pyramidal neurons and a persistent (>30 min) enhancement of the frequency of spontaneous miniature excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (m.e.p.s.c.s. and m.i.p.s.c.s.). M.e. p.s. c.s. and m.i. p.s. c.s. were recorded in the presence of bicuculline (30 μM) and 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX, 10 μM), respectively. The increased frequency of m.e. p.s. c.s. (408±60%) and m.i. p.s. c.s. (583±553%) was independent of the reduction of ID because 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP, 30 μM‐2 mM) blocked ID but had no effects on m.e. p.s. c.s. and m.i. p.s. c.s. In the presence of the calcium channel blocker manganese (3 mM), MCDP still enhanced the frequency of m.e. p.s. c.s. (326±162%). It is concluded that MCDP augments the release of excitatory and inhibitory transmitter by an action, which is independent of calcium influx, through voltage‐dependent channels.
Group Online Collaboration For Scholarly Articles Readability and Understandability: SOAR

Challenging scholarly articles are not easy to read and understand by learners. Our previous work shows an innovative learning framework –SOAR (Scholarly Article) validated on a group of learners without research experience on improving their comprehension skill on scholarly articles. In this paper, we present additional result after validating SOAR on novice learners who first time read scholarly articles. SOAR is based on a theory of Brown’s et al, emphasizing the importance of collaborating and sharing educational knowledge, so that various scholarly articles can be understood faster and more easily by students, researchers and academics. It places heavy emphasis on research, its integration and incorporation within learning activities, and on allowing learners to build their research, analytical and critical review skills. It is based on the concept of scholarly articles as the key subject context integrated within courses as part of a test assessment or a tutorial-based activity in an e-learning environment, as an alternative approach for maintaining educational sustainability. In turn, the aim of this framework is to help learners understand scholarly articles by encouraging them to collaborate and discuss challenging issues online with other global learners and, through the appropriate use of a tool for collaboration, to generate inventive and innovative ideas.
Anoctamins and gastrointestinal smooth muscle excitability

Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) generate electrical pacemaker activity in gastrointestinal smooth muscles. We investigated whether Tmem16a, which encodes anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a Ca2+‐activated Cl− channel, might be involved in pacemaker activity in ICC. The Tmem16a transcripts and ANO1 were expressed robustly in GI muscles, specifically in ICC in murine, non‐human primate (Macaca fascicularis) and human GI tracts. Splice variants of Tmem16a, as well as other paralogues of the Tmem16 family, were expressed in gastrointestinal muscles. Calcium‐activated Cl− channel blocking drugs, niflumic acid and DIDS blocked slow waves in intact muscles of mouse, primate and human small intestine and stomach. Slow waves failed to develop in Tmem16a knock‐out mice (Tmem16atm1Bdh/tm1Bdh). The pacemaker mechanism was investigated in isolated ICC from transgenic mice with constitutive expression of copepod super green fluorescent protein (copGFP). Depolarization of ICC activated inward currents due to a Cl−‐selective conductance. Removal of extracellular Ca2+, replacement of Ca2+ with Ba2+, or extracellular Ni2+ (30 μm) blocked the inward current. Single Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels with a unitary conductance of 7.8 pS were resolved in excised patches from ICC. The inward current was blocked in a concentration‐dependent manner by niflumic acid (IC50= 4.8 μm). The role of ANO1 in cholinergic responses in ICC was also investigated. Carbachol activated Ca2+‐activated Cl− currents in ICC, and responses to cholinergic nerve stimulation were blocked by niflumic acid in intact muscles. Anoctamin 1 is a prominent conductance in ICC, and these channels appear to be involved in pacemaker activity and in responses to enteric excitatory neurotransmitters.
XBRL Extension to the Financial Statement Notes: Field-based Evidence on Unlisted Companies

This paper aims at providing field-based evidence on actual benefits and costs arising from mandatory XBRL extension to financial statement notes for Italian unlisted companies. In pursuit of these objectives, we conduct interviews with Italian chartered accountants involved in the production of financial information. XBRL requirements for unlisted companies in Italy enable us to assess the effects of the mandatory XBRL extension to the notes separately from its adoption for financial statements. Results suggest that the main benefit of this extension lies in an increased comparability across firms. However, this transition has not increased the number of data disclosed. On the contrary, the taxonomy might make more difficult to include voluntary disclosures and relevant information such as the statement of cash flows, thus leading to less data available for users. Our findings have relevant implications for regulators, users, and companies as well.
Acupuncture for the treatment of pain of osteoarthritic knees.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture in the reduction of pain in persons with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. METHODS Forty subjects (20 men, 20 women) with radiographic evidence of OA of the knee were stratified by gender and randomly assigned to either the experimental (real acupuncture) or control (sham acupuncture) groups. Subjects were treated three times per week for 3 weeks and evaluated at three test sessions. Outcome measures were: 1) the Pain Rating Index of the McGill Pain Questionnaire, 2) the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index, and 3) pain threshold at four sites at the knee. RESULTS The analyses of variance showed that both real and sham acupuncture significantly reduced pain, stiffness, and physical disability in the OA knee, but that there were no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is not more effective than sham acupuncture in the treatment of OA pain.
Ultraviolet‐free phototherapy

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation phototherapy has been used for decades in the management of common skin diseases. On the other hand, UV radiation is a complete carcinogen and as a consequence, UV phototherapy is usually not used for the long‐term management of children and young adults and in combination with topical or systemic immunosuppressants.