Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Arterial Stiffening on Left Ventricular Structure

Aging of the vasculature results in arterial stiffening and an increase in systolic and pulse pressures. Although pressure load is a stimulus for left ventricular hypertrophy, the extent to which vascular stiffening per se, independent of blood pressure, influences left ventricular structure is uncertain. Two hundred seventy-six subjects (79 normotensive and 197 otherwise healthy hypertensive individuals) underwent echocardiography to assess left ventricular structure. Arterial stiffness was estimated by the pressure-independent stiffness index, &bgr;, and the pressure-dependent elastic modulus derived from simultaneous carotid ultrasound and applanation tonometry. Systemic arterial compliance (the inverse of stiffness) was estimated by the arterial compliance index. In multivariate analysis, &bgr; was related to age (P <0.001) and smoking history (P <0.01) but not mean pressure, whereas elastic modulus was related to age and mean pressure (both P <0.001). The arterial compliance index was only related to age. Whereas systolic and diastolic pressures and the elastic modulus were positively associated with left ventricular mass (all P <0.001), primarily because of increases in wall thicknesses, &bgr; and the arterial compliance index bore no relation to left ventricular mass. &bgr; was inversely related to chamber diameter and directly related to left ventricular relative wall thickness, the ratio of wall thickness to chamber radius. Younger and older hypertensive subjects had comparable left ventricular mass, despite higher systolic and pulse pressures in the older group, whereas older hypertensives had higher mean relative wall thickness, associated with a significant increase in arterial stiffness (&bgr;, 7.06 versus 5.17; elastic modulus, 595 versus 437 dyne/cm2 ×10−6) and reduction in the arterial compliance index (0.87 versus 1.05 mL/mm Hg per square meter) (all P <0.001). Thus, the extent to which arterial stiffness relates to left ventricular hypertrophy is dependent on the method by which arterial stiffness is estimated. Pressure-dependent methods show an association with left ventricular hypertrophy, whereas the pressure-independent stiffness index, &bgr;, and the arterial compliance index are most strongly associated with aging and left ventricular concentric remodeling but not hypertrophy.
Suggestion for the implementation of the Bologna Declaration in Hungary in engineering higher education

The countries that signed the Bologna Declaration need also to modify their engineering programmes accordingly. In Hungary some modifications are necessary independently of the Bologna Declaration. The number of students has increased by a factor of three during the past decade without an increase in the number of staff. The consequence is disadvantageous, especially in engineering higher education. The students have fewer practical exercises and are not involved enough in teamwork. This must be changed in order to maintain the good quality of diplomas. Other changes should be introduced in harmony with the Bologna Declaration. This paper gives a summary of the changes in the Hungarian higher education in the past decade and summarizes the expectations of experts working in industry and the economy. A suggestion is given for the structure of engineering BSc and MSc courses. In Hungarian higher education, especially in engineering higher education, there is an agreement that 3 years are not enough for BSc studies. Our suggestion is that the BSc programme should be the integration of the present college-level programmes and of the first 3 years of university programmes.
Influence of random fluctuations on delayed bifurcations. II. The cases of white and colored additive and multiplicative noise.

The influence of noise on the delay of a bifurcation point in the presence of a swept control parameter has been investigated theoretically, by digital simulation and by analog electronic experiment. The results obtained in an earlier paper [N. G. Stocks, R. Mannella, and P. V. E. McClintock, Phys. Rev. A 40, 5361 (989)] have thereby been extended and complemented. In particular, exact analytic expressions have been derived for the time-dependent probability densities P(x,t), and these have been used to obtain the mean first-passage time t*MFPT for x^2(t) to reach a threshold under the influence of Gaussian fluctuations, in several contexts: additive external white noise, additive external exponentially correlated noise, additive internal white noise, additive internal exponentially correlated noise, multiplicative white and colored noise. Based on Zeghlache, Mandel, and Van den Broeck's [Phys. Rev. A 40, 286 (989)] alternative definition of the bifurcation time t*moment in terms of the evolution of the second moment [x^2(t)], an expression is derived for t*moment for the general case of combined additive and multiplicative noises. The calculations are tested by comparison with the results of analog experiments and digital simulations, with which they are shown to be in excellent agreement.
Early stages in a sensorimotor transformation

Abstract We present a model for several early stages of the sensorimotor transformations involved in targeted arm movement. In psychophysical experiments, human subjects pointed to the remembered locations of randomly placed targets in three-dimensional space. They made consistent errors in distance, and from these errors stages in the sensorimotor transformation were deduced. When subjects attempted to move the right index finger to a virtual target they consistently undershot the distance of the more distal targets. Other experiments indicated that the error was in the sensorimotor transformation rather than in the perception of distance. The error was most consistent when evaluated using a spherical coordinate system based at the right shoulder, indicating that the neural representation of target parameters is transformed from a retinocentric representation to a shoulder-centered representation. According to the model, the error in distance results from the neural implementation of a linear approximation in the algorithm to transform shoulder-centered target parameters into a set of arm orientations appropriate for placing the finger on the target. The transformation to final arm orientations places visually derived information into a frame of reference where it can readily be combined with kinesthetically derived information about initial arm orientations. The combination of these representations of initial and final arm orientations could give rise to the representation of movement direction recorded in the motor cortex by Georgopoulos and his colleagues. Later stages, such as the transformation from kinematic (position) to dynamic (force) parameters, or to levels of muscle activation, are beyond the scope of the present model.
New features for confidence annotation

In this paper we describe two new conﬁdence measures for esti-mating the reliability of speech-to-text output: Likelihood Dependence and Neighborhood Dependence . Each word in the speech-to-text output for a given utterance is annotated with these two measures. Likelihood dependence for a given word occurrence indicates how critical that word is to the overall utterance likelihood; i.e., how much worse is the likelihood of the next best utterance if that word is eliminated from the recognition. Neighborhood dependence measures how stable a given word is when neighboring words are changed in the recognition. We show that correct and incorrect words in the recognitionbehavesigniﬁcantly differently with respect to these measures. We also show that on the broadcast news task they perform better than some of the existing, commonly used conﬁdence measures.
Preparing for practice in the age of complexity

In The university of learning, John Bowden and Ference Marton explore the idea that being able to handle varying and unfamiliar conditions is fundamental to effective practice in ‘real‐life’. They suggest that in an age of rapid change and complexity, the challenge for educators and students is to ‘prepare for the unknown by means of the known’, and they offer the powerful proposition that the educational experience itself should provide rich diversity in the ways in which learning encourages engagement with phenomena. Variation, they suggest, is fundamental to what they call the ‘whole idea’ of the university. This paper is a tribute to John Bowden, reflecting upon the significance of his thinking for the development of teaching and learning practice. In particular, it explores the practical possibilities and the fruitful, though considerable, challenges of deliberately introducing variation into teaching and learning in the university context.
Signal integrity evaluation for fetal magnetocardiography

The fixed-point independent component analysis (FastICA) algorithm was widely used for extraction of the fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) signals. Although effective, it may cause signal distortions if not properly designed. In this paper, we developed a simple yet effective method to evaluate the FastICA algorithm from the experimental and synthetic data. The method was based on the detection of simulating maternal MCG and fMCG signals, which derive from two individual electrocardiography (ECG) signals with adjustable frequency and amplitude. Three key performance indexes were proposed to evaluate the performances of the FastICA algorithm quantitatively. The evaluation results turned out to be very effective for parameters optimization of the algorithm and integrity evaluation of the fMCG signal.
Conservation of Marine Megafauna through Minimization of Fisheries Bycatch

Abstract: Many populations of marine megafauna, including seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals, and elasmobranchs, have declined in recent decades due largely to anthropogenic mortality. To successfully conserve these long‐lived animals, efforts must be prioritized according to feasibility and the degree to which they address threats with the highest relative impacts on population dynamics. Recently, Wilcox and Donlan (2007, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment) and Donlan and Wilcox (2008, Biological Invasions) proposed a conservation strategy of “compensatory mitigation” in which fishing industries offset bycatch of seabirds and sea turtles by funding eradication of invasive mammalian predators from the terrestrial reproductive sites of these marine animals . Although this is a creative and conceptually compelling approach, we find it flawed as a conservation tool because it has narrow applicability among marine megafauna, it does not address the most pervasive threats to marine megafauna, and it is logistically and financially infeasible. Invasive predator eradication does not adequately offset the most pressing threat to most marine megafauna populations—fisheries bycatch. For seabird populations, fisheries bycatch and invasive predators infrequently are overlapping threats. Invasive predators have limited population‐level impacts on sea turtles and marine mammals and no impacts on elasmobranchs, all of which are threatened by bycatch. Implementing compensatory mitigation in marine fisheries is unrealistic due to inadequate monitoring, control, and surveillance in the majority of fleets. Therefore, offsetting fisheries bycatch with eradication of invasive predators would be less likely to reverse population declines than reducing bycatch. We recommend that efforts to mitigate bycatch in marine capture fisheries should address multiple threats to sensitive bycatch species groups, but these efforts should first institute proven bycatch avoidance and reduction methods before considering compensatory mitigation.
Phenomenological approach to research in first-time fathers

Being and identifying as a first-time expectant father and new father is a fundamental issue for most men. Despite a burgeoning research literature on fatherhood, the question ‘What does it mean to be and identify as a first-time expectant and then new father? ’ can still embarrass midwives and researchers alike. Within this paper the author explores why a specific phenomenological approach has been adopted to guide the data gathering and analysis. This paper develops the argument by examining the differences between Husserlian transcendental phenomenology and Heideggerian hermeneutic or interpretive phenomenology, as their distinctions have implications for the methodology employed. Although the importance of intersubjectivity and language influenced the choice of phenomenological approach, the main recommendation in this paper is that researchers have a thorough understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of the methodologies they pursue.
Racial Profiling, Insurance Style: Insurance Redlining and the Uneven Development of Metropolitan Areas

Racial profiling has emerged as a highly contentious practice in a range of social settings. This article examines the role of racial profiling in the property insurance industry and how such practices, grounded in negative racial stereotyping, have contributed to racial segregation and uneven metropolitan development. From a review of industry underwriting and marketing materials, court documents, and research by government agencies, industry and community groups, and academics, it is clear that race has long affected and continues to affect the policies and practices of this industry. Due to limitations in publicly available data, it is difficult to assess precisely the extent to which race shapes industry practices. Research and public policy initiatives are explored that can ameliorate the data problems, increase access to insurance, and foster more equitable community development.
Leisure and leisure studies in the 21st century.

Abstract Four scenarios for leisure and the work-leisure relationship are discussed: those characterised by conservatism, reactionism, reformism and revolutionism. Conservatism means a continuation of leisure seen primarily as an industry serving consumers, the work-leisure relationship being primarily one of neutrality. Reactionism means going back to a supposed golden age, leisure being equated with simple pleasures, with a blurring of work and leisure. Reformism is making small changes, such as offering more choice and better provision of leisure, but still largely separated from work. Revolution implies a rejection of capitalist values, promotion of communal forms of leisure in harmony with work. The question of values in leisure studies is discussed, and it is suggested that value differences are legitimate at least in regard to leisure policies, leisure politics and leisure philosophy.
Superintendents and Interest Groups

U.S. citizens traditionally have abhorred politics at the schoolhouse door At the turn of the 19th century, the office of superintendent was designed as a professional buffer to politics in education. Mid-20th century scholars of school politics recorded the persistence of politics in education and, more important, the diversity of political roles necessary for superintendents to appease local interests. This article reviews results from one mid-century investigation of superintendents' relationships with their school boards and communities. Survey results from 2,262 superintendents in office during the 1998-1999 school year revealed that superintendents persist in practicing professional decision making while at the same time recognizing the politically charged, interest driven environment of their school districts and communities. The article concludes with recommendations for superintendents and educational administration programs to end their naïve, a political professional approach to community interest groups.
Quality Measures in Stroke

Stroke is a major public health burden, and accounts for many hospitalizations each year. Due to gaps in practice and recommended guidelines, there has been a recent push toward implementing quality measures to be used for improving patient care, comparing institutions, as well as for rewarding or penalizing physicians through pay-for-performance. This article reviews the major organizations involved in implementing quality metrics for stroke, and the 10 major metrics currently being tracked. We also discuss possible future metrics and the implications of public reporting and using metrics for pay-for-performance.
Using Texture Analysis to Determine Human Papillomavirus Status of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas on CT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Human papillomavirus–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is increasing in prevalence and typically occurs in younger patients than human papillomavirus–negative squamous cell carcinoma. While imaging features of human papillomavirus–positive versus human papillomavirus–negative squamous cell carcinoma nodal metastases have been described, characteristics distinguishing human papillomavirus–positive from human papillomavirus–negative primary squamous cell carcinomas have not been well established. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the use of texture features to distinguish human papillomavirus–positive and human papillomavirus–negative primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, 40 patients with primary oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and known human papillomavirus status who underwent contrast-enhanced CT between December 2009 and October 2013 were included in this study. Segmentation of the primary lesion was manually performed with a semiautomated graphical-user interface. Following segmentation, an in-house-developed texture analysis program extracted 42 texture features from each segmented volume. A t test was used to evaluate differences in texture parameters between human papillomavirus–positive and human papillomavirus–negative squamous cell carcinomas. RESULTS: Of the 40 included patients, 29 had human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 11 had human papillomavirus–negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Significant differences were seen in the histogram parameters median (P = .006) and entropy (P = .016) and squamous cell carcinoma entropy (P = .043). CONCLUSIONS: There are statistically significant differences in some texture features between human papillomavirus–positive and human papillomavirus–negative oropharyngeal tumors. Texture analysis may be considered an adjunct to the evaluation of human papillomavirus status and characterization of squamous cell carcinoma.
In Vivo Accumulation of Cyclin A and Cellular Replication Factors in Autonomous Parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice-Associated Replication Bodies

ABSTRACT Autonomous parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVM) DNA replication is strictly dependent on cellular factors expressed during the S phase of the cell cycle. Here we report that MVM DNA replication proceeds in specific nuclear structures termed autonomous parvovirus-associated replication bodies, where components of the basic cellular replication machinery accumulate. The presence of DNA polymerases α and δ in these bodies suggests that MVM utilizes partially preformed cellular replication complexes for its replication. The recruitment of cyclin A points to a role for this cell cycle factor in MVM DNA replication beyond its involvement in activating the conversion of virion single-stranded DNA to the duplex replicative form.
Transmembrane effects of irreversible inhibitors of anion transport in red blood cells. Evidence for mobile transport sites

Experiments were designed to determine whether band 3, the anion transport protein of the red cell membrane, contains a mobile element that acts as a carrier to move the anions across a permeability barrier. The transport site-specific, nonpenetrating irreversible inhibitor 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbene disulfonate (DIDS) was found to be effective only when applied extracellularly. It was used to sequester transport sites on the extracellular side of the membrane in intact cells. The membranes were then coverted into inside-out vesicles. The number of anion transport sites available on the cytoplasmic side of the vesicle membranes was then estimated by measuring the binding of N-(-4-azido-2-nitrophenyl)-2-aminoethyl- sulfonate (NAP-taurine), a photoreactive probe. Pretreatment with DIDS from the extracullular side substantially reduced the binding of NAP- taurine at the cytoplasmic side. Since NAP-taurine does not appear to penetrate into the intravesicular (normally extracellular) space, a transmembrane effect is apparently involved. About 70% of the DIDS- sensitive NAP-taurine binding sites are located in band 3, with the remainder largely in a lower molecular weight (band 4) region. A similar pattern of reduction in NAP-taurine binding is produced by high concentrations of Cl-, but this anion has little or no effect in vesicles from cells pretreated with DIDS. Thus the DIDS-modulated sites seem to be capable of binding either NAP-taurine or Cl. It is suggested that band 3 contains a mobile transport element that can be recruited to the extracellular surface by DIDS, thus becoming unavailable to NAP- taurine at the cytoplasmic face of the membrane. The results are consistent with a model of carrier-mediated transport in which the movement of the transport site is associated with a local conformational change in band 3 protein.
Fitness of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease inhibitor-selected single mutants.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) evolution under chemotherapeutic selection pressure in vivo involves a complex interplay between an increasing magnitude of drug resistance and changes in viral replicative capacity. To examine the replicative fitness of HIV-1 mutants with single, drug-selected substitutions in protease (PR), we constructed virus that contained the most common mutations in indinavir-selected clinical isolates, PR M46I and V82T, and the most common polymorphic change in drug-naïve patients, PR L63P. These mutants were competed in vitro in the absence of drug against the otherwise isogenic WT virus (NL4-3). Phenotypic drug susceptibility was determined with a recombinant virus assay using a single cycle of virus growth. PR M46I and L63P were as fit as WT. However, PR V82T was out-competed by WT. None of these mutants had appreciable phenotypic resistance to any of the protease inhibitors, including indinavir. The PRV82T mutant was hypersusceptible to saquinavir. Thus, the impaired fitness of the V82T single mutant is consistent with its low frequency in protease inhibitor-naïve patients. The similar fitness of WT (NL4-3), L63P, and M46I is consistent with the common occurrence of L63P in the absence of protease inhibitor-selection pressure, but not with the rare detection of M46I in drug-naïve patients.
Dual Breadwinner Societies: Provider Models in the Scandinavian Welfare States

To what extent has the traditional male provider model shifted towards a model of equal economic partnership in the Scandinavian welfare states, and how can current social practices and attitudes be explained? In contrast to much recent welfare state research, this article emphasizes differences within Scandinavia, arguing that national structural, cultural and political configurations have contributed to differences among the Scandinavian welfare states in the transition toward gender equality in economic provision.
Occupational Stratification Over the Life Course

This study uses growth curve analysis to examine whether disparities in the occupational standing of White men relative to women and minorities grew larger or smaller with advancing age during the 1980s and 1990s. The analyses are based on The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area Follow-Up. Results indicate that disparities in occupational standing stayed constant over the life course across all demographic groups except for African Americans, whose gap in occupational status relative to Whites and Hispanics grew significantly larger with advancing age. Implications of these findings for theories of occupational inequality are discussed.