Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
otoacoustic emissions — Mechanisms and Applications

product (DP), distortion-product “audiogram” (DP-gram), distortion-product OAE (DPOAE), fine structure, fast Fourier transform (FFT), input/output (I/O), inverse FFT (IFFT), magnitude and phase, medial olivocochlear (MOC), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), outer hair cell (OHC), polar plot, reflection, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), spontaneous OAE (SOAE), stimulus-frequency OAE (SFOAE), transient-evoked OAE (TEOAE)
Reproducibility and standardized reporting of the vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation assay

The platelet vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation test is a new platelet function assay used to determine responsiveness to clopidogrel. We investigated if a commercially available VASP assay has a good reproducibility when conducted with half or quarter of the recommended volume of reagents. Secondly, we hypothesized that the platelet reactivity indexes (PRI) in the VASP assay, calculated with three possible measurements of fluorescence intensities (FI): mean, geometric mean or median, are not equal. The VASP assay was performed in 280 patients on clopidogrel therapy and 35 volunteers without clopidogrel therapy. The VASP assay had an excellent reproducibility even if half or quarter of the volume of reagents recommended by the manufacturer were used: there was a high correlation between analyses with full vs. half and full vs. quarter volumes of reagents (r = 0.94; r = 0.93; p < 0.001, respectively). The PRI index was 4% higher when calculated with the geometric mean FI or the median FI (83%) as compared to the mean FI (80%; p < 0.001) in healthy volunteers without clopidogrel therapy. The PRI was 6% higher when calculated with the geometric mean FI or the median FI (52%) as compared to the mean FI (49%; p < 0.01) in patients on clopidogrel therapy. In conclusion, using half of the volume of reagents may constitute a cost-saving strategy for any laboratory performing the assay. Secondly, differences in calculation of PRI (mean, geometric mean or median fluorescence intensities) significantly contribute to the variability of results and reported cut-off values of the PRI. This variability can be easily avoided to facilitate comparison of data between different laboratories.
Pressure-independent relationship of aortic characteristic impedance with left ventricular mass and geometry in untreated hypertension

Method: We investigated whether aortic characteristic impedance (Zc), that is, the ratio between the pulsatile change in pressure and flow in the proximal aorta, is related to left ventricular hypertrophy and geometry independently of blood pressure (BP). A total of 438 never-treated hypertensive individuals (men 62%, age 48 ± 11 years, BP 147/90 ± 16/10 mmHg) underwent echocardiography and 24 h BP monitoring. Aortic pressure waveform was obtained from radial tonometry with a generalized transfer function (SphygmoCor). Using a validated aortic blood flow model based on higher order Windkessel theory (ARCSolver), aortic Zc, forward (Pf) and backward (Pb) wave amplitudes and their ratio (Pb/Pf = reflection magnitude) were calculated from central waveform. Results: After adjusting for age, BMI, and 24-h SBP, aortic Zc was higher in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy (0.230 ± 0.09 vs. 0.205 ± 0.07 arbitrary units, P = 0.04 in women; 0.232 ± 0.07 vs. 0.214 ± 0.06 arbitrary units, P < 0.05 in men). Women with left ventricular concentric remodeling had higher adjusted Zc (0.225 ± 0.08 vs. 0.203 ± 0.07 arbitrary units, P = 0.04), whereas men did not differ (0.218 ± 0.07 vs. 0.218 ± 0.07 arbitrary units, P = 0.64). After controlling for age, BMI, 24 h SBP, and other relevant variables, aortic Zc independently predicted left ventricular mass (&bgr; = 0.14, P < 0.05) and relative wall thickness (&bgr; = 0.21, P < 0.01) in women, and left ventricular mass in men (&bgr; = 0.11, P < 0.05), whereas other arterial function parameters had no independent relation with left ventricular mass or geometry. Conclusion: Aortic Zc has a significant association with left ventricular mass and a sex-specific one with left ventricular concentric geometry in hypertension. These effects are independent from, and additional to, those of 24 h SBP.
Development of BrushDevice facilitating painting operation in 2D/3D space

We have proposed a set of devices for various manipulations in spatial works. The devices use a metaphor of existing tools which are familiar in everyday life. Such tools have good affordance, and at the same time, every user already has a mental model for their operation. We believe that such advantages not only lead users to the correct operation, but provide an intuitive operation. Initially, we realized TweezersDevice for pick-and-move manipulation in the spatial works. Now, we have developed BrushDevice for painting in 2D/3D space. This paper describes the design, mechanism, prototype, pilot test, and findings.
Hypnotherapy and Refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Single Case Study

Abstract The current study describes the successful administration of hypnotherapy with a subject suffering from refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The subject had suffered from IBS for 30 years and had unsuccessfully pursued multiple psychological treatments, both traditional and non-traditional. He was referred to the Center for Stress and Anxiety Disorders and commenced hypnotherapy directed primarily at the IBS symptoms. After 6 treatment sessions, his IBS symptomatology had improved 53%. He stopped treatment at that point and continued autohypnosis with the aid of treatment audiotapes provided by his therapist. Follow-up at 6 months indicated continued improvement (70%). A 2-year follow-up revealed an improvement of 38% in IBS symptomatology. Concurrent levels of depression and anxiety had also substantially decreased. Hypnotherapy is shown to be a viable, palatable, and enduring treatment option for an individual who had been refractory to many previous therapies.
Selective inhibition of a slow‐inactivating voltage‐dependent K+ channel in rat PC 12 cells by hypoxia

1 Electrophysiological (single‐channel patch clamp) and molecular biological experiments (reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction) were performed to attempt to identify the O2‐sensitive K+ channel in rat phaeochromocytoma (PC12) cells. 2 Four types of K+ channels were recorded in PC12 cells: a small‐conductance K+ channel (14 pS), a calcium‐activated K+ channel (KCa; 102 pS) and two K+ channels with similar conductance (20 pS). These last two channels differed in their time‐dependent inactivation: one was a slow‐inactivating channel, while the other belonged to the family of fast transient K+ channels. 3 The slow‐inactivating 20 pS K+ channel was inhibited by hypoxia. Exposure to hypoxia produced a 50% reduction in channel activity (number of active channels in the patch × open probability). Hypoxia had no effect on the 20 pS transient K+ channels, whereas reduced O2 stimulated the KCa channels. 4 The genes encoding the α‐subunits of slow‐inactivating K+ channels for two members of the Shaker subfamily of K+ channels (Kvl.2 and Kvl.3) together with the Kv2.1, Kv3.1 and Kv3.2 channel genes were identified in PC12 cells. 5 The expression of the Shaker Kv1.2, but none of the other K+ channel genes, increased in cells exposed to prolonged hypoxia (18 h). The same cells were more resuponsive to a subsequent exposure to hypoxia (35% inhibition of K+ current measured in whole‐cell voltage clamp) compared with the cells maintained in normoxia (19% inhibition). 6 These results indicate that the O2‐sensitive K+ channel in PC12 cells is a 20 pS slow‐inactivating K+ channel that is upregulated by hypoxia. This channel appears to belong to the Shaker subfamily of voltage‐gated K+ channels.
A Study of the Change of Damping Coefficient Regarding Minimum Displacement

This research proposes the change of damping coefficient regarding minimum displacement. From the mass with external forced and damper problem, when is the constant external forced transmitted to the understructure in the difference angle between 30 and 60 degrees. This force generates the vibration as general known; however, the objective of this problem is to have minimum displacement. As the angle is changed and the goal is the same; therefore, the damper of the system must be varied while keeping constant spring stiffness. The problem is solved by using nonlinear programming and the suitable changing of the damping coefficient is provided. Keywords— Damping coefficient, Optimal control, Minimum Displacement and Vibration
Prediction of in‐vivo pharmacokinetic profile for immediate and modified release oral dosage forms of furosemide using an in‐vitro–in‐silico–in‐vivo approach

To develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for furosemide immediate release (IR) tablets and modified release (MR) capsules by coupling biorelevant dissolution testing results with pharmacokinetic (PK) and physiologic parameters, and to investigate the key factors influencing furosemide absorption using simulation approaches and the PBPK model.
Effect of the density of collision cascades on implantation damage in GaN

Damage accumulation in wurtzite GaN films bombarded with 0.5 MeV Bi1 and 1 MeV Bi2 ions (the so-called molecular effect) is studied by Rutherford backscattering/channeling spectrometry. Results show that an increase in the density of collision cascades dramatically enhances the level of implantation-produced lattice disorder in GaN. This effect is attributed to (i) an increase in the defect clustering efficiency with increasing density of ion-beam-generated point defects and/or (ii) to collective nonlinear energy spike processes. Such a strong influence of the density of collision cascades is important to take into account for a correct estimation of implantation-produced lattice disorder in GaN.
Age-related epileptogenic effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone in the isolated CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices.

1. The effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on synaptically evoked population and intracellular responses in the isolated rat CA1 region of hippocampal slices were studied to evaluate possible differences between adult and juvenile rats. 2. The amplitude of orthodromically evoked (stratum radiatum stimulation) population spikes was reversibly enhanced by 0.2-0.6 microM CRH to a greater extent in slices from juvenile rats than from adult rats. In no case, however, did CRH cause seizure-like activity to develop under normal recording conditions. 3. In the presence of 10-30 microM bicuculline, interictal-like bursts of population spikes and corresponding intracellularly recorded action potentials could be evoked starting at postnatal day 8. The number of spikes and the duration of the evoked bursts in the CA1 region were reversibly increased by CRH (0.2-0.6 microM) to a greater extent in slices from juvenile than from adult rats. 4. The amplitude of the afterhyperpolarization following intracellularly evoked bursts of action potentials in CA1 pyramidal cells was reduced by 0.2 microM CRH to a similar degree in both young and adult rats. No consistent changes in input resistance or membrane potential were observed. 5. No correlation was found between the magnitude of the CRH-induced increase in responsiveness and the initial excitability in controls, suggesting that the CRH-induced changes were independent of any age-dependent differences in general slice excitability. 6. Our results indicate that, in the CA1 region, CRH augments bicuculline-induced bursts to a greater extent in slices from young versus adult rats. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Compact and Passive Time-Domain Models Including Dispersive Materials Based on Order-Reduction in the Frequency Domain

In this paper, compact time-domain (TD) models featuring materials with frequency-dependent electromagnetic (EM) properties are derived. The considered frequency-dependent material models include multiterm Debye and Lorentz models for the electric permittivity and the magnetic permeability and a multiterm Drude model for the electric conductivity. The TD models are based on finite-element systems in the frequency domain (FD). To render the model compact and computationally efficient, the dimension of the FD system is compressed with the help of projection-based model-order reduction. In contrast to older approaches, the TD transformation is performed on the FD model itself rather than on the transfer function. The result is a state-space representation, which may either be solved by custom time integrators or imported into commercial circuit simulators. The advantages of the new approach include provable passivity of the FD model, provable causality of the TD model, and the ability to reconstruct the transient EM fields.
Is Lactobacillus GG Helpful in Children With Crohn’s Disease? Results of a Preliminary, Open-Label Study

Background Lactobacillus GG is a safe probiotic bacterium known to transiently colonize the human intestine. It has been found to be useful in treatment of several gastrointestinal conditions characterized by increased gut permeability. In the current study, the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG was investigated in children with Crohn's disease. Methods In this open-label pilot evaluation viewed as a necessary preliminary step for a possible subsequent randomized placebo-controlled trial, four children with mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease were given Lactobacillus GG (1010 colony-forming units [CFU]) in enterocoated tablets twice a day for 6 months. Changes in intestinal permeability were measured by a double sugar permeability test. Clinical activity was determined by measuring the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index. Results There was a significant improvement in clinical activity 1 week after starting Lactobacillus GG, which was sustained throughout the study period. Median pediatric Crohn's disease activity index scores at 4 weeks were 73% lower than baseline. Intestinal permeability improved in an almost parallel fashion. Conclusions Findings in this pilot study show that Lactobacillus GG may improve gut barrier function and clinical status in children with mildly to moderately active, stable Crohn's disease. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are warranted for a final assessment of the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in Crohn's disease.
Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance and Hypersensitivity: The End-Organ Involvement in the Stress Response

Distinct activities of glucocorticoid receptor variants and isoforms should be considered in the management of pathologic conditions treated with glucocorticoids. Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (PGGR or Chrousos syndrome) and primary generalized glucocorticoid hypersensitivity (PGGH) are rare genetic disorders characterized by generalized, partial target-tissue insensitivity or hypersensitivity to glucocorticoids, respectively, while also causing compensatory alterations in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The molecular basis of Chrousos syndrome and PGGH has been ascribed to mutations in the gene encoding the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR), which impair glucocorticoid signal transduction and alter tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Alterations in hGR action may have important implications for many critical biological processes, such as the behavioral and physiologic responses to stress, immune responses, growth, and reproduction. This Presentation summarizes the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and molecular mechanisms of the PGGR and PGGH states.
Three Ways in Which Logic Might Be Normative

According to tradition, logic is normative for reasoning. Gilbert Harman challenged the view that there is any straightforward connection between logical consequence and norms of reasoning. Authors including John MacFarlane and Hartry Field have sought to rehabilitate the traditional view. I argue that the debate is marred by a failure to distinguish three types of normative assessment, and hence three ways to understand the question of the normativity of logic. Logical principles might be thought to provide the reasoning agent with first-personal directives; they might be thought to serve as third-personal evaluative standards; or they might underwrite our third-personal appraisals of others whereby we attribute praise and blame. I characterize the three normative functions in general terms and show how a failure to appreciate this threefold distinction has led disputants to talk past one another. I further show how the distinction encourages fruitful engagement with and, ultimately, resolution of the question.
The bodily self in action

espanolThe ever-growing literature on the body, action and the first person leaves us with an overall picture of remarkable complexity that makes visible the need of providing –or taking steps to providing– unifying accounts at the crossroads between different notions and areas of research. The papers constituting this volume can be seen as taking up on this chief challenge in relation to a number of specific topics and revolving around the idea that action and basic elements of the analysis of action are called to play a key role in characterising the fundamental bond between the body and the self. espanolLa creciente literatura sobre el cuerpo, la accion y la primera persona nos deja con un panorama de considerable complejidad que hace visible la necesidad de proveer –o empezar a proveer– aproximaciones unificadoras en la interseccion de diferentes nociones y areas de investigacion. Los articulos que constituyen este volumen pueden verse como asumiendo este gran reto en relacion con una serie de temas especificos, y girando en torno a la idea de que la accion y elementos basicos del analisis de la accion estan llamados a desempenar un papel crucial en la caracterizacion del nexo fundamental entre el cuerpo y la persona.
Caracterização de circuitos planares de micro-ondas pelo método iterativo das ondas

Os circuitos planares sao estruturas que atraem cada vez mais a atencao dos pesquisadores, pelo bom desempenho e pela capacidade de integracao com outros dispositivos, na prototipagem de sistemas de transmissao e recepcao de sinais na faixa de micro-ondas. Neste contexto, o estudo e o desenvolvimento de novas tecnicas de analise desses dispositivos tem contribuido de forma significativa na concepcao de estruturas com desempenhos excelentes e alto grau de confiabilidade. Neste trabalho, o metodo de onda completa baseado no conceito de ondas eletromagneticas e no principio da reflexao e transmissao de ondas em uma interface, Wave Concept Iterative Procedure (WCIP), ou metodo iterativo das ondas e descrito como uma ferramenta com alto grau de precisao no estudo de circuitos planares de micro-ondas. O metodo proposto e aplicado na caracterizacao de filtros planares, antenas de microfita e superficies seletivas de frequencia. Prototipos dos dispositivos foram construidos e os resultados experimentais comprovaram o modelo matematico proposto. Os resultados obtidos tambem foram comparados com os resultados simulados pelo Ansoft HFSS, tendo sido observada uma boa concordância entre eles
Clinician-trialist rounds: 16. Mind your explanatory and pragmatic attitudes! – part 1: what?

This first of a pair of Rounds begins with a pair of cases, 50 years apart: Prelude : In 1960, the prevailing expert opinion was that a patient with persistent blood pressures of 240/125 and no major target organ damage probably didn’t benefit from – and might be harmed by – antihypertensive drugs (as a medical resident, I was chastised that my ‘reckless’ decision to treat such a patient was likely to cause him to suffer a stroke) [ 1 ].
A review on current reference calculation of three-phase grid-connected PV converters under grid faults

Unbalanced grid voltage dips may lead to unbalanced non-sinusoidal current injections, dc-link voltage oscillations, and active and/or reactive power oscillations with twice the grid fundamental frequency in three-phase grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Double grid frequency oscillations at the dc-link of the conventional two-stage PV inverters can further deteriorate the dc-link capacitor, which is one of the most life-limiting components in the system. Proper controls of these converters may efficiently address this problem. In those solutions, Current Reference Calculation (CRC) is one of the most important issues that should be coped with for a reliable operation of grid-connected converters under unbalanced grid faults. Accordingly, this paper reviews the existing CRC methods and presents a current reference generation method, which can have 16 unique modes. Issues are also investigated in this paper that the two-stage three-phase converter faces in each mode. The performance of the CRC method is verified and compared to the prior-art methods by simulations under unbalanced voltage dips.
Kraftspektroskopische Untersuchungen der Myomesin-Elastizität

Myomesin ist ein Quervernetzer Myosins in der M-Bande der Muskel-Sarkomere und als solches regelmasig Zugkraften bei und nach Muskelkontraktion ausgesetzt. Im Rahmen der Doktorarbeit sind die speziellen elastischen Eigenschaften Myomesins in kraftspektroskopischen Einzelmolekulmessungen mit dem Rasterkraftmikroskop detailliert untersucht worden. Insbesondere ist es gelungen, schnelle Entfaltungs-/Ruckfaltungsubergange einzelner α-Helices, die die C-terminalen Ig-Domanen Myomesins verbinden, mit hoher Prazision aufzulosen. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass diese schnelle Reversibilitat der α-Helix-Entfaltung bei ungewohnlich hohen Kraften die elastischen Eigenschaften Myomesins im physiologisch relevanten Kraftbereich wesentlich bestimmt.
Preliminary findings of Salmonella spp . in captive green iguanas ( Iguana iguana ) and their environment

Captive reptiles are routinely identified as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. and reports of reptileassociated salmonellosis are increasing. Unfortunately, little is known about the epidemiology of Salmonella spp. and green iguanas. We did a limited survey of a green-iguana farm in El Salvador to identify sources of Salmonella spp. in green iguanas and their environment. A limited number of samples for microbiological culture were collected from iguanas (adult, hatchling, and embryos) and their environment (food, water, soil, shelter, insects, and wild-caught lizards). Salmonella spp. was isolated from the intestine of both adult (3/20) and hatchling iguanas (8/20). There was no evidence of Salmonella spp. in the reproductive tracts of female iguanas (0/10). Salmonella spp. was isolated from the surface of 40% (7/16) of the egg surfaces tested. Salmonella spp. was not identified from the externalized yolk-sac of the iguana embryos tested. Soil samples from a breeding pen and a nest were both positive for Salmonella spp. Eight different Salmonella spp. serotypes were identified in this survey. These results suggest that horizontal transmission of Salmonella spp. is a potential source of exposure to hatchling iguanas at this facility. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
An On-Line Scheduling Heuristic With Better Worst Case Ratio Than Graham's List Scheduling

The problem of on-line scheduling a set of independent jobs on m machines is considered. The goal is to minimize the makespan of the schedule. Graham’s List Scheduling heuristic [R. L. Graham, SIAM J. Appl. Math., 17(1969), pp. 416–429] guarantees a worst case performance of $2 - \frac{1} {m}$ for this problem. This worst case bound cannot be improved for $m = 2$ and $m = 3$. For $m \geqslant 4$, approximation algorithms with worst case performance at most $2 - \frac{1}{m} - \varepsilon _m $ are presented, where $\varepsilon _m $ is some positive real depending only on m.