Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Echocardiographic measurement of the normal adult right ventricle

s will be 10 July 1987. Blood vessel imaging A residential course/workshop on Blood Vessel Imaging Using Ultrasound Techniques will be held at the Dolphin Hotel, Southampton on 11 to 13 May 1987. Details from: Mr K N Humphries, Blood Vessel Imaging Course, 5 Mossleigh Avenue, Rownhams, Southampton SO1 8FU. Correction Echocardiographic measurement of the normal adult right ventricle R Foale, P Nihoyannopoulos, W McKenna, A Kleinebenne, A Nadazdin, E Rowland, G Smith-The authors apologise for errors in their tables in this article published in the July issue (volume 56: pages 33-44). In tables 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 1 SD should be shown; and in table 5 the value of 1 SD for absolute values (cm) in rows T8 and T10 is
Potential Action of IL-4 and IL-13 as Fibrogenic Factors on Lung Fibroblasts in vitro

Background: Asthma is characterized by chronic inflammation of the airway with the presence of Th2 cytokines. Airway remodeling in asthma is closely related to clinical manifestations. Lung myofibroblasts play a critical role in the airway remodeling and Th2 cytokines may modulate their behavior. We examined the effect of two major Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-13, on differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. We hypothesized that these cytokines would stimulate fibroblast proliferation in association with decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Methods: Lung fibroblasts were incubated with IL-4 and IL-13 with or without Th1 cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in vitro. Differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts was characterized by the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as well as a morphological and immunohistochemical analysis. Fibroblast proliferation stimulated by IL-4 and IL-13 was assessed with the MTT assay. We also investigated the effect of these cytokines on cyclooxygenase (COX) gene expression and PGE2 production. Results: IL-4 and IL-13 increased α-SMA expression and myofibroblastic differentiation. This effect was attenuated by IFN-γ and dexamethasone failed to have an influence on differentiation. IL-4 and IL-13 stimulated fibroblast proliferation. These cytokines downregulated the expression of both COX-1 and COX-2 genes and decreased the production of PGE2. Conclusions: IL-4 and IL-13 induce differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts and this response is attenuated by IFN-γ. IL-4 and IL-13 stimulate fibroblast proliferation and this effect is at least partly due to suppressed COX gene expressions and subsequently decreased PGE2 production. These findings suggest that IL-4 and IL-13 directly act on lung fibroblast to induce a fibrogenic response.
Twenty Years After: A Review Essay of Musicological Identities 1

It has been nearly twenty years since the publication of Susan McClary’s provocative Feminine Endings. The appearance of a festschrift, with contributions from her most reliable students and acolytes, presents a suitable occasion to rethink the contribution to musicology of McClary and her school. I believe, first of all, that we can speak straightforwardly of a ‘school’. There are a number of important orientations, principles if you will, that unite these authors in their diversity, marking them together ideologically, and apart methodologically from other versions of musicology; they form a major strand of the so-called New Musicology®3. Historically, perhaps first among these principles were regular and fervent proclamations of ideological distance from (and hence disinterest in) ‘traditional’ musicology and its outmoded scholarly paradigms; such edicts often took the form of tabular lists of the virtues of ‘us’ and the flaws of ‘them’4. Musicology’s paradigm—the singular is deliberate—is considered methodologically superseded because it ignored social context in favour of a chimerical abstract called ‘the music itself’, and morally outdated because it espoused elitist canons of white male privilege, intellectually as well as musically. At same time, there was a peculiar5 yet persistent appeal in New Musicology to Joseph Kerman and Theodor Adorno as exemplars. The inspiring commonality of this ill-assorted pair is the putative right, privilege, and duty of musicology to (abandon pretence to objective scholarship and) “speak otherwise”, to tell the truth about good and bad in music. This tremendously reassuring concession to engrained consumer mental habit may explain part of the popularity of the school.
Run&Tap: Investigation of On-Body Tapping for Runners

Devices like smartphones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers enable runners to control music, query fitness parameters such as heart rate and speed, or be guided by coaching apps. But while these devices are portable, interacting with them during running is difficult: they usually have small buttons or touchscreens which force the user to slow down to interact with them properly. On-body tapping is an interaction technique that allows users to trigger actions by tapping at different body locations eyes-free. This paper investigates on-body tapping as a potential input technique for runners. We conducted a user study to evaluate where and how accurately runners can tap on their body. We motion-captured participants while tapping locations on their body and running on a treadmill at different speeds. Results show that a uniform layout of five targets per arm and two targets on the abdomen achieved 96% accuracy rate. We present a set of design implications to inform the design of on-body interfaces for runners.
Purification, Cloning, and Sequencing of a 3,5-Dichlorophenol Reductive Dehalogenase from Desulfitobacterium frappieri PCP-1

ABSTRACT A membrane-associated 3,5-dichlorophenol reductive dehalogenase was isolated from Desulfitobacterium frappieri PCP-1. The highest dehalogenase activity was observed with the biomass cultured at 22°C, compared to 30 and 37°C, where the cell suspensions were 2.2 and 9.6 times less active, respectively. The reductive dehalogenase was purified 12.7-fold to apparent homogeneity. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a single band with an apparent molecular mass of 57 kDa. Its dechlorinating activity was not inhibited by sulfate and nitrate but was completely inhibited by 2.5 mM sulfite and 10 mM KCN. A mixture of iodopropane and titanium citrate caused a light-reversible inhibition of the dechlorinating activities, suggesting the involvement of a corrinoid cofactor. Several polychlorophenols were dechlorinated at the meta and para positions. The apparent Km for 3,5-dicholorophenol was 49.3 ± 3.1 μM at a methyl viologen concentration of 2 mM. Six internal tryptic peptides were sequenced by mass spectrometry. One open reading frame (ORF) was found in the Desulfitobacterium hafniense genome containing these peptide sequences. This ORF corresponds to a gene coding for a CprA-type reductive dehalogenase. The corresponding ORF (named cprA5) in D. frappieri PCP-1 was cloned and sequenced. The cprA5 gene codes for a 548-amino-acid protein that contains a twin-arginine-type signal for secretion. The gene product has a cobalamin binding site motif and two iron-sulfur binding motifs and shows 66% identity (76 to 77% similarity) with some tetrachloroethene reductive dehalogenases. This is the first CprA-type reductive dehalogenase that can dechlorinate chlorophenols at the meta and para positions.
The impact of rheumatoid arthritis on life activities.

OBJECTIVE To examine the proportion of valued activities performed by persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the change in this proportion over a 5-year period and to compare the performance and loss of valued activities of persons with and without RA. METHODS Data were drawn from a longitudinal panel study of persons with RA. Valued activities were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS Over a 5-year period, persons with RA lost approximately 10% of the activities they had valued. Losses were noted in every domain of activity. The greatest losses were seen in work-related, service, nurturant, cultural and leisure, and social participation activities. Compared to persons without arthritis, persons with RA performed fewer valued activities at baseline, and lost more valued activities over the 5-year period. CONCLUSIONS RA takes a considerable toll on the ability of people with the disease to perform valued life activities. Other research has shown that the loss of valued activities is a strong risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms among women with RA.
Queue-based agent architecture for multimodal interfaces

This paper presents a queue-based agent architecture for multimodal interfaces. Using a novel approach to intelligently organise both agents and input data, this system has the potential to outperform current state-of-the-art multimodal systems, while at the same time allowing greater levels of interaction and flexibility. This assertion is supported by simulation test results showing that significant improvements can be obtained over normal sequential agent scheduling architectures. For real usage, this translates into faster, more comprehensive systems, without the limited application domain that restricts current implementations.
The degrees of hepatocyte nuclear but not cytoplasmic expression of hepatitis B core antigen reflect the level of viral replication in chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Although immunodetection of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in the liver has long been recognized as a marker of active hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, the correlation between the level of viral replication and the degrees of expression of HBcAg in hepatocytes remains to be established. In this study, we examined the semiquantitative relationship between the level of HBV DNA in serum and the degree of expression of HBcAg in the hepatocyte nucleus or cytoplasm in 80 adults with chronic hepatitis B. Expression of HBcAg in hepatocytes was studied by the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase method, and the results were scored on a scale of 0 to 4, values corresponding to the positivity of 0, 1 to 10, 11 to 25, 26 to 50, and > 50%, respectively, of hepatocytes examined. Serum HBV DNA was tested by a liquid hybridization assay, and the results were scored on a scale of 0 to 5, values corresponding to undetectable levels and levels of < or = 50, 51 to 100, 101 to 150, 151 to 200, and > 200 pg/ml, respectively. The results revealed a highly significant, positive correlation between the level of HBV DNA in serum and the degree of expression of HBcAg in nuclei (Spearman rank correlation coefficient [rs] = 0.653, P < 0.001). The mean scores (95% confidence intervals) of levels of HBV DNA in sera of patients whose levels of expression of HBcAg in nuclei received a score of 0 (n = 33), 1 or 2 (n = 35), and 3 or 4 (n = 12) were 1.3 (1.1 to 1.5), 2.5 (2.1 to 2.9), and 3.9 (3.1 to 4.7), respectively. However, no correlation between the level of HBV DNA in serum and the degree of expression of HBcAg in the cytoplasm was noted (rs = 0.026, P > 0.8). In conclusion, the degree of expression of HBcAg in the hepatocyte nucleus but not the cytoplasm can accurately reflect the level of viral replication in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
THE EUROPEAN AIRLINES TRANSFORMATION : HYPERCOMPETITIVE AND LONG TAIL EFFECTS

This paper focuses on technological and organizational levers as strategic determinants of innovation and transformation of airlines, considering the high rate of technological and organizational change (Barrett S., 2000) occurred in airlines market since 2004. The European airlines evolution will be especially examined on the basis of the hyper-competition phenomenon. European airlines industry appears as a paradox both from an organizational and a technological point of view. By an organizational perspective, classical competition theory (Porter 1979, 1980, 1985) opposes low cost and differentiation as two mutually exclusive “generic strategies”. Not choosing between these strategies dooms firms to “stuck in the middle”. However, this static model does not seem to explain the behaviour of firms in hyper-competitive (Volberda, 1999) and turbulence environments characterized by high and frequent changes. In airlines industry the coexistence of “low-cost” and “networks” airlines seems to be an illustration of Porter’s dualist model. If low cost and differentiation can coexist, does it mean that Porter’s duality is still valid in hyper-competition? We argue here that a close analysis shows that both types of companies practice cost reduction and differentiation. Moreover, there are some “hybrid airlines”, like Meridiana, that operate in the same time as low cost and network airlines. On technological standpoint, the main effect of the Internet channel is supposed to deliver more consumer surplus than cost reduction, according to the Long tail theory. An inclusive analysis of Internet performance into European airlines is usually perceived to be cost reduction and differentiation. Therefore, this paper suggests moving beyond the “airline paradox” in Europe.
Viscoelastic Properties of the Pig Temporomandibular Joint Articular Soft Tissues of the Condyle and Disc

It has been suggested that a sustained loading condition such as clenching could compress the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular soft tissues. However, there is still no clear understanding of how the TM joint articular tissues respond under compression. To answer this question, we performed in vitro indentation tests on fresh articular discs and cartilage-bone systems of the condyles of 10 Yorkshire pigs (aged 7 months) using a self-developed indentation tester. The indenter was 5 mm in diameter and was controlled by means of a computer-aided feedback mechanism. Bilateral condyles from the same mandible were uniformly prepared; one was used for measurements under sustained compression (SC) and the other for measurements under intermittent compression (IC). The displacements of the indenter induced by a SC of 10, 20, and 30 Newtons (N, units of force) for 10 min and by an IC, also of 10, 20, and 30 N, with one-second duration and two-second intervals for 10 min were measured by means of a displacement sensor with a resolution of 0.001 mm. From these data, the indentation curves of the articular discs and the cartilage-bone systems were calculated. Both the disc and the articular cartilage showed characteristic displacement vs. time curves-namely, an instantaneous deformation upon load application, followed by a time-dependent creep phase of asymptotically increasing deformation under constant load. However, the indentation curves of the two tissues were not identical: The deformation of the articular cartilage was dose-dependent, but that of the disc was not. Moreover, the articular cartilage deformed significantly less under IC than under SC. This difference was not found in the disc. It can be concluded that both the disc and the articular cartilage of the pig temporomandibular joint have viscoelastic properties against compression; however, the disc is stiffer than the articular cartilage.
Trunk sway measures of postural stability during clinical balance tests: effects of age.

BACKGROUND The major disadvantage of current clinical tests that screen for balance disorders is a reliance on an examiner's subjective assessment of equilibrium control. To overcome this disadvantage we investigated, using quantified measures of trunk sway, age-related differences of normal subjects for commonly used clinical balance tests. METHODS Three age groups were tested: young (15-25 years; n = 48), middle-aged (45-55 years; n = 50) and elderly (65-75 years; n = 49). Each subject performed a series of fourteen tasks similar to those included in the Tinetti and Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance protocols. The test battery comprised stance and gait tasks performed under normal, altered visual (eyes closed), and altered proprioceptive (foam support surface) conditions. Quantification of trunk sway was performed using a system that measured trunk angular velocity and position in the roll (lateral) and pitch (fore-aft) planes at the level of the lower back. Ranges of sway amplitude and velocity were examined for age-differences with ANOVA techniques. RESULTS A comparison between age groups showed several differences. Elderly subjects were distinguished from both middle-aged and young subjects by the range of trunk angular sway and angular velocity because both were greater in roll and pitch planes for stance and stance-related tasks (tandem walking). The most significant age group differences (F = 30, p <.0001) were found for standing on one leg on a normal floor or on a foam support surface with eyes open. Next in significance was walking eight tandem steps on a normal floor (F = 13, p <.0001). For gait tasks, such as walking five steps while rotating or pitching the head or with eyes closed, pitch and roll velocity ranges were influenced by age with middle-aged subjects showing the smallest ranges followed by elderly subjects and then young subjects (F = 12, p <.0001). Walking over a set of low barriers also yielded significant differences between age groups for duration and angular sway. In contrast, task duration was the only variable significantly influenced when walking up and down a set of stairs. An interesting finding for all tasks was the different spread of values for each population. Population distributions were skewed for all ages and broadened with age. CONCLUSIONS Accurate measurement of trunk angular sway during stance and gait tasks provides a simple way of reliably measuring changes in balance stability with age and could prove useful when screening for balance disorders of those prone to fall.
A Cross-Species Analysis of Animal Models for the Investigation of Preterm Birth Mechanisms

Background: Spontaneous preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ability to examine the exact mechanisms underlying this syndrome in humans is limited. Therefore, the study of animal models is critical to unraveling the key physiologic mechanisms that control the timing of birth. The purpose of this review is to facilitate enhanced assimilation of the literature on animal models of preterm birth by a broad range of investigators. Methods: Using classical systematic and informatics search techniques of the available literature through 2012, a database of intact animal models was generated. Research librarians generated a list of articles using multiple databases. From these articles, a comprehensive list of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) was created. Using mathematical modeling, significant MeSH descriptors were determined, and a MEDLINE search algorithm was created. The articles were reviewed for mechanism of labor induction categorized by species. Results: Existing animal models of preterm birth comprise specific interventions to induce preterm birth, as no animal model was identified that exhibits natural spontaneous preterm birth at an incidence comparable to that of the humans. A search algorithm was developed which when used results in a comprehensive list of agents used to induce preterm delivery in a host of animal species. The evolution of 3 specific animal models—sheep, mice, and rats—has demonstrated a clear shift in focus in the literature from endocrine to inflammatory agents of preterm birth induction. Conclusion: The process of developing a search algorithm to provide efficient access to information on animal models of preterm birth illustrates the need for a more precise organization of the literature to allow the investigator to focus on distinctly maternal versus fetal outcomes.
Chip-level MMSE equalization at the edge of the cell

We examine the performance of two linear equalizers for a CDMA downlink over a frequency-selective multipath channel: the traditional RAKE receiver, and a chip-level MMSE (minimum mean square error) equalizer. The mobile-station assumed to be midway between two base-stations. We examine the system performance for one versus two receive antennas, and normal operation versus soft-hand-off mode. MMSE is confirmed to outperform RAKE. Also, having two receive antennas is superior to having a single antenna. Simulation results are presented for uncoded BPSK and 16-QAM, and BPSK with convolutional coding.
The Border Health Consortium of the Californias—Forming a Binational (California–Baja California) Entity to Address the Health of a Border Region: A Case Study

The California–Baja California border region is one of the most frequently traversed areas in the world with a shared population, environment, and health concerns. The Border Health Consortium of the Californias (the “Consortium”) was formed in 2013 to bring together leadership working in the areas of public health, health care, academia, government, and the non-profit sector, with the goal of aligning efforts to improve health outcomes in the region. The Consortium utilizes a Collective Impact framework which supports a shared vision for a healthy border region, mutually reinforcing activities among member organizations and work groups, and a binational executive committee that ensures continuous communication and progress toward meeting its goals. The Consortium is comprised of four binational work groups which address human immunodeficiency virus, tuberculosis, obesity, and mental health, all mutual priorities in the border region. The Consortium holds two general binational meetings each year alternating between California and Baja California. The work groups meet regularly to share information, resources and provide binational training opportunities. Since inception, the Consortium has been successful in strengthening binational communication, coordination, and collaboration by providing an opportunity for individuals to meet one another, learn about each other systems, and foster meaningful relationships. With binational leadership support and commitment, the Consortium could certainly be replicated in other border jurisdictions both nationally and internationally. The present article describes the background, methodology, accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned in forming the Consortium.
Domestic fungal viable propagules and sensitization in children with IgE mediated allergic diseases

In order to study the possible relationship between domestic fungal exposure and sensitization to fungi, the homes of 20 children with allergic diseases (mainly bronchial asthma) were inspected for visible fungal growth and airborne viable fungal propagules were sampled. Inclusion criterion was sensitization to at least one of the tested fungi as shown by proof of specific IgE in serum. Twelve of 19 homes (63%) revealed a considerable amounl of viable fungal propagules and/or visible fungal growth. Penicilli‐um, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Mycelia sterilia and yeasts were most prevalent. There was no clear‐cut relationship to serologically proven sensitization.