Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Common Stimulus Parameters on Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission Fine Structure

Objectives: To determine whether common approaches to setting stimulus parameters influence the depth of fine structure present in the distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) response. Because the presence of fine structure has been suggested as a possible source of errors, if one of the common parametric approaches results in reduced fine-structure depth, it may be preferred over other approaches. Design: DPOAE responses were recorded in a group of 21 subjects with normal hearing for 1/3-octave intervals surrounding 3 f2s (1, 2, and 4 kHz) at three L2s (30, 45, and 55 dB SPL). For each f2 and L2 combination, L1 and f2/f1 were set according to three commonly used parametric approaches. These included a simple approach, the approach recommended by Kummer et al., and the approach described by Johnson et al. These three approaches primarily differ in the recommended relationship between L1 and L2. For each parametric approach, DPOAE fine structure was evaluated by varying f2 in small steps. Differences in DPOAE level and DPOAE fine-structure depth across f2, L2, and the various stimulus parameters were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: As expected, significant variations in DPOAE level were observed across the three parametric approaches. For stimulus levels ⩽45 dB SPL, the simple stimuli resulted in lower DPOAE levels than were observed for other approaches. An unexpected finding was that stimulus parameters developed by Johnson et al., which were believed to produce higher DPOAE levels than other approaches, produced the lowest DPOAE levels of the three approaches when f2 = 4 kHz. Significant differences in fine-structure depth were also observed. Greater fine-structure depth was observed with the simple parameters, although this effect was restricted to L2 ⩽ 45 dB SPL. When L2 = 55 dB SPL, all three parametric approaches resulted in equivalent fine-structure depth. A significant difference in fine-structure depth across the 3 f2s was also observed. The interval surrounding 2 kHz was associated with greater fine-structure depth than the intervals surrounding 1 and 4 kHz. Conclusions: The simple stimulus parameters resulted in more fine structure than the other parametric approaches; however, this effect was restricted to L2 ⩽ 45 dB SPL. At the moderate stimulus levels used in most clinical applications of DPOAEs (L2 = 55 dB SPL), all three approaches resulted in similar fine-structure depths. These findings suggest that manipulating stimulus parameters, particularly the L1, L2 relationship, is not an effective technique for reducing fine structure, except at the lowest stimulus levels, and that all the common parameters result in equivalent fine structure for moderate stimulus levels. These results also suggest that the stimulus parameters used in future studies of the clinical implications of fine structure may be relatively unimportant, unless stimulus levels ⩽45 dB SPL will be evaluated.
Effects of P.G. 600 on the onset of estrus and ovulation rate in gilts treated with Regu-mate.

Three experiments assessed the onset of estrus and ovulation rate in gilts treated with gonadotropins after the withdrawal of an orally active progestin. In Exp. 1, all cycling gilts received the progestin (Regu-mate; Intervet America Inc., Millsboro, DE) at a rate of 15 mg/d for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after the last feeding of Regu-mate, 32 gilts received an i.m. injection of 400 I.U. PMSG and 200 I.U. hCG (P.G. 600, Intervet America, Inc.), and 32 gilts received an i.m. injection of deionized water. The percentage of gilts displaying estrus < or = 7 d (P = 0.64) and the injection-to-estrus interval (P = 0.37) were similar for P.G. 600-treated gilts (93.8% and 4.1 +/- 0.1 d) and controls (90.6% and 4.3 +/- 0.1 d). Ovulation rate was greater (P < 0.01) in P.G. 600-treated gilts (28.8 +/- 1.1) compared with controls (17.4 +/- 1.1). In Exp. 2, 58 cycling gilts received Regu-mate (15 mg/d) for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after Regu-mate withdrawal, gilts received i.m. P.G. 600 or water (n = 29/treatment). Gilts were bred via AI 12 and 24 h after first detection of estrus. The percentage of gilts displaying estrus < or = 7 d (P = 0.45) and the injection-to-estrus interval (P = 0.27) were similar for P.G. 600-treated gilts (82.7% and 4.0 +/- 0.1 d) and controls (89.7% and 4.2 +/- 0.1 d). Ovulation rate was greater (P < 0.01) in P.G. 600-treated gilts (26.2 +/- 1.8) compared with controls (18.1 +/- 1.7). Pregnancy rate (P = 0.71) and the number of live embryos at d 30 postmating (P = 0.40) were similar for P.G. 600-treated gilts (91.7% and 15.6 +/- 1.2) and controls (88.5% and 14.1 +/- 1.2). In Exp. 3, prepubertal gilts (142.6 +/- 0.7 d of age) received Regumate (15 mg/d) (n = 20) or a control diet not including Regu-mate (n = 20) for 18 d. Twenty-four hours after Regu-mate withdrawal, all gilts received i.m. P.G. 600. The percentage of gilts displaying estrus < or = 7 d (P = 0.49) and the P.G. 600-to-estrus interval (P = 0.69) were similar for Regu-mate-fed gilts (95% and 4.3 +/- 0.2 d) and controls (88.9% and 4.2 +/- 0.2 d). Ovulation rate was similar (P = 0.38) for Regu-mate fed gilts (16.6 +/-1.6) and controls (14.4 +/- 1.8). In cycling gilts, administration of P.G. 600 after withdrawal of Regu-mate increased ovulation rate, but not litter size at d 30 postmating. There was no beneficial effect of Regu-mate pretreatment on the response to P.G. 600 in prepubertal gilts.
First Detection of the Plasmid-Mediated Class A Carbapenemase KPC-2 in Clinical Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from South America

ABSTRACT The plasmid-mediated class A carbapenemase KPC-2 was isolated from unrelated Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Medellin, Colombia. These KPC enzymes are the first from South America and the second isolation outside of the United States. The expanding geographic spread of KPC carbapenemases underscores the importance of clinical recognition of these enzymes.
Early BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 Signaling Events

Much more is known about nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling than that initiated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), or NT-4. We sought to study early BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 signaling events. Using TrkB-expressing cells, we found that BDNF and NT-4 individually induced tyrosine phosphorylation of TrkB in a dose-dependent fashion. At maximally effective concentrations, BDNF or NT-4 induced robust TrkB tyrosine phosphorylation at 5 min; this progressively declined at 15, 30, and 60 min. Using immunoprecipitation, PI3-kinase and tyrosine phosphorylated PLC-gamma1 and SHC were shown to be associated with tyrosine phosphorylated TrkB in response to both BDNF and NT-4. BDNF and NT-4 induced similar intensities of phosphorylation of TrkB and signaling intermediates at equivalent doses. NT-3 treatment of TrkC-expressing cells induced very similar patterns for induction of TrkC tyrosine phosphorylation and recruitment of signaling intermediates. BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 caused rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of ERK and SNT. These data suggest that the earliest signaling events for BDNF, NT-3, and NT-4 are very similar to those for NGF.
A Follow-Up Study of the Family with the Swedish APP 670/671 Alzheimer’s Disease Mutation

Objective: To study the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at a very early stage and to evaluate clinical markers of presymptomatic AD. Setting: Longitudinal study at a university hospital. Subjects: A Swedish family harboring a double mutation at codons 670/671 of the APP gene on chromosome 21 was followed longitudinally for 3 years. Both mutation carriers and noncarriers participated. Outcome Measurements: Results from clinical investigations, electroencephalography, neuropsychological and neuroradiological examinations including magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography were assessed and compared on two or more occasions. Main Outcome: During follow-up, 1 initially asymptomatic mutation carrier who was near the expected age of onset for this family, developed cognitive symptoms, and at the end of the follow-up fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for AD. One mutation carrier with cognitive symptoms at the first examination showed clinical deterioration and was diagnosed with AD. One demented mutation carrier died and was shown to have typical AD neuropathology at autopsy. The two remaining asymptomatic mutation carriers, as well as all the noncarriers were asymptomatic. These mutation carriers who were near the expected age of onset of AD but without clinical signs of the disease, did not show changes in either electrophysiological parameters or volumes of the temporal lobes. However, in these 2 individuals the blood flow in the temporal lobe showed intermediate values between the symptomatic mutation carriers and healthy noncarriers. Two neuropsychological tests showed a deterioration that paralleled clinical symptoms in 1 of the mutation carriers who was close to the expected age of onset and who at the end of the follow-up had clinical signs of AD. In the same subject, brain glucose metabolism was pathologically reduced in the temporal lobes before other clinical symptoms were obvious. Conclusion: In this familial form of AD a reduced temporal lobe glucose metabolism was indicative of AD before the expected clinical onset. Reduced glucose metabolism even preceded the development of subjective or objective cognitive dysfunction and might therefore serve as a clinical marker for AD before the onset of clinical symptoms. Reduced cerebral blood flow in the temporal lobes and cognitive deterioration paralleled the clinical decline in the early stage of the disease.
Trace-element distribution coefficients for pyroxenes, plagioclase, and olivine in evolved tholeiites from the 1955 eruption of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaiʼi, and petrogenesis of differentiated rift-zone lavas

Abstract Reliable values for mineral-melt trace-element distribution coefficients (D) are essential for constructing realistic models of magma evolution based on trace elements. We have determined D-values for an extensive set of compatible and incompatible trace elements in clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, plagioclase, and olivine phenocrysts in two moderately evolved (5.4 and 6.6 wt% MgO), tholeiitic lavas from the 1955 eruption of Kilauea volcano, Hawai'i, using laser ablation-ICPMS. Coexisting melt compositions were obtained by analyses of quenched mesostasis. These D-values are consistent with experimental results when major element variations in the host phase are considered. Lattice strain models reproduce many of the partitioning characteristics. The distribution coefficients determined here can be applied to understanding the petrogenesis of evolved tholeiitic magmas from two recent Kilauea eruptions. Trace-element compositions of the 1955 lavas are consistent with 30−40% fractional crystallization of a gabbroic assemblage from an olivine tholeiite parental magma. The reduced influx of melt to Kilauea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries may have allowed the formation of evolved magmas in the rift zone.
Molecular detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum by real time PCR

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) causes chronic respiratory disease leading to huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Early and efficient detection is therefore crucial in reducing the loss sustained by poultry farmers and poultry industry at large. Three main approaches are used for the diagnosis of MG: isolation and identification, serology and molecular detection method. Recently, real time polymerase chain reaction has been developed for the detection of infectious organisms, but so far only a limited number of diagnostic real time PCRs have been proposed for MG. This study was carried out to develop a SYBR green real time PCR assay for the detection of MG using primer set specific to the gapA gene. The primer set was able to amplify the expected DNA fragment of 505 bp. The assay was found to be specific and highly sensitive in detecting MG as indicated by its ability to detect between 260 ng/μl to 26 pg/μl DNA template. In conclusion, this study successfully developed a specific and sensitive real time PCR assay for the rapid detection of MG compared to conventional PCR method. Although the cost to carry out real time PCR is more expensive, it is a more specific, sensitive, and rapid method for detection of MG as compared with conventional PCR.
An on‐line laboratory course on speech analysis

An on‐line laboratory course for speech signal processing is described. The course consists of a series of practical experiments involving the three aspects of speech processing: coding, synthesis, and recognition. The experiments were developed using an auxiliary tool implemented in Delphi and were then transformed into individual class‐modules using the eTEAM software. Both pieces of software are briefly described, along with three experiments already available through the Internet. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 8: 178–184, 2000
Building Multi-View System Models for Requirements Engineering

Requirements engineering techniques are faced with a recurring problem of focus and structure [1]. Elicitation techniques raise the problem of focussing and structuring elicitation sessions and artefacts. Evaluation techniques raise the problem of identifying and comparing items at a common level of abstraction and granularity for risk analysis, conflict management, option selection, or prioritization.
Biological Significance of Renin Angiotensin Immunization

Immunization against angiotensin II had no effect on the hypertension produced by renal artery clipping in rats and rabbits. Conversely, prophylactic preimmunization against angiotensin II also did not prevent the development of hypertension following renal artery constriction. The effectiveness and specificity of immunization was established both by its ability to block the biologic effects of injected angiotensin and renin and also by measuring the levels of antibody achieved by a specific radioimmunoassay to angiotensin II. Immunization against angiotensin did not appear to alter significantly the sodium balance, plasma sodium, or plasma renin levels in the laboratory animals. The renal and plasma renin response to a diuretic drug was the same in immunized animals and control rabbits. The studies suggest that the renin angiotensin system plays no direct role in the production or maintenance of experimental renal hypertension.
Experimental demonstration of visible light communication based on sub-carrier multiplexing of multiple-input-single-output OFDM

In this paper, a novel configuration of VLC system based on sub-carrier multiplexing of MISO OFDM is proposed. The system consists of a 2×1 MISO array of white LEDs to transmit and receive data. The data is respectively modulated by two sub-carriers at 6.25MHz and 12.5MHz. An overview of the system configuration is described, and the transmission experiment is setup. The experimental results and the relationship between the system BER and transmission range are also investigated.
Early postnatal development of laminar characteristics in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the tree shrew

Three characteristics distinguish the six layers of the adult tree shrew dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). First, interlaminar spaces divide the nucleus into cell layers. Second, input from the two eyes projects to the nucleus such that two layers (1 and 5) receive input from the ipsilateral retinal and four layers (2, 3, 4, and 6) receive input from the contralateral retina. Finally, distinct cytological features characterize individual layers. In this report, we describe the postnatal development of LGN layers in the tree shrew in terms of the development of these three characteristics. At birth, the nucleus appears homogenous in Nissl-stained sections. Thus, no interlaminar spaces are present and all cells look similar in shape, size, and staining intensity. However, autoradiographic data show that, at birth, retinal afferents are segregated in an adult-like pattern. Interlaminar spaces begin to be evident between layers innervated by opposite eyes on postnatal day 2. Several days later, interlaminar spaces between layers innervated by the same eye (i.e., the borders of layer 3) appear, while the others continue to widen. Although some cytological maturation begins before interlaminar space formation, it is not until interlaminar spaces are apparent that features such as differential staining intensity and cell size can be used to distinguish individual layers. The results suggest that the three characteristics that define LGN layers in the tree shrew may be temporally separate events in the developing nucleus. Thus, retinal afferents are segregated prior to interlaminar space formation which, in turn, is initiated prior to final maturation of the cytological features that characterize the cell layers. This may indicate a degree of developmental independence among these maturational events.
Hybrid person localization in ad-hoc networks using model-based control and visualization

Localization in previously unknown and GPS-denied areas is challenging, especially, when no infrastructure can be assumed. In this paper, we present a hybrid person localization approach for ad-hoc scenarios. Example applications are search and rescue operations, but also on construction sites or during maintenance tasks of large industrial plants. The outlined scheme is based on received signal strength localization in a wireless sensor network (WSN) and data fusion of inertial sensors. However, the complexity of such systems poses a challenge to non-technicians to operate them. To improve operability, the model-based design principle has been a rigorous change to systems design methodology. In this paper, we adopt the strengths of model-based methods to a heterogeneous distributed and networked system. The advantage of our approach is that the same model-based design environment is later used for control and monitoring of the network in the actual deployment. This allows easy reconfiguration of parameters during an operation. We present some localization results and highlight advantages and experiences gained from our evaluations. We conclude that model-based development on one hand and also model-based runtime control on the other hand are important aspects for future WSN deployments.
[The art of understanding].

• Make eye contact, nods of understanding, and listening noises: “Uh huh. hmm. ” When you appear disinterested, people talk on and on, desperately trying to gain your attention. Focusing on the speaker shortens monologues by helping the speaker realize you are listening. • Rephrase: “Are you saying . ” It is better to restate in other words what has been said than to simply repeat. This helps clarify the other person’s point. Ask questions if you don’t fully understand what has been said: “What do you mean by . ” Your paraphrases don’t have to be 100% correct as long as you ask, “What percent of that did I understand? ” Keep rephrasing until the other person feels completely understood. This is often signified by a nod. • Label feelings: “Do you feel . You seem to feel. ” Until emotions are recognized, people tend to hang on to them. Once feelings are identified, people can let them go. Highly accurate responses can draw out tears. Releasing such emotions deepens the connection between two people and takes communication to an intimate level (especially when accompanied by a touch, pat, or hug). When people are mad, identify any hurt their anger may be masking. It is generally better to overstate distress than to minimize it. • Validate feelings: “It makes sense that you feel . because. ” Validating the factors that contribute to a feeling requires curiosity. The more irrational an emotion seems, the more fascinating it is to discover the cause. When you understand the “emotional logic” behind a feeling, it starts to make sense: “I can see why you are disappointed in me, since you don’t approve of women wearing short skirts. ” Feelings are not right or wrong, but are the result of helpful or harmful beliefs. Validating shows that you are not making judgments and helps others be less defensive or attacking.
EPF: An Event-Aided Packet Forwarding Protocol for Privacy-Preserving Mobile Healthcare Social Networks

In this paper, we propose an event-aided packet forwarding (EPF) protocol, which enables patients to efficiently communicate with each other in privacy-preserving Mobile Healthcare Social Networks (MHSNs). Since patients with common illnesses often attend the same related activities, EPF makes use of these activities in forwarding illness-related messages to the target patients so that it can achieve high target patients coverage ratio. In addition, EPF also adopts predicate encryption to guarantee patient privacy and message confidentiality. Through security analysis, we demonstrate that EPF can effectively resist various attacks launched by adversaries, and ensure patient identity and illness privacy. Extensive simulations are also conducted to evaluate the performance of EPF in terms of average target patients coverage ratio, average number of packet copies, and average packet delay.
Projector on physical states in loop quantum gravity

We construct the operator that projects on the physical states in loop quantum gravity. To this aim, we consider a diffeomorphism-invariant functional integral over scalar functions. The construction defines a covariant, Feynman-like, spacetime formalism for quantum gravity and relates this theory to the spin foam models. We also discuss how expectation values of the physical quantity can be computed.
Geographic variation in cardiovascular disease mortality in US blacks and whites.

Cardiovascular disease mortality rates have dropped significantly over the past several decades, but a shift has occurred over time in the geographic patterns of both coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke mortality. This article describes these patterns and discusses how they vary by sex, race, age, and over time. Death certificate information for Health Service Areas (HSAs) in 1988-1992 was used to analyze the geographic patterns of CHD and stroke death rates by race, sex, and age. Changes in these patterns from 1979-1993 also were examined. In 1988-1992, considerable geographic variation in both CHD and stroke mortality was demonstrated for each sex and race group. Coronary heart disease rates were particularly high in the lower Mississippi valley and Oklahoma for all four groups, in the Ohio River valley and New York for whites, and to a lesser extent for blacks. Areas of high rates among whites in the Carolinas resemble stroke mortality patterns. There were greater differences by racial group than by gender, by the definition of heart disease. Over time, rates have declined for both CHD and stroke, but regional differences in the rates of change give the appearance of a southwesternly movement of high heart disease rate clusters and a breakup of the "Stroke Belt. " Further research is needed to elucidate the cause of regional variation in CHD and stroke mortality. Similar geographic patterns of high rates of CHD and stroke in the southeastern United States may reflect common risk factors. This knowledge can be used to help develop appropriate interventions to target these high-rate areas in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys.