Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Speaking Rate on Temporal Patterns of English

Abstract Individual subjects have been found to show considerable variation in the extent to which they manifest certain temporal patterns of English in their speech. Because at least some differences across speakers appear to be related to the fact that some subjects typically talk faster/slower than others, the present investigation examined variability in temporal patterns by having subjects produce target stimuli in sentences spoken at normal and fast rates. The results from these manipulations of speaking rate generally supported previous findings related to temporal patterns as a function of ‘natural’ variations in rate of speech. That is, there was considerable variability among the 15 subjects in the normal speaking rate condition in the extent to which temporal parameters such as final-syllable vowel lengthening occurred. In addition, there was substantial variation in these parameters in the fast speaking rate condition, and some systematic changes in certain patterns also occurred as a function of the rate change. For example, vowel lengthening preceding voiced obstruents tended to decrease when subjects spoke at a fast versus a normal rate, whereas phrase-final vowel lengthening was typically greater when they spoke at a faster rate.
The Bereitschaftspotential preceding simple foot movement and initiation of gait in Parkinson's disease

We compared the Bereitschaftspotential preceding a simple foot movement while sitting and a stepping movement while standing in a group of normal subjects and seven patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (PD) while off medication. None had major difficulties stepping to initiate gait. Electromyographic signals from tibialis anterior triggered the averaging of electroencephalographic signals from the scalp. Bereitschaftspotentials preceding a standing stepping movement were larger than those before a foot movement while sitting in normal subjects, but no difference was observed in patients with PD. The absence of an increase in the Bereitschaftspotential when stepping in PD may reflect an impairment of the preparation and assembly of the complex sequences of movement necessary to initiate walking, even in the early stages of the illness.
Sexual scripting of heterosexual penile-anal intercourse amongst participants in an HIV prevention trial in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe

Abstract Sexual risk-taking is influenced by individual, interpersonal and social factors. This paper presents findings from a qualitative follow-up study to a clinical trial evaluating biomedical HIV prevention products among African women, explored participants’ perceptions and experiences of heterosexual penile-anal intercourse, as well as the gendered power dynamics and relationship contexts in which this sexual behaviour occurs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 88 women from South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Findings reveal that despite its social stigmatisation, women engage in penile-anal intercourse for reasons including male pleasure, relationship security, hiding infidelity, menstruation, vaginal infections, money and beliefs that it will prevent HIV transmission. In addition, participants described experiences of non-consensual penile-anal intercourse. We used sexual scripting theory as an analytical framework with which to describe the sociocultural and relationship contexts and gendered power dynamics in which these practices occur. These data on the distinct individual, dyadic and social contexts of heterosexual penile-anal intercourse, and the specific factors that may contribute to women’s HIV risk, make a unique contribution to our understanding of heterosexual behaviour in these sub-Saharan countries, thereby helping to inform both current and future HIV prevention efforts for women in the region.
The relative sensitivity to vibration of muscle receptors of the cat

1. Longitudinal vibration was applied to the de‐efferented soleus muscle of anaesthetized cats while recording the discharge of single afferent fibres from the proprioceptors within the muscle. Conditions were defined under which vibration can be used to excite selectively the primary endings of muscle spindles without exciting the secondary endings of muscle spindles or Golgi tendon organs.
The impact of metabolic stress on hormonal responses and muscular adaptations.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of exercise-induced metabolic stress on hormonal responses and chronic muscular adaptations. METHODS We compared the acute and long-term effects of an "NR regimen" (no-rest regimen) and those of a "WR regimen" (regimen with rest period within a set). Twenty-six male subjects were assigned to either the NR (N = 9), WR (N = 9), or control (CON, N = 8) groups. The NR regimen consisted of 3-5 sets of 10 repetitions at 10-repetition maximum (RM) with an interset rest period of 1 min (lat pulldown, shoulder press, and bilateral knee extension). In the WR regimen, subjects completed the same protocol as the NR regimen, but took a 30-s rest period at the midpoint of each set of exercises in order to reduce exercise-induced metabolic stress. Acute hormonal responses to both regimens were measured followed by a 12-wk period of resistance training. RESULTS Measurements of blood lactate and serum hormone concentrations after the NR and WR regimens showed that the NR regimen induced strong lactate, growth hormone (GH), epinephrine (E), and norepinephrine (NE) responses, whereas the WR regimen did not. Both regimens failed to cause significant changes in testosterone. After 12 wk of resistance training, the NR regimen caused greater increases in 1RM (P < 0.01), maximal isometric strength (P < 0.05), and muscular endurance (P < 0.05) with knee extension than the WR regimen. The NR group showed a marked increase (P < 0.01) in muscle cross-sectional area, whereas the WR and CON groups did not. CONCLUSION These results suggest that exercise-induced metabolic stress is associated with acute GH, E, and NE responses and chronic muscular adaptations following resistance training.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma developed from human fallopian tube epithelial cells through defined genetic modifications

Recent studies have suggested that some ovarian and pelvic serous carcinomas could originate from the fimbriated end of the distal fallopian tube. To test this hypothesis, we immortalized a normal human fallopian tube epithelial (FTE) cell line by using retrovirus-mediated overexpression of the early region of the SV40 T/t antigens and the human telomerase reverse transcriptase subunit (hTERT). These immortalized FTEs were then transformed by ectopic expression of oncogenic human HRASV12. Tumorigenicity of the immortalized and/or transformed cells was subsequently tested by anchorage-independence growth assay and inoculation into nude mice via subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection. As expected, the HRASV12-transformed FTEs produced tumors through both subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections, whereas no tumor growth was observed in immortalized FTEs. Unexpectedly, histopathological examination of tumors resulting from subcutaneous as well as intraperitoneal injections revealed largely poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma mixed with undifferentiated carcinoma. The tumor implants invaded extensively to the liver, colon, spleen, omentum, adrenal gland and renal capsule. Immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells showed positive staining for the epithelial cell markers cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and Müllerian lineage marker PAX8. Our study demonstrates that FTEs can generate poorly differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma mixed with undifferentiated carcinoma through genetic modifications. Thus, we provide the first experimental evidence that fimbrial epithelial cells of the fallopian tube could be a potential source of ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Zinc in Well Water and Infant Mortality in Bangladesh: A Report from Gonoshasthaya Kendra

Zinc supplementation reduces the duration, severity and recurrence of diarrhoea in young children. This study examines whether zinc, found naturally in drinking water, reduced infant deaths from diarrhoea in rural Bangladesh. Information was compiled for births over two calendar years with follow-up for deaths within one year of birth. The study included 29,744 live births and 934 deaths in some 600 villages under the care of Gonoshasthaya Kendra (GK), grouped into 15 health centre regions within 12 upazillas. Individual matching of death to birth data was not possible, but information on exposures through well water and on potential confounders was available for each upazilla. Average concentration of zinc in well water, reported by the British Geological Survey, was grouped into high (>0.07 mg/L), moderate (0.020–0.070 mg/L) and low (<0.020 mg/L) concentrations. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for zinc by age and cause of death. Zinc concentration was unrelated to all-cause mortality but a decrease in deaths from diarrhoea (N = 50) was seen in areas with high zinc (OR = 0.30; 95% CI 0.13–0.69). No relation to diarrhoeal deaths was found with other well contaminants (arsenic, manganese) having accounted for zinc. Upazillas with a high proportion of women without education had higher rates of death from diarrhea, but the decrease in risk with high zinc remained (OR adjusted = 0.41; 95% CI 0.20–0.84). It is concluded that exposure to zinc through drinking water may reduce risk of diarrhoeal deaths.
Rotavirus infection in the Paraguayan population from 2004 to 2005: high incidence of rotavirus strains with short electropherotype in children and adults.

BACKGROUND Rotavirus is considered the main viral cause of acute gastroenteritis in children in both developed and developing countries. The aim of the present study was to continue the surveillance of rotavirus in the Paraguayan population in anticipation of a rotavirus vaccination in children. MATERIAL/METHODS Fecal samples from infants (< or =5 years of age) and adults with diarrhea (912 and 801 samples, respectively) were collected in Paraguay during 2004-2005. Rotavirus incidence was screened by PAGE and genotyping was performed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. RESULTS Rotavirus incidence was 23.8% and 19.4% for children and adults, respectively. The rotavirus incidence was higher in the coolest and driest months of the year. Five different group A rotavirus electropherotypes were detected. Rotaviruses with a long electropherotype were the most frequently detected in children in 2004 and 2005. However, in 2005 (after six years of absence in Paraguay) rotaviruses with a short electropherotype were detected at high frequency in both children and adults. Of these, 14 samples were genotyped (11 from children and 3 from adults) and all of them showed the G2P[4] type. CONCLUSIONS This study reinforces the importance of continuous survey of rotavirus infection, extended to all age groups, in order to increase our knowledge about the complexity of rotavirus epidemiology.
Dendritic Release of Vasopressin and Oxytocin

In addition to the release of neurotransmitters from their axon terminals, several neuronal populations are able to release their products from their dendrites. The cell bodies and dendrites of vasopressin‐ and oxytocin‐producing neurones are mainly located within the hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and neuropeptide release within the magnocellular nuclei has been shown in vitro and in vivo. Local release is induced by a range of physiological and pharmacological stimuli, and is regulated by a number of brain areas; locally released peptides are mainly involved in pre‐ and postsynaptic modulation of the electrical activity of magnocellular neurones. Spatial and temporal differences between peptide release within the nuclei and that from the distant axonal varicosities indicate that the release mechanisms are at least partially independent, supporting the hypothesis of locally regulated dendritic release of vasopressin and oxytocin. In this respect, magnocellular neurones show similarities to other neuronal populations and thus autoregulation of neuronal activity by dendritic neuromodulator release may be a general phenomenon within the brain.
Waiting for the Sun: the circannual programme of reindeer is delayed by the recurrence of rhythmical melatonin secretion after the arctic night

ABSTRACT At temperate latitudes, the annual cycle of day length synchronizes circannual rhythms, and, in mammals, this is mediated via nocturnal production of the pineal hormone melatonin, proportional to the length of the night. Here, we studied circannual synchronization in an arctic species, the reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus), which ceases to produce a rhythmic melatonin signal when it is exposed to extended periods of continuous midwinter darkness and continuous midsummer light. Using food intake, antler growth and moult as endpoints, we demonstrate that when animals living at 70°N are transferred from natural photoperiods in late autumn to either continuous light or continuous darkness, they undergo a conspicuous acceleration of the circannual programme. We conclude that rhythmical melatonin secretion, recommencing when the Sun reappears late in January, is required for proper timing of spring physiological responses, through a delaying effect on the circannual programme set in motion during the preceding autumn. Summary: Exposure to constant light or constant darkness accelerates the onset of spring physiology in overwintering reindeer; this has implications for current models of circannual time-keeping in mammals.
Effects of agricultural land use on chironomid communities: Comparisons among natural wetlands and farm ponds

Constructed farm ponds represent a major wetland habitat type in southeastern Minnesota. Farm ponds are subject to a variety of disturbances associated with agricultural land use, especially sedimentation and eutrophication. Chironomid community structure often reflects environmental changes in aquatic ecosystems. However, chironomid communities in farm ponds are poorly understood and their response to short-term increases in sedimentation and eutrophication remains undetermined. We studied relationships between pond-land cover condition and chironomid community structure. Of the 40 ponds selected for the study, 10 were natural, permanent palustrine wetlands. The remaining ponds were constructed habitats (i.e., farm ponds) with 10 in each of the following categories: non-grazed grassland, grazed grassland, and row crop agriculture. Larval chironomids and water quality parameters were collected during early, mid-, and late summer 2001. Total nitrogen concentrations were significantly greater and turbidity was generally greater in grazed grassland ponds as compared to all other pond types. Chironomid communities of grazed grassland ponds were characterized by lower taxonomic richness and abundant chironomids tolerant of increased sedimentation and nutrient enrichment (i.e.,Chironomus andGlyptotendipes). This study determined that agricultural land use, particularly cattle grazing, can markedly affect pond water quality, thereby influencing the chironomid community structure in farm ponds.
Ethical Standards for Information Systems Professionals: A Case for a Unified Code

Professionals have adopted ethical codes and codes of conduct. Physicians, lawyers, and engineers have moral responsibilities to know to whom they are responsible. Professionals in the information systems field need similar guidance. Unfortunately, multiple professional standards in the field are offered by individual organizations. Many of the precepts in these codes are similar, but some are not. This article presents the principles of five codes: three U.S. codes, the Canadian code, and the British code. After an examination of their similarities and differences, it is proposed that we (1) resolve the differences and (2) adopt a single, coherent, international code of ethics for the information systems community.
Pre-surgical evaluation of ICA-stenosis using 3D power Doppler, 3D color coded Doppler sonography, 3D B-flow and contrast enhanced B-flow in correlation to CTA/MRA: first clinical results.

AIM Pre-surgical evaluation of the extent of internal carotid artery stenosis (ICA) according to NASCT criteria using digital 3D ultrasound methods. MATERIAL/METHODS In a prospective study, 25 patients (54-88 years, mean 75) with neurological deficits and the diagnosis of ICA stenosis underwent pre-surgical ultrasound examination using Color Coded Duplex Sonography (CCDS), 3D CCDS, 3D power Doppler, 3D B-flow, contrast enhanced 3D B-flow, and CTA/MRA. Ultrasound was performed by an experienced examiner with a multifrequency linear transducer (6-9 MHz, Logiq 9, GE). After bolus injection of 2.4 ml Sonovue i.v. , low mechanical index technique (MI<0.16) was used for contrast enhanced 3D B-flow. As reference method for evaluation of the extent of ICA stenosis each patient underwent CTA (multislice CT, Sensation 16, Siemens) and/or MRA (1.5 T, Symphony Siemens). Indications for surgery (carotid EEA) followed the NASCET criteria. All images were interpreted and evaluated independently by two observers with three measurements of the degree of the ICA stenosis. For assessment of the extent of stenosis a 10%-scale from 50% to 99% was used. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman Correlation and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with a significance threshold of p<0.05. RESULTS Assessment of the extent of ICA stenosis during surgery and in CTA/MRA displayed a range from 60% to 99% (mean 80%). Non significant differences were found with paired Wilcoxon test only for 3D B-flow with and without contrast medium (p<0.05). Correlation with surgical evaluation regarding the extent of ICA stenosis using Spearman correlation teat was 0.77 for B-scan, 0.90 for 3D CCDS, 0.84 for 3D Power Doppler, 0.91 for B-flow and 0.93 for contrast enhanced 3D B-flow. When circular calcifications were present, contrast enhanced flow detection of 3D B-flow proved to be useful. Visualisation of intrastenotic variances of severe and profound stenosis (70-99%) without blooming and reverberation artefacts was possible only with 3D B-flow. This facilitates the detection of the morphology of plaques ulcers as an embolic source. CONCLUSION In correlation with surgery and CTA/MRA, a valid evaluation of the extent and morphology of ICA stenosis using 3D B-flow, with and without contrast medium, is feasible.
Mitiglinide/voglibose fixed-dose combination improves postprandial glycemic excursions in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: We examined the effects of a fixed-dose combination of 10 mg mitiglinide and 0.2 mg voglibose on postprandial glycemic excursions in Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Research design and methods: After a 2-week baseline period, 11 T2DM patients were treated with mitiglinide alone for 2 weeks and with the mitiglinide/voglibose combination for 6 weeks. Main outcome measures: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) at home before and after unified meals, metabolic parameters during meal tolerance tests, and overall glycemic control parameters. Results: Postprandial glycemic excursions after all three meals, as assessed by SMBG, were significantly lower in the combination period than in the baseline period, and after lunch and dinner in the combination period than in the mitiglinide period. The meal tolerance test confirmed that the magnitude of postprandial hyperglycemia was significantly lower, with significantly greater early-phase serum insulin secretion and sustained GLP-1 production, in the combination period compared with the baseline period. Overall glycemic control parameters also improved significantly in the combination period compared with the baseline period. These profiles suggest the combination is superior to mitiglinide alone, and may spare insulin secretion. Conclusion: The mitiglinide/voglibose combination significantly reduced postprandial glycemic excursions in Japanese T2DM patients. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network clinical trials database (no. UMIN000007202).
Diagnosing Borderline Hepatic Nodules in Hepatocarcinogenesis: Imaging Performance.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this article are to describe the pathologic and radiologic features of small nodular lesions and to offer insight into the multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis by describing the progression of imaging changes that link dysplastic nodules and early hepatocellular carcinoma, (HCC) to small HCC that has progressed. CONCLUSION Nodules larger than 1 cm found during ultrasound surveillance of a cirrhotic liver should be investigated further with diagnostic imaging. Contrast-enhanced CT and dynamic MRI are the primary diagnostic studies for the diagnosis of HCC; contrast-enhanced ultrasound can be used as an alternative test. If a nodule has the typical hallmark of hypervascularity in the hepatic arterial phase with washout in the portal venous or delayed phase, a definitive diagnosis of HCC can be made. Nodules found during ultrasound surveillance that are smaller than 1 cm can be followed with ultrasound examinations at intervals of 3-6 months.
Has the Competition among Professions in the Nordic Welfare States Intensified?: A Danish Case

Professionals such as social workers, administrators, doctors, economists, accountants, teachers, lawyers and nurses are core employees in the public sector in modern welfare states for the provision, production, delivery and management of the welfare services. By definition, professionals need to have autonomy in order to exercise discretion to provide people with the best possible services (Lipsky, 1980; 2010; Mintzberg, 1983; Winter & Nielsen, 2010). In other words, if professionals possess a sufficient amount of autonomy to exercise discretion based on their profession’s standards, norms and values, they can and will design the provision, production and delivery of the services to create the best fit possible between the services provided and the individual citizen’s needs.
Improving computational protein design by using structure‐derived sequence profile

Designing a protein sequence that will fold into a predefined structure is of both practical and fundamental interest. Many successful, computational designs in the last decade resulted from improved understanding of hydrophobic and polar interactions between side chains of amino acid residues in stabilizing protein tertiary structures. However, the coupling between main‐chain backbone structure and local sequence has yet to be fully addressed. Here, we attempt to account for such coupling by using a sequence profile derived from the sequences of five residue fragments in a fragment library that are structurally matched to the five‐residue segments contained in a target structure. We further introduced a term to reduce low complexity regions of designed sequences. These two terms together with optimized reference states for amino‐acid residues were implemented in the RosettaDesign program. The new method, called RosettaDesign‐SR, makes a 12% increase (from 34 to 46%) in fraction of proteins whose designed sequences are more than 35% identical to wild‐type sequences. Meanwhile, it reduces 8% (from 22% to 14%) to the number of designed sequences that are not homologous to any known protein sequences according to psi‐blast. More importantly, the sequences designed by RosettaDesign‐SR have 2–3% more polar residues at the surface and core regions of proteins and these surface and core polar residues have about 4% higher sequence identity to wild‐type sequences than by RosettaDesign. Thus, the proteins designed by RosettaDesign‐SR should be less likely to aggregate and more likely to have unique structures due to more specific polar interactions. Proteins 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.