Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth of evoked otoacoustic emissions during the first days postpartum. A preliminary report.

Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) were recorded twice in 20 ears of 15 newborns. The recordings were performed in a room of the well baby ward, using the ILO88 in its default setting, i.e. with click stimulation. On the first test occasion, the infants were between 3 and 51 h of age, and EOAEs were identified in 10 ears. On the second test occasion, while the infants were at least 1 day older (range 42-107 h), EOAEs were present in all ears. The second EOAE was stronger, so the EOAE appeared to grow in the first days postpartum. This might be due to middle ear clearance of amniotic fluid, shortly after birth. The results of the EOAEs of the second examination were compared with 10 EOAEs in adult ears. The response levels of the newborns were significantly higher than in the adults. The (cross)-correlation peak value of the two tests' waveforms is over 0.75, however sometimes only after filtering around the most pronounced emission frequencies. The study proves that newborns failing the EOAE screen in the first 24 h after birth can pass if retested 1 day later, simply because of growth of EOAE strength.
L‐ and N‐type Ca2+ channels in adult rat carotid body chemoreceptor type I cells.

1. Whole‐cell voltage‐dependent Ca2+ currents recorded from chemoreceptor type I cells of the adult rat carotid body had maximum amplitudes of ‐94 pA in 10 mM Ca2+ and were half‐inactivated at a holding potential of ‐38 mV. Somatostatin and dopamine inhibited whole‐cell Ca2+ current in type I cells. 2. The dihydropyridine agonist (+)202‐791 increased the Ca2+ current amplitude by 106% at a step potential of ‐18 mV. The dihydropyridine antagonist nimodipine decreased the Ca2+ current amplitude by 40% from a holding potential of ‐80 mV, and by 74% from a holding potential of ‐60 mV. The nimodipine‐sensitive current had a maximum amplitude at a membrane potential of ‐12 mV. omega‐Conotoxin GVIA (omega‐CgTX GVIA) blocked the whole‐cell Ca2+ current by 40%. The omega‐CgTX GVIA‐sensitive current had a maximum amplitude at a membrane potential of +2 mV. 3. In summary, type I cells of the adult rat carotid body have dihydropyridine‐sensitive L‐type and omega‐conotoxin GVIA‐sensitive N‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels. These channels may play a role in the voltage‐gated entry of Ca2+ necessary for stimulus‐secretion coupling in response to changes in arterial PO2, PCO2 and pH. Inhibition of the Ca2+ currents by somatostatin and dopamine may alter the chemotransduction signal in type I cells.
The Stigma of Suicide Scale. Psychometric properties and correlates of the stigma of suicide.

BACKGROUND There are presently no validated scales to adequately measure the stigma of suicide in the community. The Stigma of Suicide Scale (SOSS) is a new scale containing 58 descriptors of a "typical" person who completes suicide. AIMS To validate the SOSS as a tool for assessing stigma toward suicide, to examine the scale's factor structure, and to assess correlates of stigmatizing attitudes. METHOD In March 2010, 676 staff and students at the Australian National University completed the scale in an online survey. The construct validity of the SOSS was assessed by comparing its factors with factors extracted from the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ). RESULTS Three factors were identified: stigma, isolation/depression, and glorification/normalization. Each factor had high internal consistency and strong concurrent validity with the Suicide Opinion Questionnaire. More than 25% of respondents agreed that people who suicided were "weak," "reckless," or "selfish. " Respondents who were female, who had a psychology degree, or who spoke only English at home were less stigmatizing. A 16-item version of the scale also demonstrated robust psychometric properties. CONCLUSIONS The SOSS is the first attitudes scale designed to directly measure the stigma of suicide in the community. Results suggest that psychoeducation may successfully reduce stigma.
Absence of active immunization against infectious hepatitis; follow-up study after administration of gamma globulin.

Recipients of either gamma globulin or gelatin, during the field studies of 1951 and 1952 for the evaluation of gamma globulin as a prophylactic agent against poliomyelitis, were studied to observe the effect of the same gamma globulin against infectious hepatitis. The total number of reported cases of hepatitis and the cumulative rate in each area during the five-year period after injection were as follows. Of a population of 10,794 who received gamma globulin, there were 20 cases of hepatitis (1.9 per 1,000); of 10,794 who received gelatin, there were 16 cases (1.5 per 1,000); and of 14,155 not given injections, there were 46 cases (3.2 per 1,000), for a total of 82 cases from a population of 35,743 (2.3 per 1,000). It seems certain that these lots of gamma globulin did not contain an inactive or attenuated agent capable of producing an active immunity against clinical hepatitis and that gamma globulin did not produce hepatitis in these areas.
High-resolution human cytomegalovirus transcriptome

Deep sequencing was used to bring high resolution to the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) transcriptome at the stage when infectious virion production is under way, and major findings were confirmed by extensive experimentation using conventional techniques. The majority (65.1%) of polyadenylated viral RNA transcription is committed to producing four noncoding transcripts (RNA2.7, RNA1.2, RNA4.9, and RNA5.0) that do not substantially overlap designated protein-coding regions. Additional noncoding RNAs that are transcribed antisense to protein-coding regions map throughout the genome and account for 8.7% of transcription from these regions. RNA splicing is more common than recognized previously, which was evidenced by the identification of 229 potential donor and 132 acceptor sites, and it affects 58 protein-coding genes. The great majority (94) of 96 splice junctions most abundantly represented in the deep-sequencing data was confirmed by RT-PCR or RACE or supported by involvement in alternative splicing. Alternative splicing is frequent and particularly evident in four genes (RL8A, UL74A, UL124, and UL150A) that are transcribed by splicing from any one of many upstream exons. The analysis also resulted in the annotation of four previously unrecognized protein-coding regions (RL8A, RL9A, UL150A, and US33A), and expression of the UL150A protein was shown in the context of HCMV infection. The overall conclusion, that HCMV transcription is complex and multifaceted, has implications for the potential sophistication of virus functionality during infection. The study also illustrates the key contribution that deep sequencing can make to the genomics of nuclear DNA viruses.
Understanding water governance from a citizen perspective: Farmers’ dilemmas in a future retention area

In this article we discuss the dilemmas of citizens in the Overdiep polder, a ‘Room for the River’ project in the Netherlands. Confronted with government plans for using their polder for water retention during peak river discharges, they took the initiative to redesign their polder to make it suitable for water retention in a way that also made possible continuation of their agricultural enterprises. Their plan would achieve three goals: reducing the water level in the River Meuse, improving ‘spatial quality’, and strengthening the agricultural structure in the polder by expanding farm size. Contrary to what has happened in other Room for the River projects, the citizens’ plan was accepted by the government and implemented. However, planning and implementation also caused dilemmas, tensions and conflicts. While initially most farmers supported the plan, gradually the community became divided. Based on case study research, this article provides insight in the farmers’ motivations to stay or to move out and the problems they face in moving out. Their motivations can be understood by analyzing their interests and actions and the role of the national and provincial government in the project. Finally, the impacts of the farmers’ dilemmas on water governance practices are discussed.
The health benefits of smoking cessation for adult smokers and for pregnant women in Taiwan

Objective: To assess the benefits of smoking cessation regarding mortality reduction after smokers quit, and regarding the health of newborns after smoking mothers quit. Methods: Relative mortality risks (RR) for smokers aged 35 or older who quit years ago were calculated from the follow up of 71 361 civil servants and teachers recruited since 1989. Data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System in Taipei City were used to calculate the odds ratios of body weights of newborns born to mothers of different smoking status. Results: Mortality risk for ex-smokers was significantly lower than that of current smokers for all causes (18%), all cancer (22%), lung cancer (39%), and ischaemic heart disease (54%). These benefits were not distinguishable initially, up to five years, but by year 17 and thereafter, substantial benefits of cessation accrued. Two thirds of smoking women quit during the first trimester of pregnancy, and only 2.2% of mothers smoked throughout pregnancy. The newborns from smoking mothers were smaller than those from never smoking mothers, but, if these mothers quit early in the first trimester, birth weights were normal. Conclusions: The health benefits of smoking cessation, rarely reported for Asian populations, have been largely ignored by smokers in Taiwan, where cessation activities have been extremely limited. Findings of this study that risks from smoking can be attenuated or reversed should be widely communicated to motivate smokers to quit. Smokers should quit early, including smoking mothers, and not wait till medical conditions surfaced, to have the maximal benefits of cessation.
Role of oxidative stress in the apoptotic cell death of cultured cerebellar granule neurons

When cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) are transferred from 25 mM KCl (K25) to 5 mM KCl (K5) caspase‐3 and caspase‐8, but not caspase‐1 or caspase‐9,activities are induced and cells die apoptotically. CGN death was triggered by a [Ca2+]i modification when [Ca2+]i was reduced from 300 nM to 50 nM in a K5 medium. The [Ca2+]i changes were followed by an increase in ROS levels. The generation of both cytosolic and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) occurred at three different times, 10 min, 30 min and 3–4 hr but only those ROS produced after 3–4 hr are involved in the process of cell death. When CGN cultured in a K5 medium are treated with different antioxidants like scavengers of ROS (mannitol, DMSO) or antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) phosphatidylserine translocation, caspase activity, chromatin condensation and cell death is markedly diminished. The protective effect of antioxidants is not mediated through a modification in [Ca2+]i. Caspase activation, PS translocation and chromatin condensation were downstream of ROS production. In contrast to H2O2, ROS produced by a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system in CGN cultured in K25 were able to directly induce caspase‐3 activation and death that resulted sensitive to z‐VAD, a caspase inhibitor. These findings indicate that a reduction in [Ca2+]i triggers CGN death by inducing a generation of ROS after 3–4 hr, which could play a critical role in the initial phases of the apoptotic process including PS translocation, chromatin condensation and the activation of initiator and executor caspases. J. Neurosci. Res. 64:284–297, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimization of nonlinear stochastic uncertain relaxed controlled systems: entropy rate functionals and robustness

This paper is concerned with nonlinear stochastic uncertain relaxed controlled diffusions, in which the pay-off is described by the relative entropy between the nominal measure and the uncertain measure, when the uncertain measure satisfies certain energy inequality constraints. With respect to this formulation two problems are defined. The first, seeks to minimize the relative entropy over the set of unknown measures which satisfy inequality constraints. The second, seeks to maximize over the set of admissible relaxed control laws, the minimum value of relative entropy induced by the uncertain measures among those which satisfy inequality constraints. The second problem is equivalent to a minimax problem, while the first is an optimization problem with respect to a fix control law. Certain monotonicity properties of the optimal solution are discussed, while relations to the well-known Cramer's theorem of large deviations are introduced. In addition, the implication of these results to minimax games for fully observable stochastic systems in which the strategies are measures are delineated and relations to risk-sensitive control problems are investigated.
Frequency sharing between satellite and terrestrial systems in the Ka band: A database approach

Broadband access by satellite in Ka band is currently constrained by spectrum availability. In this context, the EU FP7 project CoRaSat is examining the possible ways in which improved frequency utilization could be possible in Ka band via the use of cognitive mechanisms. A database approach utilizing spectrum scenarios between Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), Fixed Services (FS) and Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) feeder links are considered. Interference in the downlink from BSS and FS are evaluated using real data bases and propagation models. Data base statistics for several EU countries are also evaluated. The importance of using correct terrain profiles and accurate propagation models is shown. For the case of the BSS interference to the FSS downlink it is demonstrated that for the UK an area of less than 2% is affected and thus the additional 400 MHz spectrum band (17.3 to 17.7 GHz) can be used by FSS over the majority of the country. The operational challenges of the database approach across the EU are also discussed.
A communicative approach to sociomateriality: the agentic role of technology at the operational level

ABSTRACT When we talk about objects, their presence/absence matters during local conversations. So, how do sociomaterial resources come together in communication within networks of situated activities dislocated in time and space? How does problem-solving interaction accomplish that which is taken to be knowledge at a given technological site? How do communicative responses to heterogeneity influence resources for accountability? We answer these questions by applying a communication as constitutive of organisation approach to data from a qualitative study in the French transport industry during the implementation of a new interfirm information system. Our contributions are threefold: we (1) consider sociomateriality as, among other things, the expression of what matters in conversation, (2) argue that communicative practices, far from being residual talk, are at the core of the skilful achievement of (inter-)organisational collaboration and (3) assert that communication is at the heart of modern forms of work and organising and thus deserves more consideration by researchers and managers.
Site‐specific insertion of genes into integrons: role of the 59‐base element and determination of the recombination cross‐over point

From examination of published DNA sequences of genes found inserted at a specific site in integrons, all genes are shown to be associated, at their 3′ ends, with a short imperfect inverted repeat sequence, a 59‐base element or relative of this element. The similarity of the arrangement of gene inserts in the integron and in the Tn7 transposon family is described. A refined consensus for the 59‐base element is reported. Members of this family are highly diverged and the relationship of a group of longer elements to the 59‐base elements is demonstrated. The ability of 59‐base elements of different length and sequence to act as sites for recombination catalysed by the integron‐encoded DNA integrase is demonstrated, confirming that elements of this family have a common function. The ability of elements located between gene pairs to act as recombination sites has also been demonstrated. The recombination cross‐over point has been localized to the GTT triplet which is conserved in the core sites, GTTRRRY, found at the 3′ end of 59‐base elements. Recombination at the core site found in inverse orientation at the 5′ end of the 59‐base elements was not detected, and the sequences responsible for orientation of the recombination event appear to reside within the 59‐base element.
Cd(II)-Responsive and Constitutive Mutants Implicate a Novel Domain in MerR

ABSTRACT Expression of the Tn21 mercury resistance (mer) operon is controlled by a metal-sensing repressor-activator, MerR. When present, MerR always binds to the same position on the DNA (the operator merO), repressing transcription of the structural genes merTPCAD in the absence of Hg(II) and inducing their transcription in the presence of Hg(II). Although it has two potential binding sites, the purified MerR homodimer binds only one Hg(II) ion, employing Cys82 from one monomer and Cys117 and Cys126 from the other. When MerR binds Hg(II), it changes allosterically and also distorts the merO DNA to facilitate transcriptional initiation by ς70 RNA polymerase. Wild-type MerR is highly specific for Hg(II) and is 100- and 1,000-fold less responsive to the chemically related group 12 metals, Cd(II) and Zn(II), respectively. We sought merRmutants that respond to Cd(II) and obtained 11 Cd(II)-responsive and 5 constitutive mutants. The Cd(II)-responsive mutants, most of which had only single-residue replacements, were also repression deficient and still Hg(II) responsive but, like the wild type, were completely unresponsive to Zn(II). None of the Cd(II)-responsive mutations occurred in the DNA binding domain or replaced any of the key Cys residues. Five Cd(II)-responsive single mutations lie in the antiparallel coiled-coil domain between Cys82 and Cys117 which constitutes the dimer interface. These mutations identify 10 new positions whose alteration significantly affect MerR’s metal responsiveness or its repressor function. They give rise to specific predictions for how MerR distinguishes group 12 metals, and they refine our model of the novel domain structure of MerR. Secondary-structure predictions suggest that certain elements of this model also apply to other MerR family regulators.
11-Hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol: Pharmacology, Disposition, and Metabolism of a Major Metabolite of Marihuana in Man

11-Hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, administered intravenously to man, produces psychologic and pharmacologic effects that persist for several hours. The drug and its metabolites are excreted in urine and feces for more than 1 week. The pharmacology, disposition, and metabolism of 11-hydroxy-Δ9-tetra-hydrocannabinol mimic that of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, thus providing evidence that Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (the major active component of marihuana) is converted to the 11-hydroxy compound in man, the latter compound being responsible for the effects.
Intermediate molecular weight proteinuria and albuminuria identify scleroderma patients with increased morbidity.

BACKGROUND Renal involvement and systemic vascular damage have been shown to significantly affect prognosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). However, it is often difficult to assess damage to the renal and systemic vasculature in SSc patients. METHODS Using detailed urinary protein analysis we sought to detect scleroderma renal disease at an early stage and to assess systemic vasculopathy due to SSc. We examined 80 patients with SSc as well as 18 healthy control subjects using urinary protein analysis including determination of urinary albumin excretion rate and urinary total protein excretion as well as urinary polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. RESULTS Albuminuria was found in 25% (20/80) of the SSc patients (2.5% macroalbuminuria, 22.5% microalbuminuria), increased total protein excretion in 17.5% (14/80), and intermediate molecular weight proteinuria (IMWP) as determined by urine electrophoresis in 31.3% (25/80). None of these abnormalities was found in the control group (0/18). Presence of IMWP correlated with the diffuse type of SSc (p < 0.01), gastrointestinal involvement (p < 0.05) and increased systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). Increased total protein excretion was found to correlate with pulmonary involvement (p < 0.05). Albuminuria was associated with prolonged duration of the disease (> 4 years) (p < 0.05) and increased systolic blood pressure (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Leakage of proteins into the urine in patients with SSc appears to indicate not only renal involvement but also systemic vasculopathy which is associated with increased morbidity. Patients with SSc should be regularly examined using sensitive urinary protein tests such as albumin assays or urine electrophoresis, to detect kidney involvement at an early stage.
A Novel Type Cationic Silica Nanoparticles and its Potential Application in Biomedicine

Nanoparticles, as nonviral vectors, have attracted attention for their ability in gene delivery and are currently considered to be prospective future vectors for biological and biomedical application . We prepared organically modified cationic silica nanoparticles toward the high performance nonviral vector. It is to be noted that the complexes of DNA and nanoparticles are regarded as a simple model of chromatin. Furthermore, it is reported that the transcription activity of DNA is preserved after complexing with small nanoparticles, where the manner of complex formation is strongly dependent on the size of the nanoparticles in vitro. On the other hand, it is confirmed that transcription is completely inhibited in the compact globule state of giant DNA induced by polyamines and related polycations. In the present study, we transfected the nonvel type nanoparticles into mammalican cells. It has been found that the nanoparticles are very effectively taken up by both cytoplasm and nucleus of cells according to the observation by fluorescence confocal microscopy. In addition, we have also demonstrated that the nanoparticles are non-toxic for cell. Furthermore, it is particularly important that almost 100% HeLa cells were observed incorporating nanoparticles which suggests that treatment of cells with these nanoparticles can secure uniform and total (in terms of cell population) filling of cells with the nanoparticles. The observed time dependence and size effect in the process of nanoparticles uptake by cells suggests that the scenario of nanoparticles uptake by cells can be programmed by varying size and time parameters. From all these findings, we consider that the nanoparticles may be used as a highly efficient and safe gene transfer vectors. As future work, we will investigate if the cationic silica nanoparticles can efficiently bind and transfect plasmid DNA. On the other hand, it is also interesting to study whether nanoparticles can make any change of the higher-order structure of genomic DNA, and hence the activity of transcription.
OECD Reviews of School Resources: Austria 2016

The effective use of school resources is a policy priority across OECD countries. The OECD Reviews of School Resources explore how resources can be governed, distributed, utilised and managed to improve the quality, equity and efficiency of school education. The series considers four types of resources: financial resources, such as public funding of individual schools; human resources, such as teachers, school leaders and education administrators; physical resources, such as location, buildings and equipment; and other resources, such as learning time. This series offers timely policy advice to both governments and the education community. It includes both country reports and thematic studies.