In this paper we describe the application of a wavelet analysis-based method, to characterize the frequency power distribution of the unsteady respiratory sound signals in order to better discriminate the healthy state of a given subject. To evaluate the methodology, both normal tracheal sounds as well as adventitious respiratory sounds were investigated. In particular, our analysis shows the p...

BACKGROUND Extensive evidence has accumulated regarding the role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in tumor progression, but the exact effects and mechanisms underlying this role remain unclear. We investigated the effects of MSC-associated tumor progression in MSC-sarcoma models and a gastric cancer metastatic model. METHODS We conducted an in vitro growth kinetics assay and an in vivo tum...

Effects of prolonged running on Achilles tendon properties were assessed after a 60 min treadmill run and 140 min intermittent shuttle running (simulated cricket batting innings). Before and after exercise, 11 participants performed ramp-up plantar flexions to maximum-voluntary-contraction before gradual relaxation. Muscle-tendon-junction displacement was measured with ultrasonography. Tendon f...

BACKGROUND Of the few studies that have investigated quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes after transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM), the majority have reported only short-term follow-up data. This study assessed long-term clinical and instrumental outcomes (QoL, sexual, urinary and sphincter function) after TEM for extraperitoneal rectal cancer. METHODS Preoperative and postoperative anorectal ...

PURPOSE The study was conducted to identify predictors of mammography screening for rural Korean women according to 'Stage of Change' from the Transtheoretical Model which, along with the Health Belief Model, formed the theoretical basis for this study. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. Through convenience sampling 432 women were selected from 2 rural areas. Data were...

This paper exploits bilateral product-level trade for a wide range of OECD countries to derive export and import PPPs and terms of trade levels. This is based on a hedonic regression model in which a product is characterized by the location of both the buyer and seller. Relative price levels of imports and exports are significantly different from one in most countries, confirming the widespread...

Recently, First Nation (FN) organizations have entered into agreements with federal and provincial government representatives to remediate radar-line sites in Ontario. These agreements stipulated that FN people would take part in the site delineation and remediation process to gain job experience and economic benefits. One important aspect of the process was protecting FN personnel from contami...

The dual theory describing the 4D Coulomb gas of point-like magnetically charged objects, which confines closed electric strings, is considered. The respective generalization of the theory of confining strings to confining membranes is further constructed. The same is done for the analogous SU(3)-inspired model. We then consider a combined model which confines both electric charges and closed s...

Abstract Study question Is it beneficial to use the second sample of ejaculate collected within 2 hours from previous fertilize oocytes in IVF treatments? Summary answer A significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate was achieved using ejaculate. What is known already The WHO recommends abstinence 7 days prior semen collection for standard evaluation. Although volume and sperm concentration may...