Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Incidence of Transient Ischemic Attack and Early Stroke Risk: Validation of the ABCD2 Score in an Italian Population-Based Study

Background and Purpose— The importance of transient ischemic attack (TIA) lies on the short-term risk of stroke, and the ABCD2 score may improve early stroke risk prediction. However, population-based studies are still needed. We aimed to provide data on TIA incidence and to evaluate the ABCD2 predictive ability for early recurrent stroke in a population-based study. Methods— This study is part of a 2-year prospective community-based registry of all cerebrovascular events in the district of Udine (153 312 inhabitants), Friuli Venezia Giulia region, northeast of Italy, between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2009. Multiple overlapping sources for finding cases were used, combining hot and cold pursuit. Results— We identified 178 TIA, 161 (90.4%) of which were incident. The crude overall annual TIA incidence rate per 1000 residents was 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–0.61). Incidence rate was 0.45 (95% CI, 0.31–0.65) when standardized to the 2007 Italian population and 0.25 (95% CI, 0.16–0.39) when standardized to the European standard population. Estimates of stroke risk after the index TIA within 2, 7, 30, and 90 days were, respectively, 2.5% (95% CI, 0.7–6.2), 5.6% (95% CI, 2.6–10.3), 6.2% (95% CI, 3.0–11.1), and 11.2% (95% CI, 6.8–17.1). ABCD2 score was strongly associated with stroke occurrence after index TIA: the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve at 2, 7, 30, and 90 days were, respectively, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.72–0.97), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56–0.82), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.56–0.85), and 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67–0.86). No patients with an ABCD2 score <4 had a stroke within the 90-day follow-up period. Conclusions— This study adds new data on TIA incidence and prognosis and it further validates the ability of the ABCD2 score to identify patients at early risk for stroke.
On the structure of the manganese complex of photosystem II: extended-range EXAFS data and specific atomic-resolution models for four S-states

The water-oxidizing manganese complex bound to the proteins of photosystem II (PSII) was studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy on PSII membrane particles. An extended range for collection of extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) data was used (up to 16.6 Å−1). The EXAFS suggests the presence of two Mn–Mn distances close to 2.7 Å (per Mn4Ca complex); the existence of a third Mn–Mn distance below 2.9 Å is at least uncertain. Interestingly, a distance of 3.7 Å is clearly resolved in the extended-range data and tentatively assigned to a Mn–Mn distance. Taking into account the above EXAFS results (inter alia), we present a model for the structure of the PSII manganese complex, which differs from previous atomic-resolution models. Emphasizing the hypothetical character, we propose for all semi-stable S-states: (i) a structure of the Mn4Ca(μ-O)n core, (ii) a model of the amino acid environment, and (iii) assignments of distinct Mn oxidation states to all the individual Mn ions. This specific working model may permit discussion, verification and invalidation of its various features in comparison with experimental and theoretical findings.
Reliability of results of milk urea analysis by various methods using artificial milk control samples

The milk urea concentration (MUC) is a respected indicator of the health and nutrition status of dairy cows. It is in relation to their reproduction performance, longevity and technological milk indica - tors. The accuracy of the interpretation of results depends on their reliability, which is so important. There are a lot of principles of MUC analyses. Their results can be affected by a number of interferential factors. Many disproportions were noticed for the above-mentioned reasons in laboratory practice. That is the reason why relevant result variation sources are studied. The goal of this paper was to search the relationships between different methods of MUC determination with the use of specifically modified samples on a milk basis with the absence of dissolved components such as lactose. The results of two methods (photometric BI with diacetylmonoxime and FT-MIR (mid infrared)) were disqualified for a large shift and variance of values, unsatisfactory recovery and paralysed relation to other methods (BI r = from 0.184 to 0.213; P > 0.05). Therefore the second BI method was retained in the evaluation, and it was probably a local defect in the performance at disqualification. Nevertheless, the procedure showed poorer recovery (75.5 ± 14.3%) and necessity for methodical modifications for support of result reliability such as increase in the number of calibration points as compared to the contemporary procedure. The results of FT-MIR method were strongly systematically displaced due to lactose absence in particular (by 33.824 ± 3.794 mg/100 ml). Nevertheless, the correlations with results of other relevant methods were tight (from 0.991 to 0.999; P < 0.001). The photo - metrical method with Ehrlich's agent (para-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, EH) showed acceptable values of all the evaluated indicators of reliability. The specific Ureakvant method (UR; with conductivity difference measurement) showed the most proper results in combination with all the reliability indicators (recovery as much as 93.2 ± 10.2%; correlation from 0.989 to 1.0; P < 0.001; acceptable ratio of systematic and random error components). It is possible to use the tested specific standard samples for the control or calibration of all methods (BI, EH and UR) with the exception of FT-MIR.
Predictors of change in trunk muscle strength for patients with chronic low back pain randomized to lumbar fusion or cognitive intervention and exercises.

OBJECTIVES We have previously reported in two randomized controlled trials that cognitive intervention and exercises more effectively improved isokinetic trunk muscle strength than lumbar fusion and postoperative rehabilitation in patients with chronic low back pain. The aim of the present study was to predict changes in muscle strength as regard to changes in pain, function, fear-avoidance beliefs (self-rated questionnaires), changes in cross-sectional area and density of the back muscles and treatment. METHODS We assessed 1) isokinetic trunk muscle strength; 2) cross-sectional area and density of back muscles by computer-tomography (CT); and 3) pain, function, fear-avoidance beliefs, and self- efficacy for pain in the included patients at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was performed with change in muscle strength as dependent variables, and changes in area/density and self-rated symptoms and treatment as independent variables. RESULTS The correlations between the change in muscle strength and change in both cross-sectional area and density were weak (r < 0.1) and nonsignificant and these variables were not included in the multiple regression analysis. The change in pain, change in fear-avoidance beliefs, change in self-efficacy for pain and treatment explained 46% of the change in muscle strength, with change in pain and treatment as significant predictors. CONCLUSION Our results emphasize the central role of pain and treatment for the improvements in muscle strength in patients with chronic low back pain.
A Physical Analysis of an Accident Scenario between Cars and Pedestrians

Every year still thousands of people are injured or killed in accidents with cars, trucks and busses. Many of these people are pedestrians or cyclists. Several research groups work on solutions to avoid accidents between cars and pedestrians with the help of different technologies. In this paper we present an innovative approach for a collision avoidance system which should be able to tackle these accidents. To understand the potential of this approach, we will present a physical analysis of the system time available between detection, warning and reaction. We also discuss different architectures of our approach utilizing ad-hoc and/or cellular technologies. Additionally, we present experimental results of connection establishment and ping response times of these wireless technologies.
The Acceptance of Using M-government Services in Jordan

Rapid development of mobile and wireless technologies pointed to the potential in using the mobile channel as a supplement to increase the usage and accessibility of e-Government services. The unique proposition of the mobile channel and its emerging technologies also offered unprecedented opportunities for the Government to provide timely, personalised and innovative e-services which is not possible over the conventional internet channel. This study applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to examine factors such as perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on citizens' willingness to use m-Government services. The results show that although awareness of m-Government services is reasonably high, only a small number of citizens actually use m-Government services. However, citizens acknowledge that m-Government services can be useful, easy to use and convenient.
Compact Polarization Beam Splitter for Silicon-Based Slot Waveguides Using an Asymmetrical Multimode Waveguide

A compact polarization beam splitter (PBS) for silicon-based slot waveguides is proposed, where an asymmetrical multimode waveguide (AMW), cut by a right angle at one corner, is employed to efficiently separate the TE and TM modes. With the unique modal properties of the slot waveguides, the input TE mode almost passes through the AMW and enters into the bar port, while the input TM mode forms a mirror image at the cross port due to the self-imaging effect. Tapered waveguide structures and S-bend are incorporated into the PBS for enhancing the performance. Results show that a PBS with an AMW of 2.3 μm in length is achieved, where the extinction ratios are 16.6 and 20.9 dB, respectively, for TE and TM modes, and the insertion losses are 1.37 and 0.81 dB, respectively, at the wavelength of 1.55 μm, and the bandwidths can cover the entire C-band for both polarizations. In addition, fabrication tolerances to the structural parameters are investigated and field evolution along the propagation distance through the designed PBS is also demonstrated.
Serum from Hemodialysis Patients Inhibits Basal and Cytokine-stimulated Tissue Factor Expression in Vitro Materials and Methods Patients and Dialysis Procedure Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (huvec) Were Purchased from Clonetics Corp. (san Diego, Ca). in Agreement with Most

Hemorrhagic complications are common among he-modialysis (HD) patients. The mechanisms by which HD perturbs the coagulation cascade are still being defined. This study evaluated the influence of HD serum on cellular expression of tissue factor (TF), a procoagulant membrane-associated protein that is a pivotal regulator of blood coagulation. Serum was collected immediately before dialysis and 15, 30, and 180 min into HD using polysulfone membranes. Serum was then assessed for its ability to influence basal and cytokine-stimulated TF activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and ECV304 cells. Predialysis serum did not influence basal levels of TF activity. HD was associated with the appearance of a serum factor that suppressed basal TF activity (TF units/␮g protein: predialysis serum 8.2 Ϯ 0.9; 180-min dialysis serum 4.9 Ϯ 0.6; P Ͻ 0.05) and TF activity induced by the cytokine tumor necrosis factor-␣ (TNF␣) (TF units/␮g protein: TNF␣ alone 15.9 Ϯ 0.7; TNF␣ ϩ 180-min dialysis serum 5.9 Ϯ 0.9; P Ͻ 0.01). This response was not mimicked by heparin, suggesting production of an endogenous inhibitor of TF activity during HD. Dialysis was associated with a striking increase in circulating levels of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), a physiologic inhibitor of the TF/VIIa complex. The lack of temporal correlation between TFPI levels and suppression of TF activity, however, suggested the presence of additional TFPI independent pathway(s) for modulation of TF activity. Dialysis-related suppression of TF expression may contribute to hemorrhagic complications in HD patients. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are prone to a variety of coagulation disorders. Hemodialysis (HD) patients carry an increased risk of systemic hemorrhage that remains a significant cause of morbidity in this population (1,2). Previously defined factors that may contribute to hemorrhagic complications in HD patients include platelet dysfunction of uremia; reduced activity of several coagulation factors, including factors II, IX, X, and XII; and heparin anticoagulation during HD (1,3). On the other hand, ESRD patients are also prone to develop thrombotic complications even in high flow conduits such as arteriovenous fistulas (4). We examined the influence of HD on endothelial cell tissue factor (TF) activity, TF being an important modulator of extrinsic pathway activation, thrombin generation, and fibrin dep-osition (5). TF is not expressed under basal conditions by endo-thelial cells, thus avoiding spontaneous thrombosis in health. In contrast, basal TF expression is observed with most cells that are not in direct contact with circulating blood. When the …
Clinicians' practices regarding blind versus open weighing among patients with eating disorders.

BACKGROUND Empirically supported treatments for eating disorders, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-based treatment, stress the importance of weighing patients during therapy and using this information as part of treatment. However, weighing practices vary widely across eating disorders professionals, including those that purport to provide empirically supported interventions. OBJECTIVES To characterize clinicians' practices regarding the decision to share (open weighing) or withhold (blind weighing) weight information with patients, a topic that has received limited prior attention. METHOD Clinicians (N = 114; 85% female) who regularly treat individuals with an eating disorder completed an online survey to identify factors that might impact their decision to practice blind or open weighing. RESULTS Approximately half of the clinicians reported generally using open weighing procedures (n = 53; 46.49%). Endorsement of cognitive-behavioral or family-based therapeutic orientation was not significantly associated with open weighing. However, clinicians who endorsed therapeutic modalities that do not specifically encourage open weighing were significantly more likely to engage in blind weighing. Clinicians working with clients with anorexia nervosa were significantly more likely to practice blind weighing, compared to clients with other eating disorder diagnoses, and cognitive or emotional impairment from malnutrition emerged as the strongest predictor of clinicians' decisions to practice blind weighing, controlling for all other variables. DISCUSSION Development of specific training modules may be useful for improving adherence to empirically supported protocols that recommend open weighing. More importantly, however, our results highlight the need for future treatment studies to identify whether blind or open weighing is beneficial for improving patient outcomes.
Vision-based target localization from a fixed-wing miniature air vehicle

This paper presents a method for localizing a ground-based object when imaged from a small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Using the pixel location of the target in an image, with measurements of UAV position and attitude, and camera pose angles, the target is localized in world coordinates. This paper presents a study of possible error sources and localization sensitivities to each source. The localization method has been implemented and experimental results are presented demonstrating the localization of a target to within 11 m of its known location
Signal and noise properties of position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes

After many years of development, position-sensitive avalanche photodiodes (PSAPDs) are now being incorporated into a range of scintillation detector systems, including those used in high-resolution small-animal PET and PET/MR scanners. In this work, the signal, noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), flood histogram and timing resolution were measured for lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) scintillator arrays coupled to PSAPDs ranging in size from 10 to 20 mm, and the optimum bias voltage and working temperature were determined. Variations in the SNR performance of PSAPDs with the same dimensions were small, but the SNR decreased significantly with increasing PSAPD size and increasing temperature. Smaller PSAPDs (10 mm and 15 mm in width) produced acceptable flood histograms at 24 °C, and cooling lower than 16 °C produced little improvement. The optimum bias voltage was about 25 V below the break down voltage. The larger 20 mm PSAPDs have lower SNR and require cooling to 0–7 °C for acceptable performance. The optimum bias voltage is also lower (35 V or more below the break down voltage depending on the temperature). Significant changes in the timing resolution were observed as the bias voltage and temperature varied. Higher bias voltages provided better timing resolution. The best timing resolution obtained for individual crystals was 2.8 ns and 3.3 ns for the 10 mm and 15 mm PSAPDs, respectively. The results of this work provide useful guidance for selecting the bias voltage and working temperature for scintillation detectors that incorporate PSAPDs as the photodetector.
A Workload-Based Dynamic Adaptive Data Replica Placement Method

The data placement issues in cloud computing platform have been extensively researched, mainly in the choice of the number of data replica, initial data placement strategy, the run-time and dynamically adjustment and routing algorithm and other aspects of the transaction request. In this paper, we design a whole framework to the method of placing data replica for analysis and description from a higher level. We then briefly describe a method based on workload, and propose a cloud computing data replica dynamic scheduling mechanism, while in our main contribution propose a set of novel dynamic adaptive data replica placement techniques to achieve higher scalability, fault tolerance and increased variation and ability to cope with the workload. Experimental results show that our approach in data replica placement can significantly reduce the frequency of distributed transactions.
Rapid phosphorylation and reorganization of ezrin and spectrin accompany morphological changes induced in A-431 cells by epidermal growth factor

Addition of EGF to human carcinoma A-431 cells is known to induce membrane ruffling after approximately 2 min (Chinkers, M., J. A. McKanna, and S. Cohen. 1979. J. Cell Biol. 83:260-265) and the phosphorylation of a protein referred to as p81, a known substrate for various protein-tyrosine kinases (Cooper, J. A., D. F. Bowen-Pope, E. Raines, R. Ross, and T. Hunter. 1982. Cell. 31:263-273). Ezrin, a Mr approximately 80,000 cytoskeletal protein of the isolated chicken microvillar core, is present in actin-containing cell surface structures of a wide variety of cells (Bretscher, A. 1983. J. Cell Biol. 97:425-432). Ezrin was then found to be homologous to p81 and to be phosphorylated on tyrosine in response to EGF (Gould, K. L., J. A. Cooper, A. Bretscher, and T. Hunter. 1986. J. Cell Biol. 102:660-669). Here, the purification of ezrin from human placenta is described. Antibodies to human ezrin, together with antibodies to other microfilament-associated proteins, were used to follow the distribution and phosphorylation of these proteins in A-431 cells after EGF treatment. EGF induces the formation of microvillar-like surface structures on these cells within 30 s and these give way to membrane ruffles at approximately 2-5 min after EGF addition; the cells then round up after approximately 10-20 min. Ezrin is recruited into the microvillar-like structures and the membrane ruffles, and is phosphorylated on tyrosine and serine in a time course that parallels the formation and disappearance of these surface structures. Spectrin is recruited into the membrane ruffles and shows a similar rapid kinetics of phosphorylation, but only on serine residues, and remains phosphorylated through the rounding up of the cells. The microvillar- like structures and membrane ruffles are also enriched in fimbrin and alpha-actinin. Myosin becomes rapidly reorganized into a striated pattern that is consistent with it playing a role in cell rounding. These results show that two cortical proteins, ezrin and spectrin, become phosphorylated in a time course coincident with remodeling of the cell surface. The results are consistent with the notion that ezrin phosphorylation may play a role in the formation of cell surface projections whereas spectrin phosphorylation may be involved in remodelling of more planar areas of the cell surface.
Monotone Persuasion

We explore Bayesian persuasion environments in which the state and action spaces are ordered, allowing for complementarity between actions and types. Building on the literature on monotone comparative statics, we identify conditions that guarantee that these are optimal among all (possibly non-monotone) signal structures. When the action space is binary, supermodularity of the sender's and receiver's preferences suffices for the optimal signal to have a monotone structure. With a continuum of actions, the conditions are more intriguing. We identify a novel single-crossing condition using a virtual utility representation of the sender's payoff. We also provide a technique to compute the optimal monotone signal structure, even when this monotonicity is due to an exogenous constraint. Applications are given to quadratic loss functions with biases, capacity constraints, and credit ratings.
Event-related Potentials Reveal Age Differences in the Encoding and Recognition of Scenes

The present study used event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate how the encoding and recognition of complex scenes change with normal aging. Although functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have identified more drastic age impairments at encoding than at recognition, ERP studies accumulate more evidence for age differences at retrieval. However, stimulus type and paradigm differences across the two literatures have made direct comparisons difficult. Here, we collected young and elderly adults' encoding- and recognition-phase ERPs using the same materials and paradigm as a previous fMRI study [Gutchess, A. H. , Welsh, R. C. , Hedden, T. , Bangert, A. , Minear, M. , Liu, L. , et al. Aging and the neural correlates of successful picture encoding: Frontal activations compensate for decreased medial temporal activity. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 17, 8496, 2005]. Twenty young and 20 elderly adults incidentally encoded and then recognized photographs of outdoor scenes. During encoding, young adults showed a frontocentral subsequent memory effect, with high-confidence hits exhibiting greater positivity than misses. Elderly adults showed a similar subsequent memory effect, which, however, did not differ as a function of confidence. During recognition, young adults elicited a widespread old/new effect, and high-confidence hits were distinct from both low-confidence hits and false alarms. Elderly adults elicited a smaller and later old/new effect, which was unaffected by confidence, and hits and false alarms were indistinguishable in the waveforms. Consistent with prior ERP work, these results point to important age-related changes in recognition-phase brain activity, even when behavioral measures of memory and confidence pattern similarly across groups. We speculate that memory processes with different time signatures contribute to the apparent differences across encoding and retrieval stages, and across methods.