Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Kind of Fast Image Edge Detection Algorithm Based on Dynamic Threshold Value

This paper improves Gradient Adjusted Predictor (GAP) and Gradient Edge Detection (GED) predictor in lossless image encoding, brings forward a new image edge detection algorithm with dynamic threshold control based on Multidirectional Gradient Edge Detection Predictor (MGEDP) template. The image is divided into four equal parts from the center, and these parts could be executed simultaneously by MGEDP template in different direction of four opposite ways to calculate the error values by the parallel technology. From these feedback values, the algorithm creates forecast error image, calculates the threshold values by Otsu algorithm, classifies the edges of error image, refines the edges, and composes the last edge image. The experimental results show that the algorithm using parallel technology not only decreases the time complexity, but also gets the clearer edges with more details, and better visual image. Copyright © 2013 IFSA.
Effect of dose and premedication on induction complications with etomidate.

The induction characteristics of etomidate, a new i.v. hypnotic agent, were studied in 400 patients. Two hundred were premedicated with atropine and anaesthesia was induced with 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 or 0.35 mg/kg of etomidate. The remainder received one of four standard premedications and anaesthesia was induced with etomidate 0.3 mg/kg. Involuntary muscle movements occurred in more than 60% of patients receiving atropine alone. The frequency was reduced in the second group, but remained unacceptable in over 8% of patients. The incidence of other excitatory phenomena, such as cough and hiccup, was 10% approximately. Cardiovascular changes were minimal and no serious allergic phenomena were observed. Nausea and vomiting occurred after surgery in up to 30% of patients and was unrelated to the dose of etomidate or to premedication. Pain on injection occurred in up to 80% of patients when the drug was injected into small peripheral veins and occurred in more than 7% when using more normal veins.
The Rational Foraging Terrorist: Analysing the Distances Travelled to Commit Terrorist Violence

Abstract This paper applies the distance-to-crime approach to the case of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and shooting attacks conducted by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) during the Northern Ireland conflict, 1970–1998. The aim is to (a) measure the typical ‘distance to crime’ (b) detect whether a distance-decay effect is noticeable and (c) investigate whether there is a discernible difference in the distance traveled depending upon individual offender characteristics or aspects of how the offence was committed. In particular, it highlights that many of the same dynamics that influence offender decision making within the volume crime world, also apply within the terrorism realm. Five findings stand out in particular. First, a distance decay effect is identifiable. Second, younger offenders travel significantly smaller distances. Third, complex attacks typically involve greater distances. Fourth, our results show the ability of leading decision-makers within PIRA to impact upon the day-to-day operations of the field operatives. Together the results reinforce the argument that when we focus on terrorism from a preventative angle, we should focus on their behaviors: what they do rather than remain preoccupied with concerns about who they are and/or what they might be like. Collectively the results also highlight the fact that for a finer-grained understanding of terrorist behavior we need to disaggregate on a number of levels: within the cadre of operatives, across terrorist attacks, across targets and within conflicts.
Identifying Discrete Subgroups of Chronically Homeless Frequent Utilizers of Jail and Public Mental Health Services

A sizable group of individuals in the United States cycle in and out of jails, prisons, mental health hospitals, homeless shelters, and other expensive public institutions over time. This little-studied population represents significant unmet need and the inadequacy of services for complex consumers. The current study examined a sample (N = 161) of chronically homeless frequent utilizers of jail and mental health systems in Chicago, Illinois. Cluster analysis was used to differentiate the sample into four reliable subgroups based on measures for prior homelessness, jail incarcerations, mental health hospitalizations, poor current mood, and limitations due to physical health. Logistic regression revealed that clusters differed significantly on reincarceration at 6 months postrelease. Implications for programming and policy for each cluster are discussed, including suggestions for targeting services to distinguishing characteristics for each subgroup. These findings argue for the importance of coordinating efforts across services systems to better identify and serve shared clients.
Modeling Pore Size Distribution in Cellulose Rolled Stationary Phases

Rolled stationary phases are fabrics (i.e., nonparticulate phases) that rapidly separate proteins from salts on the basis of size exclusion. Pore size and pore size distributions in the stationary phase determine how different size molecules distribute between the stationary and mobile phases in liquid chromatography columns. The potential for size exclusion chromatography by fabrics is not initially obvious because their interlaced structures are atypical for size exclusion supports. A simple logistic model fits the pore size distribution of a rolled stationary phase when pore sizes were measured using PEG, Dextran, D2O, glucose, and NaCl probes. When the fabric is treated with cellulase enzymes, the water‐accessible pores uniformly decrease and peak retention is lower. The logistic function model captures this result and enables comparison of pore size distribution curves between enzyme‐treated and untreated fabrics in rolled stationary phase columns.
Understanding Patients' Experiences of Hayfever and its Treatment: A Survey of Illness and Medication Cognitions

Background: Although effective medication for hayfever (seasonal allergic rhinitis) is available, treatment outcomes are often be poor. Patient beliefs influence outcomes in many other diseases. Assessing patients’ beliefs about their illness and medication may identify targets for intervention to optimize self management and lessen disease impact. Objective: The application of validated health-related analytical models (Leventhal’s illness representations and Horne’s beliefs about medications) to explore patients’ understanding and experience of hayfever and its treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional postal questionnaire sent to 20% sample of adults attending four General Practices in South England and prescribed medication for hayfever symptoms in the previous two years. Measures included the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire. Results: 316/586 questionnaires were returned (54%). Cluster analysis identified two patient groups; those with negative beliefs (n=132) and those with more positive beliefs about hayfever and its treatment (n=182). Those with negative beliefs were more likely to believe that their hayfever would last for a long time, that they have little personal control over their illness and that their treatment is not effective. Conversely, they reported greater consequences, greater emotional impact, less understanding of hayfever and more medication concerns than those with more positive beliefs. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Patients with hayfever fall into two distinct groups: nearly half (41% of those sampled) have negative beliefs about their condition. Eliciting patient beliefs during the consultation may reveal assumptions that differ from those of healthcare professionals. Such beliefs should be considered when negotiating treatment plans.
On the fate of processed matter in dwarf galaxies

Two-dimensional calculations of the evolution of remnants generated by the strong mechanical energy deposited by stellar clusters in dwarf galaxies (M ∼ 109–1010 M⊙) are presented. The evolution is followed for times longer than both the blowout time and the presumed span of energy injection generated by a coeval massive stellar cluster. The remnants are shown to end up wrapping around the central region of the host galaxy, while growing to kiloparsec-scale dimensions. Properties of the remnants such as luminosity, size, swept-up mass and expansion speed are given as functions of time for all calculated cases. The final fate of the swept-up galactic gas and of the matter processed by the central starburst is shown to be highly dependent on the properties of the low-density galactic halo. Superbubbles powered by star clusters, with properties similar to those inferred from the observations, slow down in the presence of an extended halo to expansion speeds smaller than the host galaxy escape velocity. Values of the critical luminosity required for the superbubbles to reach the edge of the galaxies with a speed comparable to the escape speed are derived analytically and numerically. The critical luminosities are larger than those in the detected sources, and thus the superbubbles in amorphous dwarf galaxies must have already undergone blowout and are presently evolving into an extended low-density halo. This will inhibit the loss of the swept-up and processed matter from the galaxy.
Psychosocial Predictors of Drug Involvement Among Secondary School Students

Predictors of drug involvement among secondary school students in Ibadan were examined in this study. Two hundred and four (204) students comprising 113 males and 91 females, whose age ranged between 13 and 25 years (M = 16.32, S.D. = 1.81) participatedin the study. Data collected with a structured questionnaire were subjected to independent sample t-test, and regression analysis. Psychosocial factors (life purpose, need for achievement and self-esteem) significantly predicted drug abuse [F (6, 113) = 7.75; p < . 01, R2 = . 29]. Participants with low score on life purpose reported higher substanceabuse than those with high score on life purpose, t (161) = 2.62, p <. 05 ; those with low score on the need for achievement reported higher substance abuse than those with high score on the need for achievement, t (162) = 4.09, p < . 01 ; those with low score on the need for achievement reported higher substance abuse than those with high scoreon the need for achievement t (162) = 2.62, p <. 05; female participants reported higher substance abuse than male counterparts, t (176) = - 4.05, p <. 01). In conclusion, it is expedient that efforts be intensified on actions that will reawaken the strive for excellence and sense of self worth through engagement in self development activities, thereby minimizingthe prevalence of substance abuse among Nigerian youths.
Causes and consequences of autonomic dysfunction in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Introduction Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an incapacitating condition characterised by extreme fatigue. In the absence of an objective diagnostic test CFS remains a clinical diagnosis based on a broad spectrum of symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction and cognitive impairment. This has given rise to significant challenges, not least the development of multiple sets of diagnostic criteria that may represent different disease phenotypes. This thesis examines autonomic and cognitive features between subgroups that meet different diagnostic criteria to better understand this possibility. It also examines the overlap between symptoms of CFS and depression, a potential confounder. Methods A subset of data from a larger Medical Research Council funded observational study Understanding the pathogenesis of autonomic dysfunction in CFS and its relationship with cognitive impairment was examined. Patients were screened using the SCID-I assessment tool to exclude major depression prior to the main study. Depressive symptoms were compared to CFS Fukuda criteria. The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) was used to differentiate between diagnostic criteria. COMPASS and COGFAIL questionnaires were administered for self-reported autonomic and cognitive features respectively. The Task Force® Monitor was used for autonomic assessment and a battery of neuropsychological tests administered for objective cognitive assessment. Results Subjective autonomic and cognitive symptoms were significantly greater in CFS subjects compared to controls. There were no statistically significant differences in objective autonomic measures between CFS and controls. There were clinically significant differences between DSQ subgroups on objective autonomic testing. Psychomotor speed was significantly slower in CFS compared to controls. Visuospatial memory, verbal memory and psychomotor speed were significantly different between DSQ subgroups. Conclusion The findings indicate phenotypic differences between DSQ subsets and suggest that elucidating the symptoms seen in CFS, or its disease spectrum, will support research into its underlying pathophysiology and enable more tailored treatment. The absence of significant differences in objective autonomic function between CFS and controls in this cohort contrasts to findings of some other studies and may reflect study exclusion for depression. Together with the overlap between CFS and depressive symptoms, this reinforces the need to better understand the underpinning causality to allow appropriate identification and management. For my Dad I wish you could have seen what we’ve been up to for the last 21 years And for his sister, my Beloved Aunt Perhaps this research will form a piece of the picture one day
First evidence of oncologic neuropathic pain prevalence after screening 8615 cancer patients. Results of the On study.

BACKGROUND Thirty percent to ninety percent of cancer patients suffer from pain, including neuropathic pain (NP), which results in great burden for cancer patients. Thus, it was of great interest to determine NP prevalence in cancer patients in Spain, to raise awareness of the condition, and aiming to improve management of cancer NP. PATIENTS AND METHODS A 1-month follow-up prospective epidemiological multicenter study was conducted to assess prevalence and management of NP in Spanish oncologic units. The first 10 cancer patients at each unit diagnosed with NP by the validated Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire (DN4) were recruited. RESULTS Of 8615 screened patients, 2567 (30%) suffered from pain. From these, 33% had NP according to investigators and 19% according to DN4 test. Three hundred and sixty-six patients (mean age 62.6 years; 61.2% male) were recruited. Pain decrease at 1 month was greater in patients with metastases (P<0.01) and depended on treatment (P<0.05), with 'oxycodone' showing 50.4% pain relief. CONCLUSIONS NP prevalence in cancer pain is 33%. DN4 reports only about half the cancer NP cases diagnosed by clinicians. Pharmaceutical treatment of cancer pain, including NP, has a greater effect in patients with metastases and seems to depend on the specific treatment used.
PSR J1022+1001: profile stability and precision timing

We present an investigation of the morphology and arrival times of integrated radio pulses from the binary millisecond pulsar PSR J1022+1001. This pulsar is renowned for its poor timing properties, which have been postulated to originate from variability in its average pulse profile. Although a subclass of long-period pulsars is known to exhibit mode changes that give rise to very large deviations in their integrated profiles, this was the first millisecond pulsar thought to have an unstable mean profile. As part of a precision timing programme at the Parkes radio telescope, we observed this pulsar between 2003 January and 2004 March using a coherent de-dispersion system (the Second Caltech Parkes Swinburne Recorder). A study of morphological variability during our brightest observations suggests that the pulse profile varies by at most a few per cent, similar to the uncertainty in our calibration. Unlike previous authors, we find that this pulsar times extremely well. In 5-min integrations of 64-MHz bands, we obtain a weighted rms residual of just 2.27 μs. The reduced χ2 of our best fit is 1.43, which suggests that this pulsar can be timed to high accuracy with standard cross-correlation techniques. Combining relativistic constraints with the pulsar mass function and consideration of the Chandrasekhar mass limit on the white dwarf companion, we can constrain the inclination angle of the system to lie within the range 37° < i < 56°. For reasonable pulsar masses, this suggests that the white dwarf is at least 0.9 M⊙. We also find evidence for secular evolution of the projected semimajor axis.
Activity of MM-398, Nanoliposomal Irinotecan (nal-IRI), in Ewing's Family Tumor Xenografts Is Associated with High Exposure of Tumor to Drug and High SLFN11 Expression

Purpose: To determine the pharmacokinetics and the antitumor activity in pediatric cancer models of MM-398, a nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI). Experimental Design: Mouse plasma and tissue pharmacokinetics of nal-IRI and the current clinical formulation of irinotecan were characterized. In vivo activity of irinotecan and nal-IRI was compared in xenograft models (3 each in nu/nu mice) of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors (EFT), neuroblastoma (NB), and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). SLFN11 expression was assessed by Affymetrix HuEx arrays, Taqman RT-PCR, and immunoblotting. Results: Plasma and tumor concentrations of irinotecan and SN-38 (active metabolite) were approximately 10-fold higher for nal-IRI than for irinotecan. Two doses of NAL-IRI (10 mg/kg/dose) achieved complete responses maintained for >100 days in 24 of 27 EFT-xenografted mice. Event-free survival for mice with RMS and NB was significantly shorter than for EFT. High SLFN11 expression has been reported to correlate with sensitivity to DNA damaging agents; median SLFN11 mRNA expression was >100-fold greater in both EFT cell lines and primary tumors compared with NB or RMS cell lines or primary tumors. Cytotoxicity of SN-38 inversely correlated with SLFN11 mRNA expression in 20 EFT cell lines. Conclusions: In pediatric solid tumor xenografts, nal-IRI demonstrated higher systemic and tumor exposures to SN-38 and improved antitumor activity compared with the current clinical formulation of irinotecan. Clinical studies of nal-IRI in pediatric solid tumors (especially EFT) and correlative studies to determine if SLFN11 expression can serve as a biomarker to predict nal-IRI clinical activity are warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 21(5); 1139–50. ©2015 AACR.
International Journal of Nanomedicine Dovepress Toxic Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been employed for hyperthermia treatments, stem cell therapies, cell labeling, and imaging modalities. The biocompatibility and cytotoxic effects of iron oxide nanoparticles when used in biomedical applications, however, are an ongoing concern. Endothelial cells have a critical role in this research dealing with tumors, cardiovascular disease and inflammation. However, there is little information dealing with the biologic effects of IONPs on the endothelial cell. This paper deals with the influence of dextran and citric acid coated IONPs on the behavior and function of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). After exposing endothelial cells to IONPs, dose-dependent effects on HUVECs viability, cytoskeleton and function were determined. Both citric acid and dex-tran coated particles appeared to be largely internalized by HUVECs through endocytosis and contribute to eventual cell death possibly by apoptosis. Cytoskeletal structures were greatly disrupted, as evidenced by diminished vinculin spots, and disorganized actin fiber and tubulin networks. The capacity of HUVECs to form a vascular network on Matrigel ™ diminished after exposure to IONPs. Cell migration/invasion were inhibited significantly even at very low iron concentrations (0.1 mM). The results of this study indicate the great importance of thoroughly understanding nanoparticle-cell interactions, and the potential to exploit this understanding in tumor therapy applications involving IONPs as thermo/chemoembolization agents.
Functional aspects of dopamine metabolism in the putative prefrontal cortex analogue and striatum of pigeons (Columba livia)

Dopamine (DA) in mammalian associative structures, such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), plays a prominent role in learning and memory processes, and its homeostasis differs from that of DA in the striatum, a sensorimotor region. The neostriatum caudolaterale (NCL) of birds resembles the mammalian PFC according to connectional, electrophysiological, and behavioral data. In the present study, DA regulation in the associative NCL and the striatal lobus parolfactorius (LPO) of pigeons was compared to uncover possible differences corresponding to those between mammalian PFC and striatum. Extracellular levels of DA and its metabolites (homovanillic acid [HVA], dihydroxyphenylacetic acid [DOPAC]) and the serotonin metabolite 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) were investigated by in vivo microdialysis of urethane‐anesthetized pigeons under basal conditions and after systemic administration of D‐amphetamine. DA was reliably determined only in LPO dialysates, and DA metabolite levels were significantly higher in LPO than in NCL. The HVA/DOPAC ratio, indicating extracellular lifetime of DA, was more than twice as high in NCL than in LPO dialysates. After amphetamine, DA increased in LPO while still being undetectable in NCL, and DA metabolites decreased in both regions. 5‐HIAA slightly decreased in NCL dialysates. Amphetamine effects were delayed in NCL compared with the striatum. In conclusion, effects of amphetamine on the pigeon's ascending monoamine systems resemble those found in mammals, suggesting similar regulatory properties. The neurochemical differences between NCL and LPO parallel those between associative regions, such as PFC and dorsal striatum in mammals. They may reflect weaker regulation of extracellular DA, favoring DAergic volume transmission, in associative than striatal forebrain regions. J. Comp. Neurol. 446:58–67, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thorough Investigation of a Canine Autoinflammatory Disease (AID) Confirms One Main Risk Locus and Suggests a Modifier Locus for Amyloidosis

Autoinflammatory disease (AID) manifests from the dysregulation of the innate immune system and is characterised by systemic and persistent inflammation. Clinical heterogeneity leads to patients presenting with one or a spectrum of phenotypic signs, leading to difficult diagnoses in the absence of a clear genetic cause. We used separate genome-wide SNP analyses to investigate five signs of AID (recurrent fever, arthritis, breed specific secondary dermatitis, otitis and systemic reactive amyloidosis) in a canine comparative model, the pure bred Chinese Shar-Pei. Analysis of 255 DNA samples revealed a shared locus on chromosome 13 spanning two peaks of association. A three-marker haplotype based on the most significant SNP (p<2.6×10−8) from each analysis showed that one haplotypic pair (H13-11) was present in the majority of AID individuals, implicating this as a shared risk factor for all phenotypes. We also noted that a genetic signature (F ST) distinguishing the phenotypic extremes of the breed specific Chinese Shar-Pei thick and wrinkled skin, flanked the chromosome 13 AID locus; suggesting that breed development and differentiation has played a parallel role in the genetics of breed fitness. Intriguingly, a potential modifier locus for amyloidosis was revealed on chromosome 14, and an investigation of candidate genes from both this and the chromosome 13 regions revealed significant (p<0.05) renal differential expression in four genes previously implicated in kidney or immune health (AOAH, ELMO1, HAS2 and IL6). These results illustrate that phenotypic heterogeneity need not be a reflection of genetic heterogeneity, and that genetic modifiers of disease could be masked if syndromes were not first considered as individual clinical signs and then as a sum of their component parts.