Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain Operations Guided by Real-time Two-dimensional Ultrasound: New Possibilities as a Result of Improved Image Quality

OBJECTIVE In 1995, a project was initiated in Trondheim, Norway, to investigate various possibilities for more frequent use of ultrasound in brain surgery. Since that time, the quality of ultrasonic images has improved considerably through technological adjustment of parameters. The objective of the present study was to explore essential clinical parameters required for the successful use of ultrasonic guidance in brain surgery. METHODS During the study period, several surgical setups designed to optimize the use of intraoperative real-time two-dimensional ultrasonic imaging were explored. These included various positions of the ultrasound probe in relation to both the operation cavity and the lesion, as well as the position of the operation channel in relation to the gravity line. RESULTS All lesions from the latest period (1997–2001; n = 114) were depicted well by ultrasound imaging, with the exception of two cases. High image quality and direct image guidance of the tool were maintained best throughout the operation by imaging through an intact dura and at an angle relative to a vertical operation channel. All tumor operations were performed without complications, and ultrasound imaging was found to be an important factor in the detection of remaining tumor tissue at the conclusion of surgery. For 14 low vascular tumors, the operation was guided only by ultrasound imaging. No bleeding complications occurred. A method of minimally invasive ultrasound-guided evacuation of hematomas was developed. In 19 patients, the method was found to be efficient (i.e., >90% of the hematoma was evacuated) and without complications, except for one patient who experienced rebleeding. CONCLUSION With proper planning and surgical setup, ultrasound imaging may provide acceptable image quality for use in image-guided brain operations.
Atherosclerosis albumin excretion : The Multi-Ethnic Study of Airborne particulate matter exposure and urinary

Online First articles must include the digital object identifier (DOIs) and date of initial publication. establish publication priority; they are indexed by PubMed from initial publication. Citations to may be posted when available prior to final publication). Online First articles are citable and accepted for publication but have not yet appeared in the paper journal (edited, typeset versions contains unedited articles in manuscript form that have been peer reviewed and Online First
A Characterization of Hyperbolic Affine Iterated Function Systems

The two main theorems of this paper provide a characterization of hyperbolic affine iterated function systems defined on Rm. Atsushi Kameyama (Distances on Topological Self-Similar Sets, Proceedings of Symposia in Pure Mathematics, Volume 72.1, 2004) asked the following fundamental question: given a topological self-similar set, does there exist an associated system of contraction mappings? Our theorems imply an affirmative answer to Kameyama's question for self-similar sets derived from affine transformations on Rm.
Robust Mapping and Localization in Indoor Environments Using Sonar Data

In this paper we describe a new technique for the creation of feature-based stochastic maps using standard Polaroid sonar sensors. The fundamental contributions of our proposal are: (1) a perceptual grouping process that permits the robust identification and localization of environmental features, such as straight segments and corners, from the sparse and noisy sonar data; (2) a map joining technique that allows the system to build a sequence of independent limited-size stochastic maps and join them in a globally consistent way; (3) a robust mechanism to determine which features in a stochastic map correspond to the same environment feature, allowing the system to update the stochastic map accordingly, and perform tasks such as revisiting and loop closing. We demonstrate the practicality of this approach by building a geometric map of a medium size, real indoor environment, with several people moving around the robot. Maps built from laser data for the same experiment are provided for comparison.
The Effects of Pilates Training on Balance Control and Self-Reported Health Status in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of a group-based Pilates training program on balance control and health status in healthy older adults. DESIGN A single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING General community. PARTICIPANTS A total of 88 community-dwelling older adults (age 71.15 ± 4.30 years), without evidence of functional balance impairment, were recruited and allocated at random to a Pilates intervention group (n = 44) or a control group (n = 44). INTERVENTION The Pilates intervention group received 36 training sessions over three months (3 sessions a week), while the control group did not receive any intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES Standing upright postural stability, performance-based measures of balance, and self-reported health status was assessed in both groups at baseline and at the end of the intervention period. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the Pilates intervention did not improve postural stability, baseline functional measures of balance, or health status. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that because Pilates training is not task specific, it does not improve balance control or balance function in independent older adults.
Controlling the motor activity of a transcription-repair coupling factor: autoinhibition and the role of RNA polymerase

Motor proteins that couple ATP hydrolysis to movement along nucleic acids play a variety of essential roles in DNA metabolism. Often these enzymes function as components of macromolecular complexes, and DNA translocation by the motor protein drives movement of other components of the complex. In order to understand how the activity of motor proteins is regulated within multi-protein complexes we have studied the bacterial transcription-repair coupling factor, Mfd, which is a helicase superfamily 2 member that binds to RNA polymerase (RNAP) and removes stalled transcription complexes from DNA. Using an oligonucleotide displacement assay that monitors protein movement on double-stranded DNA we show that Mfd has little motor activity in isolation, but exhibits efficient oligonucleotide displacement activity when bound to a stalled transcription complex. Deletion of the C-terminal domain of Mfd increases the ATPase activity of the protein and allows efficient oligo-displacement in the absence of RNAP. Our results suggest that an autoinhibitory domain ensures the motor activity of Mfd is only functional within the correct macromolecular context: recruitment of Mfd to a stalled transcription complex relieves the autoinhibition and unmasks the motor activity.
Extensibility in Japanese Noun Modification

This paper discusses the relationship between the modifying clause and the modified noun in Japanese. In some cases the closeness between them is weaker than in the prototypical case, whereas in others the modification is actually impossible. Within the framework of Matsumoto [I], who applied Frame Semantics to Japanese clausal noun modification, we analyze what conditions make the modification possible. We propose that the degree of linkage between modifier and modified extends from impossibly distant to acceptably close, where the Relational Frame is evoked. This type of phenomenon can be found in various dimensions: space, time, and the cause-and-effect relation. The degree of extensibility is determined by the world-view of the speaker, the tense/aspect choice in the clause, the aspectual character of the noun, and so on.
Profiling of Cytosolic and Peroxisomal Acetyl-CoA Metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

As a key intracellular metabolite, acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) plays a major role in various metabolic pathways that link anabolism and catabolism. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, acetyl-CoA involving metabolism is compartmentalized, and may vary with the nutrient supply of a cell. Membranes separating intracellular compartments are impermeable to acetyl-CoA and no direct transport between the compartments occurs. Thus, without carnitine supply the glyoxylate shunt is the sole possible route for transferring acetyl-CoA from the cytosol or the peroxisomes into the mitochondria. Here, we investigate the physiological profiling of different deletion mutants of ACS1, ACS2, CIT2 and MLS1 individually or in combination under alternative carbon sources, and study how various mutations alter carbon distribution. Based on our results a detailed model of carbon distribution about cytosolic and peroxisomal acetyl-CoA metabolism in yeast is suggested. This will be useful to further develop yeast as a cell factory for the biosynthesis of acetyl-CoA-derived products.
Inhalation toxicity of vinyl chloride and Vinylidene chloride*

Exposure of mice to 1000 ppm of vinyl chloride (VC), 6 hr/day, 5 days/week, caused some acute deaths with toxic hepatitis and marked tubular necrosis of the renal cortex. Starting the sixth month, mice exposed to 1000, 250, or 50 ppm of VC became lethargic, lost weight quickly, and died. Only a few mice exposed to 50 ppm survived for 12 months. Pulmonary macrophage count was elevated in some mice. There was a high incidence of bronchiolo-alveolar adenoma, mammary gland tumors including ductular adenocarcinoma, squamous and anaplastic cell carcinomas with metastasis to the lung, and hemangiosarcoma in the liver, and, to a lesser extent, in some other organs. The incidence of these tumors quickly increased, and the severity was in direct proportion to the levels of VC and the length of exposure. Malignant lymphoma involving various organs was observed in a few mice. Rats were more resistant to the toxic effects of VC. Exposure to 1000 ppm slightly depressed the body weight of the females. Exposures of 250 or 1000 ppm caused a number of deaths and hemangiosarcoma in the liver starting the ninth month. Most rats with hepatic hemangiosarcoma also developed hemangiosarcoma in the lung. Hemangiosarcoma occasionally occurred in other tissues of one or two rats exposed to 50 ppm or higher level of VC. Exposure of mice to 55 ppm of vinylidene chloride (VDC) also caused a few acute deaths and a few hepatic hemangiosarcomas. Inflammatory, degenerative, and mitotic changes occurred in the liver. No mouse exposed to VDC developed any mammary gland tumors. Several mice had bronchioloalveolar adenoma. Exposure of rats to 55 ppm of VDC slightly depressed the body weight. Hemangiosarcoma occurred in the mesenteric lymph node or subcutaneous tissue in two rats.
High-Mass Cloud Cores in the η Carinae Giant Molecular Cloud

We carried out an unbiased survey for massive dense cores in the giant molecular cloud associated with η Carinae with the NANTEN telescope in the 12CO, 13CO, and C18O J = 1-0 emission lines. We identified 15 C18O cores, whose typical line width ΔVcomp, radius r, mass M, column density N(H2), and average number density n(H2) were 3.3 km s-1, 2.2 pc, 2.6 × 103 M☉, 1.3 × 1022 cm-2, and 1.2 × 103 cm-3, respectively. Two of the 15 cores are associated with IRAS point sources whose luminosities are larger than 104 L☉, which indicates that massive star formation is occurring within these cores. Five cores, including the two with IRAS sources, are associated with MSX point sources. We detected H13CO+ (J = 1-0) emission toward four C18O cores, two of which are associated with IRAS and MSX point sources; another one is associated only with an MSX point source, and the other is associated with neither IRAS nor MSX point sources. The core with neither IRAS nor MSX point sources shows the presence of a bipolar molecular outflow in 12CO (J = 2-1), which indicates that star formation is also occurring in the core, and the other three of the four H13CO+ detections show winglike emission. In total, 6 C18O cores out of 15 (=40%) have experienced star formation, and at least 2 of 15 (=13%) are massive star-forming cores in the η Car GMC. We found that massive star formation occurs preferentially in cores with larger N(H2), M, and n(H2) and a smaller ratio of Mvir/M. We also found that the cores in the η Car GMC are characterized by large ΔV and Mvir/M on average compared to the cores in other GMCs observed with the same telescope. These properties of the cores may account for the fact that as much as 60%-87% of the cores do not show any signs of massive star formation. We investigated the origin of a large amount of turbulence in the η Car GMC. We found that turbulence injection from stellar winds, molecular outflows, and supernova remnants that originated from stars formed within the GMC are not enough to explain the existing turbulence. We propose the possibility that the large turbulence was preexisting when the GMC was formed and is now dissipating. Mechanisms such as multiple supernova explosions in the Carina flare supershell may have contributed to form a GMC with a large amount of turbulence.
The Right to Speak: Differences in Political Engagement among the British Elite

In this paper, I examine differences in political engagement among an elite segment of the British population: GBCS respondents who are college-educated, non-routine workers making over £100,000a year. I show that even though everyone in this group ought to have more than sufficient skills and resources for political engagement, there are still substantial differences by social position. Specifically, postgraduate degrees and higher incomes still differentiate political engagement, and cultural and social capital (as indicated by cultural activities practised, and the occupations people report knowing) differentiate elite political engagement even more strongly. This indicates that social position qua social position – that is, connection to dominant and legitimated ways of being – contributes to a sense of the ‘right to speak’ that matters as much as or more than costs and resources for facilitating political involvement.
Imagery Use During Rehabilitation from Injury

The purpose of the present study was to explore the use of imagery by injured athletes during rehabilitation. Four athletes were interviewed about their imagery use at three phases of their rehabilitation; early, mid, and late. Athletes primarily used cognitive, healing, and pain management imagery. Cognitive specific imagery, which involved the rehearsal of specific performance skills was used largely to enhance self-confidence, and healing and pain management imagery were used to promote healing and deal with pain. However, differences emerged between athlete's use of imagery at different time phases and in response to different sources of stress/concerns. The study provided support for the effect of a number of variables on athlete's responses to injury, proposed by Wiese-Bjornstal et al.'s (1998) integrated model of response.
It’s not just about value for money

This article draws on data collected from a series of semi-structured interviews with headteachers and other stakeholders on the use of the Pupil Premium in Ofsted-rated outstanding schools. It has a focus on the significance of fundamental principles in determining how effective use is made of additional resources. In particular, the importance of a clear identification and maintenance of a consistent set of values, by school leaders, is identified as a major contributory factor in ensuring successful utilization of the Pupil Premium for the ultimate benefit of all pupils in the school and for the broader community.
Verbal indicators of depression in conversations with stroke survivors.

TOPIC This secondary analysis study examined patients' comments at 1 and 6 months poststroke when they had scores of > or = 16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Stroke survivors' depressive comments were matched with items of two well-established depression instruments. METHODS A qualitative study using content analysis to analyze the data (N = 7). FINDINGS Verbal indicators of depression were evident in patients' comments, and depressive themes were identified. Depression instrument items were congruent with minor themes, except for spirituality. CONCLUSIONS The analysis provides guidance for assessment of stroke survivor depression. It provides direction for designing interventions to decrease depression after stroke.
Combined use of gemcitabine and radiation in mice.

The aim of this study was to explore, in a murine tumor, if the effectiveness of radiation, in doses and schedules commonly used in clinical practice is potentiated by the combined use of the recently developed drug gemcitabine. Gemcitabine (30-360 mg/kg b.w.) was administered i.p. in female C3D2F1 mice bearing a mammary adenocarcinoma alone or combined with X-rays. Firstly, gemcitabine (single administration) was administered alone or at 20 min, 4 h, and 24 h before X-ray treatments. The significant effect observed only at 24 h time interval, depended on the X-ray dose and not on the gemcitabine dose. Secondly, 4 gemcitabine administrations every 3 days were used in fractionated combined schedules (overall treatment time of 10 days). We studied the relationship among different doses of gemcitabine, alone or combined with 10 daily X-ray treatments (2 Gy/fraction). We observed an interactive effect of gemcitabine up to its threshold dose of 60 mg/kg/fraction. Furthermore, 10 X-ray daily treatments and 4 X-ray treatments every 3 days (total doses 20-40 Gy) were performed with gemcitabine 60 mg/kg/fraction to study the effect of different doses and schedules of X-rays. Tumor growth delays increase with higher X-ray doses, and this occurs more with 4 X-ray treatments than with 10 X-ray treatments. Our results re-affirm the uselessness of high gemcitabine doses, and indicate the effectiveness of combined gemcitabine-radiation fractionated protocols.
Invasion of the optic nerve by retinoblastoma.

IN 1931 1 I published the results of a microscopic study of the incidence of invasion of the optic nerve by retinoblastoma. The report was based on a series of 119 enucleated eyes containing retinoblastoma. In 53 per cent of the eyes the tumor had extended into the optic nerve beyond the lamina cribrosa. In 43 per cent of the eyes the optic nerve was not severed at operation beyond the tumor extension, and, therefore, residual tumor had been left in that portion of the nerve remaining in the orbit. Thus, in 43 per cent of the cases a recurrence in the orbit and fatal termination were to be expected unless measures were directed against the residual tumor left in the nerve at the time of operation. The globes from which these statistics were gleaned were enucleated between the years 1878 and 1929, a period of fifty-one years. For some
Research in Intercultural Communication: Reviewing the Past Decade

This paper presents a thematic analysis of articles (N = 608) published in three major journals in intercultural communication research, within the timeframe of 2003–2013. The journals included are Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research, and International Journal of Intercultural Relations. Eight themes were identified, namely (1) identity, (2) acculturation and global migration, (3) communication dynamics, (4) intercultural competence, (5) theories, models, scales, and frameworks, (6) perception, prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination, (7) cross-cultural differences, and (8) intercultural education, training, and study abroad. Each of these themes is discussed in relation to implications for future research.
The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Performance Among College Basketball Players

Emotional intelligence, often referred to as EQ, is a relatively new theoretical construct that has emerged in both popular press and academic publications in the last decade. Popular press definitions of EQ include a wide range of skills such as motivation, empathy, communication, persistence, and personal warmth (Goleman, 1998). More conservative definitions from academic research focus on EQ as involving an individuals capacity to recognize and utilize emotional states to change intentions and behavior (Mayer, 1999; Mayer & Salovey, 1995; Salovey & Mayer, 1990). Due to these discrepancies, it is important to develop a clear perspective on the theoretical development of EQ and how this theory may or may not overlap with traditional forms of intelligence and with psychological skills and strategies as they relate to athletic performance. This brief review of EQ theory development focuses on empirically driven research as opposed to the popular press applications of EQ. The foundation of emotional intelligence theory is based on the evolution of intelligence.  Gardners (1983) work on multiple intelligences expanded the traditional definition of intelligence that focused on verbal, analytical and quantitative abilities to include skills such as kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, and interpersonal intelligences. This dramatic change in the conceptualization of intelligence broadened the focus from internal cognitive capacities (e.g., logic and reason) to abilities that involve some interaction with emotional states or the external environment. These presumably adaptive abilities are considered personality traits similar to previous components of intelligence. Following Gardners multiple intelligences theory, work began on developing a theory specifically in the area of interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. Salovey and Mayer (1990) defined EQ as the ability to monitor ones own and others feelings and emotions, to
The Effect of Frequency of Testing Upon the Measurement of Achievement in an Intensive Time-Series Design.

Progress in the development of an intensive time-series design for use in classroom situations has raised several questions regarding the validity of the data obtained. One such question is related to the effect of frequency of testing upon the data. This study was designed to determine the presence of such an effect. Use of the design with eighth grade students studying a unit on crustal evolution indicated that the frequency of data collection did not adversely affect student attitudes toward the science class nor did it have any measurable effect upon class achievement data. The results of a previous study were also replicated, giving increased confidence in the validity of the data yielded by the intensive time-series design as used in these studies.
Reflections on fertility and postponed parenthood—interviews with highly educated women and men without children in Sweden

Abstract Background. Different reasons influence the current low birth-rate and the postponement of the birth of the first child throughout Europe. The aim of this study was to explore how highly educated women and men in Sweden reflect on fertility and postponed parenthood. Methods. We interviewed women (n = 22) and men (n = 18) who had started their professional careers and still had no children. Data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results. Fertility was perceived as an unconsidered capacity, sometimes unpredictable, and different for women and men, but nevertheless taken for granted. The participants were of the opinion that fertility could be restored by assisted reproductive technologies or replaced by alternatives to a biological child. Postponed parenthood was described as an adaptation to societal changes and current discourses about parenthood as well as a consequence of a contemporary lifestyle with many competing priorities. Conclusion. Highly educated young women and men in contemporary Sweden have competing priorities when planning and setting goals for their lives, and having children is one of them. They describe fertility as an imperceptible and retrievable capacity and postponed parenthood as a rational adaptation to changes in society. These findings suggest that increased information about the limitations of human reproduction is needed, but also that societal support for younger parents is of utmost importance.