Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MRI mapping of cerebrovascular reactivity using square wave changes in end‐tidal PCO2

Cerebrovascular reactivity can be quantified by correlating blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal intensity with changes in end‐tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2). Four 3‐min cycles of high and low PCO2 were induced in three subjects, each cycle containing a steady PCO2 level lasting at least 60 sec. The BOLD signal closely followed the end‐tidal PCO2. The mean MRI signal intensity difference between high and low PCO2 (i.e., cerebrovascular reactivity) was 4.0 ± 3.4% for gray matter and 0.0 ± 2.0% for white matter. This is the first demonstration of the application of a controlled reproducible physiologic stimulus, i.e., alternating steady state levels of PCO2, to the quantification of cerebrovascular reactivity. Magn Reson Med 45:1011–1013, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defending Time-Symmetrized Quantum Theory

Recently, several authors have criticized time-symmetrized quantum theory originated by the work of Aharonov et al. (1964). The core of this criticism was the proof, which appeared in various forms, showing that counterfactual interpretation of time-symmetrized quantum theory cannot be reconciled with the standard quantum theory. I argue here that the apparent contradiction appears due to inappropriate usage of traditional time asymmetric approach to counterfactuals, and that the contradiction disappears when the problem is analyzed in terms of timesymmetric counterfactuals. I analyze various aspects of time-symmetry of quantum theory and defend the time-symmetrized formalism.
Characterization of Carotid Artery Plaques Using Real-time Compound B-mode Ultrasound

Background and Purpose— Real-time compound ultrasound imaging is a new technique for improving the image quality of B-mode scanning. We investigated the value of this method for the characterization of atherosclerotic plaques in the internal carotid artery. Methods— Thirty-two patients (22 men, 10 women; mean age, 75 years) with plaques of the internal carotid artery as identified by high-resolution B-mode scanning were investigated with real-time compound ultrasound imaging with the use of a 5- to 12-MHz dynamic range linear transducer on a duplex scanner. Two independent observers rated plaque morphology according to a standardized protocol. Results— The majority of plaques was classified as predominantly echogenic and as plaques of irregular surface, whereas ulcerated plaques were rarely observed. The interobserver agreement for plaque surface characterization was good for both compound ultrasound (&kgr;=0.72) and conventional B-mode (&kgr;=0.65). For the determination of plaque echogenicity, the reproducibility of compound ultrasound (&kgr;w=0.83) was even higher than that of conventional B-mode ultrasound (&kgr;w=0.74). According to a semiquantitative analysis, real-time compound ultrasound was rated superior in the categories plaque texture resolution, plaque surface definition, and vessel wall demarcation. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction of acoustic shadowing and reverberations. Conclusions— Real-time compound ultrasound is a suitable technique for the characterization of atherosclerotic plaques, showing good general agreement with high-resolution B-mode imaging. This advanced technique allows reduction of ultrasound artifacts and improves the assessment of plaque texture and surface for enhanced evaluation of carotid plaque morphology.
Human Cytomegalovirus Tegument Protein pp65 Is Detected in All Intra- and Extra-Axial Brain Tumours Independent of the Tumour Type or Grade

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been indicated being a significant oncomodulator. Recent reports have suggested that an antiviral treatment alters the outcome of a glioblastoma. We analysed the performance of commercial HCMV-antibodies applying the immunohistochemical (IHC) methods on brain sample obtained from a subject with a verified HCMV infection, on samples obtained from 14 control subjects, and on a tissue microarray block containing cores of various brain tumours. Based on these trials, we selected the best performing antibody and analysed a cohort of 417 extra- and intra-axial brain tumours such as gliomas, medulloblastomas, primary diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and meningiomas. HCMV protein pp65 immunoreactivity was observed in all types of tumours analysed, and the IHC expression did not depend on the patient's age, gender, tumour type, or grade. The labelling pattern observed in the tumours differed from the labelling pattern observed in the tissue with an active HCMV infection. The HCMV protein was expressed in up to 90% of all the tumours investigated. Our results are in accordance with previous reports regarding the HCMV protein expression in glioblastomas and medulloblastomas. In addition, the HCMV protein expression was seen in primary brain lymphomas, low-grade gliomas, and in meningiomas. Our results indicate that the HCMV protein pp65 expression is common in intra- and extra-axial brain tumours. Thus, the assessment of the HCMV expression in tumours of various origins and pathologically altered tissue in conditions such as inflammation, infection, and even degeneration should certainly be facilitated.
CONNECTIONIST MODELING OF THE BREAKDOWN AND RECOVERY OF READING VIA MEANING

At leasttwo processingroutesin thebrainareinvolved in pronouncingwrittenwords:asemantic routethatderivesthepronunciationvia meaning,andaphonologicalroutethatderivesit via spelling-sound correspondences. Simulationsinvolving partialdamageto anisolatedsemantic route(Plaut& Shallice,1993)provide acomprehensi ve accountof theratherpeculiarcombination of symptomsexhibitedby patientswith deepdyslexia, includingtheoccurrenceof semantic errors(e.g.,readingRIVER as“ocean”), their co-occurrencewith visualerrors,andinfluences of imageabilityor concreteness oncorrectanderrorperformance. Furthermore, whenaversion of the model is retrainedafter damage(Plaut,1996), the degreeandvariability of its recovery andgeneralizationarequalitati vely similar to the resultsof somecognitive rehabilitation studies.Theresultschallengetraditionalassumptionsaboutthenatureof themechanismsubservingword reading,andillustratethevalueof explicit computationalsimulationsof normal andimpairedcognitive processes. They alsosuggesthatconnectionistmodelingcanprovide a framework for generatingspecifichypothesesaboutstrategiesfor rehabilitation.
Creativity in education: Clearness in perception, vigorousness in curiosity

This article is based on the proposition that a process of creativity may be experienced in education in situation where an individual’s (learner’s) perception is kept clear and his curiosity is vigorous. An attempt to clarify this proposition is made through the ‘conceptual approach’ and/or paradigm that we put forward as the ‘5C model’. The 5C model, as stated above, is a ‘conceptual approach’ and/or paradigm where “C”s stand for “connectivity”, “content”, “community”, “communication” and “commerce” (value), each representing a distinct value, which complement each other and which should be taken in the order given here. In this study, the approach was tested by use of a ‘brainstorming’ session with undergraduate students to provoke questions regarding the practical application of the need for “keeping clearness in perception and vigorousness in curiosity for a creative education and/or creativity in education”. Qualitative data, in the form of student comments, obtained from brainstorming, which was designed to test students’ approaches to this proposition is analyzed with the 5C model.
Stage change in binding of pyrene to selected humic substances under different ionic strengths

Influence of ionic strength (I) on the pyrene binding constant (Koc) in six different humic substance (HS) solutions, three soil humic acids, one freshwater humic acid, one freshwater fulvic acid, and one freshwater natural organic matter was investigated by fluorescence quenching technique. Specific two‐stage changes of Koc with increasing ionic strength were only observed in three soil humic acid solutions with varying to different extents. Two primary governing factors for the differences of these HS systems are binding potential and the abundance of acidic functional groups (carboxyl and phenolic) of HS. Experimental results demonstrated that within the ionic strength range studied in the present research, ionic strength had a major effect on molecular size of HS and brought about change of Koc. The salting‐out effect did not. The change in molecular size was caused by the associations between cations and acidic groups of HS. Using pyrene as a probe, we also investigated the interaction of cation and dissolved HS and found relatively slow kinetics (at least 5 d), leading us to believe that the special cation‐HS kinetics may influence the results of geochemical studies involving the measurement of ionic strength effect.
Advances in the Management of Acute Retinal Necrosis

Acute retinal necrosis is a viral syndrome characterized by a panuveitis with necrotizing retinitis that may be complicated by retinal detachment, vaso-occlusion, optic neuropathy, and other causes of decreased visual acuity. Polymerase chain reaction testing provides a rapid and sensitive method of identifying the viral etiology of acute retinal necrosis, which is most commonly caused by herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex virus type 2, and varicella zoster virus. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is paramount to prevent further vision loss. We review the management of acute retinal necrosis including systemic, local intravitreal, and combination antiviral medications. We also discuss the appropriate and inappropriate use of corticosteroids, laser retinopexy, surgical therapy, and other adjunctive measures.
Single-Photon Avalanche Diode with Enhanced NIR-Sensitivity for Automotive LIDAR Systems

A single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) with enhanced near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity has been developed, based on 0.18 μm CMOS technology, for use in future automotive light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. The newly proposed SPAD operating in Geiger mode achieves a high NIR photon detection efficiency (PDE) without compromising the fill factor (FF) and a low breakdown voltage of approximately 20.5 V. These properties are obtained by employing two custom layers that are designed to provide a full-depletion layer with a high electric field profile. Experimental evaluation of the proposed SPAD reveals an FF of 33.1% and a PDE of 19.4% at 870 nm, which is the laser wavelength of our LIDAR system. The dark count rate (DCR) measurements shows that DCR levels of the proposed SPAD have a small effect on the ranging performance, even if the worst DCR (12.7 kcps) SPAD among the test samples is used. Furthermore, with an eye toward vehicle installations, the DCR is measured over a wide temperature range of 25–132 °C. The ranging experiment demonstrates that target distances are successfully measured in the distance range of 50–180 cm.
Vibration-based Health Monitoring of Highway Bridge Structures Using Output Only Modal Parameter Estimation Technique

This paper discusses the implementation of a Structural Health Monitoring system for a FRP bridge structure using vibration-based monitoring techniques. The need to monitor the long-term performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bridge structures prompted the installation of a vibration-based structural health monitoring system on a recently-built FRP composite highway bridge in California. Using output-only methods, ambient excitation can be used to excite the structure and the structure can remain in its operational condition during the test. Two frequency domain output-only techniques: Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) and Operational Deflection Shape FRF (ODS FRF) method were used in this study. Their comparative strength and weakness were discussed in the context. The modal parameters generated can then be used as input for damage detection algorithms and the change of structural performance can be monitored. The results are made available to the California Department of Transportation via a web-based interface, enabling appropriate action to be authorized prior to onsite inspection. INTRODUCTION Modal parameter estimation techniques have been proven to be an important part in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems. Based on measured vibration response, these techniques can be used to estimate the modal parameters of the structure such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. Changes in modal parameters with time usually indicate changes in structural performance and may also reveal the location and severity of potential defects. There are two general categories of modal parameter estimation techniques: the first category is based on forced response of the structure, which means in order to perform the estimation technique successfully, the excitation, as well as the responses of the structure, have to be measured simultaneously. The second category of techniques poses no such requirement and is generally named as output-only or ambient modal parameter estimation techniques. The advantage of output-only techniques in SHM application is evident: No controlled excitation source is needed;
Risk Attitude in Decision Making: In Search of Trait-Like Constructs

We evaluate the consistency of different constructs affecting risk attitude in individuals' decisions across different levels of risk. Specifically, we contrast views suggesting that risk attitude is a single primitive construct with those suggesting it consists of multiple latent components. Additionally, we evaluate such constructs as sensitivity to losses, diminishing sensitivity to increases in payoff, sensitivity to variance, and risk acceptance (the willingness to accept probable outcomes over certainty). In search of trait-like constructs, the paper reviews experimental results focusing on the consistency of these constructs in different tasks as well as their temporal consistency. Overall, the findings show that the most consistent factor is risk acceptance, and they also demonstrate its potential boundaries. These results are modeled with a simple quantitative index of subjective risk. A survey of decisions under risk further reveals that participants exhibit almost no consistency across different tasks in this setting, highlighting the advantage of experiential tasks for studying individual differences.
Macroprudential Regulation, Credit Spreads and the Role of Monetary Policy

We study the macroprudential roles of bank capital regulation and monetary policy in a borrowing cost channel model with endogenous financial frictions, driven by credit risk, bank losses and bank capital costs. These frictions induce financial accelerator mechanisms and motivate the examination of a macroprudential toolkit. Following credit shocks, countercyclical regulation is more effective than monetary policy in promoting price, financial and macroeconomic stability. For supply shocks, combining macroprudential regulation with a stronger anti-inflationary policy stance is optimal. The findings emphasize the importance of the Basel III accords in alleviating the output-inflation trade-off faced by central banks, and cast doubt on the desirability of conventional (and unconventional) Taylor rules during periods of financial distress.
A Phase IIa Randomized Control Trial of VEL015 (Sodium Selenate) in Mild-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND There is increasing interest in targeting hyperphosphorylated tau (h-tau) as a disease modifying approach for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Sodium selenate directly stimulates the activity of PP2A, the main enzyme responsible for h-tau dephosphorylation in the brain. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the safety and tolerability of 24-week treatment with VEL015 (sodium selenate) in AD. Investigating the effects of VEL015 on cognitive, CSF, and neuroimaging biomarkers of AD were secondary, exploratory objectives. Data were used to identify biomarkers showing most promise for use in subsequent efficacy trials. METHODS A 24-week, multicenter, Phase IIa, double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Forty patients aged ≥55 y with mild-moderate AD (MMSE 14-26) were randomized to supranutritional (VEL015 10 mg tds [n = 20]) and control (VEL015 320μg tds [n = 10] or placebo [n = 10]) groups. Patients were regularly monitored for safety, adverse events (AEs), and protocol compliance. Exploratory biomarkers included cognitive tests, neuroimaging (diffusion MR), and CSF (p-tau, t-tau, and Aβ1-42). RESULTS Thirty-six (90%; [supranutritional n = 18, control/placebo n = 18]) patients completed the trial. There were no differences in the incidence of specific AEs between groups. Only one secondary biomarker, diffusion MR measures, showed group differences, with less deterioration in the supranutritional group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Treatment with VEL015 at doses up to 30 mg per day for 24 weeks was safe and well-tolerated in patients with AD. Diffusion MR measures appear to be the most sensitive biomarkers to assess disease progression over 24 weeks.
Cost-Effective Strategies for Mitigating a Future Influenza Pandemic with H1N1 2009 Characteristics

Background We performed an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of pandemic intervention strategies using a detailed, individual-based simulation model of a community in Australia together with health outcome data of infected individuals gathered during 2009–2010. The aim was to examine the cost-effectiveness of a range of interventions to determine the most cost-effective strategies suitable for a future pandemic with H1N1 2009 characteristics. Methodology/Principal Findings Using transmissibility, age-stratified attack rates and health outcomes determined from H1N1 2009 data, we determined that the most cost-effective strategies involved treatment and household prophylaxis using antiviral drugs combined with limited duration school closure, with costs ranging from $632 to $777 per case prevented. When school closure was used as a sole intervention we found the use of limited duration school closure to be significantly more cost-effective compared to continuous school closure, a result with applicability to countries with limited access to antiviral drugs. Other social distancing strategies, such as reduced workplace attendance, were found to be costly due to productivity losses. Conclusion The mild severity (low hospitalisation and case fatality rates) and low transmissibility of H1N1 2009 meant that health treatment costs were dominated by the higher productivity losses arising from workplace absence due to illness and childcare requirements following school closure. Further analysis for higher transmissibility but with the same, mild severity had no effect on the overall findings.
“Early Rupture of Membranes” during Induced Labor as a Risk Factor for Cesarean Delivery in Term Nulliparas

Objective To determine if “early rupture of membranes” (early ROM) during induction of labor is associated with an increased risk of cesarean section in term nulliparas. Study Design The rate of cesarean section and the timing of ROM during the course of labor were examined in term singleton nulliparas whose labor was induced. Cases were divided into 2 groups according the timing of ROM: 1)“early ROM”, defined as ROM at a cervical dilatation<4 cm during labor; and 2) “late ROM”, ROM at a cervical dilatation≥4 cm during labor. Nonparametric techniques were used for statistical analysis. Results 1) In a total of 500 cases of study population, “early ROM” occurred in 43% and the overall cesarean section rate was 15.8%; 2) patients with “early ROM” had a higher rate of cesarean section and cesarean section due to failure to progress than did those with “late ROM” (overall cesarean section rate: 24%[51/215] vs. 10%[28/285], p<0.01; cesarean section rate due to failure to progress: 18%[38/215] vs. 8%[22/285], p<0.01 for each) and this difference remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusion “Early ROM” during the course of induced labor is a risk factor for cesarean section in term singleton nulliparas.
The Effect of Emotional Labor Strategies on Employees Job Performance and Organizational Commitment in Hospital Sector: Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence in Iran

4 Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of emotional labor strategies on job performance and organizational commitment by considering the role of emotional intelligence. With increasing development of economy and competition among service providers, management of employees, feelings is considered as a vital aspect in providing services to customers and influences organizational out comes. Thus service organization, based on the results of the present study, would be able to identify and manage feeling and emotions of their employees in providing high quality and superior services to target customers and in addition to promote the spirit of service providing and effectiveness of employees, create some competitive advantages for themselves. Totally, 136 questionnaires were distributed to nurses, serving in a community hospital, which the results from analysis of them based on simple linear regression and multiple hierarchical regression show that emotional labor strategies influences on job performance and organizational commitment and in addition to it, variable of emotional intelligence moderates these influences too.
Isolation and production of thermostable α-amylase from thermophilic Anoxybacillus sp. KP1 from Diyadin hot spring in Ağri, Turkey

A novel amylolytic enzyme producing thermophilic bacterial strain KP1 from the Diyadin hot spring water in Ağri, Turkey, was isolated in the present study. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 16S rRNA gene, biochemical and physiological tests revealed that the strain KP1 belongs to the genus Anoxybacillus. The pH and temperature optima for the α-amylase production by Anoxybacillus sp. KP1 were 8.0 and 50°C, respectively, where the maximum growth was obtained at the 28th hour of incubation and the highest α-amylase activity was obtained at the 40th hour of incubation (8979.6 U/mL). The optimum pH and temperature for the enzyme activity were 8.0 and 60°C, respectively. The maximum α-amylase production was secreted in the presence of 2% (w/v) soluble starch (10837.7 U/mL). Among the various organic and inorganic nitrogen sources tested, while keeping the beef extract concentration constant, casamino acid (14310.6 U/mL), urea (14126 U/mL), and tryptone (13217.2 U/mL) at a concentration of 2% gave the maximum α-amylase production. The enzyme activity was enhanced in the presence of 1.5 mM Mn2+ (123%), whereas it was strongly inhibited 1.5 mM by Hg2+. Inhibition by 89% was obtained also with sodium dodecyl sulphate (1%). The enzyme was found to be relatively stable at a range of pH and temperature.