Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of Sertindole and Olanzapine on Cognition (SEROLA): a double-blind randomized 12-week study of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia

Objective: To assess the cognitive effects of sertindole and olanzapine in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Cognition was the primary outcome of the study. Method: This was a 12-week double-blinded randomized clinical controlled trial. Participants were randomized to either 16–24 mg of sertindole or 10–20 mg of olanzapine. Results: The study had a low recruitment rate (N = 9) and was terminated before the expected number of patients was reached. No significant differences between groups were found at study end on any of the 32 cognitive subtests. A simple sign test did not show any of the comparator drugs trending towards being superior on the majority of tests. Mean change on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total and PANSS subscales from baseline to end of study were not significantly different between treatment groups. Similar results on cognition and PANSS was seen on completers and last observation carried forward analysis. Conclusion: In this study we did not find any significant differences between sertindole or olanzapine on PANSS subscales or neurocognitive tests in a population consisting of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The sensitivity and specificity of high-resolution imaging in evaluating perineural spread of adenoid cystic carcinoma to the skull base.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting perineural spread (PNS) of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck to the skull base. DESIGN Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck frequently exhibits PNS across the skull base. Failure to detect PNS before treatment can have significant negative consequences on the planning and outcome of therapy. High-resolution CT, MRI, or both are used to evaluate the presence of PNS; however, their accuracy in detecting perineural involvement has not yet been determined. PATIENTS Twenty-six consecutive patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma, who were treated with cranial base resection, were included in this study. The surgical resection specimens of all patients were thoroughly examined by 1 pathologist for the presence of PNS along cranial nerves or their named branches. A total of 38 nerves were examined, and PNS was defined as the presence of tumor in the perineural or endoneural space. The results of the preoperative imaging studies (CT and/or MRI) were then reviewed retrospectively by 1 head and neck radiologist, who was unaware of the pathology report. Radiological evidence of PNS was considered to be present on CT, MRI, or both if nerves showed evidence of thickening (regardless of enhancement), contrast enhancement (regardless of size), or widening of their bony foramina or canals. RESULTS Histopathologic evidence of PNS was present in 25 (66%) of 38 named nerves. The sensitivity and specificity of CT in detecting PNS were 88% and 89%, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging had a higher sensitivity (100%) and specificity (85%). CONCLUSIONS Perineural spread across the skull base is a frequent occurrence in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck. Magnetic resonance imaging has a higher sensitivity and specificity than CT in detecting PNS along the base of the skull.
The effects of hierarchical micro/nanosurfaces decorated with TiO2 nanotubes on the bioactivity of titanium implants in vitro and in vivo

In the present work, a hierarchical hybrid micro/nanostructured titanium surface was obtained by sandblasting with large grit and acid etching (SLA), and nanotubes of different diameters (30 nm, 50 nm, and 80 nm) were superimposed by anodization. The effect of each SLA-treated surface decorated with nanotubes (SLA + 30 nm, SLA + 50 nm, and SLA + 80 nm) on osteogenesis was studied in vitro and in vivo. The human MG63 osteosarcoma cell line was used for cytocompatibility evaluation, which showed that cell adhesion and proliferation were dramatically enhanced on SLA + 30 nm. In comparison with cells grown on the other tested surfaces, those grown on SLA + 80 nm showed an enhanced expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Cell spread was also enhanced on SLA + 80 nm. A canine model was used for in vivo evaluation of bone bonding. Histological examination demonstrated that new bone was formed more rapidly on SLA-treated surfaces with nanotubes (especially SLA + 80 nm) than on those without nanotubes. All of these results indicate that SLA + 80 nm is favorable for promoting the activity of osteoblasts and early bone bonding.
Constructing Discrete Unbounded Distributions with Gaussian-Copula Dependence and Given Rank Correlation

A random vector X with given univariate marginals can be obtained by first applying the normal distribution function to each coordinate of a vector Z of correlated standard normals to produce a vector U of correlated uniforms over (0,1) and then transforming each coordinate of U by the relevant inverse marginal. One approach to fitting requires, separately for each pair of coordinates of X , the rank correlation, r ( (rho) ), or the product-moment correlation, r L ( (rho) ), where (rho) is the correlation of the corresponding coordinates of Z , to equal some target r * . We prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution for any feasible target, without imposing restrictions on the marginals. For the case where r ( (rho) ) cannot be computed exactly because of an infinite discrete support, the relevant infinite sums are approximated by truncation, and lower and upper bounds on the truncation errors are developed. With a function r ˜ ( ρ ) defined by the truncated sums, a bound on the error r ( (rho) * ) - r * is given, where (rho) * is a solution to r ˜ ( ρ ∗ ) = r ∗ . Based on this bound, an algorithm is proposed that determines truncation points so that the solution has any specified accuracy. The new truncation method has potential for significant work reduction relative to truncating heuristically, largely because as required accuracy decreases, so does the number of terms in the truncated sums. This is quantified with examples. The gain appears to increase with the heaviness of tails.
Artificial-Noise Aided Secure Transmission in Large Scale Spectrum Sharing Networks

We investigate beamforming and artificial noise generation at the secondary transmitters to establish secure transmission in large scale spectrum sharing networks, where multiple noncolluding eavesdroppers attempt to intercept the secondary transmission. We develop a comprehensive analytical framework to accurately assess the secrecy performance under the primary users' quality of service constraint. Our aim is to characterize the impact of beamforming and artificial noise generation (BF&AN) on this complex large scale network. We first derive exact expressions for the average secrecy rate and the secrecy outage probability. We then derive an easy-to-evaluate asymptotic average secrecy rate and asymptotic secrecy outage probability when the number of antennas at the secondary transmitter goes to infinity. Our results show that the equal power allocation between the useful signal and artificial noise is not always the best strategy to achieve maximum average secrecy rate in large scale spectrum sharing networks. Another interesting observation is that the advantage of BF&AN over BF on the average secrecy rate is lost when the aggregate interference from the primary and secondary transmitters is strong, such that it overtakes the effect of the generated AN.
Prayer for health and primary care: results from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prayer for health (PFH) is common; in 2002, 35% of US adults prayed for their health. We examined the relationship of PFH and primary care visits, with a special focus on African American women, using data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). METHODS We used chi-square analyses to compare the demographic (age group, gender, race, region, marital status, educational level, ethnicity) and health-related covariates (alcohol use, smoking status, and selected medical conditions) between individuals who did and did not pray for their health in the past year. Univariate associations between PFH and visit to primary care provider (PCP), with Mantel-Haenszel adjustment for confounding, were determined. Multivariate regression was used to determine independent factors associated with PFH and PCP visit, with SUDAAN to adjust for the clustered survey design. RESULTS Subjects who prayed were more likely to be female, older than 58, Black, Southern, separated, divorced or widowed, and nondrinkers. Subjects who prayed were also more likely to have seen a PCP within the past year. Black women who prayed were also more likely to see a PCP. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that people who pray for their health do so in addition to, not instead of, seeking primary care. This finding is maintained but with a smaller effect size, in Black women.
Role of Equatorial Basin-Mode Resonance for the Seasonal Variability of the Angola Current at 11°S

AbstractMultiyear moored velocity observations of the Angola Current near 11°S reveal a weak southward mean flow superimposed by substantial intraseasonal to seasonal variability, including annual and semiannual cycles with distinct baroclinic structures. In the equatorial Atlantic these oscillations are associated with basin-mode resonances of the fourth and second baroclinic modes, respectively. Here, the role of basin-mode resonance and local forcing for the Angola Current seasonality is investigated. A suite of linear shallow-water models for the tropical Atlantic is employed, each model representing a single baroclinic mode forced at a specific period. The annually and semiannually oscillating forcing is given by 1) an idealized zonally uniform zonal forcing restricted to the equatorial band corresponding to a remote equatorial forcing or 2) realistic, spatially varying Fourier components of wind stress data that include local forcing off Angola, particularly alongshore winds. Model-computed modal am.
Testing stellar population models with star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud

We present high signal-to-noise integrated spectra of 24 star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), obtained using the FLAIR spectrograph at the UK Schmidt telescope. The spectra have been placed onto the Lick/IDS system in order to test the calibration of Simple Stellar Population (SSP) models (Maraston & Thomas 2000; Kurth, Fritz-von Alvensleben & Fricke 1999). We have compared the SSP-predicted metallicities of the clusters with those from the literature, predominantly taken from the Ca-Triplet spectroscopy of Olszewski et al.(1991). We find that there is good agreement between the metallicities in the range - 2.10 ≤ (Fe/H) ≤ 0. However, the Mg2 index (and to a lesser degree Mg b) systematically predict higher metallicities (up to +0.5 dex higher) than h Fei . Among the possible explanations for this are that the LMC clusters possess (�/Fe) > 0. Metallicities are presented for eleven LMC clusters which have no previous measurements. We compare SSP ages for the clusters, derived from the H�, H and HLick/IDS indices, with the available literature data, and find good agreement for the vast ma- jority. This includes six old globular clusters in our sample, which have ages consistent with their HST CMD ages and/or integrated colours. However, two globular clusters, NGC 1754 and NGC 2005, identified as old (∼ 15 Gyr) on the basis of HST CMDs, have Hline-strengths which lead ages which are too young (∼ 8 and ∼ 6 Gyr re- spectively). These findings are inconsistent with their CMD-derived values at the 3� level. Comparison between the horizontal branch morphology and the Balmer line- strengths of these clusters suggests that the presence of blue horizontal branch stars has increased their Balmer indices by up to ∼ 1.0 u We conclude that the Lick/IDS indices, used in conjunction with contemporary SSP models, are able to reproduce the ages and metallicities of the LMC clusters reassuringly well. The required extrapolations of the fitting-functions and stellar li- braries in the models to younger ages and low metallicities do not lead to serious systematic errors. However, due to the significant contribution of horizontal branch stars to Balmer indices, SSP model ages derived for metal-poor globular clusters are ambiguous without a priori knowledge of horizontal branch morphology.
Digital Commons@Becker

Background: The computational prediction of DNA methylation has become an important topic in the recent years due to its role in the epigenetic control of normal and cancer-related processes. While previous prediction approaches focused merely on differences between methylated and unmethylated DNA sequences, recent experimental results have shown the presence of much more complex patterns of methylation across tissues and time in the human genome. These patterns are only partially described by a binary model of DNA methylation. In this work we propose a novel
Learning Evaluation Functions to Improve Optimization by Local Search

This paper describes algorithms that learn to improve search performance on large-scale optimization tasks. The main algorithm, STAGE, works by learning an evaluation function that predicts the outcome of a local search algorithm, such as hillclimbing or Walksat, from features of states visited during search. The learned evaluation function is then used to bias future search trajectories toward better optima on the same problem. Another algorithm, X-STAGE, transfers previously learned evaluation functions to new, similar optimization problems. Empirical results are provided on seven large-scale optimization domains: bin-packing, channel routing, Bayesian network structure-finding, radiotherapy treatment planning, cartogram design, Boolean satisfiability, and Boggle board setup.
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IS ASSOCIATED WITH POPULATION FITNESS IN THE SEED BEETLE CALLOSOBRUCHUS MACULATUS

Abstract The population consequences of sexual selection remain empirically unexplored. Comparative studies, involving extinction risk, have yielded different results as to the effect of sexual selection on population densities make contrasting predictions. Here, we investigate the relationship between sexual dimorphism (SD) and population productivity in the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, using 13 populations that have evolved in isolation. Geometric morphometric methods and image analysis are employed to form integrative measures of sexual dimorphism, composed of variation in weight, size, body shape, and pigmentation. We found a positive relationship between SD and adult fitness (net adult offspring production) across our study populations, but failed to find any association between SD and juvenile fitness (egg-to-adult survival). Several mechanisms may have contributed to the pattern found, and variance in sexual selection regimes across populations, either in female choice for “good genes” or in the magnitude of direct benefits provided by their mates, would tend to produce the pattern seen. However, our results suggest that evolutionary constraints in the form of intralocus sexual conflict may have been the major generator of the relationship seen between SD and population fitness.
MEASURING INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WITH A COMPOSITE INDICATOR: EVIDENCE FROM ITALIAN REGIONS

The paper proposes a composite indicator called “industrial environmental sustainability index” (IESI), in order to measure ecological industrial policies through a ranking of the considered observations (i.e. Italian regions). The index, overcoming the traditional concept of industrial virtuosity that refers to sustainable performance of an industry is built considering simultaneously the efforts made by enterprises (as well as industrial districts) and public local bodies in applying an ecosystem approach to the industrial sector. We propose a methodology following the OECD (2008) one, based on a multivariate analysis using the Principal Component Analysis, which is a useful technique used to determine a composite indicator of ecological industrial virtuosity at a regional level. The results of our analysis are twofold: obtaining a ranking of Italian regions related to the environmental aspects of the industrial activities and investigating the role played by public and private actors in order to identify weaknesses such as policy recommendations. Measuring Industrial Environmental Sustainability With a Composite Indicator: Evidence From Italian Regions
The Role of Aquaporins in Dendritic Cell Macropinocytosis

Immature dendritic cells (DCs) constitutively take up large volumes of fluid by macropinocytosis and concentrate the macrosolutes in the endocytic compartment. This concentration mechanism that is the basis of their high capacity to present soluble antigens requires that DCs be capable of rapidly exchanging water across their membranes. We report that two members of the aquaporin family, AQP3 and AQP7, are expressed in immature DCs and are downregulated after maturation. Treatment of DCs with p-chloromercuribenzenesulphonate (pCMBS), a mercuric drug that blocks aquaporins, inhibited uptake and concentration of macrosolutes taken up by fluid phase endocytosis and led to dramatic cell swelling. In contrast, pCMBS did not affect receptor-mediated endocytosis via the mannose receptor. These findings indicate that aquaporins represent essential elements of a volume control mechanism that allows DCs to concentrate macrosolutes taken up via macropinocytosis.
Morphine Promotes Rapid, Arrestin-Dependent Endocytosis of μ-Opioid Receptors in Striatal Neurons

Morphine activates μ-opioid receptors (MORs) without promoting their rapid endocytosis in a number of cell types. A previous study suggested that morphine can drive rapid redistribution of MORs in the nucleus accumbens, but it was not possible in this in vivo study to identify a specific membrane trafficking pathway affected by morphine, to exclude possible indirect actions of morphine via opiate-regulated neural circuitry, or to define the mechanism of this morphine-dependent regulation. In the present study, we addressed these questions using dissociated primary cultures of rat striatal neurons as a model system. Morphine promoted a rapid redistribution of both endogenous and recombinant MORs within 30 min after drug addition to the culture medium. This effect was mediated by rapid endocytosis and occurred in a cell-autonomous manner, as indicated by its detection in cells plated at low density and in cultures in which depolarization was blocked by tetrodotoxin. Morphine-induced endocytosis of MORs was quantitatively similar to that induced by the enkephalin analog d-Ala2-N-Me-Phe4-Glycol5-enkephalin, and endocytosis induced by both ligands was inhibited by a dominant-negative mutant version of arrestin-3 (β-arrestin-2). These results extend previous in vivo results and indicate that morphine is indeed capable of driving rapid endocytosis of μ-opioid receptors in an important subset of opiate-responsive CNS neurons. They also suggest a cellular mechanism by which β-arrestins may modulate the physiological effects of morphine in vivo.
False-Positive Rate of a “Fourth-Generation” HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Assay in an Area of Low HIV Prevalence

ABSTRACT We retrospectively analyzed the performance of the Architect HIV antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) combination assay in a tertiary health care center with a situation of low HIV prevalence. The specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 99.78% and 31.21%, respectively. However, the specificity and PPV could increase to 99.99% and 89.70% using an arbitrary cutoff value.
Initiation of TCR Phosphorylation and Signal Transduction

Recent data with CD8+ T cells show that the initial phase of T cell receptor (TCR) binding to MHC–peptide (MHCp) is quickly followed by a second, stronger, binding phase representing the binding of CD8 to the MHCp. This second phase requires signaling by a Src-family kinase such as Lck. These data point out two aspects of the initial stage of TCR signaling that have not yet been clearly resolved. Firstly, how and by which Src-family kinase, is the initial phosphorylation of CD3ζ accomplished, given that the Lck associated with the co-receptors (CD4 or CD8) is not yet available. Secondly, what is the mechanism by which the co-receptor is brought close to the bound TCR before the co-receptor binds to MHCp?
Mumps meningoencephalitis in children.

Fifty-one children with mumps meningoencephalitis were studied. The disease occurred throughout the year, with higher frequency in boys. The disease was of short duration and was generally benign. Parotitis accompanied meningoencephalitis in 47% of the patients. Appropriate serologic studies and/or recovery of virus from cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, urine, or washings of throat swabs are essential for the diagnosis of mumps meningoencephalitis in the absence of parotitis. All children recovered uneventfully and follow-up examinations of 33 children 4 to 40 months after the onset of meningoencephalitis showed no neurological sequelae or hearing loss. Serum amylase concentration was found to be elevated in the presence of parotitis and generally normal in primary mumps meningoencephalitis.
Distributed data aggregation via networked transferable belief model over a graph

In this work the data aggregation problem for a multi-agent system within the framework of Theory of Evidence is investigated. In the proposed scenario, agents are assumed to be independent reliable sources which collect data and collaborate to reach a common knowledge. In particular, each agent is supposed to provide a set of observations which does not change over time. A protocol for distributed data aggregation for graph-like network topologies is designed. Experimental results with a sensor network have been carried out to corroborate the theoretical results and the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Performance Evaluation and Analysis for Gravity Matching Aided Navigation

Simulation tests were accomplished in this paper to evaluate the performance of gravity matching aided navigation (GMAN). Four essential factors were focused in this study to quantitatively evaluate the performance: gravity database (DB) resolution, fitting degree of gravity measurements, number of samples in matching, and gravity changes in the matching area. Marine gravity anomaly DB derived from satellite altimetry was employed. Actual dynamic gravimetry accuracy and operating conditions were referenced to design the simulation parameters. The results verified that the improvement of DB resolution, gravimetry accuracy, number of measurement samples, or gravity changes in the matching area generally led to higher positioning accuracies, while the effects of them were different and interrelated. Moreover, three typical positioning accuracy targets of GMAN were proposed, and the conditions to achieve these targets were concluded based on the analysis of several different system requirements. Finally, various approaches were provided to improve the positioning accuracy of GMAN.
Novel user interfaces for diagram versioning and differencing

Easily available software for diagram creation does not support the comparison of different versions and the merging of such versions. We present new methods and techniques for easy versioning of general two-dimensional diagrams. Multiple novel versioning methods for diagram versioning are compared to each other as well as to previous work in a user study. Participants in a user study preferred the Translucency View and Master Diagram Scenario to the other investigated methods and scenarios.