Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vendor Comparison of Video Detection Systems

Video detection has become increasingly popular for presence detection at signalized intersections because of its versatility. However, several reports have documented performance problems in specific systems. This paper quantifies the performance of three different commercially available video detection systems. The systems were tested in May and September 2005 for presence detection accuracy. Prior to the May 2005 test, a representative from each vendor configured the video detection zones to match the loop detection zone as closely as possible. The outputs from the loop detection for the through-right and left-turn lane groups were compared with the corresponding output from each of the video detection systems. Whenever there was a discrepancy between the loop and video, a digital video was observed to determine the cause of the discrepancy. Missed calls and false calls were categorized for each system. The errors were also categorized according to the impact that they would have on signal operations. During a 24hr test on two separate days, the number of missed detections longer than 5 seconds ranged from 9 to 147, and the number of false calls longer than 5 seconds ranged from 16 to 149.
Differentially Expressed Genes in Major Depression Reside on the Periphery of Resilient Gene Coexpression Networks

The structure of gene coexpression networks reflects the activation and interaction of multiple cellular systems. Since the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders is influenced by diverse cellular systems and pathways, we investigated gene coexpression networks in major depression, and searched for putative unifying themes in network connectivity across neuropsychiatric disorders. Specifically, based on the prevalence of the lethality–centrality relationship in disease-related networks, we hypothesized that network changes between control and major depression-related networks would be centered around coexpression hubs, and secondly, that differentially expressed (DE) genes would have a characteristic position and connectivity level in those networks. Mathematically, the first hypothesis tests the relationship of differential coexpression to network connectivity, while the second “hybrid” expression-and-network hypothesis tests the relationship of differential expression to network connectivity. To answer these questions about the potential interaction of coexpression network structure with differential expression, we utilized all available human post-mortem depression-related datasets appropriate for coexpression analysis, which spanned different microarray platforms, cohorts, and brain regions. Similar studies were also performed in an animal model of depression and in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder microarray datasets. We now provide results which consistently support (1) that genes assemble into small-world and scale-free networks in control subjects, (2) that this efficient network topology is largely resilient to changes in depressed subjects, and (3) that DE genes are positioned on the periphery of coexpression networks. Similar results were observed in a mouse model of depression, and in selected bipolar- and schizophrenia-related networks. Finally, we show that baseline expression variability contributes to the propensity of genes to be network hubs and/or to be DE in disease. In summary, our results suggest that the small-world and scale-free properties of gene networks are resilient to pathological changes in major depression, and that the network structure may constrain the extent to which a gene may be DE in the illness, hence informing further gene-network-based mechanistic studies of neuropsychiatric disorders.
An examination of teacher qualifications and student achievement in mathematics

Many researchers have suggested that teacher quality and student achievement, especially in mathematics, are two significant challenges for schools. For example, educational researchers (Ballou & Podgursky, 2000b; Darling-Hammond, 2000; Goldhaber & Brewer, 2000; Monk, 1994; Wenglinsky, 2000a; Wilson, Floden, & Ferrini-Mundy, 2001) have conducted various studies to determine teacher qualifications that impact student achievement. In order to enhance mathematics achievement, it is important for educators in Alabama and across the United States to understand the relationship between teacher qualifications and student achievement in mathematics. The purpose of this study was to assess whether or not there is a statistically significant difference in teacher qualifications that might help to predict the academic performance of middle school students on the mathematics portion of the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT). Using a theoretical framework which suggests that teacher qualifications impact or have a relationship to student achievement in mathematics, this study examined the relationship between the factors of teacher preparation, certification, and teaching experience with the mathematics achievement of their students. Measures of teacher qualifications included four independent variables: (a) the number of mathematics semester hours completed, (b) type of teacher certification, (c) the teacher’s total number of years teaching mathematics, and (d) the teacher’s total number of years teaching middle school mathematics. Twenty full-time mathematics teachers from 7 of the 8 traditional (non-magnet) middle/junior high schools located in the Montgomery Public School (MPS) District, Montgomery, Alabama participated in this causal-comparative study. All participants completed a Teacher Background Survey. The survey results were later matched with student data from the 2007 administration of the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT). The responses to the teacher surveys were analyzed using a t-test. Findings from this study indicated that a significant relationship does exist between teacher qualifications and student achievement. Specifically, the findings revealed that students with mathematics teachers who had 5 or more years experience performed better on the math portion of the Alabama Reading and Math Test (ARMT). This study also found that if the teacher had a traditional secondary mathematics certification then his or her students tended to score higher on the ARMT compared to teachers with alternative certification.
Validation of immunoexpression of tenascin-C in oral precancerous and cancerous tissues using ImageJ analysis with novel immunohistochemistry profiler plugin: An immunohistochemical quantitative analysis

Background: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a molecular technique that has grown tremendously over the years. However, the assessment is only qualitative which is subjective and causes errors. Due to this limitation, several excellent markers have not gained importance and reached clinical trials. Hence, we aimed to quantify IHC by ImageJ analysis with a novel IHC profiler plugin. ImageJ has not been tried in oral precancerous tissues with minimal attempt for matrix markers. Aim: This study aimed to validate the quantification of immunoexpression of tenascin-C (TN-C) in oral precancerous tissues and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using ImageJ software with IHC profiler plugin. Materials and Methods: After IHC staining for TN-C and image acquisition, ImageJ analysis was performed as per the standard recommended algorithm. Assessment was done by two observers by blinding the histopathological diagnosis. The immunoscore was assessed for interobserver variability using Kohen's kappa statistics. Results: All our cases were in agreement and found to be statistically significant with P < 0.005. Moderate agreement was for mild dysplasia, moderate dysplasia and oral lichen planus. Substantial agreement was for oral submucous fibrosis and OSCC and almost perfect agreement noted for cases of severe dysplasia. Conclusion: IHC can now be quantified using freely downloadable software ImageJ analysis in oral precancerous tissues and OSCC. This software with good threshold control can quantify matrix marker such as TN-C. Hence, herewith, we propose that IHC markers should be quantified using ImageJ by our entire oral pathology fraternity so as to have a standard immunoscore for all markers.
Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects of a Phytoestrogen-Rich Herbal Preparation in Postmenopausal Women

The risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis progression is significantly increased after menopause, probably due to the decrease of estrogen levels. The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for prevention of cardiovascular disease in older postmenopausal failed to meet expectations. Phytoestrogens may induce some improvements in climacteric symptoms, but their effect on the progression of atherosclerosis remains unclear. The reduction of cholesterol accumulation at the cellular level should lead to inhibition of the atherosclerotic process in the arterial wall. The inhibition of intracellular lipid deposition with isoflavonoids was suggested as the effective way for the prevention of plaque formation in the arterial wall. The aim of this double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was to investigate the effect of an isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation on atherosclerosis progression in postmenopausal women free of overt cardiovascular disease. One hundred fifty-seven healthy postmenopausal women (age 65 ± 6) were randomized to a 500 mg isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation containing tannins from grape seeds, green tea leaves, hop cone powder, and garlic powder, or placebo. Conventional cardiovascular risk factors and intima-media thickness of common carotid arteries (cIMT) were evaluated at the baseline and after 12 months of treatment. After 12-months follow-up, total cholesterol decreased by 6.3% in isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation recipients (p = 0.011) and by 5.2% in placebo recipients (p = 0.020); low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol decreased by 7.6% in isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation recipients (p = 0.040) and by 5.2% in placebo recipients (non-significant, NS); high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol decreased by 3.4% in isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation recipients (NS) and by 4.5% in placebo recipients (p = 0.038); triglycerides decreased by 6.0% in isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation recipients (NS) and by 7.1% in placebo recipients (NS). The differences between lipid changes in the isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation and placebo recipients did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the mean cIMT progression was significantly lower in isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation recipients as compared to the placebo group (6 μm, or <1%, versus 100 μm, or 13%; p < 0.001 for the difference). The growth of existing atherosclerotic plaques in isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation recipients was inhibited by 1.5-fold (27% versus 41% in the placebo group). The obtained results demonstrate that the use of isoflavonoid-rich herbal preparation in postmenopausal women may suppress the formation of new atherosclerotic lesions and reduce the progression of existing ones, thus promising new drug for anti-atherosclerotic therapy. Nevertheless, further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Locally Generated Bone Slurry Accelerated Ankle Arthrodesis

Background: Reported ankle fusion healing times vary between 7 to 72 weeks. High non-union and delayed union rates have led to an increased use of bone graft and bone graft substitutes. It was our goal to see if addition of a bone slurry could accelerate the rate of healing. Materials and Methods: We compared the radiographic healing after ankle arthrodesis in two groups of patients treated over 3 years with and without a ‘bone slurry. ’ In group one, a slurry of bone particles was generated with a low-speed burr and left in the joint before internal fixation. Group two had similar fixation but no bone slurry. Two reviewers, blinded to the presence or absence of slurry, studied magnified digital radiographs at 6 and 12 weeks. The percentage of the joint bridged by bone was recorded for each and the groups were averaged. Groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank sum. Results: There were 32 patients in group one and 22 in group two. Groups were similar in age, gender and diagnosis. At 6 weeks, group one had 94.1% bridging bone, as measured on AP radiographs. Group two had 76.4% bridging bone. (Wilcoxon rank sum test p = 0.0099). At 12 weeks, group one had 98.1% bridging bone and group two had 85.7% bridging bone (Wilcoxon rank sum test p = 0.026). Conclusion: Use of a low-speed burr to generate a “bone paste” from the local bone surfaces was associated with an increased percentage of healed bone surface at 6 and 12 weeks in patients undergoing ankle arthrodesis. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Control
Clinical outcome according to the level of preexisting epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutation in patients with lung cancer harboring sensitive epidermal growth factor receptor mutations

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation drives acquired drug resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) in patients with EGFR‐mutant lung cancer. However, it was reported that this mutation may exist before drug exposure. The objective of the current study was to evaluate whether the clinical outcomes are affected by the percentage of preexisting T790M mutations within a tumor.
Clinical outcomes of cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery for lung metastases.

BACKGROUND Cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery is an emerging noninvasive technique for treating oligometastatic cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of cyberknife for the treatment of patients with lung metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 134 lung metastases in 95 patients were treated with cyberknife in the radiotherapy center of our hospital from March 2009 to March 2013. The number of lung metastases per patient ranged from one to four (single lesions in 63 patients, 66.3%). The average tumor volume was 14.6 cm(3) and the prescribed radiation dosage ranged from 30 to 60 Gy, fractionated one to five times with a 60% to 88% isodose line. The primary end point was local control (LC); secondary end points were survival and toxicity. RESULTS The median follow-up was 17 months (ranging from 4 to 46 months). The 1-year LC rate was 97.6%, the 2-year LC rate was 90.6%, and the 3-year LC rate was 87.0%. The median survival time was 38.0 months and the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 14.0 months. The 2-year PFS rate was 29.0% and the overall survival (OS) rate was 61.3%. No grade 4 or higher toxicity was encountered. CONCLUSIONS Cyberknife is safe and effective treatment for patients with lung metastases.
The Unbearable Lightness of the Extrapyramidal System

The concept of the extrapyramidal system comprises an amalgam of disparate and often conflicting ideas with a tortuous history. To the theoretical neuroscientist or practicing clinician, it promptly evokes semantic associations that are hardly reminiscent of its original meaning. The purpose of this article is to revisit the sources of the extrapyramidal concept and to examine the transformations that it went through from its inception, in the late 1890s, up to the neuroimaging revolution of the 1980s. Our review shows that the use of “extrapyramidal” as a surrogate for the basal ganglia, disorders of movement, or certain manifestations of spastic hemiplegia does not apply to humans; rather, it represents the historical product of the unwarranted translation of results of animal experimentation into the interpretation of clinical findings on human patients, misguided clinico-anatomic deductions, and fanciful phylogenetic notions. We conclude that the extrapyramidal concept is a valid and robust anatomic concept as long as it strictly refers to the collection of descending fibers originating in a few discrete brainstem tegmental motor nuclei that project to the spinal cord.
Costimulation via OX40L Expressed by B Cells Is Sufficient to Determine the Extent of Primary CD4 Cell Expansion and Th2 Cytokine Secretion In Vivo

The development of effector and memory CD4 cell populations depends upon both T cell receptor (TCR) engagement of peptide/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II complexes and ligation of costimulatory molecules with counter receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). We showed previously that sustained interactions with APCs could be crucial for optimal expansion of CD4 cells and for development of effectors that secrete cytokines associated with Th2 cells. Using an adoptive transfer model with TCR transgenic CD4 cells, we now show that responses of CD4 cells primed in B cell–deficient mice become aborted, but are fully restored upon the transfer of activated B cells. Although B cells have the capacity to secrete multiple cytokines that could affect CD4 priming, including IL-4, we were unable to distinguish a role for cytokines that are secreted by B cells. However, B cell costimulation via the OX40L/OX40 pathway that has been implicated in CD4 cell expansion, survival, and Th2 development was required. Th2 but not Th1 responses were impaired in OX40L-deficient recipients and normal responses were restored with OX40L sufficient B cells. The results suggest that without engagement of OX40L on B cells, CD4 cell responses to many protein Ag would be dominated by Th1 cytokines. These data have important implications for strategies to achieve optimal priming of CD4 subsets.
Development of increased serum immunoblot reactivity against a 45,000-dalton polypeptide of Treponema pallidum (Nichols) correlates with establishment of chancre immunity in syphilitic rabbits

Rabbits developed chancre immunity 5.0 to 7.5 weeks after intradermal infection with 10(3) Treponema pallidum (Nichols). The serological response against T. pallidum antigen during this 2.5-week period was examined by Western immunoblotting. Sera from rabbits infected for 5.0 weeks contained antibodies against 7 of 13 major T. pallidum immunogens, with strongest binding detected against a polypeptide of Mr 47,000. By 7.5 weeks of infection, syphilitic rabbit sera recognized 10 of 13 antigens; the most evident increase in serological reactivity was directed against a polypeptide of Mr 45,000, suggesting that the development of a strong serological response against this polypeptide correlated with the onset of chancre immunity.
Outcome of Pregnancy Complicated by Asymptomatic Bacteriuria

Objective: To evaluate pregnancy outcome in women with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: The University Teaching Hospital Yaounde (Cameroon) from May 1st, 2012 to April 30th, 2014. Population: Fifty two women with (treated) ASB and 156 without ASB were followed up till delivery. Methods: Data were analyzed using Epi-info 3.5. 4. Data of women with ASB were compared to those of women without ASB. Fisher's exact test and t-test were used for comparison. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Main outcome measures: Maternal age and parity, bacteria isolated from urine culture and its sensitivity, gestational age (GA) at diagnosis of ASB and at delivery, maternal complication during pregnancy, fetal sex and the birth weight. Results: The mean GA at diagnosis of ASB was 21.0 ± 7.0 weeks. The main micro-organism isolated was Escherichia coli. The two antibiotics usually efficient were ceftriaxone and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. There was no significant differences regarding maternal age, parity or the mean GA at delivery in both groups. ASB was associated with preterm birth (RR 2.4) and especially with low birth weight (LBW:<2500 g) (RR 5), especially when diagnosed early in pregnancy (RR 7.4). No case of pre eclampsia or pyelonephritis was observed in the ASB group. Conclusion: ASB is associated with LBW especially when present early in pregnancy.
The Effects of Dexamethasone Treatment in Early Gestation on Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Responses and Gene Expression at 7 Months of Postnatal Age in Sheep

We determined the effects of prenatal dexamethasone administration in early gestation on development of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis up to 7 months of postnatal age with measurements of hormone levels and gene expression. Plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels after corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)/arginine vasopressin challenge were lower in treatment females than in control females and treatment males. Calculation of cortisol to adrenocorticotropic hormone ratios indicated however that the adrenals of treatment females were more responsive to adrenocorticotropic hormone than control females or treatment males. Effects of treatment and sex dependence at 7 months of age were observed in levels of hypothalamic CRH messenger RNA (mRNA), hypothalamic arginine vasopressin mRNA, pituitary proopiomelanocortin mRNA, pituitary prohormone convertase 1 and prohormone convertase 2, glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor in the hypothalamus and hippocampus, adrenal adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory, 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 mRNA. The results indicate that exposure to glucocorticoids in early pregnancy produces persisting and sex-dependent effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis at 7 months of age.
The Overnight Effect of Dietary Energy Balance on Postprandial Plasma Free Amino Acid (PFAA) Profiles in Japanese Adult Men

The plasma free amino acid (PFAA) profile is affected by various nutritional conditions, such as the dietary energy balance. Regarding the clinical use of PFAA profiling, it is of concern that differences in food ingestion patterns may generate systematic errors in a plasma amino acid profile and constitute a confounding factor in assessment. In this study, the overnight impact of the dietary energy balance on the postprandial plasma amino acid profile was investigated to elucidate in particular the effects of high protein meals typical in Japanese cuisine. We conducted diet-controlled, crossover trials in eleven healthy male volunteers aged 40–61 y. They consumed either a normal meal (meal N) or high protein meal (meal H) at dinner. Forearm venous blood was collected, and plasma amino acid concentrations were measured before dinner and the next morning. We found that a high protein meal in the evening that contained 40% energy would significantly increase the PFAA concentration the next morning, even more than 12 hours after the meal. Among amino acids, the most significant difference was observed in the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and in some urea-cycle related compounds. If the subject consumed the high protein diet at dinner, the PFAA profile after overnight fasting might be still affected by the meal even 12 hours after the meal, suggesting that the PFAA profile does not reflect the subject's health condition, but rather the acute effect of high protein ingestion.
Cultural Similarities in Perfectionism

This study supports the generalizability of perfectionistic strivings and concerns across Canadian and Chinese university students (N = 1,006) and demonstrates the importance of establishing measurement invariance prior to hypothesis testing with different groups. No latent mean difference in perfectionistic concerns was observed, but Canadian individuals reported higher perfectionistic strivings.