Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adequacy of cervical cytology sampling with the Cervex brush and the Aylesbury spatula: a population based randomised controlled trial

Abstract Objective: To compare the adequacy of cervical cytology sampling with two sampling instruments commonly used in primary care—namely, the Aylesbury spatula and the Cervex brush. Design: Pair matched, population based randomised controlled trial. Setting: 86 general practices and family planning clinics in Greater Manchester. Subjects: 15 882 cervical smears taken from women aged 20-64 years as part of the national cervical screening programme. Interventions: Participating centres were allocated to sample with either the Cervex brush or the Aylesbury spatula. Main outcome measure: Inadequate smear rate. Results: 5.4% and 5.5% (433/8086 and 426/7796) of smears taken with the Cervex brush and the Aylesbury spatula respectively were reported as inadequate (odds ratio 0.95; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 1.22). Conclusion: The Cervex brush offers no advantage over the Aylesbury spatula in reducing inadequate smear rates in the primary care setting. Key messages Cervical sampling instruments have rarely been formally evaluated in population based settings Group randomisation is useful when evaluating community based interventions but requires modified statistical techniques The Cervex brush offers no advantage over the Aylesbury spatula in reducing rates of inadequate smears when used in primary care
Perceptual and Physiological Fatigue Thresholds during Cycle Ergometry

Cochrane KC, Housh TJ, Bergstrom HC, Jenkins NDM, Johnson GO, Schmidt RJ, and Cramer JT. Perceptual and Physiological Fatigue Thresholds during Cycle Ergometry. JEPonline 2014;17(5): 95-107. Thirteen subjects (mean ± SD age: 21.8 ± 2.6 yrs) performed an incremental cycling test and 4, 8-min submaximal rides (65 to 80% of VO2 peak) to: (a) compare power outputs and relative intensities that corresponded to the gas exchange threshold (GET), ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), physical working capacity (PWC) at oxygen consumption PWCVO2, heart rate (PWCHRT), and rating of perceived exertion (PWCOMNI) thresholds; and (b) examine the relationships among the fatigue thresholds and the exercise intensity domains. The RCP (184 ± 47 W) was significantly (P≤0.0033) greater than the GET (142 ± 38 W), VT (143 ± 40 W), PWCVO2 (106 ± 34 W), PWCHRT (108 ± 34 W), and PWCOMNI (112 ± 34 W). The GET and VT were significantly greater than the PWCVO2, PWCHRT, and PWCOMNI, but there were no differences among the PWCVO2, PWCHRT, and PWCOMNI. These findings suggest that the PWCVO2, PWCHRT, and PWCOMN fell within the moderate intensity domain, and share a common physiological mechanism that was different from those associated with the GET, VT, and RCP.
Limited Lead Selection for Estimation of Body Surface Potential Maps in Electrocardiography

Body surface potential mapping has shown promise as a technique to improve the resolution and accuracy of diagnostic electrocardiography, but the cost and effort required to obtain maps have made wide spread use impractical. As a step toward a practical system, the problems of redundancy and uniqueness of electrocardiographic signal information contained in large numbers of leads were investigated. An algorithm for optimal selection of a limited number of leads was developed. Data obtained from 132 human subjects including some with normal electrocardiograms (ECG) as well as some with abnormal ECGs, were used in the study. Estimation of body surface potentials from limited leads was evaluated using three criteria, including rms error, mean correlation coefficient between limited lead and total lead maps, and error to signal power ratio. Using 30 leads the average rms error was 32 ¿V, average correlation coefficient was . 983 and noise to signal power was 3.5% in the presence of 20 ¿V rms noise. Another finding was that optimal sites are not unique, i.e., different sets of optimal sites may be found which perform equally well. This result has practical implications for the design of lead systems for estimating maps on the critically ill and on patients undergoing stress tests.
Proteomic analysis of papaya (Carica papaya L.) displaying typical sticky disease symptoms

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) hosts the only described laticifer‐infecting virus (Papaya meleira virus, PMeV), which is the causal agent of papaya sticky disease. To understand the systemic effects of PMeV in papaya, we conducted a comprehensive proteomic analysis of leaf samples from healthy and diseased plants grown under field conditions. First, a reference 2‐DE map was established for proteins from healthy samples. A total of 486 reproducible spots were identified, and MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS data identified 275 proteins accounting for 159 distinct proteins from 231 spots that were annotated. Second, the differential expression of proteins from healthy and diseased leaves was determined through parallel experiments, using 2‐DE and DIGE followed by MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS and LC‐IonTrap‐MS/MS, respectively. Conventional 2‐DE analysis revealed 75 differentially expressed proteins. Of those, 48 proteins were identified, with 26 being upregulated (U) and 22 downregulated (D). In general, metabolism‐related proteins were downregulated, and stress‐responsive proteins were upregulated. This expression pattern was corroborated by the results of the DIGE analysis, which identified 79 differentially expressed proteins, with 23 identified (17 U and 6 D). Calreticulin and the proteasome subunits 20S and RPT5a were shown to be upregulated during infection by both 2‐DE and DIGE analyses. These data may help shed light on plant responses against stresses and viral infections.
Plants in our combating strategies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: progress made and obstacles met

Abstract Context: Traditionally used plants for treating chest-related problems/tuberculosis (TB) have not been evaluated in detail and hence a thorough study is needed in this regard. This knowledge may find application in developing new anti-TB drugs. Objective: This article elaborates on studying the activity of medicinal plants against different forms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) using different model strains, in vitro and ex vivo assays for studying the tuberculocidal activity and discusses the results from different studies on the activity against different forms of Mtb and human immunodeficiency virus-tuberculosis (HIV-TB) co-infection. Methods: Scientific databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, Scopus, Google scholar, were used to retrieve the information from 86 research articles (published from 1994 to 2016) related to the topic of this review. Results: Twenty-three plant species have been reported to possess active molecules against multi-drug resistant (MDR) isolates of Mtb. Seven plants were found to be active against intracellular Mtb and six against dormant bacilli. Seven plants were synergistically effective when combined with anti-TB drugs. Six studies suggest that the beneficial effects of plant extracts are due to their wide array of immuno-modulatory effects manifested by the higher expression of cytokines. Some studies have also shown the dual activity (anti-HIV and anti-TB) of plants. Conclusion: We emphasize on identifying plants based on traditional uses and testing their extracts/phytomolecules against MDR strains, intracellular Mtb as well as against dormant Mtb. This will help in future to shorten the current therapeutic regimens for TB and also for treating HIV-TB co-infection.
Supporting Reflective Practice in Software Engineering Education through a Studio-Based Approach

Learning is a lifelong process, especially in the fast-paced software industry. In addition to formal training courses, good software developers continually learn by reflecting on what they've done in the past. However, reflective practice is rarely taught explicitly in university software engineering education. One way to teach reflective techniques from the start is through studio-based learning.
A simplified implementation of total variation iterative reconstruction algorithm suitable for parallel computation

In this work, we proposed a simplified implementation of the total variation minimization iterative reconstruction algorithm for the conventional x-ray CT application, which was originally developed by the University of Chicago group. The simplifications make it possible for completely parallel computation that is suitable to be implemented with a GPU board. Reconstructed images from mathematical and real phantoms are demonstrated to verify the validity of our simplified algorithm.
Identifying the Characteristics of Banks Proprietary Trading Style

Bank’s proprietary desks and hedge funds have similar investment styles, goals and dynamics. We apply bank related factors, trend following strategies, and active managers benchmarks in order to understand the style and especially the dynamics of banks proprietary trading desks decisions. We find that bank traders are not trend followers, but are positively correlated to macro hedge funds and above all are short volatility strategies, meaning selling options (calls and puts) with bonds as the major underlying. We conclude that Asset Based Style (ABS) factors are an alternative approach for regulators and other market participants to understand banks proprietary market exposure.
Processing speed in the cerebral cortex and the neurophysiology of visual masking

In experiments to investigate the duration of the time for which cortical neurons respond when the identification of a visual stimulus is just possible, we presented a test face stimulus for 16 ms, and followed it at different intervals by a masking stimulus (either an N—O pattern or a face) while recording from single neurons in the temporal visual cortex of macaques. When there was no mask the cells responded to the 16 ms of the test stimulus for 200–300 ms, far longer than the presentation time. We suggest that this reflects the operation of a short-term memory system implemented in cortical circuitry. If the mask was a stimulus which did not stimulate the cells (either a non-face pattern or a face which was a non-effective stimulus for that cell), then, as the interval between the onset of the test stimulus and the onset of the mask stimulus (the stimulus onset asynchrony) was reduced, the length of time for which the cells fired in response to the test stimulus was reduced. It is suggested that this is due to the mask stimulating adjacent cells in the cortex which by lateral inhibition reduce the responses of the cells activated by the test stimulus. When the stimulus onset asynchrony was 20 ms, face-selective neurons in the inferior temporal cortex of macaques responded for a period of 20–30 ms before their firing was interrupted by the mask. With the same test-mask stimulus onset asynchrony of 20 ms, humans could just identify which of six faces was shown. These results provide evidence that a cortical area can perform its computation necessary for the recognition of a visual stimulus in 20–30 ms, and provide a fundamental constraint which must be accounted for in any theory of cortical computation.
The Entrepreneur and His Firm: The Relationship between Type of Man and Type of Company

Studies the nature of the entrepreneur in relation to the entrepreneur's firm and its subsequent growth. Rejecting the tendency to define an entrepreneur in terms of a firm characterized by innovation, the book instead uses Cole's (1959) definition of an entrepreneur as an individual who is primarily responsible for gathering together the necessary resources to initiate a business. From a sample of 110 mature enterprises (firms in business for at least five years, but begun after 1945) in six Michigan cities, two- to seven-hour interviews of 150 entrepreneurs were conducted, in which interviewees were asked to give their personal history and the history of the firm. Observations were also made about the entrepreneur's appearance and actions, as well as the appearance and layout of the firm. Following the Becker-McKinney model (1957), two Ideal Types were constructed through empirical analysis of the interviews: the Craftsman-Entrepreneur and the Opportunistic-Entrepreneur. The Craftsman-Entrepreneur tends to be focused on the present and past, has specialized technical education, and has low levels of confidence and flexibility. Conversely, the Opportunistic-Entrepreneur tends to have advanced education and social awareness, a high degree of flexibility, and an orientation to the future. The study implies that especially because the Opportunistic-Entrepreneur is flexible to change and oriented to the future, she will be most effective in making decisions that encourage innovation. The results of the study therefore support the hypothesis that an adaptable firm led by an Opportunistic-Entrepreneur will see the highest growth rate in terms of sales. (CJC)
Optimal Waveforms for Efficient Wireless Power Transmission

This work shows how using specifically selected or designed waveforms in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems can lead to improved RF to dc conversion efficiency in rectifier circuits in the receiving end of these systems. Signals with different time domain waveforms are considered such as OFDM, white noise and chaotic waveforms, and the performance of a rectifier circuit operating at 433 MHz is evaluated when using these signals in comparison to a single carrier constant envelope signal. The performed experiments show that selecting high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) signals lead to improved RF-DC conversion efficiency in rectifier circuits.
The benefit of the reverse transfer function in the fitting process of the Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implant

Abstract Conclusion: Reverse transfer function (RTF) measurement of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) middle ear implant (MEI) is an objective method to evaluate the function of the VSB and can be used to adjust the Connexx value required to reach the optimal VSB gain during fitting sessions. Objectives: To investigate the sound transfer of the VSB with the RTF in implanted patients and evaluate the role of RTF in the fitting process of the VSB. Methods: This was a prospective study including patients undergoing VSB implantation and RTF recording from March 2007 to October 2010. Three parameters were analyzed. 1) RTF: energy transmitted in dB SPL to ear canal by retrograde vibration of malleus and tympanic membrane. 2) Connexx value: level of amplification in dB delivered by the audioprocessor to the floating mass transducer (FMT). 3) VSB gain: difference in dB HL in free field between aided and unaided conditions. Results: Ten patients fitted the criteria. RTF measurements revealed a significant inter-patient disparity. We adjusted the Connexx value according to the RTF value to obtain an optimal VSB gain within comfort levels. The VSB gain and RTF with Connexx value were closely correlated together. The mean VSB gain and RTF value converted to dB HL had comparable values.
THE CHILD AFTER COCHLEAR IMPLANT: IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION IN LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

A cochlear implant (CI) is a technology assisted device that can be putted in the inner ear through a surgical procedure to help to provide a sense of sound for profoundly deaf or severely hard-ofhearing persons (NIDCD, 2013 and Peng et al., 2007). The present review was to uncover different (verbal and non-verbal, psychosocial, timing of implantation, and parental dilemma) challenges beyond the surgical procedures. Existing literatures in this area have been thoroughly reviewed based on eight themes. Themes were selected based on children’s developmental needs. Concluding remarks, then, forwarded which constructed from the review. ABIOT YENEALEM DERBIE
A COX‐2 inhibitor reduces muscle soreness, but does not influence recovery and adaptation after eccentric exercise

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor on the recovery of muscle function, inflammation, regeneration after, and adaptation to, unaccustomed eccentric exercise. Thirty‐three young males and females participated in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled experiment. Seventy unilateral, voluntary, maximal eccentric actions with the elbow flexors were performed twice (bouts 1 and 2) with the same arm, separated by 3 weeks. The test group participants were administered 400 mg/day of celecoxib for 9 days after bout 1. After both bouts 1 and 2, concentric and isometric force‐generating capacity was immediately reduced (∼40–50%), followed by the later appearance of muscle soreness and increased serum creatine kinase levels. Radiolabelled autologous leukocytes (detected by scintigraphy) and monocytes/macrophages (histology) accumulated in the exercised muscles, simultaneously with increased satellite cell activity. These responses were reduced and recovery was faster after bout 2 than 1, demonstrating a repeated‐bout effect. No differences between the celecoxib and placebo groups were detected, except for muscle soreness, which was attenuated by celecoxib. In summary, celecoxib, a COX‐2 inhibitor, did not detectably affect recovery of muscle function or markers of inflammation and regeneration after unaccustomed eccentric exercise, nor did the drug influence the repeated‐bout effect. However, it alleviated muscle soreness.
Factors determining supply linkages between transnational corporations and local suppliers in ASEAN.

A significant potential beneficial impact of foreign direct investment arises from a foreign affiliate? s propensity to purchase inputs from suppliers in the host economy. This issue is of particular interest where the host is a developing country and the linkage is likely to contribute to the development of local suppliers. We compare variations in local input linkages across four countries: Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam, all member countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). Using multiple linear regressions, our findings indicate that the degree of local input linkages is highest when foreign affiliates perform a strategic role in the transnational corporation network and are embedded in the host economy. Non-firm factors are also important determinants, especially the industry of investing firms and the existence of a supply base. Building on the findings, a series of policies to enhance supplier-foreign affiliate linkages are proposed.
Musical Forces and Quantum Probabilities

In cognitive music theory, musical forces arise in connection with tonal attraction. How well does a given pitch fit into a tonal scale or tonal key, let it be a major or minor key? A similar question can be asked regarding musical sequences and tonal progression: What the level of resolution is felt when hearing a probe tone following a certain chord in a two-step serial sequence? After giving a concise review of the empirical findings concerning both types of attractions, I will outline several models for explaining the findings. The basic shortcoming of these models is that they cannot simultaneously describe both attraction types. To overcome the failings of the earlier models, both methodologically and empirically, I propose a new kind of model relying on insights of the new research field of quantum cognition. I will argue that the quantum approach integrates the insights from both group theory and quantum probability theory. In this model, tones are described as vector states ("wave functions") of a Hilbert space way, and the twelve tones can be seen as forming a cyclic group. The phenomenon of attraction is described as the projection of the context (described as a vector state) into a vector state describing the probe tone. I will further demonstrate that a description of the phenomenological forces behind both attraction types is possible in terms of quantum probabilities. The quantum theoretic analysis of forces is quite different from the phenomenological treatment of our naïve understanding of physics. In modern quantum field theory, physical forces are seen as derived from local phase shifts in an underlying grid of wave functions. Surprisingly, when considering musical movements in a theory of tonal music this idea makes equally sense. The rationale behind the phase shifts are regular micro-forces that correspond to the two types of attractions. These micro-forces are at a different level than the phenomenological forces discussed in folk theories of music. I will demonstrate that the micro-forces can be interpreted within a markedness theory of tonal music. The unmarked case corresponds to the force-free case; musical gauge forces are the rationale behind marked attraction behavior.
Venture Capital Ownership Type, Investment Criteria, and Venture Performance

We investigate the investment behavior and exit performance of VCs that have pursued expansion outside their home locations. Our findings indicate that in the Asian VC markets, foreign VCs have relative advantages over local VCs in terms of size and experience while they are at disadvantage in information collection and monitoring due to distance. When investing alone, foreign VCs are more likely to invest in more information-transparent ventures. Networks with local VCs help alleviate information asymmetry and monitoring problem. Foreign VC investments overall are more likely to succeed. Ventures financed by foreign and local VCs jointly outperform those invested by foreign VCs alone.
Mortgage-Backed Securities and the Effect on Financial Firm Value.

Mortgage-Backed Securities and the Effect on Financial Firm Value Krisandra A Guidry One of the most important financial innovations in the past few years has been mortgage securitization. This dissertation examines several motives for the issuance of mortgage-backed securities and how the issuance of mortgage-backed securities affects the value of a financial intermediary. Several studies suggest that there is some benefit to mortgage-backed security offerings. Possible reasons for securitization include diversification, funding, avoidance of regulatory taxes, creation of value, and portfolio reshuffling. Much of the empirical literature on the issuance of mortgage-backed securities has focused on depository intermediary risk. However, the effect of mortgage-backed securities on firm value is unclear. The principal hypothesis tested in this dissertation is that the issuances of mortgage-backed securities have positive impacts on the market value of a depository financial intermediary. The abnormal returns represent a potential wealth transfer between the federal deposit insurer and shareholders. The wealth transfer may occur if the assets which remain on the intermediary's books are those most likely to cause insolvency. It is postulated that there may be an asymmetry in information between the intermediary and the insurer in order to achieve the wealth transfer. CHAPTER
Screening

Most hearing screening programs have historically targeted children with moderate or more severe bilateral hearing loss. Children with unilateral or mild bilateral permanent hearing loss represent a substantial proportion of all children with hearing loss, and there are serious negative consequences for these children if they are not identified early and given appropriate help. Many children, particularly those with unilateral or mild bilateral hearing loss, acquire hearing loss after the newborn period. Although virtually all newborns are now screened for hearing loss before leaving the hospital, there are very few opportunities for periodic hearing screening after the newborn period. Effectively identifying those children who have late-onset loss or who are missed during newborn hearing screening will require modifying some of the procedures currently employed in hospital-based newborn hearing screening programs, as well as establishing better hearing screening procedures for early childhood and elementary school programs. Existing state Early Hearing Detection and Intervention systems are a resource for establishing and improving screening programs for infants and children with unilateral or mild bilateral hearing loss.