Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequencing, co-ordination and rhythm ability in young children.

BACKGROUND Sequencing ability is recognized as a fundamental component in motor co-ordination, language and reading performance. METHODS Sequencing relationships are studied in a sample of 1013 children selected from an existing data set of 3750. Associations are analysed between scores for motor co-ordination tasks and a rhythm repetition task performed in the routine school beginners' medical examination by 4-, 5- and 6-year-old children, and class teachers' assessment of their co-ordination activities and language performance when 6, 7 and 8 years old, together with scores for a routine reading test. RESULTS Associations are reported between motor tasks and language and reading, and between rhythm repetition and co-ordination activities, language and reading. Associations between successive motor tasks and language and reading are found to be stronger in boys, and those between hopping and reading stronger in girls. Associations between the rhythm repetition task and co-ordination activities, language and reading are also all found to be stronger in girls. DISCUSSION Discussion finds a place for ball-catching as a sequencing task, and for sequencing ability as a component of handwriting skills. Discussion also attributes the findings of gender differences to an experiential difference in play activity, and advances a variant of the rhythm repetition task for use in further exploration of sequencing ability in young children.
Urokinase Receptor Is Necessary for Bacterial Defense against Pneumonia-Derived Septic Melioidosis by Facilitating Phagocytosis

Urokinase receptor (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor [uPAR], CD87), a GPI-anchored protein, is considered to play an important role in inflammation and fibrinolysis. The Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is able to survive and replicate within leukocytes and causes melioidosis, an important cause of pneumonia-derived community-acquired sepsis in Southeast Asia. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of uPAR both in patients with septic melioidosis and in a murine model of experimental melioidosis. uPAR mRNA and surface expression was increased in patients with septic melioidosis in/on both peripheral blood monocytes and granulocytes as well as in the pulmonary compartment during experimental pneumonia-derived melioidosis in mice. uPAR-deficient mice intranasally infected with B. pseudomallei showed an enhanced growth and dissemination of B. pseudomallei when compared with wild-type mice, corresponding with increased pulmonary and hepatic inflammation. uPAR knockout mice demonstrated significantly reduced neutrophil migration toward the pulmonary compartment after inoculation with B. pseudomallei. Further in vitro experiments showed that uPAR-deficient macrophages and granulocytes display a markedly impaired phagocytosis of B. pseudomallei. Additional studies showed that uPAR deficiency did not influence hemostatic and fibrinolytic responses during severe melioidosis. These data suggest that uPAR is crucially involved in the host defense against sepsis caused by B. pseudomallei by facilitating the migration of neutrophils toward the primary site of infection and subsequently facilitating the phagocytosis of B. pseudomallei.
A New Index of “Cardiac Age” Derived from Echocardiography: Influence of Hypertension and Comparison with Pulse Wave Velocity

Although pulse wave velocity is the primary indicator of arteriosclerosis and is widely used as an index of vascular age in anti-aging medicine, no index is available to quantify cardiac age. We proposed a “cardiac age” index and sought to clarify its clinical significance. The study subjects were 234 patients with atherosclerosis-related diseases. These patients were divided into 127 normotensive (mean age: 64±12 years) and 107 hypertensive (mean age: 65±11 years) patients. Echocardiography was performed, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured using an automatic waveform analyzer. The index of cardiac age was determined as 1,000×VSot/BSA/(VS-AO), where VSot (mm) was the ventricular septal thickness at the left ventricular outflow tract, BSA (m2) was the body surface area, and VS-AO (degree) was the angle between the basal ventricular septum and the ascending aorta. The index of cardiac aging correlated significantly with age in both the normotensive (r=0.63, p<0.001) and hypertensive (r=0.58, p<0.001) patients, and these correlations were closer than those between transmitral E/A (early to atrial velocity) ratio and age in normotensive (r=0.54, p<0.001) and hypertensive (r=0.44, p<0.001) patients. The slope between age (xaxis) and the index of cardiac age (y-axis) was greater in hypertensive (1.50) than normotensive (1.32) patients. Stepwise regression analysis showed that age (β coefficient = 0.35, p < 0.001), the presence of hypertension (β coefficient = 0.26, p < 0.001), the left ventricular mass index (β coefficient = 0.34, p < 0.001), the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (β coefficient = −0.35, p < 0.001), the dimension of the left atrium (β coefficient = 0.14, p = 0.014), and the ratio of E to A (E / A) (β coefficient = −0.12, p = 0.046) were independ- ently associated with the index of cardiac age. The index was also significantly correlated with baPWV (r = 0.53, p<0.001). The proposed index of cardiac age can quantitatively assess cardiac morphological changes due to aging and/or hypertension and may be a useful marker of peripheral arterial stiffening.
Avian hippocampal role in space and content memory

The present study examined whether the hippocampal formation of homing pigeons (Columba livia) was necessary for learning the contents of different goal locations in an open‐field, laboratory environment. Results showed that, although control animals were able to distinguish between two goal locations that contained food items of different quality, pigeons with bilateral hippocampal lesions were impaired in goal‐quality discrimination, even though non‐spatial cues could have been used to distinguish between goal locations. Probe trials further revealed that the hippocampal formation‐lesioned pigeons were impaired in the use of space to recognize goal locations as well as having a poorer capacity to integrate spatial information with the visual features of food bowls. These results promote a revised view of avian hippocampal memory function, one in which the avian hippocampal formation is critical not only for learning the spatial properties of goal locations but also for learning what happens at goal locations in an animal’s environment.
Predictive role of tear protein expression in the early diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome

Background The contribution of tear protein expression in patients with presumed diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome is underestimated. We aimed to evaluate the role of tear proteins in the Sjögren syndrome early diagnosis. Methods Charts from 110 patients suspected of Sjögren syndrome were analysed and the subsequent diagnosis retrieved. Subjective symptoms (ocular surface disease index, OSDI), tear film break-up time (TFBUT), Schirmer test, Jones test, tear clearance (TC), corneal (NEI score) and conjunctival staining (van Bjerstelveldt score), esthesiometry, cytology, tear protein analysis (total protein [TP] content, lysozyme-C [LYS-C], lactoferrin [LACTO], lipocalin-1 [LIPOC-1] and albumin [ALB]) were analysed. The diagnostic performance with area under the curve (AUC) and odds ratio (OR) for each parameter were calculated. Results Thirty-five patients (31.8%) had been diagnosed as affected by Sjögren syndrome. Clinical tests showed lower diagnostic performance (OSDI > 44 [AUC 0.57], Schirmer ≤ 5 mm [0.59], TFBUT ≤ 3 s [0.72], TC > 1/16 [0.68], Jones ≤ 4 mm [0.68], corneal staining > 2 [0.51], conjunctival staining > 2 [0.78]) compared with tear proteins (LYS-C ≤ 1.5 mg/mL [0.79], LACTO ≤ 20% [0.94], LIPOC-1 ≤ 10% [0.89], ALB ≥ 15% [0.79]). LYS-C, LACTO, LIPOC-1 and ALB showed a significant association in predicting Sjögren syndrome vs. not-Sjögren syndrome dry eye (OR, respectively, 4.9, 5.5, 7.2, 6.7). Conclusions Tear proteins’ concentrations showed a significant higher accuracy compared with the traditional ocular clinical tests for reaching Sjögren syndrome’s diagnosis. In particular, LACTO and LIPOC-1 provided an excellent diagnostic performance and thus could likely be considered promising biomarkers of Sjögren syndrome.
Peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase: structure, mechanism of action, and biological function.

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates can cause damage to many cellular components and have been implicated in a number of diseases. Cells have developed a variety of mechanisms to destroy these reactive molecules or repair the damage once it occurs. In proteins one of the amino acids most easily oxidized is methionine, which is converted to methionine sulfoxide. An enzyme, peptide methionine sulfoxide reductase (MsrA), catalyzes the reduction of methionine sulfoxide in proteins back to methionine. There is growing evidence that MsrA plays an important role in protecting cells against oxidative damage. This paper reviews the biochemical properties and biological role of MsrA.
Understanding HCI Issues of Browser Game Playing in China - An Empirical Study

Online browser game is becoming one of the most promising and lucrative growth markets. A comprehensive understanding of online browser game adoption is the first step to understand browser game adoption. A growing body of research into the experience and effects of online games indicates that the enjoyment of playing is a complex, dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon. Based on Technology acceptance model, Flow, Theory of Planned Behavior, and social role theory, this paper proposed an integrated framework that explains player behavior toward adoption of online browser games. A survey was conducted to evaluate the research model. The results indicated that increasing consumers’ perceptions of ease of use, flow experience, social norms, attitude, Perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, critical mass, descriptive norms, perceived enjoyment, and relaxation, and providing players with low access cost would improve their acceptance of online browser games.
The concept of energy security : implications of EU-Russia energy relations, 2004-2012

This research project presents a novel and fundamental understanding of energy security and threat perceptions by analysing the EU-Russia energy relationship concerning gas supply during the period 2004-2012. The ultimate goal of this thesis is to address the two-fold research question of why differences exist in the threat perceptions and understandings of energy security among member states of the EU, and how they affect EU’s energy stance and its gas relations with Russia. Encountering endemic problems with the coherence of EU energy policy towards Russia, the research focuses on two case studies, those of Poland and Germany, based on identifying their energy interests and identities and the previous patterns of energy interactions with Russia as an explanatory basis for the construction of threat perceptions.
Isolated thalamic tuberculoma presenting as ataxic hemiparesis

Lacunar syndrome is a neurodeficit secondary to a deep cerebral lesion, usually because of microatheroma of small arteries. Ataxic hemiparesis (AH) is a lacunar syndrome with unilateral pyramidal weakness and ipsilateral ataxia. Thalamic tuberculoma, as a cause of AH, has not been previously described in the literature. We describe an elderly man who presented with left hemiparesis and ipsilateral ataxia. Clinical examination revealed upper motor neuron left facial paresis and left-sided hemiparesis. The patient had incoordination in left upper and lower limbs. Mantoux test was positive and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was elevated. MRI of brain showed a conglomerated hypointense lesion in the right thalamus with a peripheral hyperintensity on T1-weighted imaging and a hyperintense lesion in T2-weighted imaging with significant perilesional oedema, suggesting a tuberculoma. The patient was treated with antitubercular therapy and was symptomatically better at the 9 months follow-up.
Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction Using Allotransplantation and Tissue Engineering: Challenges, Opportunities, and Potential Synergy

The face is composed of an intricate underlying bony/cartilaginous framework that supports muscle, secretory organs, and sophisticated skin/subcutaneous structures. These components are attached through numerous ligaments and interact dynamically with a vast neurovascular network. The most sophisticated autologous reconstructive techniques, utilizing composite free-tissue flaps, are often inadequate to restore extensive maxillofacial defects. Massive craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defects resulting from trauma, oncologic resection, or congenital deformity present a unique challenge to reconstructive surgeons. Therefore, recent advances in craniofacial surgery and immunotherapy spurred the innovation of composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA), which permits reconstruction with tissue composed of all necessary components. However, CMF allotransplantation carries with it side effects of lifelong immunosuppression. Furthermore, the donor skeletal framework may not provide an ideal match, resulting in less than ideal occlusion and soft-tissue anthropometrics. An alternative to transplantation, tissue engineering, has provided hope for regenerating missing tissue and avoiding the need for immunosuppression. Many tissue subtypes, including bone and cartilage, have been successfully created, with sparse reports of clinical application. Tissue-engineered composite tissue required for complete CMF reconstruction continues to elude development, with vascular supply and tissue interactions posing the largest remaining obstacles. We report herein the current status and limitations of CTA and tissue engineering. Furthermore, we describe for the first time our vision of hybridization of CTA and engineering, utilizing the strengths of each strategy.
Comparison of Inverse Manipulator Kinematics Approximations from Scattered Input-Output Data using ANN-Like Methods

We compare the application of five different methods for the approximation of the inverse kinematics of a robot arm from a number of joint angle/Cartesian coordinate training pairs. The first method is a standard feed-forward neural network with error back-propagation learning. The next two methods employ an extended Kohonen Map that we combine with Shepard interpolation for the forward computation. We consider learning of the Kohonen Map with the method of Ritter et al. and compare it to our own method based on steepest descent optimization. We also study two scattered data approximation algorithms, namely Gaussian Radial Basis Function interpolation and a Local Polynomial Fit method that could be considered as a modification of McLain's method. We propose extensions of the considered scattered data approximation algorithms to make them suitable for vector-valued multivariable functions, such as the mapping of Cartesian coordinates into joint angle coordinates.
Racial Attitudes of University Faculty Members: Does Interracial Contact Matter?

Using primary data from a Midwestern university, this study examines racial attitudes of white faculty members. Contact theory is used to understand the variation in the number of racial minority students that white faculty members advise, independent of individual characteristics and social organizational factors. Findings indicate that white faculty members rate Asian/Asian American college students most favorably overall. In general, faculty then ranked white, African American, Latino, and Native American college students in descending order with respect to a host of characteristics. Finally, supporting contact theory, white faculty members who went to high schools with more racial minorities and who work with more colleagues who are racial minorities are significantly more likely to advise racial minority students. One implication of these outcomes is that greater interracial contact between white faculty members and racial minority colleagues and students is likely to have a positive impact on campus climate race relations.
Early goal-directed therapy: An evidence-based review

Objective:In 2003, critical care and infectious disease experts representing 11 international organizations developed management guidelines for early goal-directed therapy that would be of practical use for the bedside clinician, under the auspices of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign, an international effort to increase awareness and improve outcome in severe sepsis. Design:The process included a modified Delphi method, a consensus conference, several subsequent smaller meetings of subgroups and key individuals, teleconferences, and electronic-based discussion among subgroups and among the entire committee. Methods:The modified Delphi methodology used for grading recommendations built on a 2001 publication sponsored by the International Sepsis Forum. We undertook a systematic review of the literature graded along five levels to create recommendation grades from A to E, with A being the highest grade. Pediatric considerations to contrast adult and pediatric management are in the article by Parker et al. on p. S591. Conclusion:During the first 6 hrs of resuscitation of sepsis-induced hypoperfusion, specific levels of central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, urine output, central venous (or mixed venous) oxygen saturation should be targeted. When central venous oxygen saturation remains low, despite achieving central venous pressure and mean arterial pressure targets, packed red blood cells or dobutamine should be considered. Increasing cardiac index to achieve an arbitrarily predefined elevated level is not recommended.
Somatization in primary care: pattern and correlates in a clinic in Nigeria

During a study of mental disorder in a primary care clinic in Nigeria, 214 patients, selected on the basis of their scores on the General Health Questionnaire, were interviewed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, a structured clinical interview that allows for a systematic assessment of somatization symptoms. Only 1.1% of this clinical sample fulfilled the DSM‐III‐R criteria for somatization disorder, but 4.7% and 10.8% met the criteria for somatoform pain disorder and undifferentiated somatoform disorder, respectively. Age, gender and the presence of a DSM‐III‐R diagnosis of depression or dysthymia accounted for significant variability in the number of reported somatization symptoms. On factor analysis, a factor with close similarity to DSM‐III‐R somatization disorder was obtained. This factor is associated with the demographic features commonly found among patients with DSM‐III‐R somatization disorder.
Problem-based learning (PBL) as an approach in the teaching of biochemistry of the endocrine system at the Angeles University College of Medicine.

INTRODUCTION Biochemistry is a basic science subject introduced in the first year of the medical curriculum. At the Angeles University College of Medicine, the approach used in teaching biochemistry has always been the conventional lecture-based strategy. This study described the factors involved in the development of modules and the use of problem-based learning (PBL) as an innovative strategy in teaching the biochemistry of the endocrine system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four PBL modules consisting of clinical problems, student's and facilitator's guides and a list of learning objectives were developed and used by 68 first year medical students under the supervision of a tutor during small group tutorial sessions. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was employed to ascertain the perceptions of the students on the influences of the components of PBL on the learning process. RESULTS The respondents affirmed that the PBL approach motivated them to actively control the direction of their learning needs and encouraged them to acquire self-learning skills. Ninety per cent of the students found the PBL approach to have inspired them to take charge of their own learning of the biochemistry of the endocrine system. CONCLUSION The study showed that the students found this alternative method acceptable particularly in motivating to clarify biochemical concepts that facilitated their understanding of selected endocrine problems.
Comparison of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cervical Cancer Brachytherapy Target and Normal Tissue Contouring

Objective: To evaluate the differences between target and normal tissue delineation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) in cervical cancer patients and to explore the differences in dosimetry after brachytherapy planning. Methods: High-dose-rate brachytherapy was performed on 11 patients. Planning CT and MRI were performed with tandem and ring in place. The radiation oncologist contoured the rectum, the bladder, the sigmoid, and the high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) on CT and MRI. The values compared between CT and MRI included D90 and D100 to HR-CTV; coronal, sagittal, and axial measurements of HR-CTV; and minimum dose to most irradiated 0.1-, 0.5-, 1.0-, and 2.0-cm3volumes for the organs at risk (OAR). Doses were converted to the equivalent dose in 2 Gy by applying the linear quadratic model. Volume optimization was also performed, and the above parameters were evaluated. Results: Magnetic resonance imaging showed a significantly greater HR-CTV length in the sagittal plane (P = 0.006), with CT showing a greater length in the coronal plane (P = 0.004). The equivalent dose in 2 Gy to 2.0 cm3 for the bladder was greater on CT than MRI (P = 0.041). The remainder of the dose volume histogram values for the OAR were similar between CT and MRI. With volume optimization, no significant differences were seen between HR-CTV dose parameters or doses to OAR. Conclusions: The CT- and MRI-based brachytherapy tissue delineation seems adequate for evaluation of OAR and target tissues, although the shapes of HR-CTV and OAR do differ. When adopting volume-based prescription, these differences may lead to altered target dosing. The clinical impact of these differences seems to be small and may demonstrate that planning with CT, if combined with one MRI, may be sufficient.
Essays in Financial Markets and Time Series Econometrics

This thesis consists of two independent essays on financial econometrics. The first study introduces a new family of portmanteau tests for serial correlation. Using the wavelet transform, we decompose the variance of the underlying process into the variance of its low frequency and of its high frequency components and we design a variance ratio test of no serial correlation in the presence of dependence. Such decomposition can be carried out iteratively, each wavelet filter leading to a rich family of tests whose joint limiting null distribution is a multivariate normal. We illustrate the size and power properties of the proposed tests through Monte Carlo simulations. The second study focuses on counterparty risk and its role as a determinant of corporate credit spreads. However, there are only a few techniques available to isolate it from other factors. In this paper we describe a model of financial networks that is suitable for the construction of proxies for counterparty risk. Using data on the U.S. supplier-customer network of public companies, we find that, for each supplier, counterparties’ leverage and jump risk are significant determinants of corporate credit spreads. Our findings are robust after controlling for several idiosyncratic, industry, and market factors.