Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reading Speed Benefits from Increased Vertical Word Spacing in Normal Peripheral Vision

Purpose. Crowding, the adverse spatial interaction due to proximity of adjacent targets, has been suggested as an explanation for slow reading in peripheral vision. The purposes of this study were to (1) demonstrate that crowding exists at the word level and (2) examine whether or not reading speed in central and peripheral vision can be enhanced with increased vertical word spacing. Methods. Five normal observers read aloud sequences of six unrelated four-letter words presented on a computer monitor, one word at a time, using rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP). Reading speeds were calculated based on the RSVP exposure durations yielding 80% correct. Testing was conducted at the fovea and at 5° and 10° in the inferior visual field. Critical print size (CPS) for each observer and at each eccentricity was first determined by measuring reading speeds for four print sizes using unflanked words. We then presented words at 0.8× or 1.4× CPS, with each target word flanked by two other words, one above and one below the target word. Reading speeds were determined for vertical word spacings (baseline-to-baseline separation between two vertically separated words) ranging from 0.8× to 2× the standard single-spacing, as well as the unflanked condition. Results. At the fovea, reading speed increased with vertical word spacing up to about 1.2× to 1.5× the standard spacing and remained constant and similar to the unflanked reading speed at larger vertical word spacings. In the periphery, reading speed also increased with vertical word spacing, but it remained below the unflanked reading speed for all spacings tested. At 2× the standard spacing, peripheral reading speed was still about 25% lower than the unflanked reading speed for both eccentricities and print sizes. Results from a control experiment showed that the greater reliance of peripheral reading speed on vertical word spacing was also found in the right visual field. Conclusions. Increased vertical word spacing, which presumably decreases the adverse effect of crowding between adjacent lines of text, benefits reading speed. This benefit is greater in peripheral than central vision.
Ion-electron interaction in molecular-dynamics cascades.

We propose a simple model to incorporate inelastic energy losses into molecular-dynamics simulations of high-energy radiation damage, which at the same time describes the metallic thermal conductivity by coupling the ions to a thermal reservoir. Both expressions are based on a local-density description of stopping power. We provide an empirical expression to describe the strength of the ion-electron coupling, which is a function of the local electronic density. The model is then adequate to those simulations where the ion-ion interactions are obtained from many-body potentials based on density-functional formalism.
The Inviscid Limit of the Complex Ginzburg–Landau Equation

Naturally the question of inviscid limit arises. Does the solution u of the CGL equation (1.1) tend to (in an appropriate space norm) the solution v of the NLS equation (1.2) as the parameters a and b tend to 0? What is the convergence rate? The answers are not immediate especially when the initial data for these equations are not smooth. Because of its importance in both mathematical theory and physical applications, the inviscid limit has been extensively investigated for many partial differential equations such as Burgers' equation [3], the quasigeostrophic equation [17] and most notably the Navier Stokes equations. For smooth initial data and in absence of boundary, the inviscid limit of the Navier Stokes equations is the corresponding Euler equations and the rate is the optimal O(&) where & is the viscosity coefficient ([2, 4, 13]). But the situation changes if the initial data is not that smooth. It's shown in article no. DE973347
The Impact of an Aging Population on the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolism: Comparison of Young and Elderly Patients

The influence of age on predisposing factors, diagnostic tests, and clinical presentation of pulmonary embolism was evaluated in 582 subjects with suspected pulmonary embolism (180 aged <65 years; 402 aged ≥65 years) consecutively enrolled at the Emergency Department. Pulmonary embolism was confirmed in 40% of patients, 75% of those were aged >65 years. Age was directly related to the diagnosis, and the observed probability was higher than the expected probability in the 70 to 79 year subgroup. Score at the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale significantly increased as a function of both age and pulmonary embolism. Dyspnea, syncope, jugular distension, and history of previous venous thromboembolism were more frequently observed in elderly patients. In-hospital mortality rate among the elderly and younger patients was 2% and 0.2%, respectively. The authors conclude that age ≥65 years and high comorbidity are risk factors for pulmonary embolism.
The skin as interface in the transmission of arthropod‐borne pathogens

Animal skin separates the inner world of the body from the largely hostile outside world and is actively involved in the defence against microbes. However, the skin is no perfect defence barrier and many microorganisms have managed to live on or within the skin as harmless passengers or as disease‐causing pathogens. Microbes have evolved numerous strategies that allow them to gain access to the layers underneath the epidermis where they either multiply within the dermis or move to distant destinations within the body for replication. A number of viruses, bacteria and parasites use arthropod vectors, like ticks or mosquitoes, to deliver them into the dermis while taking their blood meal. Within the dermis, successful pathogens subvert the function of a variety of skin resident cells or cells of the innate immune system that rush to the site of infection. In this review several interactions with cells of the skin by medically relevant vector‐borne pathogens are discussed to highlight the different ways in which these pathogens have come to survive within the skin and to usurp the defence mechanisms of the host for their own ends.
School refusal in children and adolescents: a review of the past 10 years.

OBJECTIVE To critically review the past 10 years of research on school refusal in children and adolescents. METHOD Literature on school refusal published from 1990 onward was reviewed following a systematic search of PsycINFO. The review focuses on definitional issues, epidemiology and school refusal identification, diagnostic considerations, family functioning, assessment, treatment, and follow-up studies. RESULTS While definitional and conceptual issues are still evident, promising developments have occurred in relation to assessment and treatment practices and understanding of the family context of school refusal. CONCLUSIONS From a clinical viewpoint, school refusal cases require comprehensive assessment and treatment. Advances have been made in the treatment of school refusal. However, additional controlled studies evaluating interventions for school refusal are needed.
A Fast and Efficient Design Method for Circuit Analog Absorbers Consisting of Resistive Square-Loop Arrays

This paper proposes a novel optimization design method for circuit analog absorbers consisting of resistor-loaded square-loop arrays. First, new precise equivalent circuit models (ECMs) for square-loop-array-based absorbers are derived through the synthetic asymptote method. The presented models are applicable for multilayered absorber with printed single or double SLAs on each layer. Then, the combination of this ECM and conventional genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed and provided a fast and efficient way to design broadband and low-profile SLA absorbers. For demonstration, four absorbers are designed and optimized. Finally, the agreement between the simulated and measured reflection coefficients indicates the validity of the presented method.
Association of schizophrenia and autoimmune diseases: linkage of Danish national registers.

OBJECTIVE Individuals with schizophrenia and their relatives tend to have either higher or lower than expected prevalences of autoimmune disorders, especially rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and type 1 diabetes. The purpose of the study was to estimate the association of schizophrenia with these disorders as well as a range of other autoimmune diseases in a single large epidemiologic study. METHOD The Danish Psychiatric Register, the National Patient Register, and a register with socioeconomic information were linked to form a data file that included all 7,704 persons in Denmark diagnosed with schizophrenia from 1981 to 1998 and their parents along with a sample of matched comparison subjects and their parents. The data linkage required that the autoimmune disease occur before the diagnosis of schizophrenia. RESULTS A history of any autoimmune disease was associated with a 45% increase in risk for schizophrenia. Nine autoimmune disorders had higher prevalence rates among patients with schizophrenia than among comparison subjects (crude incidence rate ratios ranging from 1.9 to 12.5), and 12 autoimmune diseases had higher prevalence rates among parents of schizophrenia patients than among parents of comparison subjects (adjusted incidence rate ratios ranging from 1.3 to 3.8). Thyrotoxicosis, celiac disease, acquired hemolytic anemia, interstitial cystitis, and Sjögren's syndrome had higher prevalence rates among patients with schizophrenia than among comparison subjects and also among family members of schizophrenia patients than among family members of comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS Schizophrenia is associated with a larger range of autoimmune diseases than heretofore suspected. Future research on comorbidity has the potential to advance understanding of pathogenesis of both psychiatric and autoimmune disorders.
Comparative Biology of a Novel Strain of Russian Wheat Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Three Wheat Cultivars

Abstract In spring 2003, several outbreaks of the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), were reported in fields of supposedly resistant wheat cultivars (‘Stanton’, ‘Halt’, and ‘Prairie Red’) in eastern Colorado. We conducted two laboratory experiments to compare the biological performance of this new biotype 2 (B2) to that of two D. noxia collections of biotype 1 (B1) from western Kansas by using three wheat cultivars as host plants: ‘Trego’, a susceptible cultivar, and Stanton and Halt, two cultivars with different genetic sources of resistance. Survival of solitary nymphs from first instar to adult for the two clones of B1 on Trego was 96 and 90%, respectively, compared with 67 and 43% on Stanton, and 65 and 57% on Halt. In contrast, B2 had 60% survival on Trego, 43% survival on Halt, and 85% survival on Stanton. One clone of B1 required longer to mature on Halt compared with Trego or Stanton, but no other differences in developmental time among cultivars were significant. The standardized fecundity of solitary foundresses of the B1 clones was 19.6 and 20.1 nymphs on Trego, compared with 4.6 and 0.9 on Stanton, and 2.8 and 1.1 on Halt, respectively, over the same period. In contrast, fecundity of B2 was 21.1, 20.8, and 19.7 on Trego, Stanton, and Halt, respectively. When larger colonies developed on individual plants over longer periods, Trego supported the largest number of B1 aphids by experiment’s end, whereas Stanton and Halt yielded the largest numbers of B2. The order of overall plant damage was Trego > Stanton > Halt when infested with B1, with no significant differences for B2. Trego had more pronounced leaf rolling than other cultivars, independent of biotype. Collectively, the results suggest that D. noxia B2 from Colorado has evolved cross-virulence to both Dn4- and Dny-based resistance sources.
Palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 is targeted to the axons in neurons

Palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) is a depalmitoylating enzyme whose deficiency leads to infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. The disease is characterized by early loss of vision and massive neuronal death. Although PPT1 is expressed in many tissues, a deficiency of PPT1 damages neurons only in the cerebral and cerebellar cortexes and retina; other cell types remain relatively unaffected. We previously demonstrated that PPT1 is present in the synaptosomes and synaptic vesicles of neurons. To understand the crucial role of PPT1 for neuronal cells, we further investigated the expression and targeting of PPT1 in retinal, hippocampal, and cortical neurons during their maturation in culture. We found that PPT1 activity increases by neuronal maturation and is highest in retinal neuron cultures. In retinal neurons the expression of PPT1 precedes that of the synaptic vesicle protein 2 and synaptophysin, indicating a significant role for PPT1 in the early development of neuronal cells. We also found by quantitative confocal immunofluorescence microscopy that PPT1 is targeted preferably to axons in mature neurons, as indicated by its colocalization with the axonal marker microtubule‐associated protein 1. In axons PPT1 is targeted specifically to axonal varicosities and presynaptic terminals, as indicated by its significant colocalization with growth‐associated protein 43 and synaptophysin. Axonal localization of PPT1 was confirmed by double labeling with synaptophysin and postembedding immunoelectron microscopy. The polarized axonal targeting of PPT1 may well indicate a role for PPT1 in the exocytotic pathway of neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 455:368–377, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy of Malignant Gliomas

The failure of conventional treatment modalities for gliomas, in spite of tremendous progress in research in the past two decades, has led to increasing interest in alternative treatment strategies, including immunotherapy. It has become evident that vaccination with dendritic cells (DC), designed to express tumor antigens, is a potent strategy to elicit anti-tumor immune response in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. Various methods have been applied in order to induce DC to express tumor antigens including: pulsing with isolated tumor peptides or whole tumor lysate; fusion with tumor cells; and pulsing with apoptotic tumor cells. Herein, we review the recent progress in DC biology with regard to tumor immunity and discuss current DC-based strategies and future prospects in immunotherapy for malignant gliomas.
Design of Aptamer-Gold Nanoparticles Based Colorimetric Assay for the Early Diagnosis of Breast Tumor

: Combinatorial chemistry techniques based on the SELEX methodology were used for the identification of the specific aptamers. We have developed a highly specific colorimetric assay for breast tumor antigen (CA 15-3) that uses aptamer-gold nanoparticles (Apt-GNPs) conjugate, to combine the selectivity and affinity of aptamers and the spectroscopic advantages of gold nanoparticles to allow for the sensitive detection of CA 15-3. We have synthesized an Apt-GNPs conjugate that is specific to CA 15-3 and we used this conjugate system to detect CA 15-3 by monitoring the changes in the color and UV-vis extinction spectra of the Apt-GNPs that occur due to the aggregation of Goldnanoparticles. In this colorimetric assay we found, at very low concentration of CA 15-3 i.e. <30 units there is no change in the conjugate but when CA 15-3 was >30 units the red color of Apt-GNPs conjugate turned purple and at higher concentration of CA 15-3 i.e. >500 units there were very less extent of aggregation, which is not visible as a change in color. We have checked the change in flocculation intensity in the presence of different concentration of CA 15-3 by UV-vis extinction spectra. The results obtained in this assay would be much helpful in the practical applications of Apt-GNPs conjugate and breast tumor diagnosis.
Evidence-based practice among health professionals in hospitals of Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a problem-solving approach to patient care based on the best available and valid evidence. It is accentuated to increase the quality of care and patient safety. EBP in clinical service is low in developing countries including Ethiopia. This study aimed at assessing EBP and associated factors among health professionals in North Gondar Administrative Zone hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2015 in three hospitals in North Gondar Zone. A stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 438 respondents. Trained data collectors collected data using a pre-tested, structured and self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, level of knowledge, attitude and organizational factors. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7.0 and analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify the associated factors. Results: In total, 431 returned questionnaires were valid for the analysis making a response rate of 98.4%. Almost half, 53% (228) of study participants utilized EBP. EBP utilization was significantly associated with knowledge [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.612, 95% confidence interval (CI) = (1.06–2.45)], Internet access [AOR: 1.831, 95% CI = (1.191–2.816)], training [AOR: 1.906, 95% CI (1.223–2.97)], and availability of enough time to apply EBP [AOR: 1.698, 95% CI = (1.122–2.57)]. Conclusion: This study depicts EBP utilization was insufficient. We observed that knowledge of EBP, training, Internet access and availability of time were significantly associated with utilizing EBP. Improving facilities Internet access, giving more time for EBP, and training health professionals about search strategies would improve EBP.
The claustrum and its projection system in the human brain: a microsurgical and tractographic anatomical study.

OBJECT The goal in this study was to examine the microsurgical and tractographic anatomy of the claustrum and its projection fibers, and to analyze the functional and surgical implications of the findings. METHODS Fifteen formalin-fixed human brain hemispheres were dissected using the Klingler fiber dissection technique, with the aid of an operating microscope at x 6-40 magnification. Magnetic resonance imaging studies of 5 normal brains were analyzed using diffusion tensor (DT) imaging-based tractography software. RESULTS Both the claustrum and external capsule have 2 parts: dorsal and ventral. The dorsal part of the external capsule is mainly composed of the claustrocortical fibers that converge into the gray matter of the dorsal claustrum. Results of the tractography studies coincided with the fiber dissection findings and showed that the claustrocortical fibers connect the claustrum with the superior frontal, precentral, postcentral, and posterior parietal cortices, and are topographically organized. The ventral part of the external capsule is formed by the uncinate and inferior occipitofrontal fascicles, which traverse the ventral part of the claustrum, connecting the orbitofrontal and prefrontal cortex with the amygdaloid, temporal, and occipital cortices. The relationship between the insular surface and the underlying fiber tracts, and between the medial lower surface of the claustrum and the lateral lenticulostriate arteries is described. CONCLUSIONS The combination of the fiber dissection technique and DT imaging-based tractography supports the presence of the claustrocortical system as an integrative network in humans and offers the potential to aid in understanding the diffusion of gliomas in the insula and other areas of the brain.
Detection of antinuclear antibodies: added value of solid phase assay?

Agmon-Levin et al 1 formulated recommendations for the assessment of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) is considered the reference method for ANA screening, which is in agreement with the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) position statement.2 The recommendations are based on current knowledge and expert experience. However, as recognised by Meroni and Schur,2 no well-planned studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the old IIF and the new methods have been undertaken. In a recent study, IIF was compared to a new automated method for connective disease screening (fluoroenzymeimmunoassay (FEIA) (EliA CTD screen, Thermo Fisher)) using samples obtained at the time of diagnosis from well-characterised patients and controls.3 Diagnostic accuracy data (for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS)) from this study is recapitulated in table 1. …
Inverse agonist histamine H3 receptor PET tracers labelled with carbon‐11 or fluorine‐18

Two histamine H3 receptor (H3R) inverse agonist PET tracers have been synthesized and characterized in preclinical studies. Each tracer has high affinity for the histamine H3 receptor, has suitable lipophilicity, and neither is a substrate for the P‐glycoprotein efflux pump. A common phenolic precursor was used to synthesize each tracer with high specific activity and radiochemical purity by an alkylation reaction using either [11C]MeI or [18F]FCD2Br. Autoradiographic studies in rhesus monkey and human brain slices showed that each tracer had a widespread distribution with high binding densities in frontal cortex, globus pallidus and striatum, and lower uptake in cerebellum. The specificity of this expression pattern was demonstrated by the blockade of the autoradiographic signal by either the H3R agonist R‐α‐methylhistamine or a histamine H3R inverse agonist. In vivo PET imaging studies in rhesus monkey showed rapid uptake of each tracer into the brain with the same distribution seen in the autoradiographic studies. Each tracer could be blocked by pretreatment with a histamine H3R inverse agonist giving a good specific signal. Comparison of the in vitro metabolism of each compound showed slower metabolism in human liver microsomes than in rhesus monkey liver microsomes, with each compound having a similar clearance rate in humans. The in vivo metabolism of 1b in rhesus monkey showed that at 60 min, ∼35% of the circulating counts were due to the parent. These tracers are very promising candidates as clinical PET tracers to both study the histamine H3R system and measure receptor occupancy of H3R therapeutic compounds. Synapse 63:1122–1132, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transverse changes determined by rapid and slow maxillary expansion--a low-dose CT-based randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES To compare transverse skeletal changes produced by rapid (RME) and slow (SME) maxillary expansion using low-dose computed tomography. The null hypothesis was that SME and RME are equally effective in producing skeletal maxillary expansion in patients with posterior crossbite. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION This study was carried out at the Department of Oral Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Italy. Twelve patients (seven males, five females, mean age ± SD: 10.3 ± 2.5 years) were allocated to the SME group and 14 patients (six males, eight females, mean age ± SD: 9.7 ± 1.5 years) to the RME group. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients received a two-band palatal expander and were randomly allocated to either RME or SME. Low-dose computed tomography was used to identify skeletal and dental landmarks and to measure transverse maxillary changes with treatment. RESULTS A significant increase in skeletal transverse diameters was found in both SME and RME groups (anterior expansion = 2.2 ± 1.4 mm, posterior expansion = 2.2 ± 0.9 mm, pterygoid expansion = 0.9 ± 0.8 mm). No significant differences were found between groups at anterior (SME = 1.9 ± 1.3 mm; RME = 2.5 ± 1.5 mm) or posterior (SME = 1.9 ± 1.0 mm; RME = 2.4 ± 0.9 mm) locations, while a statistically significant difference was measured at the pterygoid processes (SME = 0.6 ± 0.6 mm; RME = 1.2 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.04), which was not clinically relevant. CONCLUSION Rapid maxillary expansion is not more effective than SME in expanding the maxilla in patients with posterior crossbite.