Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Receptor encoding of moving tactile stimuli in humans. II. The mean response of individual low-threshold mechanoreceptors to motion across the receptive field

The mean firing rate evoked in 70 cutaneous, low-threshold mechanoreceptors in the human median, radial, and inferior alveolar nerves by stimulus motion across the skin was quantitatively studied. Moving stimuli, controlled for velocity, direction, and length of skin traversed, were provided by a servo-controlled motor that carried a brush across the receptive field. Each unit was studied with stimuli delivered at multiple velocities from 0.5 to 32 cm/sec in at least two opposing directions. A power function provided an excellent description of the MFR-versus-velocity relationship. The exponent n was interpreted to reflect the receptor's sensitivity to changes in stimulus velocity, and the multiplicative constant c, the predicted response to stimuli moving at 1.0 cm/sec. The fast adapting mechanoreceptors exhibited higher sensitivity to stimulus velocity than the slowly adapting mechanoreceptors. The mean velocity at which the fast adapting units were predicted to first respond to movement was also higher. Estimates of n, c, or both differed significantly for stimuli delivered in opposing directions for more than 70% of the mechanoreceptors. No direction of motion consistently led to power function parameters with higher values so as to suggest a “preferred” regional direction of motion for the entire population. Neither the directional difference in n nor c could be attributed to directional differences in the forces applied across the receptive fields. These findings suggest that information about velocity and direction is represented in the mean firing rate responses evoked in the population of mechanoreceptors activated by a moving tactile stimulus.
The relationship between tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus in patients Ibrahim Kareem Khalil MSC Abstract : Diabetes Mellitus is associated with higer risk of lower respiratory tract infection including pulmonary tuberculosis with featu

Diabetes Mellitus is associated with higer risk of lower respiratory tract infection including pulmonary tuberculosis with features which differ from that observed in the general non-diabetic population.To assess the effect of diabetes mellitus on the clinical ,bacteriological and radiological presentation of pulmonary tuberculosis diabetic population. This is a cross sectional study that enrolled 50 patients with diabetes mellitus and pulmonary tuberculosis . the patients included in this study had been randomly selected from those attending AL-Hilla Teaching Hospital in Babylon Province – iraq during the period between the 1 st of May, 2006 to the 31 st of May , 2007. All of the patients had been subjected to thorough physical examination and laboratory investigations . This study revealed male to femaIe ratio of 5:1. Sixteen percent of the sample ( 4 patients ) was of type 2 diabetes . mellitus. 56% of those with diabetes and pulmonary tuberculosis (14 patients) were diabetic for 0-10 years. 38 patients (76% of the sample ) had sputum smear positive , the remaining 12 patients (24 % of the sample) were smear negative / culture positive . Multiple lobe involvement was obvious in 64% of (32 patients ). lower lung field involvement had been detected in 32% of the sample ( 36 patients ) . Caviary lesions had been diagnosed in 30 patients (60% of the sample). This study revealed that diabetes modifies the clinical and radiological picture of pulmonary tuberculosis . Diabetic patients are at higher risk of recurrence and extensive pulmonary involvement . Tuberculosis is associated with poor glycemic control . Diabetes changes the male : female ratio toward the side of male predominance . Lower lung field involvement is more common in diabetics who had pulmonary tubrcu1osis.
Genetic variation among pelt sheep population using microsatellite markers

Genetic variation in three Iranian pelt sheep breeds namely: Gray Shiraz, Zandi and Karakul were investigated using fifteen microsatellite loci. Genomic DNA was extracted from 360 blood samples by extraction kits and salting-out procedure with some modifications. The total number of alleles ranged from 6 to12 in loci. The fifteen tested loci were all polymorphic in the three breeds. The average direct count of heterozygosity overall loci in each tested breed was more than the expected heterozygosity. Tests of genotype frequencies for deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were performed at each locus of overall breeds and revealed significant departure from HWE (P < 0.001) due to heterozygote excess. Polymorphism information content value in Gray Shiraz, Zandi and Karakul were 0.815, 0.808 and 0.808, respectively. Rate of inbreeding within the three breeds was not noticeable (global F is = - 0.19). Low genetic differentiation was detected by estimation of F st index between all pairs of breeds. Results showed that high level of genetic diversity was observed in pelt sheep. The phylogenetic tree based on Nei distances were drown using the neighbor-joining (NJ) and unweighted pair-group method using an arithmetic average (UPGMA). With both methods, Gray Shiraz and Karakul sheep populations were located together at one cluster and Zandi sheep population at another. The results can be useful in the development of breeding strategy for genetic improvement of pelt sheep in Iran. Key words: Microsatellites, sheep, genetic, diversity.
Prediction of outcome after wheezing in infancy

Asthmatic symptoms are common in infants and young children. However, in young children they represent a heterogeneous disease group, and different types of asthma have different prognoses. Nonatopic children with viral wheeze tend to have transient wheezing, while atopy is the most important predictor of subsequent development of asthma (1–3). Data indicating that “wheezy bronchitis” is a separate syndrome from atopic asthma are in fact accumulating (4). As a rule, infection-associated wheeze in toddlers disappears at the age of 3–4 y. At preschool age, a little less than 50% of children with asthma or wheezing bronchitis as infants still have asthma (1, 5). By 10–12 y of age, the proportion of asthma in children who had asthma or wheezing bronchitis in infancy has decreased to about 25–30% (2, 6).
Route of Administration Affects Outcomes of Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant for Peripheral Nerve Blocks

the current literature, both retrobulbar and peribulbar blocks are effective, and no single technique has been proven to be superior to the other. We mentioned in our article that this procedure needs to be carried out by an experienced ophthalmologist with caution, because of clinical risks such as chemosis, retrobulbar hemorrhage, or globe perforation. Although the relatively smaller orbit in young children could pose extra difficulty, it is the skill of the manipulator that prevails in the choice of technique. In the National Pediatric Eye Center (Beijing, China), where the study took place, the needle-based application of retrobulbar block for pediatric patients has been established since 2008, and no severe adverse effects were observed in more than 100 cases annually. A 25-gauge sterile used needle (Edge SA Medical & Plastic Medical Instrument, Shanghai, China) is adopted to perform retrobulbar block. The tip of used needle is not as sharp as those single-use disposable needles but still sharp enough to enter the eyewithout much force (Fig. 1). To date, this needle has only 1 size (50 mm). According to the ophthalmologist who performs the technique, the needle is inserted into the eye 20 to 35 mm. We agree that eye block could be performed by anesthesiologists after sufficient training possibly with the guidance of ultrasound. Eye block in the holding room could improve operating room turnover times and ensure intraoperative ocular akinesia. But in surgical practice in China, eye block is conducted by ophthalmologists.
Pregnancy‐induced chromatin remodeling in the breast of postmenopausal women

Early pregnancy and multiparity are known to reduce the risk of women to develop breast cancer at menopause. Based on the knowledge that the differentiation of the breast induced by the hormones of pregnancy plays a major role in this protection, this work was performed with the purpose of identifying what differentiation‐associated molecular changes persist in the breast until menopause. Core needle biopsies (CNB) obtained from the breast of 42 nulliparous (NP) and 71 parous (P) postmenopausal women were analyzed in morphology, immunocytochemistry and gene expression. Whereas in the NP breast, nuclei of epithelial cells were large and euchromatic, in the P breast they were small and hyperchromatic, showing strong methylation of histone 3 at lysine 9 and 27. Transcriptomic analysis performed using Affymetrix HG_U133 oligonucleotide arrays revealed that in CNB of the P breast, there were 267 upregulated probesets that comprised genes controlling chromatin organization, transcription regulation, splicing machinery, mRNA processing and noncoding elements including XIST. We concluded that the differentiation process induced by pregnancy is centered in chromatin remodeling and in the mRNA processing reactome, both of which emerge as important regulatory pathways. These are indicative of a safeguard step that maintains the fidelity of the transcription process, becoming the ultimate mechanism mediating the protection of the breast conferred by full‐term pregnancy.
An analysis of the lowest effective intensity of prophylactic anticoagulation for patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND To avert major hemorrhage, physicians need to know the lowest intensity of anticoagulation that is effective in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Since the low rate of stroke has made it difficult to perform prospective studies to resolve this issue, we conducted a case-control study. METHODS We studied 74 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation who were admitted to our hospital from 1989 through 1994 after having an ischemic stroke while taking warfarin. For each patient with stroke, three controls with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation who were treated as outpatients were randomly selected from the 1994 registry of the anticoagulant-therapy unit (222 controls). We used the international normalized ratio (INR) to measure the intensity of anticoagulation. For the patients with stroke, we used INR at admission; for the controls, we selected the INR that was measured closest to the month and day of the matched case patient's hospital admission. RESULTS The risk of stroke rose steeply at INRs below 2.0. At an INR of 1.7, the adjusted odds ratio for stroke, as compared with the risk at an INR of 2.0, was 2.0 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.6 to 2.4); at an INR of 1.5, it was 3.3 (95 percent confidence interval, 2.4 to 4.6); and at an INR of 1.3, it was 6.0 (95 percent confidence interval, 3.6 to 9.8). Other independent risk factors were previous stroke (odds ratio, 10.4; 95 percent confidence interval, 4.4 to 24.5), diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 2.95; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 6.5), hypertension (odds ratio, 2.5; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.1 to 5.7), and current smoking (odds ratio, 5.7; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.4 to 24.0). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with atrial fibrillation, anticoagulant prophylaxis is effective at INRs of 2.0 or greater. Since previous studies have indicated that the risk of hemorrhage rises rapidly at INRs greater than 4.0 to 5.0, tight control of anticoagulant therapy to maintain the INR between 2.0 and 3.0 is a better strategy than targeting lower, less effective levels of anticoagulation.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Basic Motor Competencies among Third-Graders in Luxembourg. An Assessment Tool for Teachers

ABSTRACT Basic motor competencies (in German: Motorische Basiskompetenzen; MOBAK) are performance dispositions empowering children to participate in the movement culture. For the diagnosis of basic motor competencies, a test instrument consisting of 15 test items for assessing third graders’ basic motor competencies was developed (MOBAK-LUX-3) and validated empirically. Basic motor competencies were operationalized as test items in the form of basic motor qualifications, which are cultural tools formulated as a minimum standard. Data (MOBAK-LUX-3, age, gender, migration background, weight, height, sport club membership, weekly physical activity) were collected in 2015 amongst third-graders in elementary school in Luxembourg (N = 488; 50.4% female; M age = 8.8 years, SD = .51). A confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a four-factor structure (locomotion, object control, moving in water, object locomotion; CFI = .94; TLI = .92; RMSEA = .036; WRMR = 0.89). Five classes with different competence profiles were determined through latent class analysis. The MOBAK-LUX-3 test instrument satisfies test theory requirements and can be used to determinate motor competence profiles.
Fuzzy MCDM approach to select service provider

Investigators have shown that service quality perceptions are multi-dimensional and multi-leveled. However, from the strategic and competitive points of view, marketers would like to know which service quality dimensions or levels are more important when a customer evaluates the quality of service they provide. Since service quality is basically determined by subjective perceptions and feelings towards each of the evaluated criteria, the fuzzy MCDM (Fuzzy Multiple Criteria Decision Making, FMCDM) approach can explain more effectively how customers make their evaluation of service quality and select the service provider, and is recommended for practical use. The approach is illustrated using an empirical example in the fast food industry. The results demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of this approach.
Treatment of Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms by Embolization with Guglielmi Detachable Coils: Case-fatality, Morbidity, and Effectiveness in Preventing Bleeding—A Systematic Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE:Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) increasingly are being used to treat unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs). We systematically reviewed the literature to assess the case-fatality and permanent morbidity rates of GDC embolization of UCAs and the postembolization bleeding rate. METHODS:Through a MEDLINE search of the English, Italian, and French literature from January 1990 through December 2002, we retrieved studies on GDC embolization of aneurysms and extracted data on UCAs. Inclusion criteria were: 1) attempted GDC embolization of at least five consecutive patients with UCAs, 2) reported percentage of at least either case-fatality or permanent morbidity rate or crude data allowing an independent calculation. When data on UCAs could not be characterized with certainty among data on other, different lesions, the study was rejected. RESULTS:We included 30 studies. One thousand three hundred seventy-nine patients were available for the calculation of the case-fatality rate, 794 for the permanent morbidity rate, and 703 for the bleeding rate. The case-fatality rate was 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.2–1%), the permanent morbidity rate was 7% (95% confidence interval, 5.3–8.7%), and the bleeding rate was 0.9% per year (95% confidence interval, 0.41–1.4%). Only incompletely coiled UCAs of 10 mm or more accounted for the bleeding events. Morbidity decreased from 8.6% to 4.5% (P < 0.05) when the midyear of study (average calendar year of treatment) was 1995 or later. CONCLUSION:GDC embolization of UCAs is relatively safe, and the outcome is progressively improving. Partial embolization of UCAs of 10 mm or more is unlikely to provide an acceptable protection. Most of the source publications suffer from methodological weaknesses. Prospective studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to definitively assess the effectiveness of GDCs on UCAs.
When Risk Perceptions Are Nothing but Guesses - An Evaluability Perspective on Privacy Risks

Traditionally, a majority of IS privacy research assumes that individuals are able to form confident privacy risk perceptions when being confronted with situations involving the disclosure of personal information. We challenge this assumption by offering theoretical arguments that privacy risks are difficult to evaluate for individuals. Based on an experimental survey study among 233 participants we show that (1) the formation of privacy risk perceptions is dependent on external reference information and (2) more external information allow a more confident risk judgment, which in turn has a stronger impact on an individual’s privacy-related behavior. These findings extend privacy calculus theory by introducing the context-specific evaluability of privacy risks as a moderator of the effect of perceived privacy risks on usage intentions of privacy-invasive information systems. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed and future research suggestions are provided.
Simple Estimators for the Simple Latent Class Mastery Testing Model. Twente Educational Memorandum No. 19.

Latent class models for mastery testing differ from continuum models in that they do not postulate a latent mastery continuum but conceive mastery and non-mastery as two latent classes, each characterized by different probabilities of success. Several researchers use a simple latent class model that is basically a simultaneous application of the binomial error model to both mastery classes. W. A. Reulecke (1977) presents a version of this model that assumes that non-masters guess blindly, with a probability of success equal to the reciprocal of the number of alternatives. Assuming a loss ratio, these models enable the derivation of an optimal cutting score for separating masters from non-masters. To compute this cutting score, the model parameters must be estimated. J. A. Emrick and F. N. Adams (1969) suggest a method that is based on the average inter-item correlation but which, due to its assumptions, is only of restricted applicability. The sample applies to the maximum likelihood method in as much as this involves estimation equations that can be solved iteratively. In this paper, the method of moments is used to obtain "quick and easy" estimates. An endpoint that assumes that the parameters can simply be estimated from the tails of the sample distribution is discussed. A Monte Carlo experiment demonstrates that the method of moments yields excellent estimators and beats the endpoint method uniformly.
[Expression of ATM protein in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines with different radiosensitivity].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE It has been reported that ataxia- telangiectasia mutant(ATM) protein is closely correlated with cellular radiosensitivity in several malignant tumors. This study was designed to determine the expression of ATM protein in two nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines with different radiosensitivity. METHODS Two NPC cell lines, CNE1 and CNE2, with different radiosensitivity were established. The localization and quantity of ATM protein were analyzed by fluorescence immunohistochemical method and laser scanning confocal microscope(LSCM). RESULTS ATM protein was located in both karyon and cytoplasm, especially strongly expressed in karyon. The intense fluorescence of ATM protein was stronger in karyon of CNE1 than that in CNE2. CONCLUSION The expression levels of ATM protein differ in CNE1 and CNE2. The variance may be a potential factor, which links with their different radiosensitivity.
An optimal stopping problem on the finite-step simple random walk with absorbent boundaries

This paper proposes a model of finite-step simple random walk with absorbent boundaries. We address a problem of optimal stop for this model, which is defined as the absorbent boundary value with maximum profit. Compared with many existing optimal stopping investigations in the random process, the optimal stopping time is given based on the classical probability computation within finite steps which is more easier to comprehend. The result obtained in this paper may provide some useful guidelines for real applications associated with the finite-step simple random walk such as stock market and gambling game.
American and European options in multi-factor jump-diffusion models, near expiry

We derive a general formula for the time decay θ for out-of-the-money European options on stocks and bonds at expiry, in terms of the density of jumps F(x,dy) and the payoff g+: −θ(x)=∫g(x+y)+F(x,dy). Explicit formulas are derived for the standard put and call options, exchange options in stochastic volatility and local volatility models, and options on bonds in ATSMs. Using these formulas, we show that in the presence of jumps, the limit of the no-exercise region for the American option with the payoff (−g)+ as time to expiry τ tends to 0 may be larger than in the pure Gaussian case. In particular, for many families of non-Gaussian processes used in empirical studies of financial markets, the early exercise boundary for the American put without dividends is separated from the strike price by a nonvanishing margin on the interval [0,T), where T is the maturity date.
Presence of a pre‐apoptotic complex of pro‐caspase‐3, Hsp60 and Hsp10 in the mitochondrial fraction of Jurkat cells

Activation of pro‐caspase‐3 is a central event in the execution phase of apoptosis and appears to serve as the convergence point of different apoptotic signaling pathways. Recently, mitochondria were found to play a central role in apoptosis through release of cytochrome c and activation of caspases. Moreover, a sub‐population of pro‐caspase‐3 has been found to be localized to this organelle. In the present study, we demonstrate that pro‐caspase‐3 is present in the mitochondrial fraction of Jurkat T cells in a complex with the chaperone proteins Hsp60 and Hsp10. Induction of apoptosis with staurosporine led to the activation of mitochondrial pro‐caspase‐3 and its dissociation from the Hsps which were released from mitochondria. The release of Hsps occurred simultaneously with the release of other mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins including cytochrome c and adenylate kinase, prior to a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential. In in vitro systems, recombinant Hsp60 and Hsp10 accelerated the activation of pro‐caspase‐3 by cytochrome c and dATP in an ATP‐dependent manner, consistent with their function as chaperones. This finding suggests that the release of mitochondrial Hsps may also accelerate caspase activation in the cytoplasm of intact cells.
SUPERVISORY MENTORING BY ADVISERS: RELATIONSHIPS WITH DOCTORAL STUDENT POTENTIAL, PRODUCTIVITY, AND COMMITMENT

A 2-year, three-panel (T1-T3) longitudinal study of 233 entering Ph.D. students examined the relationships between student potential for mentoring, (i.e., attitudes and objective abilities at entry (T1), mentoring functions used by the faculty adviser (T2,T3), and student research productivity and commitment (T3). Student potential was found to predict the amount of psychosocial mentoring, career mentoring, and research collaboration provided by the adviser. Psychosocial mentoring and collaboration were not related to student productivity or commitment after controlling for the students' entering abilities and attitudes. Career mentoring at T2 was negatively related to the students' affective commitment to their program at T3. Implications for our understanding of mentoring and future research are discussed.