Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of the wavelength dependence of the differential pathlength factor from near-infrared pulse signals

For the calculation of changes in oxyhaemoglobin, deoxyhaemoglobin and the redox state of cytochrome-c-oxidase from attenuation data via a modified Beer-Lambert equation the wavelength dependence of the differential pathlength factor (DPF) has to be taken into account. The DPF, i.e. the ratio of the mean optical pathlength and the physical light source-detector separation at each wavelength, determines the crosstalk between the different concentrations and is therefore essential for a sensitive detection of chromophore changes. Here a simple method is suggested to estimate the wavelength dependence of the DPF from pulse-induced attenuation changes measured on the head of adult humans. The essence is that the DPF is the ratio of the attenuation changes over absorption coefficient changes, and that the spectral form of the pulse correlated absorption coefficient change can be assumed to be proportional to the extinction coefficient of blood. Indicators for the validity of the DPF derived for wavelengths between 700 and 970 nm are the stability of the calculated haemoglobin and cytochrome signals with variations of the wavelength range included for their calculation and its overall agreement with the data available from the literature.
The K-LLE algorithm for nonlinear dimensionality ruduction of large-scale hyperspectral data

This work addresses nonlinear dimensionality reduction by means of locally linear embedding (LLE) for large-scale hyperspectral data. The LLE algorithm depends on spectral decomposition to a great extent, resulting in computational complexity and storage-costing while calculating the embedding of the low-dimensional data, particularly for large-scale hyperspectral data. LLE is not applicable to dimensionality reduction of large-scale hyperspectral data using general personal computers. In this paper, we present a novel method named K-LLE which introduces Kmeans clustering into LLE to deal with this issue. We firstly utilize K-cluster centers to represent the manifold structure of data instead of all data points, and next regard the K-cluster centers as a bridge between the manifold structure and all data in order to obtain the low-dimensional representation for each data point without handling the complex spectral decomposition. Finally, classification is explored as a potential application to validate the proposed algorithm. Experimental results on two hyperspectral datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Comparing High Order Networks by Persistence Homology

This paper presents methods to compare high order networks using persistence homology. High order networks induce well-founded homological features and the difference between networks is measured by the difference between the homological features. This is a reasonable approximation to a valid metric in the space of high order networks modulo permutation isomorphisms. The approximations succeed in identifying collaboration patterns of engineering and math academic journals.
The Relationship between Students' IQ and their Ability to Use Transitional Words and Expressions in Writing

Teaching a second / foreign language has been a controversial issue during the past decades. There are sets of factors which influence how successful a person is at learning a second language. Littlewood (1984) stated that a person's motivation to learn and the qualities of the opportunities to learn are two of these factors. The third set of factors is those which make up the person's ability to learn. This refers to the intelligence and a set of more specific language learning abilities called "language aptitude".
Does the UKCAT predict Year 1 performance in medical school?

Context The need to identify the best applicants for medicine and to ensure that selection is fair and ethical has led to the development of alternative, or additional, selection tools. One such tool is the United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test, or UKCAT. To date there have been no studies of the predictive validity of the UKCAT.
The Basic Ingredients of the North Atlantic Storm Track. Part I: Land-Sea Contrast and Orography

Abstract Understanding and predicting changes in storm tracks over longer time scales is a challenging problem, particularly in the North Atlantic. This is due in part to the complex range of forcings (land–sea contrast, orography, sea surface temperatures, etc.) that combine to produce the structure of the storm track. The impact of land–sea contrast and midlatitude orography on the North Atlantic storm track is investigated through a hierarchy of GCM simulations using idealized and “semirealistic” boundary conditions in a high-resolution version of the Hadley Centre atmosphere model (HadAM3). This framework captures the large-scale essence of features such as the North and South American continents, Eurasia, and the Rocky Mountains, enabling the results to be applied more directly to realistic modeling situations than was possible with previous idealized studies. The physical processes by which the forcing mechanisms impact the large-scale flow and the midlatitude storm tracks are discussed. The charact.
Opinions of Elderly People on Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease

Background: As more people survive into old age, a greater number are becoming eligible for dialysis treatment for end-stage renal failure. In the UK the elderly have previously been excluded from treatment programmes, and continuing financial constraints are unlikely to improve this situation. There are few data on the views of elderly subjects on renal replacement treatment. We have, therefore, explored the views of elderly subjects in this study. Methods: 50 subjects were selected from hospital geriatric wards and nursing homes. A short clinical vignette about a 75-year-old patient with renal failure was presented, and the subjects were asked to give their opinion on choices made by the patient to different treatment options. The subjects were then asked what choice they would make if in the same situation. They were asked what level of symptoms they would tolerate and for their views on cost and treatment allocation. Important contributors to quality of life were also determined for each subject using visual analogue scales. Results: 84% of the subjects would choose dialysis treatment, and 78% of all elderly would attend hospital as necessary, if their symptoms could be relieved. 54% of the in-patient elderly and 83.3% of nursing home elderly even when physically disabled and living in a nursing home would want dialysis for end-stage renal failure. 74% of all elderly preferred to have home dialysis treatment. Only 36% of the subjects thought cost was important when allocating dialysis to the elderly. Being independent and free from major symptoms was regarded as important for a good quality of life. Conclusions: In this survey, elderly subjects wanted dialysis treatment. Neither age nor cost were considered important determinants for resource allocation. Symptom relief and maintaining independence were considered the main goals of treatment.
Direct Dynamics Studies of a Binuclear Metal Complex in Solution: The Interplay Between Vibrational Relaxation, Coherence, and Solvent Effects.

By using a newly implemented QM/MM multiscale MD method to simulate the excited state dynamics of the Ir2(dimen)42+ (dimen = 1,8-diisocyano-p-menthane) complex, we not only report on results that support the two experimentally observed coherent dynamical modes in the molecule but also reveal a third mode, not distinguishable by spectroscopic methods. We directly follow the channels of energy dissipation to the solvent and report that the main cause for coherence decay is the initial wide range of configurations in the excited state population. We observe that the solvent can actually extend the coherence lifetime by blocking channels for intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution (IVR).
Efficacy of acupuncture in pain management of chronic diseases of bone and joint : a review of literature

Acupuncture is in use in China for several millennia as a procedure believed to restore altered energy balance of the body due to any disease through insertion of needles at specific points called energy channels. The use of acupuncture in various types of musculoskeletal pain is on the rise. The analgesic action of acupuncture is mediated by local production of endogenous opioid peptides (EOP) and modulation of nociceptor function. Several high quality randomized clinical trials (RCT) have generally concluded that acupuncture is effective in relieving back pain compared with no treatment and comparable to usual care for back pain. Several high quality studies found significant pain reduction in patients with osteoarthritis of knee although lack of analgesic effect of acupuncture in this disease setting has also been reported. High quality studies on the effect of acupuncture in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are lacking. When two well-designed (double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled) studies with RA patients were considered, one found significantly improved tender joint and pain by traditional acupuncture but the other failed to find any effect of acupuncture over placebo. In case of gouty arthritis, a systematic meta-analysis found significant efficacy of acupuncture treatment in decreasing blood uric acid and improving the overall quality of life. Effect of acupuncture on post-menopausal osteoporosis remains understudied. Results from preclinical studies in gonadectomised rats suggests bone conserving effect of acupuncture; however, efficacy trials in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients are not yet available. The goal of the review was to comprehensively discuss the scientific basis of acupuncture in alleviating chronic pain arising from bone and joint diseases.
UTILIZATION OF FUNDUS AUTOFLUORESCENCE, SPECTRAL DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY, AND ENHANCED DEPTH IMAGING IN THE CHARACTERIZATION OF BIETTI CRYSTALLINE DYSTROPHY IN DIFFERENT STAGES

Purpose: To characterize Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) in different stages using multiple imaging modalities. Methods: Sixteen participants clinically diagnosed as BCD were included in the retrospective study and were categorized into 3 stages according to fundus photography. Eleven patients were genetically confirmed. Fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and enhanced depth imaging features of BCD were analyzed. Results: On fundus autofluorescence, the abnormal autofluorescence was shown to enlarge in area and decrease in intensity with stages. Using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, the abnormalities in Stage 1 were observed to localize in outer retinal layers, whereas in Stage 2 and Stage 3, more extensive retinal atrophy was seen. In enhanced depth imaging, the subfoveal choroidal layers were delineated clearly in Stage 1; in Stage 2, destructions were primarily found in the choriocapillaris with associated alterations in the outer vessels; Stage 3 BCD displayed severe choroidal thinning. Choroidal neovascularization and macular edema were exhibited with high incidence. IVS6-8del17bp/inGC of the CYP4V2 gene was the most common mutant allele. Conclusion: Noninvasive fundus autofluorescence, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and enhanced depth imaging may help to characterize the chorioretinal pathology of BCD at different degrees, and therefore, we propose staging of BCD depending on those methods. Physicians should be cautious of the vision-threatening complications of the disease.
A fuzzy portfolio model considering transaction costs

This paper deals with the portfolio selection problem when the expected return rates and risks are fuzzy. Firstly, assuming the transaction cost being taken as V-shaped function, a fuzzy linear portfolio model is established based on the hypothesis that the correlation coefficients of different stock return rates are the same. Then, the fuzzy linear programming problem is transformed into a multi-objective linear programming problem by using fuzzy mathematics and its analytic solution is obtained. Finally, actual Chinese stock market data is given as a numerical example to illustrate the model.
A Multicenter, Open-Label Trial to Evaluate the Quality of Life in Adults With ADHD Treated With Long-Acting Methylphenidate (OROS MPH)

The available literature provides few studies on the effectiveness of methylphenidate in improving quality of life in individuals with ADHD. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Methyphenidate OROS formulation (OROS MPH) through QoL in adults with ADHD. Method: A 12-week, multicenter, open-label trial involving 60 patients was used. The measures used were Adult Self-Rating Scale, Adult ADHD Quality of Life Scale (AAQoL), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and safety measures. A significance statistic level of 5% was adopted. Results: Analyses included 60 patients (66.7% male; M age = 31.1 years) for safety and 58 patients for effectiveness. All AAQoL subscales improved from baseline to Week 12 (p < .0001), as well as the Total AAQoL (p < .0001). A significant reduction on Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I), HAM-D, STAI, and ASRS scores was observed (p < .0001). No serious adverse event was reported. Conclusion: Treatment of adult ADHD patients with OROS MPH improves QoL.
Effectiveness of Directional Preference to Guide Management of Low Back Pain in Canadian Armed Forces Members: A Pragmatic Study.

INTRODUCTION Low-back pain (LBP) is a leading cause for disability in military personnel. Consequently, effective management strategies are required to maintaining operational capabilities. Physical therapy clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of directional preference (DP) to guide management. The effectiveness of this approach has not been tested in military personnel using a pragmatic study design. Pragmatic studies are ideal to inform clinicians and policymakers about the usefulness of proven interventions in real-life clinical conditions. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine, in clinical practice, the effectiveness of a management approach guided by DP vs. usual care (UC) physical therapy in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members with LBP. MATERIAL AND METHODS A pragmatic study was conducted among 44 consecutive CAF members with LBP who received management guided by DP (n = 22) or UC (n = 22). Outcomes were pain intensity (primary outcome), pain location and frequency, perceived disability, medication use, perceived global effect (pain, function, overall status), work loss, and health care utilization. The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed at 1-month and 3-months follow-up. RESULTS Statistically significant differences favoring the DP group were observed for pain intensity (Δ 1 month: 1.9/10; 95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.97-2.89; Δ 3 months: 1.3/10; 95% CI: 0.35-2.31), pain location at 1 month (54.5% vs. 19.0%; p = 0.02) and 3 months (68.2% vs. 38.1%; p = 0.01), disability (Δ 1 month: 4.3/24; 95% CI: 2.12-6.38; Δ 3 months: 3.5/24; 95% CI; 1.59-5.33), perceived global effect at 1 month (pain: 86.4% vs. 57.1%; function: 81.8% vs. 47.6%; overall status: 86.4% vs. 57.1%) and 3 months (pain: 95.5% vs. 71.1%; overall status: 95.5% vs. 66.7%) with p values < 0.05, and improvement in work status at 3 months (54.5% vs. 23.8%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION DP-guided management appears more effective than UC physical therapy to reduce pain and improve function in CAF members with LBP. Rapid improvements and the patient's ability to self-manage may prove especially advantageous in deployed settings. Our findings are particularly useful to inform military policymakers and clinicians on optimal management for CAF members.
Specificity of Antibodies to Nitric Oxide Synthase Isoforms in Human, Guinea Pig, Rat, and Mouse Tissues

Ten commercially available rabbit polyclonal anti-NOS antibodies were tested for their immunohistological applicability in normal human, guinea pig, rat, and mouse organs. Most antibodies reacted as expected and described in the literature with various tissues of the investigated species. Several antibodies did not react with the expected cell populations in a certain species, or reacted in previously unknown patterns. In addition, different antibodies to the same isoform rarely detected identical cell populations, even within one species. Most of these unexpected immunoreactivities were observed in bronchial epithelial, glomerular epithelial, and vascular smooth muscle cells. These unexpected results usually occurred when the antibodies were tested in other organs or species than that to which they were originally raised. We therefore strongly recommend the use of anti-NOS antibodies only after careful immunohistological and biochemical analysis of their reactivity in the organ and species to be studied.
The potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation for population-based application: a region-based illustrated brief overview

The awareness of the global trends in neuroscience study, especially in the cognitive neuroscience field, should be increased. One notable approach is the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) not only as a research tool but also as a choice for treatment and rehabilitation in neurological disorders, such as post-stroke hemiplegia, visuospatial neglect syndrome, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and psychiatric conditions such as major depression and schizophrenia. All of these occur in significant numbers in highly populated regions. This paper briefly discusses the basic protocols and potential benefits of using TMS with the aim of providing insight that is useful in the design of future public health strategies in highly populated regions with a large neurocognitive burden of disease where this technique is currently underemployed.
Over-representation of PPARγ sequence variants in sporadic cases of glioblastoma multiforme: preliminary evidence for common low penetrance modifiers for brain tumour risk in the general population

PPARγ, the gamma isoform of a family of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, plays a key role in adipocyte differentiation. Recently, its broad expression in multiple tissues and several epithelial cancers has been shown. Further, somatic loss of function mutations in PPARγ have been found in primary colorectal carcinomas. We sought to determine if somatic high penetrance mutations in this gene might also play a role in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We also examined this gene to determine if common low penetrance polymorphic alleles might lend low level susceptibility to GBM in the general population. No somatic high penetrance mutations were detected in 96 sporadic GBMs. However, polymorphic alleles at codons 12 and 449 were significantly over-represented among the 27 unrelated American patients with sporadic GBM compared to 80 race matched controls. While nine (33%) were heterozygous for the P12A variant, c.34C/G (cytosine to guanine change at nucleotide 34), 12 (15%) controls were heterozygous for P12A (p<0.05). Similarly, 13 of 26 (50%) glioblastoma patients compared to 10 of 80 (12%) normal controls were found to have the heterozygous H449H polymorphism (p<0.001). The over-representation of H449H in glioblastoma patients was confirmed with a second validation set of American patients. When both American series were combined, polymorphic H449H was over-represented among cases versus controls (p<0.001) and there was a similar trend (p=0.07) for P12A. The precise mechanism for this association is unknown but thesePPARγ polymorphisms may be acting in a low penetrance predisposing manner. However, these associations were not found in a German population, possibly arguing that if these variants are in linkage disequilibrium with a third locus, then this effect is relatively new, after the settlement of the American colonies.
Acute subdural hematoma in judo practitioners--report of four cases.

Four cases of acute subdural hematoma in judo players are presented. Three were teenagers and one a young adult. Three sustained very severe injuries involving rupture of the bridging vein draining into the superior sagittal sinus without primary cortical laceration. These four cases are described and the incidence and nature of judo-related head injuries are discussed.
The Ecology of Mutualism

Elementary ecology texts tell us that organisms interact in three fundamental ways, generally given the names competition, predation, and mutualism. The third member has gotten short shrift (264), and even its name is not generally agreed on. Terms that may be considered synonyms, in whole or part, are symbiosis, commensalism, cooperation, protocooperation, mutual aid, facilitation, reciprocal altruism, and entraide. We use the term mutualism, defined as "an interaction between species that is beneficial to both," since it has both historical priority (311) and general currency. Symbiosis is "the living together of two organisms in close association," and modifiers are used to specify dependence on the interaction (facultative or obligate) and the range of species that can take part (oligophilic or polyphilic). We make the normal apologies concerning forcing continuous variation and diverse interactions into simple dichotomous classifications, for these and all subsequent definitions. Thus mutualism can be defined, in brief, as a -b/qinteraction, while competition, predation, and eommensalism are respectively -/-, -/q-, and -t-/0. There remains, however, the question of how to define "benefit to the
The Drosophila GAGA transcription factor is associated with specific regions of heterochromatin throughout the cell cycle.

In virtually all eukaryotes the centromeric regions of chromosomes are composed of heterochromatin, a specialized form of chromatin that is rich in repetitive DNA sequences and is transcriptionally relatively silent. The Drosophila GAGA transcription factor binds to GA/CT‐rich sequences in many Drosophila promoters, where it activates transcription, apparently by locally altering chromatin structure and allowing other transcription factors access to the DNA. Here we report the paradoxical finding that GAGA factor is associated with specific regions of heterochromatin at all stages of the cell cycle. A subset of the highly repetitive DNA sequences that make up the bulk of heterochromatin in D. melanogaster are GA/CT‐rich and we find a striking correlation between the distribution of GAGA factor and this class of repeat. We propose that GAGA factor binds directly to these repeats and may thereby play a role in modifying heterochromatin structure in these regions. Our observations demonstrate for the first time that a transcriptional regulator can associate with specific DNA sequences in a fully condensed mitotic chromosome. This may help explain how the distinctive character of a committed or differentiated cell can be maintained during cell proliferation.
Rationale and efficacy of root canal medicaments and root filling materials with emphasis on treatment outcome

There is overwhelming evidence that endodontic diseases can be characterized as infectious diseases. There is no longer any question that microorganisms are at the center of the etiological causes of pulpal and periradicular pathological processes (1, 2). There are many secondary reasons contributing to tissue breakdown and endodontic failures, such as root perforations, instrument fractures, excess of root canal filling materials and poor technical quality of obturations (3–6). However, none of these seemingly important complications to the treatment will result in failure unless microorganisms infect the damaged area and establish a progressive tissue breakdown. Microbial agents are needed for the expansion of periradicular disease. As there is a microbial cause of progressive periradicular tissue disease, the elimination or reduction of microorganisms in the pulp space and subsequent closure will result in healing.