Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A cautionary note on the use of the TUNEL stain to determine apoptosis

Detection of DNA fragments in situ using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL assay) is now commonly used to investigate apoptosis. Previous reports suggested that physiologically appropriate death is due to apoptosis and that pathological mechanisms involve necrosis. Strong evidence of apoptosis, following ischaemia and epilepsy, has been recently provided by combining genomic DNA gel electrophoresis, light and electron microscopy and in situ DNA-break labelling. However, only an observation in light microscopy with high magnification permits the detection of chromatin condensation and apoptotic bodies. We report that a positive TUNEL assay reaction should not be considered as a specific marker of apoptosis but can also indicate necrotic cell death.
Impact and Dynamics of Disease in Species Threatened by the Amphibian Chytrid Fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

Abstract: Estimating disease‐associated mortality and transmission processes is difficult in free‐ranging wildlife but important for understanding disease impacts and dynamics and for informing management decisions. In a capture–mark–recapture study, we used a PCR‐based diagnostic test in combination with multistate models to provide the first estimates of disease‐associated mortality and detection, infection, and recovery rates for frogs endemically infected with the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the pandemic amphibian disease chytridiomycosis. We found that endemic chytridiomycosis was associated with a substantial reduction (approximately 38%) in apparent monthly survival of the threatened rainforest treefrog Litoria pearsoniana despite a long period of coexistence (approximately 30 years); detection rate was not influenced by disease status; improved recovery and reduced infection rates correlated with decreased prevalence, which occurred when temperatures increased; and incorporating changes in individuals' infection status through time with multistate models increased effect size and support (98.6% vs. 71% of total support) for the presence of disease‐associated mortality when compared with a Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in which infection status was restricted to the time of first capture. Our results indicate that amphibian populations can face significant ongoing pressure from chytridiomycosis long after epidemics associated with initial Bd invasions subside, an important consideration for the long‐term conservation of many amphibian species worldwide. Our findings also improve confidence in estimates of disease prevalence in wild amphibians and provide a general framework for estimating parameters in epidemiological models for chytridiomycosis, an important step toward better understanding and management of this disease.
Fitting-Attitudes, Secondary Qualities, and Values

Response-dispositional accounts of value defend a biconditional in which the possession of an evaluative property is said to covary with the disposition to cause a certain response. In contrast, a fitting-attitude account of the same property would claim that it is such as to merit or make fitting that same response. This paper argues that even for secondary qualities, response-dispositional accounts are inadequate; we need to import a normative notion such as appropriateness even into accounts of such descriptive properties as redness. A preliminary conclusion is that the normativity that appears in fitting-attitude accounts of evaluative properties need not have anything to do with the evaluative nature of those properties. It may appear there because evaluative properties—or at least those for which fitting-attitude accounts are plausible—really are so much like secondary qualities that it might well be appropriate to think of them as a subclass of secondary qualities. In the second half of the paper I discuss the views of three of the philosophers who have been most influential in discussions of response-featuring accounts of evaluative notions and who explicitly distinguish response-dispositional accounts of value from fitting-attitude accounts: John McDowell, Simon Blackburn, and Crispin Wright. I highlight some of the theoretical temptations that can be associated with the assumption that the response-dispositional/fitting-attitude distinction parallels the secondary quality/evaluative property distinction.
Adjective placement in bilingual Romance-German and Romance-Romance children†

While German requires prenominal position of attributive adjectives, Romance languages exhibit pre- and postnominal orders, with a predominance of postnominal order in Italian and Spanish and prenominal position in French. In light of the low frequency of adjectives in child speech, adjective order is rarely studied in acquisition. We investigated longitudinal corpora of 15 bilingual (German-Romance, Romance-Romance) children. Overall, the bilingual corpora almost perfectly reflect the input frequencies of pre- and postnominal adjective order. In contrast to monolinguals, bilinguals produce target-deviant orders with an overuse of the prenominal order in Romance languages, irrespective of language combination and language balance. Our results are in line with Economy of Derivation. According to Kayne's (1994) Universal Base approach, postnominal adjective order is derivationally more complex than prenominal placement. Costly derivations appear to be even more costly for bilinguals than for monolinguals. Consequently, bilingual children use the most economical derivation in target-deviant adjective placements.
Caracterización del Ajuste Microeconómico de precios en Colombia

Este documento analiza varios aspectos del ajuste y comportamiento microeconomico de los precios en Colombia, usando informacion de un Hipermercado de Bogota para el periodo 1989 a comienzos de 1999. El analisis muestra que en un ambiente de inflacion promedio superior al 20% el precio de un articulo tipico permanecio inalterado en promedio durante 130 dias. La alta proporcion de articulos para los cuales sus precios no se ajustan con alta frecuencia es evidencia favorable de la importancia de los "costos de menu" en la decision de reajustar un precio. Adicionalmente, se encontro que en el periodo de mayor inflacion (1989-1991), la duracion del precio tipico es menor, asi como el tamano del reajuste promedio medido a traves de la banda (S,s). A pesar del ambiente inflacionario y de la aparente extensa duracion del precio tipico, no se encontro evidencia de inflexibilidad a la baja de los precios nominales. Igualmente, se encontro una asociacion positiva entre inflacion y variabilidad de precios, similar a la que se ha detectado en otros paises.
Alternating versus sequential chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer. A randomized german multicenter trial

A total of 306 patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were randomized to receive chemotherapy in a sequential or alternating mode. Sequential chemotherapy consisted of eight cycles of cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin (doxorubicin), and vincristine (CAV) and alternating chemotherapy consisted of three cycles (1, 3, 5) of etoposide, vindesine, and ifosfamide (EVI); three cycles (2, 4, 6) of cisplatin, Adriamycin, and vincristine (PAV); and two cycles (7, 8) of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and CCNU (CMC). Responsive patients received prophylactic cranial irradiation after three cycles and chest irradiation after eight cycles of chemotherapy. No maintenance therapy was applied to patients achieving complete remission. Minimum follow‐up was 2 years. Of the 302 patients evaluable, overall response rate was 59% in the sequential arm and 70% in the alternating arm. Patients treated with CAV had a complete response rate of 21% in contrast to 36% for those receiving alternating therapy. The median survival for all patients was 9.8 versus 11.3 months, for limited disease 11.1 versus 13.4 months, and for extensive disease 8.9 versus 9.9 months, all in favor of the alternating treatment. Two‐year survival rate for all patients was 6% versus 9%, for limited disease 11% versus 14%, and for extensive disease 3% versus 6%, all preferring the alternating treatment mode. Progression‐free survival demonstrated a strong correlation to the extent of response irrespective of the treatment regimen applied. Toxicity included 11 lethal and 8 life‐threatening complications with a higher frequency in the alternating treatment arm. These results suggest that alternating treatment of SCLC with different drug combinations is more effective than sequential application of CAV. Cancer 59:1072‐1082, 1987.
God, life, and the cosmos : Christian and Islamic perspectives

Contents: Preface Introduction, S. Nomanul Haq Philosophical, Historical, and Methodological Issues: Islam and modern science: questions at the interface, Muzaffar Iqbal Three views of science in the Islamic world, Ibrahim Kalin Science and faith: from warfare to consonance, Ted Peters Christian perspectives on religion and science and their significance for modern Muslim thought, Mustansir Mir The anthropocosmic vision in Islamic thought, William C. Chittick Moments in the Islamic recasting of the Greek legacy: exploring the question of science and theism, S. Nomanul Haq Metaphysics and mathematics in classical Islamic culture: Avicenna and his successors, Roshdi Rashed Cosmological Issues: Islamic paradigms for the relationship between science & religion, Ahmad Dallal Creation in the Islamic outlook and in modern cosmology, Mehdi Golshani The impossible possibility: divine causes in the world of nature, Philip Clayton Christian theism and the idea of an oscillating universe, Mark Worthing Life, Consciousness, and Genetics: The contributions and limitations of Christian perspectives to understanding the religious implications of the genetics revolution, Audrey R. Chapman Interface of science and jurisprudence: dissonant gazes at the body in modern Muslim ethics, Ebrahim Moosa Neuroscience and human nature: a Christian perspective, Nancey Murphy Index.
Non-redundant precoding and PAPR reduction in MIMO OFDM systems with ICA based blind equalization

We propose a non-redundant linear precoding scheme and three peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) reduction schemes for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with independent component analysis (ICA) based blind equalization. The proposed precoding at the transmitter allows complete elimination of the ambiguity in the ICA equalized signals under certain conditions. The optimal design of precoding is investigated, and performance analysis on the ambiguity error probability is provided. The proposed PAPR reduction schemes are incorporated with precoding, and therefore do not introduce any spectral overhead compared to conventional PAPR reduction schemes. Simulation results show that the proposed blind structure provides a bit error rate (BER) performance which is much better than that of the subspace method, and close to the case with perfect channel state information (CSI) at the receiver. Furthermore, the proposed structure can reduce the PAPR of the transmit signals considerably.
Optimizing the Surgeon-Robot Interface : The Effect of Index of Difficulty and Control-Display Gain on Movement Time

Robotic surgery technology has made significant advances recently in a wide range of clinical applications. Despite the documented benefits of robotic-assisted surgery, the main limitation is that procedures take more time than traditional manual techniques. Human factors engineering will play a pivotal role in designing a surgeon-robot interface that can optimize the surgeon’s performance to minimize such drawbacks. The Zeus surgical robot was used to perform a Fitts’ aimed movement task with 10 subjects to determine the effect of index of difficulty (ID) and control-display gain on movement time. It was found that the average movement time increased as the task difficulty increased as predicted by Fitts’ law. For identical IDs of 2.6 and 3.0, the smaller sized box tasks were found to take significantly (p<0.001) longer than the larger sized box tasks. This was found to be true across the various motion scaling settings examined. The range of motion scaling examined was found not to have a significant effect on movement time. There were several sources of errors and lessons learned from this pilot study which will be incorporated into future studies of surgeon-robot interface design.
A Suspension Array Immunoassay for the Toxin Simulant Ovalbumin

Abstract A microsphere-based suspension array (SA) system was used for the development and characterization of an immunoassay for the toxin simulant ovalbumin. Results obtained by SA immunoassay were compared with those obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the same immunoreagents. The limit of detection (LOD) for the SA ovalbumin assay was 4.9 ng/mL, compared to a LOD of 0.01 ng/mL for the ovalbumin ELISA. Although the ELISA LOD exceeded that of the SA assay, the SA assay was simple and rapid to perform, with assays being completed in half the time of the traditional ELISA. The well-to-well reproducibility (coefficient of variation (CV)) of the ELISA and the SA assay was 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively. The ELISA and SA assay plate-to-plate reproducibility was 14.8% and 6.1%, respectively. The protocols used to develop the SA assay for ovalbumin may be used as a template for development of other SA assays for toxins, bacteria, and viruses.
The Challenges of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)—A Perspective

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an inflammatory disease, primarily caused by cigarette smoke, which will soon become the third leading cause of death globally. Despite the importance of the problem, our real understanding of the biological underpinnings of COPD remains incomplete. Consequently, our first-line therapies, while helpful, are not yet as effective as they need to be. In this review, we will focus on these challenges and more, including the role of impaired tissue repair and adaptive immunity in disease pathogenesis, determining who may be at risk, describing COPD phenotypes and potential biomarkers. New ideas for chronic disease management and prevention of exacerbations will also be discussed. While much remains to be accomplished, meeting these challenges will bring rewards because what we learn will have implications for the understanding and treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases beyond COPD.
Impact of Job Involvement on In-Role Job Performance and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour

This study examines the impact of job involvement on the self-report measures of inrole job performance and organizational citizenship behaviour. The results of this study revealed that job involvement was positively correlated with both in-role job performance (r = 0.30, p<0.01) and OCB (r = 0.43, p<0.01). In addition to this it was found that organizational commitment partially mediated the job involvementperformance relationship. Furthermore the findings of this research uncovered that job involvement exerted a stronger impact on OCB than on in-role performance. Finally the practical implications of this research for organizations are discussed.
Vaginal Swabs Are Appropriate Specimens for Diagnosis of Genital Tract Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis

ABSTRACT Because self-collected vaginal swabs (VS) are potentially very useful for screening asymptomatic women for Chlamydia trachomatis infection, a multicenter study evaluated that specimen with nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). The objective was to determine whether VS are equal to Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared specimens (cervical swabs and first-catch urines [FCU]) for diagnosing genital chlamydial infection. All NAATs then commercially available (October 1996 to October 1999) were used (ligase chain reaction [LCx Probe System; Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.]; PCR [Amplicor; Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, N.J.]; and transcription-mediated amplification, [Amplified CT Assay; Gen-Probe Inc., San Diego, Calif.]). NAATs were performed on FCU, urethral, cervical, self- and clinician-collected VS. Sensitivity was compared to isolation using cervical and urethral swabs. Agreement of NAAT results between VS and cervical swabs or FCU was calculated. Specimens from 2,517 15- to 25-year-old asymptomatic women attending clinics at nine different centers were evaluated. Results with self- and clinician-collected VS were equivalent and were at least as good as results with FCU and cervical swabs. Across all sites, summary specificities for all specimens were >99%. Among culture-positive women, NAAT sensitivity with VS (93%) was as high as or higher than NAAT sensitivity with cervical swabs (91%) or FCU (80.6%) or culture of cervical swabs (83.5%). VS are appropriate specimens for diagnosing chlamydial genital tract infection by NAATs. That patients can efficiently collect them offers important benefits for screening programs. It would be beneficial for public health programs if the NAAT manufacturers sought FDA clearance for this specimen.
Polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, furans, and organochlorine pesticides in belted kingfisher eggs from the upper Hudson River basin, New York, USA

Nesting belted kingfishers (hereafter kingfishers, Ceryle alcyon) were studied on the Hudson River near Fort Edward south to New Baltimore (NY, USA) and three nearby river drainages in 2004. Concentrations of 28 organochlorine pesticides, 160 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and 17 dioxin and furan (PCDD‐F) congeners were quantified in kingfisher eggs. The pattern of organochlorine pesticides and PCDD‐F congeners did not differ significantly between 14 eggs collected from individual nests on the Hudson River and five eggs similarly collected on three other nearby rivers. In contrast, the pattern of PCB congeners in eggs collected on the Hudson River differed significantly from the other rivers. The differences in patterns of PCB congeners were associated with a higher representation of lower‐numbered congeners on the Hudson River than the other rivers. The higher prevalence of the lower‐numbered congeners and lower prevalence of the higher‐numbered congeners is consistent with Aroclor 1016 and 1242 being the source of the PCBs on the Hudson River. Concentrations in a sample egg collected at each nest were compared to nest survival and egg success (the proportion of eggs hatching in a clutch if at least one egg hatched) of the remaining eggs in the clutch. Models that predicted nest survival and egg success as functions of contaminant levels were poorly distinguished from models that presumed no such associations. Small sample sizes could have contributed to the inability to distinguish among contaminant and no toxicant models. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that contaminant concentrations on the Hudson River were not sufficiently high to demonstrate a relationship between contaminant concentrations and reproductive success in kingfishers. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:99–110. Published 2009 SETAC
Thrombolysis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in fulminant pulmonary embolism: A review

Objective To review current knowledge on thrombolysis in patients with fulminant pulmonary embolism (FPE) who need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Data Sources The bibliography for the study was compiled through a search of different databases between 1966 and 2000. References cited in the articles selected were also reviewed. Study Selection The selection criteria included all reports published on thrombolysis, pulmonary embolism, and CPR, from case reports and case series to controlled studies. Data Synthesis Very few studies evaluated thrombolysis in cases of FPE that required CPR and most of these were clinical case reports and case series with a low level of scientific evidence. There has been no clinical trial to address this issue. Conclusions FPE can frequently produce cardiac arrest, which has an extremely high mortality despite application of the usual CPR measures. The administration of thrombolytic therapy during CPR could help to reduce the mortality, although it has classically been contraindicated. There are no published clinical trials or other high-grade studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of this approach. From the few existing studies, it can be inferred that thrombolysis may be efficacious and safe for patients with FPE who need CPR. However, a clinical trial is required to provide evidence of value for sound clinical decision-making.
Higher drive for thinness in adolescent males with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus compared with healthy controls

Eating behaviour in adolescent males with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) living in central Sweden was compared with that of healthy age‐matched male controls using the Eating Disorder Inventory for Children and an interview. The patients were heavier than controls (p= 0.004) and had higher Drive for Thinness scores (p= 0.002). None was diagnosed as having a current eating disorder.
Evaluation of the efficacy of an exercise program for pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

AIM To evaluate the effect of exercise programs on pregnant women with pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain. BACKGROUND Low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy is a major health problem due to its frequent occurrence and such pain can limit pregnant women in many of their daily activities. DESIGN A randomized trial with a control group (n = 48) and an intervention group (n = 48). Trial registration number NCT02189356. METHODS Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between December 2011-May 2012, an Education and Research Hospital in Turkey. Based on the intention-to-treat principle, all pregnant women were analysed according to the group they were assigned to, regardless of whether they received the intervention or not. Participants in the intervention group received health counselling and exercised regarding low back and pelvic pain for four weeks. The pregnant women in the control group received usual care, comprised of routine clinical practice for pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain. RESULTS According to Mann-Whitney U test analysis results, there was a statistically significant difference between the control and intervention groups' Visual Analogue Scale during relaxation scores and Visual Analogue Scale during activity scores at the end of the study. According to Mann-Whitney U test analysis results, the change in the mean Oswestry Disability Index score for the intervention group and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS A four-week exercise program including individualized health counselling to relieve low back and pelvic pain improved the functional status in pregnant women.
Quantitative Analysis of Network Configuration in Randomized Distribution Wireless Sensor Networks

Utilizing the clustering algorithm to form hierarchical network topology is the common method of implementing network management and data aggregation in wireless sensor networks. Many of the clustering algorithms heuristically determine the node energy, optimal node communication radius, and clustering radius, even though these parameters affect energy consumption of the entire network. In order to minimize energy consumption of the entire network, we present the optimal configuration by quantitative analysis when the nodes follow the random distribution. With the conclusion of quantitative analysis in single cluster expanded to the general case, the minimum of the network energy and optimal clustering radius are figured out. Simulated tests indicate that the optimal configuration can contribute to building more balanceable clustering structure and enhancing the network life cycle obviously.