Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Research Ethics of Pseudo—Patient Studies: A New Look at the Merits of Covert Ethnographic Methods

Recent exchanges about the ethics of ethnographic research between Roger Homan, Robert Dingwall and others ^ have tended to be conducted at a fairly high level of abstraaion, addressing general considerations and invoking ethical principles to sustain a particular position. This paper seeks to examine in detail one type of covert ethnographic research, the pseudo-patient study, to provide an assessment of these ethical issues which is grounded in actual research practices. Pseudo-patient studies are studies where a person enters a medical setting by adopting the role of a patient, not in order to receive therapeutic treatment but in order to observe covertly the treatment process and the broader medical and social setting within which it occurs. The studies of this kind discussed here have been conducted by social scientists, but there are cases of journalists and even politicians adopting this role in order to conduct undercover studies of medical practice. The latter have done so particularly in systems where doctors charge patients per item of treatment, some or all of which costs are bom by the government, and abuse of the system by the medical profession for their own financial advantage is suspeaed. The studies considered here were carried out purely to advance social science, but they share in common with investigative journalists and muckraking politicans the feature that the pseudo-patient enters the medical setting in the guise of a patient, without revealing the person's true identity or intentions, and remains in that setting under this 'cover' until withdrawing from it. A classic early study ^ of this kind was conducted by anthropologist William Caudill while holding a research post in the Yale Medical School in 1950. As pan of research into interpersonal relationships
Impairments in facial affect recognition associated with autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis

Abstract Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by social impairments, including inappropriate responses to affective stimuli and nonverbal cues, which may extend to poor face-emotion recognition. However, the results of empirical studies of face-emotion recognition in individuals with ASD have yielded inconsistent findings that occlude understanding the role of face-emotion recognition deficits in the development of ASD. The goal of this meta-analysis was to address three as-yet unanswered questions. Are ASDs associated with consistent face-emotion recognition deficits? Do deficits generalize across multiple emotional expressions or are they limited to specific emotions? Do age or cognitive intelligence affect the magnitude of identified deficits? The results indicate that ASDs are associated with face-emotion recognition deficits across multiple expressions and that the magnitude of these deficits increases with age and cannot be accounted for by intelligence. These findings suggest that, whereas neurodevelopmental processes and social experience produce improvements in general face-emotion recognition abilities over time during typical development, children with ASD may experience disruptions in these processes, which suggested distributed functional impairment in the neural architecture that subserves face-emotion processing, an effect with downstream developmental consequences.
Rings with finite reduced rank

In [6], Goldie defined the reduced rank ρ(M) of a finitely generated module M over a semiprime Goldie ring R to be the uniform dimension of M/γ(M), where γ is the Goldie torsion radical defined by the set of regular elements of R. Equivalently, ρ(M) is given by the length of the left Q-module Q⊗RM , where Q is the classical ring of left quotients of R, which is semisimple Artinian. The reduced rank of a finitely generated module N over a Noetherian ring R was defined by Goldie as follows: if N is the prime radical of R, then N is nilpotent, say Nk = (0), and R/N is a semiprime Goldie ring, so it is possible to utilize the previous definition by considering ∑k i=1 ρ(N i−1M/N iM). The purpose of this paper is to give a general definition of reduced rank and to investigate the properties of rings which have finite reduced rank under this definition. Let R be any ring, with prime radical N , let γ denote the torsion radical cogenerated by the injective envelope E(R/N) of the left R-module
Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells: Implications for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease that is usually diagnosed at a late stage for which there are few effective therapies. Emerging evidence has suggested that malignant tumors are quite heterogeneous and that they are composed of a small subset of distinct cancer cells (usually defined by cell surface marker expression) that are responsible for tumor initiation and propagation, termed cancer stem cells. These cells are termed cancer stem cells because, like normal stem cells, they possess the ability to self-renew and make differentiated progeny. Recent studies of human pancreatic cancers have shown a population of pancreatic cancer stem cells that have aberrantly activated developmental signaling pathways, are resistant to standard chemotherapy and radiation, and have up-regulated signaling cascades that are integral for tumor metastasis. An improved understanding of the biological behavior of these cells may lead to more effective therapies to treat pancreatic cancer. In this review, approaches to develop and test therapeutics targeting pancreatic cancer stem cells are discussed.
Automatic licence plate recognition system

A machine vision system designed to recognize Botswana license plates is presented. The system has an average processing time of about 2.41 seconds. The techniques used to perform the detection and recognition are: colour filtering; Niblack binarisation; blob selection; segmentation; template matching; neural networks; Euler number; positional checks
Accurate ab initio treatment of low-energy electron collisions with ethylene.

We report the results of a complex Kohn variational calculation of the low-energy electron scattering from ethylene, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}. Our calculations are the first to confirm the existence of the Ramsauer-Townsend effect in a molecule which possesses a permanent quadrupole moment and suggest that such minima may be found in electron-scattering cross sections for many nonpolar molecules. The calculations also reveal a low-energy shape resonance in {sup 2}{ital B}{sub 2{ital g}} symmetry at 1.83 eV, in excellent agreement with both beam and swarm measurements.
Computational model for the IGF‐II/IGF2r complex that is predictive of mutational and surface plasmon resonance data

Insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) are key regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, and transformation, and are thus pivotal in cancer, especially breast, prostate, and colon neoplasm. Their potent mitogenic and anti‐apoptotic actions depend primarily on their availability to bind to the signaling IGF cell surface receptors. One mechanism by which IGF‐II availability is thought to be modulated is by binding to the nonsignaling IGF‐II receptor (IGF2R). This binding is essentially mediated by domain 11 in the multidomain IGF2R extracellular region. The crystal structure of domain 11 of the human IGF‐II receptor (IGF2R‐d11) has identified a putative IGF‐II binding site, and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) solution structure for the IGF‐II ligand has also been characterized. These structures have now been used to model in silico the protein–protein interaction between IGF‐II and IGF2R‐d11 using the program 3D‐Dock. Because the IGF‐II data comprise an ensemble of 20 structures, all of which satisfy the NMR constraints, the docking procedure was applied to each member of the ensemble. Only those models in which residue Ile1572 of IGF2R‐d11, known to be essential for the binding of IGF‐II, was at the interface were considered further. These plausible complexes were then critically assessed using an array of analysis techniques including consideration of additional mutagenesis data. One model was strongly supported by these analyses and is discussed here in detail. Furthermore, we demonstrate in vitro experimental support for this model by studying the binding of chimeras of IGF‐I and IGF‐II to IGF2R fragments. Proteins 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Simulation Study to Derive the Optimal Cycle Length for Feeder Transit Services

In this paper the authors present a simulation study to evaluate the capacity and optimum service time interval of a demand responsive transit “feeder” service within the colonia of El Cenizo, TX. Demand data are taken from a survey conducted through a questionnaire to evaluate the existing travel patterns and the potential demand for a feeder service. The results from the subsequent simulation analysis showed that a single shuttle would be able to comfortably serve 150 passengers/day and that the optimal cycle length between consecutive departures from the terminal should be between 11-13 minutes for best service quality. This exploratory study should serve as a first step towards improving transportation services within these growing underprivileged communities, but also other residential areas, especially those with demographics and geometry similar to our target area of El Cenizo.
The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali: A New Translation and Commentary

Preface to the American Edition Preface to the Original Edition Introduction Patanjali and the Exegetical Literature Some Philosophical Concepts of Kriya-Yoga Overview of Topics Discussed by Patanjali Annotated Translation Chapter One: Samadhi-Pada Chapter Two: Sadhana-Pada Chapter Three: Vibhuti-Pada Chapter Four: Kaivalya-Pada Continuous Translation Word Index to the Yoga-Sutra Bibliography Guide to the Pronunciation of Sanskrit Index About the Author
Anti-cancer properties and mechanisms of action of thymoquinone, the major active ingredient of Nigella sativa

ABSTRACT Over the past two decades, studies have documented the wide-range anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa, known as black seed or black cumin. Thymoquinone (TQ), its major active ingredient, has also been extensively studied and reported to possess potent anti-cancer properties. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the findings related to the anti-cancer activity of TQ. The review focuses on analyzing experimental studies performed using different in vitro and in vivo models to identify the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and NK-dependent cytotoxic effects exerted by TQ. In addition, we pinpoint the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the signal transduction pathways implicated by TQ. Our analysis show that p53, NF-κB, PPARγ, STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are among the most significant pathways through which TQ mediates its anti-cancer activity. Experimental findings and recent advances in the field highlight TQ as an effective therapeutic agent for the suppression of tumor development, growth and metastasis for a wide range of tumors.
AtPDCD5 Plays a Role in Programmed Cell Death after UV-B Exposure in Arabidopsis1[OPEN]

A programmed cell death protein, by its interaction with histone acetyltransferases, has an important role during DNA damage responses induced by UV-B radiation in Arabidopsis. DNA damage responses have evolved to sense and react to DNA damage; the induction of DNA repair mechanisms can lead to genomic restoration or, if the damaged DNA cannot be adequately repaired, to the execution of a cell death program. In this work, we investigated the role of an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) protein, AtPDCD5, which is highly similar to the human PDCD5 protein; it is induced by ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation and participates in programmed cell death in the UV-B DNA damage response. Transgenic plants expressing AtPDCD5 fused to GREEN FLUORESCENT PROTEIN indicate that AtPDCD5 is localized both in the nucleus and the cytosol. By use of pdcd5 mutants, we here demonstrate that these plants have an altered antioxidant metabolism and accumulate higher levels of DNA damage after UV-B exposure, similar to levels in ham1ham2 RNA interference transgenic lines with decreased expression of acetyltransferases from the MYST family. By coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down assays, we provide evidence that AtPDCD5 interacts with HAM proteins, suggesting that both proteins participate in the same pathway of DNA damage responses. Plants overexpressing AtPDCD5 show less DNA damage but more cell death in root tips upon UV-B exposure. Finally, we here show that AtPDCD5 also participates in age-induced programmed cell death. Together, the data presented here demonstrate that AtPDCD5 plays an important role during DNA damage responses induced by UV-B radiation in Arabidopsis and also participates in programmed cell death programs.
Least Square Regression with lp-Coefficient Regularization

The selection of the penalty functional is critical for the performance of a regularized learning algorithm, and thus it deserves special attention. In this article, we present a least square regression algorithm based on lp-coefficient regularization. Comparing with the classical regularized least square regression, the new algorithm is different in the regularization term. Our primary focus is on the error analysis of the algorithm. An explicit learning rate is derived under some ordinary assumptions.
Optimized Flow Cytometric Analysis of Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Peripheral Blood

Abstract Although flow cytometry is a rapid and convenient way to measure the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), there is no standard technique for preparation and measurement. The aim of this study was to present an optimized preparation method for EPC measurement which should serve as a standard to facilitate the comparison of the results in stem cell investigations by different research groups. We have looked for the preparation method which delivered the best immunostaining with the directly conjugated antibodies against VEGF R2, CD133, CD34, and CD45. In order to test the sensitivity of the method, we determined the number of EPC in the peripheral blood of volunteers by flow cytometry and by cell culture assay. Furthermore, we have evaluated the influence of different durations of conservation on the EPC cell count. The pre‐treatment of blood samples with 0.2% formaldehyde for 30 minutes delivers the best immunostaining, and blood samples can be stored overnight at 4°C without loss of counting rate for EPC. We found an excellent correlation (r=0.98) between the flow cytometric measurement and the cell count of the cell culture method. The presented protocol for the flow cytometric measurement of EPC in the peripheral blood can be used as a diagnostic or prognostic tool; we propose this protocol as the standard for EPC quantification.
Multiple Vitamin K Forms Exist in Dairy Foods

Abstract Background: The plant-based form of vitamin K (phylloquinone, vitamin K-1) has been well quantified in the US diet. Menaquinones (vitamin K-2) are another class of vitamin K compounds that differ from phylloquinone in the length and saturation of their side chain, but they have not been well characterized in foods. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to 1) quantify phylloquinone and the different forms of menaquinones [menaquinone (MK) 4–MK13] in milk, yogurt, Greek yogurt, creams, and cheeses and 2) compare the menaquinone contents of full-fat, reduced-fat, and nonfat dairy products. Methods: All dairy samples were either obtained from the USDA National Food and Nutrient Analysis Program or purchased from retail outlets. Phylloquinone and menaquinone concentrations in these dairy products were quantified by mass spectrometry technology. Results: Full-fat dairy products contained appreciable amounts of menaquinones, primarily in the forms of MK9, MK10, and MK11. We also measured modest amounts of phylloquinone, MK4, MK8, and MK12 in these products. In contrast, there was little MK5–7 or MK13 detected in the majority of dairy products. The total vitamin K contents of soft cheese, blue cheese, semi-soft cheese, and hard cheese were (means ± SEMs): 506 ± 63, 440 ± 41, 289 ± 38, and 282 ± 5.0 µg/100 g, respectively. Nonfermented cheeses, such as processed cheese, contained lower amounts of vitamin K (98 ± 11 µg/100 g). Reduced-fat or fat-free dairy products contained ∼5–22% of the vitamin K found in full-fat equivalents. For example, total vitamin K contents of full-fat milk (4% fat), 2%-fat milk, 1%-fat milk, and nonfat milk were 38.1 ± 8.6, 19.4 ± 7.7, 12.9 ± 2.0, and 7.7 ± 2.9 µg/100 g, respectively. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of menaquinone contents of US dairy products. Findings indicate that the amount of vitamin K contents in dairy products is high and proportional to the fat content of the product.
2-Isopropylthioxanthone (2-ITX) in food and food packaging materials on the German market

To elucidate the occurrence of the photo-initiator, 2-isopropylthioxanthone (2-ITX), more than 100 food products on the German market, packed in cartons, plastic cups and foils, were investigated. For this, a rapid method to detect 2-ITX in food packaging materials was established. In case of positive findings, the accompanying foodstuffs were analysed in a subsequent step using different extraction methods, depending on the fat content of the food. Determination of the photo-initiator was done by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array and fluorescence detection (HPLC–DAD/FLD). Recoveries ranged between 94 and 106% for non-fatty (RSD ≤ 1.1) and between 80 and 105% for fatty foods (RSD ≤ 8.5). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were determined to 2 and 5 µg l−1. 2-ITX was detected in 36 of 137 packages (26%) and significant migration occurred in 75% of the packaging materials tested positive. The levels of 2-ITX ranged up to 357 µg kg−1 in orange juice.
Text summarization using Latent Semantic Analysis

Text summarization solves the problem of presenting the information needed by a user in a compact form. There are different approaches to creating well-formed summaries. One of the newest methods is the Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA). In this paper, different LSA-based summarization algorithms are explained, two of which are proposed by the authors of this paper. The algorithms are evaluated on Turkish and English documents, and their performances are compared using their ROUGE scores. One of our algorithms produces the best scores and both algorithms perform equally well on Turkish and English document sets.
REFRACTIVE STATE, INTELLIGENCE TEST SCORES, AND ACADEMIC ABILITY*

ABSTRACT Myopes were found to have higher mean scores than hypermetropes on both the Otis Self‐Administered Test and the Raven Progressive Matrix Test. Myopes also occurred in significantly greater numbers in “high ability” classrooms than in “low ability” classrooms. These results are discussed in terms of four hypotheses previously suggested by Hirsch.
Hajj, Umrah – uma peregrinação num espaço energizado e concêntrico (Hajj, Umrah - a pilgrimage in a space energized and concentric) - DOI: 10.5752/P.2175-5841.2013v11n31p891

Este artigo trata de um dos rituais mais importantes do Isla, que e a realizacao do Hajj (peregrinacao a Meca) e da Umrah (peregrinacao menor). O Hajj e o quinto pilar da religiao e deve ser feito se a pessoa tiver condicao fisica e economica para empreender a peregrinacao de acordo com o calendario islâmico. A realizacao do percurso se da em cinco dias, que devem ser cumpridos a risca. A Umrah e recomendavel e pode ser feita em qualquer periodo do ano: trata-se a apenas da visita a Caaba. O percurso do Hajj prefigura tempos, simbolos e gestos . Esses elementos podem consubstanciar o rito como performance religiosa, pois determinam um tempo que se repete, como apontou Leach (1971), o que torna o muculmano um outro , apos participar deste ritual. Apos fazer o hajj, o peregrino torna-se um hajji, muda de vida, assim como podemos verificar nas transformacoes apontadas por Schechner(1985): a pessoa nao e a mesma depois desta experiencia religiosa. A Umrah embora nao seja peregrinacao, propriamente dita, e sim uma visita, tambem e carregada de simbolismo e provoca uma transformacao no fiel, como e possivel perceber em um dos relatos deste artigo. Palavras-chave : Antropologia da performance. Transformado e transportado. Hajj . Comunidade muculmana no Brasil. Abstract This article deals with one of the most important rituals of Islam, which is the realization of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and Umrah (lesser pilgrimage). The Hajj is the fifth pillar of the Islam and should be done if the person has physical and economic condition to undertake the pilgrimage according to the Islamic calendar. The completion of the course takes place over five days, which shall be fulfilled to the letter. The Umrah is recommended and can be made at any time of the year: it is just a visit to the Kaaba. The journey of Hajj prefigures times, symbols and gestures. These elements may involve a religious ritual as performance; they determine a time that is repeated, as pointed out by Leach (1971), which makes the Muslim another individual after attending such ritual. After making the hajj, the pilgrim becomes a hajji and then his life is changed, as we can see through the transformations indicated by Schechner (1985): the person is not the same after this religious experience. The Umrah is not, strictly, a pilgrimage, but a visit, full of symbolism that provokes changes in the faithful, as one can see in one of the reports of this article. Keywords: Anthropology of performance. Processed and transported. Hajj. Muslim community in Brazil.
InteliMED - Proposta de Sistema de Apoio ao Diagnóstico Médico para Dispositivos Móveis

A estrutura de saude publica no Brasil e organizada de modo a disponibilizar servicos de maneira descentralizada. Este cenario em tese viabilizaria o uso de dispositivos moveis para apoiar a atencao primaria. Ainda assim percebe-se que ha uma lacuna quanto ao uso desses meios em atencao primaria a saude, alem de se fazerem necessarias ferramentas de apoio a tomada de decisao baseada em evidencias coletadas, uma vez que muitas vezes o profissional de saude, que essencialmente e generalista, sente a necessidade de um conjunto de informacoes que subsidiem a tomada de decisao em contextos mais especificos. Neste contexto, este artigo apresenta uma proposta de sistema de suporte a decisao para apoio ao diagnostico medico utilizando inteligencia computacional e dispositivos moveis (smartphones e tablets) – InteliMED.