Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological classification of parvalbumin-containing retinal ganglion cells in mouse: single-cell injection after immunocytochemistry.

PURPOSE Matching the neuron's morphology with its expression of a particular protein cannot be easily achieved by immunocytochemistry alone, as many proteins are expressed too weakly. In this study, a newly developed method was adopted to match mouse retinal ganglion cell (RGC) morphology with its expression of parvalbumin. METHODS Parvalbumin-containing ganglion cells were first identified by immunocytochemistry and then were iontophoretically injected with a lipophilic dye DiI. Then confocal microscopy was used to characterize the morphologic classification of the parvalbumin-immunoreactive (IR) ganglion cells on the basis of the dendritic field size, branching pattern, and stratification within the inner plexiform layer. RESULTS The results indicate that at least eight different types of ganglion cells express parvalbumin in the mouse retina. They were heterogeneous in morphology: monostratified to bistratified, small-to-large dendritic field size, and sparse-to-dense dendritic arbors. CONCLUSIONS Single-cell injection, after immunocytochemistry, provided the first means to identify the detailed functional anatomy of parvalbumin-containing RGCs in the mouse retina. The combined approach of cell morphology and the selective expression of parvalbumin will not only provide useful data for further correlation of physiological properties of the RGCs, but it will also provide a useful strategy for matching a neuron's morphology with its expression of a particular protein.
Long-Term Comparison of the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Versus Amiodarone: Eleven-Year Follow-Up of a Subset of Patients in the Canadian Implantable Defibrillator Study (CIDS)

Background—The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is superior to amiodarone for secondary prophylaxis of sudden cardiac death. However, the magnitude of this benefit over long-term follow-up is not known. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the long-term consequences of using amiodarone versus an ICD as first-line monotherapy in patients with a prior history of sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest. Methods and Results—A total of 120 patients were enrolled at St Michael’s Hospital in the Canadian Implantable Defibrillator Study (CIDS) and were randomly assigned to receive either amiodarone (n=60) or an ICD (n=60). The treatment strategy was not altered after the end of CIDS unless the initial assigned therapy was not effective or was associated with serious side effects. After a mean follow-up of 5.6±2.6 years, there were 28 deaths (47%) in the amiodarone group, compared with 16 deaths (27%) in the ICD group (P =0.0213). Total mortality was 5.5% per year in the amiodarone group versus 2.8% per year in the ICD group (hazard ratio of amiodarone: ICD, 2.011; 95% confidence interval, 1.087 to 3.721; P =0.0261). In the amiodarone group, 49 patients (82% of all patients) had side effects related to amiodarone, of which 30 patients (50% of all patients) required discontinuation or dose reduction; 19 patients crossed over to ICD because of amiodarone failure (n=7) or side effects (n=12). Conclusions—In a subset of CIDS, the benefit of the ICD over amiodarone increases with time; most amiodarone-treated patients eventually develop side effects, have arrhythmia recurrences, or die.
Dropouts and Compliance in Exercise Interventions Targeting Bone Mineral Density in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background. Dropouts and compliance to exercise interventions targeting bone mineral density (BMD) in adults are not well established. The purpose of this study was to address that gap. Methods. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled exercise intervention trials in adults ≥18 years of age. The primary outcomes were dropouts in the exercise and control groups as well as compliance to the exercise interventions. A random-effects model was used to pool results. Moderator analyses were conducted using mixed-effects ANOVA-like models and metaregression. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results. Thirty-six studies representing 3,297 participants (1,855 exercise, 1,442 control) were included. Dropout rates in the exercise and control groups averaged 20.9% (95% CI 16.7%–25.9%) and 15.9% (11.8%–21.1%) while compliance to exercise was 76.3% (71.7%–80.3%). For both exercise and control groups, greater dropout rates were associated with studies conducted in the USA versus other countries, females versus males, premenopausal versus postmenopausal women, younger versus older participants, longer studies (controls only), and high- versus moderate-intensity training (exercisers only). Greater compliance to exercise was associated with being female, home- or facility-based exercise versus both, and shorter studies. Conclusion. These findings provide important information for researchers and practitioners with respect to exercise programs targeting BMD in adults.
Concurrent Investigation of Global Motion and Form Processing in Amblyopia: An Equivalent Noise Approach.

Purpose Directly comparing the motion and form processing in neurologic disorders has remained difficult due to the limitations in the experimental stimulus. In the current study, motion and form processing in amblyopia was characterized using random dot stimuli in different noise levels to parse out the effect of local and global processing on motion and form perception. Methods A total of 17 amblyopes (8 anisometropic and 9 strabismic), and 12 visually normal subjects monocularly estimated the global direction of motion and global orientation in random dot kinematograms (RDK) and Glass patterns (Glass), whose directions/orientations were drawn from normal distributions with a range of means and variances that served as external noise. Direction/orientation discrimination thresholds were measured without noise first then variance threshold was measured at the multiples of the direction/orientation threshold. The direction/orientation and variance thresholds were modelled to estimate internal noise and sampling efficiency parameters. Results Overall, the thresholds for Glass were higher than RDK for all subjects. The thresholds for both Glass and RDK were higher in the strabismic eyes compared with the fellow and normal eyes. On the other hand, the thresholds for anisometropic amblyopic eyes were similar to the normal eyes. The worse performance of strabismic amblyopes was best explained by relatively low sampling efficiency compared with other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions A deficit in global motion and form perception was only evident in strabismic amblyopia. Contrary to the dorsal stream deficiency hypothesis assumed in other developmental disorders, deficits were present in both motion (dorsal) and form (ventral) processing.
Modulation of keratin 14 and α‐fetoprotein expression during hepatic oval cell proliferation and liver regeneration

Keratin 14 (K14) expression has recently been demonstrated in cell lines of non‐parenchymal hepatic origin (Bisgaard et al., 1993, Mol. Carcinog., 7:60–66; Bisgaard et al., 1991, J. Cell. Physiol., 147:333–343). These cell lines are thought to represent a progeny of a dormant stem cell compartment present in the adult rat liver, which may participate in the restoration of the liver mass after experimental liver injury. Utilizing a combination of 2‐acetylaminofluorene (2‐AAF) administration and partial hepatectomy to activate liver regeneration by proliferation of oval cells, we examined the modulation of K14 as well as α‐fetoprotein (AFP) expression in proliferating oval cells and lineages hypothesized to be derived herefrom. We showed by Northern blot and in situ hybridization analyses that K14 and AFP transcripts were initially accumulating in epithelial cells located in subsets of ductal structures in the portal areas. As oval cells infiltrated the liver parenchyma, K14 transcripts were detected in oval cells, in foci of small basophilic hepatocytes, and in structures resembling glandular intestinal‐type epithelium. AFP was expressed in oval cells, and at low but detectable levels in foci of basophilic hepatocytes, but not in glandular intestinal‐type epithelium. Neither K14 nor AFP transcripts were detected in bile ducts or mature hepatocytes at any time during oval cell proliferation and reconstitution of the liver mass. To further study the modulation of K14 and AFP expression we utilized an in vitro model in which spontaneous transformation of rat liver epithelial (RLE) cells appeared to mimic the process of early differentiation along the hepatic lineage in vivo. We demonstrated that undifferentiated RLE cells at a late passage expressed K14 and vimentin, whereas transformation and differentiation to hepatoblast‐like progeny resulted in an abrogation of K14 and vimentin expression and an induction of K18 and AFP. We propose that K14 and AFP are sequentially modulated in subpopulations of oval cells involved in the ongoing reconstitution of the liver mass. © 1994 wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structural Adjustment, Democratization and Rising Ethnic Tensions in Africa

Structural adjustment, democratization and rising ethnic tensions characterize the current situation in much of Africa today. This article examines how these tendencies interact causally. It begins by describing Africa's growing debt (combined with defence) burden, the nature of the structural adjustment programme (SAP), particularly its pressures and contradictions, and the increasingly authoritarian responses generated by these. After illustrating the linkage between SAP and rising ethnic tensions, it is suggested that the issue of the distribution of power, wealth and ethnicity, especially under conditions of increasing scarcity, needs to be reconsidered. There are a number of reasons why ethnic and regional tensions are exacerbated by debts, economic crisis and adjustment in Africa; a core argument of this article is that the current ethnic tensions, like the ongoing democratic struggles, are arising as part of the general resistance against both SAP, because of its pauperizing impact, and against the state, which is seen as increasingly coercive and as negligent of its basic welfare responsibilities towards its citizens. The article ends by considering the implications of the coincidence of these two foci of resistance not only for the democratization project, but also for the survival of the state in Africa.
Superficial bladder cancer: the response of a marker tumour to a single intravesical instillation of epirubicin.

OBJECTIVE To determine the response of a marker tumour to a single instillation of intravesical epirubicin. PATIENTS AND METHODS Eighty-one patients (54 men, 27 women) with a mean age of 69.3 years (range 36-92) with superficial bladder cancer were randomized to receive a single instillation of intravesical epirubicin. At the initial cystoscopy all but one papillary marker tumour was resected. Subsequently the patients were randomized to receive either intravesical epirubicin at a concentration of 1 mg/ml (n = 40) or 2 mg/ml (n = 41) in 50 ml of saline for 1 h. The response of the marker tumour was determined at 3 months (first check cystoscopy). The toxicity associated with both treatments was also recorded. RESULTS A complete response (no visible or microscopic bladder carcinoma) was observed in 46% (95% confidence interval (CI) 35-57%) of patients. No patient experienced systemic side-effects. Chemical cystitis and bladder irritability were the most frequent local side-effects, occurring in 15% (95% CI 8-24%) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS A single instillation of intravesical epirubicin has a demonstrable effect in superficial bladder cancer. The results compare favourably with more onerous regimes. Side-effects were minimal at 1 mg/ml and acceptable at 2 mg/ml.
Internal Finance And Monopoly Power In Capitalist Economies: A Reformulation Of Steindl'S Growth Model

This paper develops a formalization of the model of growth developed by Steindl in chapter XIII of his Maturity and Stagnation in American Capitalism in order to examine the interaction of real and financial factors in capitalist economies. It will look at the short-and long-run behaviour of the economy in which firms have monopoly power, hold excess capacity, and finance a part of their investment spending out of internal savings. The analysis shows the possibility of instability in the economy due to financial and goods market considerations and their interaction, and considers the implications of financial factors for the long-run effects of the rise of oligopoly.
Sermaye Piyasası Gelişmesi Ve Ekonomik Büyüme Arasında Nedensellik İlişkisi: OECD Ülkeleri Örneği

This paper examines causality relationships between stock market development and economic growth based on the panel data compiled from 22 OECD countries for the years 1982 through 2000. In order to test causality relationship, Sims’ causality test based on Granger definition of causality was used in our study. Our empirical results provide evidence that stock market development is the Granger cause of economic growth. This supply-leading causation mainly occurs through stock market capitalization, whereas stock market liquidity plays less active role. Research results indicate that the causality directions between stock market development and economic growth do not differ in the short and long runs. * Yard. Doç. Dr., Doğuş Üniversitesi, İİBF, İşletme Bölümü (amuslumov@dogus.edu.tr) ** Doç. Dr., Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi, İİBF, İşletme Bölümü (aras@yildiz.edu.tr)
Discrete Signaling for Non-Coherent, Single-Antenna, Rayleigh Block-Fading Channels

Discrete signaling schemes are proposed for non-coherent, single-antenna, Rayleigh block-fading channels (RBFCs). The schemes are inspired by the capacity-achieving distribution. A nested Monte-Carlo method is developed to compute the mutual information across the RBFC. Mutual information curves are presented and compared with other signaling schemes proposed in the literature.
RAPID ORIGIN OF SEXUAL ISOLATION AND CHARACTER DIVERGENCE IN A CLINE

The recent revival of interest in modes of speciation without geographic isolation (reviewed by Bush, 1975; Endler, 1977; White, 1978) makes it appropriate to reinvestigate mechanisms for clinal speciation first outlined in genetic terms by Fisher (1930, Ch. 6). He noted that following adaptive divergence of geographical or ecological races, if hybrids are at a disadvantage, genetic variation in mating preferences (and/or habitat preferences) could lead to the evolution of a decreased frequency of hybridization. This mechanism for the evolution of sexual isolation was popularized by Dobzhansky (1940, 1951, 197 0 , Ch. 11) who believed it could occur only after secondary contact between races which had become partially reproductively isolated by postmating mechanisms (see also Sturtevant, 1938; Muller, 1940; Sibley, 1961; Mayr, 1963, p. 525-526, 548-559). Fisher (1915, 1930) also described a process of "runaway" sexual selection which can produce exponentially increasing rates of evolution in male secondary sexual characters and female mating preferences. As argued below, the latter mechanism is potentially much more powerful for initiating sexual isolation and character divergence along a cline than is selection against hybridization. Population genetic models have shown that when hybrids between geographic races are at a substantial disadvantage a narrow hybrid zone will evolve, followed perhaps by formation of reversed clines (i.e., reproductive character displacement) around the contact zone, and slow or limited diffusion of the genetic differences to remote regions by migration (Crosby, 1970; Endler, 1977; Caisse and Antonovics, 1978). However, if populations in the contact zone have comparatively low mean fitness, in part due to hybrid disadvantage, and if there is a net immigration from surrounding regions, gene flow may prevent the evolution of sexual isolation or may limit it to the contact zone (Littlejohn, 1969; Hall, 1973). Hybrid zones of apparent long standing are known in various animal taxa where neither widespread sexual isolation nor localized reproductive character displacement has occurred (Mayr, 1963, p. 548-550; Bigelow, 1965; White, 1978, Ch. 6). In contrast with the localized origin and slow or restricted spread of sexual isola-
Synthetic Poly(Vinylalcohol)-Based Membranes for Cartilage Surgery and Repair.

Cell-based therapies for cartilage repair are continually being developed to treat osteoarthritis. The cells are either introduced directly by intra-articular injection or via a cell-seeded matrix scaffold. Here, poly(vinylalcohol)-based membranes are developed to be used for mesenchymal stem cell implantation in cartilage repair procedures, having controllable physicochemical properties such as porosity, mechanical strength, and permeability, and a unique self-sealing property. The membranes possess a bilayer structure with a less porous layer providing mechanical strength and selective permeability, exhibit an elastic modulus of between 0.3 and 0.9 MPa, and are permeable to molecules <40 kDa, which is in the range of cartilage permeability. Three different peptide ligands with the sequences Ac-GCGYGRGDSPG, Ac-GCG(OPG)4REGOFG(OPG)4, and Ac-GCG(OPG)7, respectively, are conjugated to the membranes and subject to in vitro cell adhesion and differentiation assays. Col I/Col II gene expression ratios indicated that the collagen-mimetic peptide, Ac-GCG(OPG)7, best supported mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into the chondrogenic lineage. Although low retention of the membrane is observed in vivo in a rabbit knee model, results suggest that the membrane was able to facilitate mesenchymal stem cell implantation and differentiation to chondrocytes. These PVA-based membranes provide a feasible, synthetic, off-the-shelf material for the delivery of stem cells, and can be modified for other surgical applications.
Multiple watermark embedding scheme in wavelet-spatial domains based on ROI of medical images

Watermarking in medical images is a new area of research. It has the potential of being a value-added tool for medical confidentiality protection, patient-related information hiding, and information retrieval. Medical image watermarking requires extreme care when embedding additional data within the medical images because the additional information must not affect the image quality as this may cause misdiagnosis. In this paper we present a scheme that depends on the extraction of the ROI (region of interest) and its use as a watermark to be embedded twice; first as a robust watermark in the RONI (region of non interest) in the wavelet domain and again as a fragile watermark in the ROI in the spatial domain. Moreover multiple watermarks such as the physician's digital signature and EPR (Electronics Patient Record) are embedded in the RONI in wavelet domain depending on a private key. We compare this scheme by another one that we presented before to show the robustness of new scheme. In our work we use MRI brain images with a brain tumor as the ROI. The experimental results showed that the watermarked image is robust to JPEG compression, ROI removal, and addition of an additional tumor to the image and some geometrical attacks; lowpass and median filtering and some types of noise as; Gaussian, Poisson, Salt and Pepper and finally Speckle.
Design of Probabilistic Boolean Networks Based on Network Structure and Steady-State Probabilities

In this brief, we consider the problem of finding a probabilistic Boolean network (PBN) based on a network structure and desired steady-state properties. In systems biology and synthetic biology, such problems are important as an inverse problem. Using a matrix-based representation of PBNs, a solution method for this problem is proposed. The problem of finding a BN has been studied so far. In the problem of finding a PBN, we must calculate not only the Boolean functions, but also the probabilities of selecting a Boolean function and the number of candidates of the Boolean functions. Hence, the problem of finding a PBN is more difficult than that of finding a BN. The effectiveness of the proposed method is presented by numerical examples.
Suicidal ideation and mental distress among adults with military service history: results from 5 U.S. states, 2010.

OBJECTIVES We examined the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress in a probability-based sample of adults. METHODS We gathered 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 5 states that asked about past-year suicidal ideation. Military service was defined as current or former active-duty service or National Guard or Reserves service. We stratified analyses into 18 to 39 years, 40 to 64 years, and 65 years and older age groups and used multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for demographic confounders, to discern the association of military service history with past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress. RESULTS Among the 26,736 respondents, 13.1% indicated military service history. After adjusting for several confounders, we found military history status among those aged 40 to 64 years was associated with both past-year suicidal ideation and past-30-days mental distress. We found no significant associations among the younger or older age groups. CONCLUSIONS Differences in suicidal ideation between military and nonmilitary individuals may occur in midlife. Future research should examine the possibility of cohort effects, service era effects, or both.
Consensus-Based Linear and Nonlinear Filtering

This note addresses Distributed State Estimation (DSE) over sensor networks. Two existing consensus approaches for DSE, i.e., consensus on information (CI) and consensus on measurements (CM), are combined to provide a novel class of hybrid consensus filters (named Hybrid CMCI) which enjoy the complementary benefits of CM and CI. Novel theoretical results, limitedly to linear systems, on the guaranteed stability of the Hybrid CMCI filters under collective observability and network connectivity are proved. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed class of consensus filters is evaluated on a target tracking case study with both linear and nonlinear sensors.
Focus Group Interview: An Underutilized Research Technique for Improving Theory and Practice in Health Education

The purpose of this article is to increase awareness about and stimulate interest in using focus group interviews, a qualitative research technique, to advance the state-of- the-art of education and learning about health. After a brief discussion of small group process in health education, features of focus group interviews are presented, and a theoretical framework for planning a focus group study is summarized. Then, litera ture describing traditional and health-related applications of focus group interviews is reviewed and a synthesis of methodological limitations and advantages of this tech nique is presented. Implications are discussed regarding: need for more inductive qualitative research in health education; utility of focus group interviews for research and for formative and summative evaluation of health education programs; appli cability of marketing research to understanding and influencing consumer behav ior, despite notable distinctions between educational initiatives and marketing; and need for professional preparation faculty to consider increasing emphasis on qualita tive research methods.