Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T-8581, a new orally and parenterally active triazole antifungal agent: in vitro and in vivo evaluations

T-8581 is a new water-soluble triazole antifungal agent. The geometric mean IC80s (GM-IC80S; where the IC80 is the lowest drug concentration which reduced the optical density at 630 nm by 80% compared with the optical density at 630 nm of the drug-free control) for Candida albicans were as follows: T-8581, 0.218 microgram/ml; fluconazole; 0.148 microgram/ml; and itraconazole, 0.0170 microgram/ml. For Cryptococcus neoformans the GM-IC80s were as follows: T-8581, 9.28 micrograms/ml; fluconazole, 4.00 micrograms/ml; and itraconazole, 0.119 microgram/ml. For Aspergillus fumigatus the GM-IC80s were as follows: T-8581, 71.0 micrograms/ml; fluconazole, 239 micrograms/ml; and itraconazole, 0.379 microgram/ml. Against systemic candidiasis in mice, the 50% effective doses (ED50s) of T-8581, fluconazole, and itraconazole (given orally) were 0.412, 0.392, and > 320 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Against systemic aspergillosis in mice, the ED50s of T-8581, fluconazole, and itraconazole (given orally) were 50.5, 138, > 320 mg/kg, respectively. T-8581 was also efficacious when it was given parenterally (ED50, 59.2 mg/kg), while the ED50 of fluconazole given parenterally was > 20 mg/kg. Against systemic aspergillosis in rabbits, T-8581 was more effective than fluconazole and itraconazole in prolonging the life span. The high concentrations of T-8581 were observed in the sera of mice, rats, rabbits and dogs. Species differences in half-lives and areas under the concentration-time curves were observed, with the values for mice, rats, rabbits, and dogs increasing in that order. These results suggest that T-8581 would be a potentially effective antifungal drug for oral and parenteral use.
Location-Based Applications - Benefits, Risks, and Concerns as Usage Predictors

Location-based applications offer various benefits to users, but at the cost of putting one’s privacy at risk. When deciding on whether to use these applications or not, the user has to perform a risk-benefit analysis based on the available knowledge on the apps’ information privacy practices. Users can take some measures to protect themselves from the risks, but concern might also discourage adoption of location-based technologies. In this paper, we show that perceived risks dictate the usage of locationbased applications. Perceived benefits seem to influence how often location-based applications are installed, but not how often they are used. According to our results, awareness of such applications’ information privacy practices has an influence on whether or not the user installs these applications, but does not influence their usage. We also show that users with high privacy concern are less likely to install location-based applications than others; however, privacy concern was not found to correlate with use of location-based applications, or with protective behavior.
A comparison of DFT and DWT based similarity search in time-series databases

Similarity searc h in time-series databases has received signi cant attention lately . P opular tec hniques for e cien t retrieval of time sequences in time-series databases has been to use Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT). Recently, the Discrete Wavelet T ransform (DWT) has gained popular interest in database domain and several proposals have been made to replace DFT by DWT for similarity search over time-series databases. In this paper, we explore the feasibility of replacing DFT by DWT with a comprehensive analysis of the DFT and DWT as matching functions in time-series databases. Our results show that although the DWT based technique has several adv an tages,e.g., the D WThas complexity of O(N) whereas DFT is O(N logN), D WT does not reduce relativ e matching error and does not increase query precision in similarity searc h as suggested by previous works [1]. We conclude that, by exploring the conjugate property of DFT in real domain, the DFT-based and DWT-based techniques yield comparable results on similarity searc h in time-series databases.
Subjective Uncertainty and Intergroup Discrimination in the Minimal Group Situation

Minimal group studies are sometimes interpreted as showing that social categorization per se inevitably produces discrimination. Self-categorization theory clarifies this point, suggesting that a process of self-categorization must occur to transform an external categorization into an internalized representation. Hogg and Abrams suggest that the underlying motive for self-categorization is the reduction of subjective uncertainty. Two minimal group experiments employing different manipulations of uncertainty were conducted in which categorization and subjective uncertainty were manipulated in a 2×2 design. Across both studies, as hypothesized, intergroup discrimination only occurred when participants were categorized under conditions of subjective uncertainty. This was accompanied by enhanced group identification and elevated self-esteem. It is concluded that categorization per se is necessary but not sufficient for discrimination—people must self-categorize, and this is motivated by a need for subjective uncertainty reduction. Discrimination is not an inevitable outcome of categorization.
A Wilkinson power divider on a low resistivity Si substrate with a polyimide interface layer for wireless circuits

A 3-dB Wilkinson power divider on a low resistivity silicon substrate (20 /spl Omega/-cm) with a polyimide interface layer is presented for the first time. The divider utilizes Finite Ground Coplanar (FGC) line technology, and operates at a center frequency of 15 GHz. Low insertion loss and high return loss and isolation is achieved by using a 20 /spl mu/m thick polyimide interface layer on top of the silicon wafer, and a line geometry that minimizes field interaction with the lossy Si substrate. The attenuation of the FGC lines is comparable with that of thin film microstrip lines on similar substrates. Experimental and full-wave analysis results are provided.
Simulation of bright-field microscopy images depicting pap-smear specimen

As digital imaging is becoming a fundamental part of medical and biomedical research, the demand for computer‐based evaluation using advanced image analysis is becoming an integral part of many research projects. A common problem when developing new image analysis algorithms is the need of large datasets with ground truth on which the algorithms can be tested and optimized. Generating such datasets is often tedious and introduces subjectivity and interindividual and intraindividual variations. An alternative to manually created ground‐truth data is to generate synthetic images where the ground truth is known. The challenge then is to make the images sufficiently similar to the real ones to be useful in algorithm development. One of the first and most widely studied medical image analysis tasks is to automate screening for cervical cancer through Pap‐smear analysis. As part of an effort to develop a new generation cervical cancer screening system, we have developed a framework for the creation of realistic synthetic bright‐field microscopy images that can be used for algorithm development and benchmarking. The resulting framework has been assessed through a visual evaluation by experts with extensive experience of Pap‐smear images. The results show that images produced using our described methods are realistic enough to be mistaken for real microscopy images. The developed simulation framework is very flexible and can be modified to mimic many other types of bright‐field microscopy images. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of ISAC
The Effect of α-2 Adrenergic Agonists on Memory and Cognitive Flexibility

BackgroundThe noradrenergic system modulates cognitive flexibility for insight-based problem solving in studies using β-adrenergic antagonists, which block noradrenergic neurotransmission postsynaptically. However, it is not known whether α2-adrenergic agonists, that decrease noradrenergic neurotransmission by presynaptic inhibition, have the same effect. ObjectivesTherefore, we wished to test whether α2-adrenergic agonists would have a similar effect on cognitive flexibility. MethodsEighteen normal adults were tested on cognitive flexibility, problem solving, verbal and spatial memory tasks after receiving clonidine (0.1 mg), an α2-agonist, placebo, or ephedrine (25 mg), a noradrenergic stimulant. ResultsThree-way analysis of variance revealed no significant drug effect on cognitive flexibility or problem solving. There was also no significant effect of clonidine on memory. ConclusionsTherefore, α2-agonists do not influence cognitive flexibility in the same manner as β-antagonists. Better performance on memory with clonidine might be expected based on primate studies demonstrating benefits in working memory using clonidine. This benefit was not observed for the commonly used clinical memory tasks in our study. This may have implications for why clonidine has not demonstrated efficacy for cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer disease, despite its known benefit for working memory in animal models.
The E 3 ubiquitin ligase UBR 5 is recurrently mutated in mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) accounts for 7% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas and represents a particularly challenging disease with patient outcomes inferior to most other lymphoma subtypes. MCL is characterized on the molecular level by the hallmark t(11; 14)(q13;q32) translocation that results in overexpression of cyclin D1, and by frequent additional cytogenetic alterations. The complete mutational landscape has not been described to date. Using RNAseq as a discovery tool, we recently described recurrent NOTCH1 and CCND1 mutations. Herein we describe the targeted resequencing, in a larger cohort of patients, of mutated genes identified by RNAseq. We report frequent mutations in UBR5, a gene encoding an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that has not been implicated, thus far, in lymphomagenesis.
Simplified iterative detection of serially concatenated CPM signals

In this paper, we derive low-complexity MAP symbol detection algorithms for continuous phase modulations (CPMs). To obtain this result, the well-known problem of a transmission over an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel affected by known intersymbol interference (ISI) is first considered. We show that the maximum a posteriori (MAP) symbol detection strategy, usually implemented by using the Forney observation model, can be equivalently implemented based on the samples at the output of a filter matched to the received pulse, i.e., based on the Ungerboeck observation model. Although interesting from a conceptual viewpoint, the derived algorithm has a practical relevance in turbo equalization schemes for partial response signalling, where the implementation of a whitening filter can be avoided, and in the derivation of the simplified algorithms for CPM signals.
Particle convergence time in the PSO model with inertia weight

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a powerful heuristic optimization method being subject of continuous interest. Theoretical analysis of its properties concerns primarily the conditions necessary for guaranteeing its convergent behaviour. Particle behaviour depends on three groups of parameters: values of factors in a velocity update rule, initial localization and velocity and fitness landscape. The paper presents theoretical analysis of the particle convergence properties in the model with inertia weight respectively to different values of these parameters. A new measure for evaluation of a particle convergence time is proposed. For this measure an upper bound formula is derived and its four main types of characteristics are discussed. The way of the characteristics transformations respectively to changes of velocity equation parameters is presented as well.
Incremental cost of postacute care in nursing homes.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether the case mix index (CMI) based on the 53-Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) captures all the cross-sectional variation in nursing home (NH) costs or whether NHs that have a higher percent of Medicare skilled care days (%SKILLED) have additional costs. DATA AND SAMPLE: Nine hundred and eighty-eight NHs in California in 2005. Data are from Medicaid cost reports, the Minimum Data Set, and the Economic Census. RESEARCH DESIGN We estimate hybrid cost functions, which include in addition to outputs, case mix, ownership, wages, and %SKILLED. Two-stage least-square (2SLS) analysis was used to deal with the potential endogeneity of %SKILLED and CMI. RESULTS On average 11 percent of NHs days were due to skilled care. Based on the 2SLS model, %SKILLED is associated with costs even when controlling for CMI. The marginal cost of a one percentage point increase in %SKILLED is estimated at U.S.$70,474 or about 1.2 percent of annual costs for the average cost facility. Subanalyses show that the increase in costs is mainly due to additional expenses for nontherapy ancillaries and rehabilitation. CONCLUSION The 53-RUGs case mix does not account completely for all the variation in actual costs of care for postacute patients in NHs.
The learner as facilitator: moving outside the “same old cage”

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical, reflective examination of the organisation, delivery and evaluation of a training event conducted by postgraduate students undertaking a module on human resource development.Design/methodology/approach – The paper seeks to offer a triangulation of semi‐structured interviews, archival student written reflective accounts of the training event together with oral narrative from past participants on the module.Findings – This paper examines the form and nature of a training event used as part of an assessment strategy on the human resource development (HRD) module of the MBA programme at the University of Abertay. The findings document the meanings and multiple realities that the participants ascribe to the training event. The interactional variable inherent in the informal and formal dichotomy of learning are also illustrated. Finally, the process of empowerment and reflection for all learners leads to a range of outcomes beyond the fulfilment of t.
B Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS) Overexpression in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Members of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) family induce pleiotropic biological responses, including cell growth, differentiation and even death. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, is a cytokine that induces B-cell survival, expansion, and differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Considerable evidence points to a role for (BLyS) overproduction in murine and human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Increased levels of BLyS mRNA correlates well with biologic and clinical sequelae of BLyS overexpression. Aim of Work: To assess the level of mRNA BLyS in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and correlate it to clinical and laboratory features of the disease. Material and Methods: Thirty SLE patients and ten ageand sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Blood samples from patients and controls were subjected to the following: Detection of BLyS mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, followed by semiquantitation of their levels by comparing levels of BLyS mRNA to ß-actin mRNA levels using densitometric analysis. Results: The mean intensity of full-length BLyS mRNA expression was significantly higher in SLE patients when compared to the control group ( p<0.001). Elevated BLyS mRNA in SLE patients are significantly associated with disease activity as they are statistically correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score. BLys mRNA levels were closely associated with serum anti-dsDNA levels and are not correlated to percentage of leucocyte lineages in the patients’ peripheral blood samples, denoting that among SLE patients, the elevated levels of BLyS mRNA are not related to percentage of myeloid lineage, they are expressed from. Conclusion: BLyS mRNA levels may be a helpful biomarker in the clinical monitoring of SLE patients. These findings also reinforces the rationale underlying clinical trials with BLyS antagonists in SLE.
Rapid MR‐ARFI method for focal spot localization during focused ultrasound therapy

MR‐guided focused ultrasound (FUS) is a noninvasive therapy for treating various pathologies. MR‐based acoustic radiation force imaging (MR‐ARFI) measures tissue displacement in the focal spot due to acoustic radiation force. MR‐ARFI also provides feedback for adaptive focusing algorithms that could correct for phase aberrations caused by the skull during brain treatments. This work developed a single‐shot echo‐planar imaging–based MR‐ARFI method that reduces scan time and ultrasound energy deposition. The new method was implemented and tested in a phantom and ex vivo brain tissue. The effect of the phase aberrations on the ultrasound focusing was studied using displacement maps obtained with echo‐planar imaging and two‐dimensional spin‐warp MR‐ARFI. The results show that displacement in the focal spot can be rapidly imaged using echo‐planar imaging–based MR‐ARFI with high signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency and without any measurable tissue heating. Echo‐planar imaging–based displacement images also demonstrate sufficient sensitivity to phase aberrations and can serve as rapid feedback for adaptive focusing in brain treatments and other applications. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling Individual Differences in Automatic Evaluation Measured by Evaluative Decision Task

The study concerns the measurement of individual differences in the automatic processing of affective stimuli within an affective priming paradigm. Automatic processing measures, termed processing tendencies, were defined by parcels composed of difference score items of the Evaluative Decision Task reaction time variables. Confirmatory factor analytic framework was used (1) to construct parcels of individual items and to evaluate them in terms of unidimensionality and temporal invariance, (2) to examine the structure of relationships among the processing tendencies, and (3) to test the stability of individual differences in processing tendencies over a 4-week period. Random assignment of items to parcels showed unidimensionality as well as invariance over time. Processing tendencies relating to same-valence targets – facilitation and inhibition of positive targets as well as facilitation and inhibition of negative targets – showed a positive relationship at both timepoints not predicted by theory. Further.
Research on Evaluation Use

This paper reviews empirical research on the use of evaluation from 1986 to 2005 using Cousins and Leithwood’s 1986 framework for categorizing empirical studies of evaluation use conducted since that time. The literature review located 41 empirical studies of evaluation use conducted between 1986 and 2005 that met minimum quality standards. The Cousins and Leithwood framework allowed a comparison over time. After initially grouping these studies according to Cousins and Leithwood’s two categories and twelve characteristics, one additional category and one new characteristic were added to their framework. The new category is stakeholder involvement, and the new characteristic is evaluator competence (under the category of evaluation implementation). Findings point to the importance of stakeholder involvement in facilitating evaluation use and suggest that engagement, interaction, and communication between evaluation clients and evaluators is critical to the meaningful use of evaluations.
Video Analysis in Golf Coaching: An Insider Perspective

Golf has evolved from a recreational pursuit to a professional sport, which attracts huge sponsorships and endorsements. With this development, greater demands have been placed on golf coaches to produce golfers with high levels of skills and competence. The technology used in golf coaching has also evolved with video analysis becoming an integral part of golf coaching. The purpose of this study was to elicit golf coaches’ perspectives on golf coaching. A qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from a purposive sample of eight (n=8) golf coaches. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Arising from an in-depth literature review, an interview schedule was developed to collect data on the following research issues associated with using video analysis in golf coaching: a) positive experiences, b) negative experiences, c) player development, d) attitude towards video analysis, e) barriers and constraints to using video analysis, f) focus of video analysis, and g) alternatives to video analysis. The data were content-analysed to reduce it to meaningful information units. The findings of the study revealed that the positive aspects outnumbered the negative aspects associated with the use of video analysis in golf coaching. Among the positive aspects were improved stance, balance and swing, while the negative aspects were mainly concerned with the high cost of the technology. Given the many positive aspects associated with using video analysis in golf coaching, and the fact that coaches continuously strive to get the best performance from their athletes, the use of video analysis in golf coaching appears to be a positive step towards achieving this goal. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014. v5n21p399
A Content-Adaptive Analysis and Representation Framework for Audio Event Discovery from "Unscripted" Multimedia

We propose a content-adaptive analysis and representation framework to discover events using audio features from "unscripted" multimedia such as sports and surveillance for summarization. The proposed analysis framework performs an inlier/outlier-based temporal segmentation of the content. It is motivated by the observation that "interesting" events in unscripted multimedia occur sparsely in a background of usual or "uninteresting" events. We treat the sequence of low/mid-level features extracted from the audio as a time series and identify subsequences that are outliers. The outlier detection is based on eigenvector analysis of the affinity matrix constructed from statistical models estimated from the subsequences of the time series. We define the confidence measure on each of the detected outliers as the probability that it is an outlier. Then, we establish a relationship between the parameters of the proposed framework and the confidence measure. Furthermore, we use the confidence measure to rank the detected outliers in terms of their departures from the background process. Our experimental results with sequences of low- and mid-level audio features extracted from sports video show that "highlight" events can be extracted effectively as outliers from a background process using the proposed framework. We proceed to show the effectiveness of the proposed framework in bringing out suspicious events from surveillance videos without any a priori knowledge. We show that such temporal segmentation into background and outliers, along with the ranking based on the departure from the background, can be used to generate content summaries of any desired length. Finally, we also show that the proposed framework can be used to systematically select "key audio classes" that are indicative of events of interest in the chosen domain.