Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simple, Robust, Constant-Time Bounds on Surface Geodesic Distances using Point Landmarks

In this paper we exploit redundant information in geodesic distance ﬁelds for a quick approximation of all-pair distances. Starting with geodesic distance ﬁelds of equally distributed landmarks we analyze the lower and upper bound resulting from the triangle inequality and show that both bounds converge reasonably fast to the original distance ﬁeld. The lower bound has itself a bounded relative error, fulﬁlls the triangle equation and under mild conditions is a distance metric. While the absolute error of both bounds is smaller than the maximal landmark distances, the upper bound often exhibits smaller error close to the cut locus. Both the lower and upper bound are simple to implement and quickly to evaluate with a constant-time effort for point-to-point distances, which are often required by various algorithms.
Use of complementary therapies in a rural cancer population.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To document how people living in rural areas use of intend to use complementary therapies and to determine demographic factors related to the use of these therapies. DESIGN Descriptive, cross-sectional survey. SETTING Three cancer treatment clinics and one support group located in the rural Midwest. SAMPLE 53 people with cancer, predominantly Caucasian, ages 42-91. METHODS Nurses distributed the previously tested investigator-developed Complementary Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS). Clients who wished to participate completed the survey and mailed it to the primary researcher. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Use of complementary therapies, client ratings of effectiveness, and demographic variables. FINDINGS 87% of the clients were using at least one complementary therapy. Prayer, humor, and support group attendance were the most popular. Women, younger clients, support group members, and those who lived closer to town had significantly higher scores on the CTRS. CONCLUSIONS More rural people with cancer reported using complementary therapies than could have been predicted from the available literature. However, most literature focuses on alternative cancer treatment as opposed to use of complementary therapies were easily available and inexpensive and have no known side effects. More research is needed on the effectiveness of these therapies. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Workshops or research projects involving complementary therapies should include those therapies that people with cancer frequently use. Younger clients and women may be most interested in participating, and projects should be scheduled to avoid frequent trips into town.
Mining association rules with new measure criteria

Nowadays, association rules mining from large databases is an active research field of data mining motivated by many application areas. However, there are some problems in the strong association rules mining based on support-confidence framework. Firstly, there are a great number of redundant association rules generated, then it is difficult for user to find the interesting ones in them; secondly, the correlation between attributes of given application areas is ignored. Therefore new measure criteria, which are Chi-Squared test and cover, should be introduced to association rules mining, and the more important aspect is the use of Chi-Squared test to reduce the amount of rules. In the paper, the Chi-Squared test and cover of measure criteria would be used to association rules mining for removing the itemsets, which are statistic independent, while frequent itemsets or rules are generated. Thus the number of patterns (including itemsets and rules) itemsets decreases, and it is easy for user to capture the more interesting association rules. The experimental results demonstrate that the Chi-Squared test is effective on reducing the amount of patterns via merging support and cover constrain. Pattern selection based on Chi-Squared test can eliminate some irrelevant attributes, and the efficiency and veracity of mining association rules are improved.
Cell cycle, morphology and pluripotency of octaploid embryonic stem cells in comparison with those of tetraploid and diploid cells

To examine the alteration of cellular characteristics on ploidy transition of embryonic stem (ES) cells, octaploid cells (8H1 cells) were established from tetraploid H-1 (ES) cells, and compared with tetraploid and diploid H-1 (ES) cells (4H1 and 2H1 cells, respectively). The duration of G1, S, and G2/M phases were essentially the same among 2H1, 4H1, and 8H1 cells, suggesting that cell cycle progression is conserved. The ratio of cell volume of 2H1, 4H1, and 8H1 cells was about 1 : 2 : 4, indicating that these polyploid cells were generated through cell cycle progression without cell division. The morphology of 8H1 cells was flagstone-like and flatter than that of 4H1 cells, and differed from the spindle-like shape of 2H1 cells, suggesting that transformation occurred during the ploidy transitions. Alkaline phosphatase activity was expressed equivalently in 2H1, 4H1, and 8H1 cells, and solid tumors that contained endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal cells were formed by 2H1, 4H1 or 8H1 cells after interperitoneal injection into the mouse abdomen, suggesting that pluripotency was preserved in the ploidy transition.
IFRS Ten Years on: Has the IASB Imposed Extensive Use of Fair Value? Has the EU Learnt to Love IFRS? And Does the Use of Fair Value make IFRS Illegal in the EU?†

Abstract This paper is a commentary on issues related to the first decade's mandatory use of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) in the EU. Three specific but related questions are addressed, as in the paper's title. On the first (imposition and use of fair value (FV)), I conclude that the International Accounting Standards Board has not substantially extended the use of FV in its 15 years of work and that most companies hold few assets or liabilities on the FV basis. On the second question (adoption in the EU), I analyse a consultation exercise which strongly suggests that the EU's imposition of IFRSs will continue. On the third question (legality of IFRSs), I explain why recent UK legal opinions that question the legality of reporting under IFRSs are not persuasive.
Modelling low energy electron and positron tracks for biomedical applications

In order to incorporate the effect of low energy electrons and positron in radiation damage models, the simulation method proposed here is based on experimental and theoretical cross section data and energy loss spectra we have previously derived. After a summary of the main techniques used to obtain reliable input data, the basis of a Low Energy Particle Track Simulation (LEPTS) procedure is established. Single electron and positron tracks in liquid water are presented and the possibility of using these results to develop tools for nanodosimetry is discussed.
Comparative Study of Visuo-Vestibular Conditioning in Lymnaea stagnalis

In this review, we compare the current understanding of visuo-vestibular conditioning in Hermissenda crassicornis and Lymnaea stagnalis on the basis of behavioral, electrophysiologic, and morphologic studies. Paired presentation of a photic conditioned stimulus (CS) and an orbital rotation unconditioned stimulus (US) results in conditioned escape behavior in both species. In Hermissenda, changes in excitability of type B photoreceptors and morphologic modifications at the axon terminals follow conditioning. Caudal hair cells, which detect mechanical turbulence, have reciprocal inhibition with type B photoreceptors. In Lymnaea, the interaction between photoreceptors and hair cells is dependent on statocyst location. Furthermore, the organization of the Lymnaea eye is complex, with more than 100 photoreceptors distributed in a uniquely folded retina. Although the optimal conditions to produce long-term memory (memory persistent for >1 week) are almost identical in Hermissenda and Lymnaea, physiologic and morphologic differences suggest that the neuronal mechanisms underlying learning and memory are distinct.
Interleaved DC/DC charger for wireless power tranfer

This paper introduces an interleaved DC/DC converter coupled with a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system to ensure charging function for the electric vehicles (EVs) batteries. The dynamic wireless power transfer system charging proposed and studied in VEDECOM institute is detailed. The innovative architecture based on an optimized magnetic coupler associated with a power electronic part is designed for an efficient operation. In this research work, an interleaved Buck boost converter is investigated, the DC/DC architecture is opted due to the variable output voltage of the WPT charging system. The interleaved is able to process more power with reduced circuit ripples and harmonics distortion, and current stress on the battery.
Dok-1 Independently Attenuates Ras/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Src/c-Myc Pathways To Inhibit Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Induced Mitogenesis

ABSTRACT The Dok adaptor proteins play key regulatory roles in receptor and non-receptor kinase-initiated signaling pathways. Dok-1, the prototype member of this family, negatively regulates cell proliferation elicited by numerous growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). However, how Dok-1 exerts its negative effect on mitogenesis has remained elusive. Using Dok-1 knockout cells and Dok-1 mutants deficient in binding to specific Dok-1-interacting proteins, we show that Dok-1 interferes with PDGF-stimulated c-myc induction and Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation by tethering different signaling components to the cell membrane. Specifically, Dok-1 attenuates PDGF-elicited c-myc induction by recruiting Csk to active Src kinases, whereupon their activities and consequent c-myc induction are diminished. On the other hand, Dok-1 negatively regulates PDGF-induced MAPK activation by acting on Ras-GAP and at least one other Dok-1-interacting protein. Importantly, we demonstrate that Dok-1's actions on both of these signaling pathways contribute to its inhibitory effect on mitogenesis. Our data suggest a mechanistic basis for the inhibitory effect of Dok-1 on growth factor-induced mitogenesis and its role as a tumor suppressor.
A 12-Month Prospective, Observational Study of Treatment Regimen and Quality of Life Associated With ADHD in Central and Eastern Europe and Eastern Asia

Objectives: This prospective, observational, non-randomized study aimed to describe the relationship between treatment regimen prescribed and the quality of life (QoL) of ADHD patients in countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Eastern Asia over 12 months. Methods: 977 Male and female patients aged 6-17 years seeking treatment for symptoms of ADHD were assessed using the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-4 Parent Checklists, and the Clinical Global Impressions-ADHD-Severity scale. QoL was assessed using the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition parent report form. Patients were grouped according to whether they were prescribed psycho- and/or pharmacotherapy (treatment) or not (no/‘other’ treatment). Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between cohorts (treatment vs. no/‘other’ treatment) in terms of change in QoL, although there was improvement over 12 months, with a greater improvement experienced by patients in the treatment cohort in both study regions (CEE and Eastern Asia). Psychoeducation/counselling and methylphenidate were the predominant ADHD treatments prescribed. Conclusions: Although both treatment and no/‘other’ treatment cohorts showed improvements in mean QoL over 12 months, the difference was small and not statistically significant. A major limitation was the higher than anticipated number of patients switching treatments, predominantly from the no/‘other’ treatment cohort.
Cryptogenic Liver Disease in Four Children: A Novel Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation

We investigated the metabolic defect(s) of four children who presented with isolated cryptogenic chronic liver disease, coagulopathy, and abnormalities of several unrelated serum glycoproteins. Analysis of the patients' serum glycoproteins and fibroblasts suggest they have a novel congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG). All had abnormal transferrin (Tf) isoelectric focusing (IEF) profiles. More detailed analysis of Tf by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) showed a plethora of abnormal glycosylations that included loss of 1-2 sialic acids and 1-2 galactose units, typical of Group II defects. Tf from two patients also lacked 1-2 entire oligosaccharide chains, typical of Group One disorders. Total serum N-glycans were analyzed by HPLC and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and also showed increased proportion of neutral glycan chains lacking sialic acids and galactose units. Analysis of patient fibroblasts eliminated CDG-Ia, through CDG-Ih, -IL and CDG-IId. Our results suggest that a subset of children with clinically asymptomatic, cryptogenic hypertransaminasemia and/or liver steato-fibrosis may represent a novel type of CDG-X with an unknown defect(s). Clinicians are encouraged to test such patients for abnormal Tf glycosylation by ESI-MS.
ACCUMULATION OF 8‐METHOXYPSORALEN IN THE RAT RETINA

The distribution of 3H‐8‐methoxypsoralen (3H‐8‐MOP) has been examined by autoradiography in albino and pigmented rat eyes. Very high concentrations were seen in the pigmented layer of the retina, ciliary body and iris in pigmented rats. Cornea concentrations in both rat strains were about twice that of blood, and lower concentrations were seen in the lens.
Evaluation of endorectal and urethral cooling devices during MR-guided ultrasound thermal ablation in canine prostate

High-temperature thermal therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is currently being applied as a minimally-invasive alternative over traditional forms of treatment. Catheter-based interstitial and transurethral ultrasound applicators are being developed for controlled and selective thermal ablation of prostaric tissues with concurrent MR thermal imaging. As part of this treatment strategy we have devised a transurethral cooling catheter and a cooling jacket to be placed over the endorectal MR imaging coil to protect the urethral mucosa and rectal wall from thermal damage during treatment. The cooling efficiencies and protective abilities of these devices were evaluated in vivo within three canine prostate glands. Invasive and MR derived temperature measurements within the prostate and rectal wall indicate that the protective influence of the endorectal cooling extends 5-10 mm from the rectal wall into the dorsal prostate. The urethral cooling extends /spl sim/5 mm from the cooling balloon. The protective capabilities were further verified with subsequent histological analysis with TTC stained tissue sections and contrast enhanced T1-weighted MR images post treatment. Both of these cooling devices are compatible with the MR thermometry and can be used to protect the urethral mucosa and rectal wall during prostate thermal ablation with interstitial and transurethral ultrasound devices.
Scatter enhanced breast CT using a mono-energetic first generation scanner: Feasibility study

Scatter enhanced computed tomography (SECT) is a technique that simultaneously reconstructs images of electron density (ρ<inf>e</inf>) and the linear attenuation coefficient (μ). One of its most promising applications is the field of breast imaging where both ρ<inf>e</inf> and μ have shown to be characteristic for different tissues. We simulated a SECT scanner which has shown to be able to reconstruct images of both μ and ρ<inf>e</inf>. We also simulated a breast computed tomography (CT) phantom consisting of normal breast tissue background with regions of blood, adipose and glandular tissue. Carcinoma was also included in the phantom in addition to microcalcification (MCF) content and typical iodine tumor absorption. Reconstructions show that the contrast between different regions in the phantom and normal tissue range from 6.4 to 42.9 for μ and from 4.6 to 25.4 for the ρ<inf>e</inf>. The ρ<inf>e</inf> images are capable of discriminating between regions of MCF embedded in either adipose or glandular tissue which may not be the case in the image of μ. Noise had little impact on the primary image but reduces the quality of ρ<inf>e</inf> image. The use of a Hann windowed filter however was able to improve the contrast-tonoise (CNR) from 2.3 to 2.7 with respect to reconstruction with no window. The ρ<inf>e</inf> image provides complementary information that can potentially improve characterization for regions of MCF with sizes corresponding to 500 μm for a 1 mm<sup>3</sup> voxel.
E2F8 as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND The E2F members have been divided into transcription activators (E2F1-E2F3) and repressors (E2F4-E2F8). E2F8 with E2F7 has been known to play an important physiologic role in embryonic development and cell cycle regulation by repressing E2F1. However, the function of E2F8 in cancer cells is unknown. METHODS E2F8 expression was assessed by immunoblotting or immunofluorescence staining in human lung cancer (LC) cells and tissues from LC patients (n = 45). Cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasion analysis were performed to evaluate the role of E2F8 in LC. Microarray analysis was used to determine the target genes of E2F8. The regulation of E2F8 on the expression of ubiquitin-like PHD and RING domain-containing 1 (UHRF1), one of E2F8 target genes, was determined using chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter activity assays. Human LC xenograft models were used to determine the effects of inhibiting E2F8 by siRNAs (n = 7 per group) or antisense morpholino (n = 8 per group) on tumor growth. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and group differences by the Student's t test. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS LC tumors overexpressed E2F8 compared with normal lung tissues. Depletion of E2F8 inhibited cell proliferation and tumor growth. E2F8 knockdown statistically significantly reduced the expression of UHRF1 (~60%-70%, P < .001), and the direct binding of E2F8 on the promoter of UHRF1 was identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis with a public database showed prognostic significance of aberrant E2F8 expression in LC (HR = 1.91 95% CI = 1.21 to 3.01 in chemo-naïve patients, P = .0047). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that E2F8 is overexpressed in LC and is required for the growth of LC cells. These findings implicate E2F8 as a novel therapeutic target for LC treatment.
A Quantitative Assessment of the Role of Incomplete Asset Markets on the Dynamics of the Real Exchange Rate

I develop a two-country New Keynesian model with capital accumulation and incomplete international asset markets that provides novel insights on the effect that imperfect international risk-sharing has on international business cycles and RER dynamics. I find that business cycles appear similar whether international asset markets are complete or not when driven by a combination of non-persistent monetary shocks and persistent productivity (TFP) shocks. In turn, international asset market incompleteness has sizeable effects if (persistent) investment-specific technology (IST) shocks are a main driver of business cycles. I also show that the model with incomplete international asset markets can approximate the RER volatility and persistence observed in the data, for instance, if IST shocks are near-unit-root. Hence, I conclude that the nature of shocks, the extent of financial integration across countries and the existing limitations on asset trading are central to understand the dynamics of the real exchange rate and the endogenous international transmission over the business cycles.
Foreign Investment, Institutional Quality, Public Expenditure, and Activity of Venture Capital Funds in Emerging Market Countries

Abstract This paper empirically analyzes the effects of foreign direct investment (FDI), institutional quality, and the size of a government on venture capital (VC) activity. We conclude that institutional quality, FDI, and public spending have definitive importance as elements for the development of a public policy that increases the quantity and quality of VC fund (VCF) investment. Higher institutional quality, greater FDI, and lower public spending allow the volume of VCF investment to grow. FDI shows a higher level of significance in promoting investment in high-tech companies, and institutional quality increases the productivity of FDI investment in the generation of VCF. Government spending dramatically and (counter-intuitively) adversely affects the activities of VCF. Notably, the higher the institutional quality of a country, the less state intervention is required to promote investment of VCF. The results are consistent with the hypothesis of the FDI spillover and crowding out by public spending.
Ileocolic Intussusception Precipitated by Diagnostic Colonoscopy: A Case Report

Only 5% of all cases of intussusceptions occur in adults. Intussusception complicating colonoscopy is an extremely rare event. Herein, we present a case of a 58-year-old man who developed ileocolic intussusception after a colonoscopy during which an adenomatous polyp was discovered in the terminal ileum. Eight hours after colonoscopy, the patient developed diffuse abdominal pain associated with vomiting and bloody diarrhea. A contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan revealed features of mechanical intestinal obstruction and a round soft tissue mass inside the right colon, followed by the wall of the intussusceptum. Emergency laparotomy revealed extended ileocecal intussusception with the polyp incarcerated by the ileocecal valve. A typical right hemicolectomy was performed, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed an inflammatory fibroid polyp. Ileocolic intussusception due to an ileal polyp may be precipitated by colonoscopy and should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen after colonoscopy.
Introduction of a Waterless Alcohol-Based Hand Rub in a Long-Term–Care Facility

Abstract Objective: To examine the impact of introduction of an alcohol-based hand rub on hand hygiene knowledge and compliance and hand colonization of healthcare workers (HCWs) in a long-term-care facility (LTCF). Methods: Two floors of an LTCF participated. Ward A used the hand rub as an adjunct to soap and water; ward B was the control. HCWs' hands were cultured using the bag-broth technique for Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative bacilli (GNB), Candida, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). HCWs completed a questionnaire at baseline and after an educational intervention and introduction of rub. Results: Hand hygiene practices, knowledge, and opinions did not change after the educational or rub intervention. Ward A HCWs thought that the rub was faster (P = .002) and less drying (P = .04) than soap. Hand hygiene frequency did not differ at baseline between the two floors, but increased on ward A by the end of the study (P = .04). HCWs were colonized frequently with GNB (66%), Candida (41%), S. aureus (20%), and VRE (9%). Although colonization did not change from baseline on either ward, the rub was more effective in clearing GNB (P = .03) and S. aureus (P = .003). Nosocomial infection rates did not change. Conclusion: The alcohol-based hand rub was a faster, more convenient, less drying method of hand hygiene for HCWs in an LTCF, and it improved compliance. Although microbial colonization did not change, the rub was more efficacious in removing pathogens already present on the hands of HCWs.