Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Item response analysis of a shortened German version of the morningness–eveningness scale

A shortened version of the German adaptation of the morningness–eveningness scale of Horne and Östberg is analysed within a large sample of 994 physicians with respect to dimensionality, reliability, gender differences and validity. The psychometric analysis – which incorporates a highly robust method to check for unidimensionality – shows discrepancies towards unidimensionality and highlights three misfitting items. In addition, hypothesis testing indicates the presence of differential item functioning (DIF) with respect to gender which could be caused by differences in response formats. Although, reliability estimates are satisfactory, an overall lack of adequate psychometric properties of the scale within the population of physicians has to be reported. We derive suggestions for improvement of the original morningness–eveningness questionnaire (MEQ)-scale and provide general comments on how to check for unidimensionality without imposing a restrictive response model.
Oxidative stress and nitric oxide synthase in rat diabetic nephropathy: effects of ACEI and ARB.

BACKGROUND Angiotensin II (Ang II) can up-regulate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase, whose product superoxide anion (O2-) can interact with nitric oxide (NO) to form peroxynitrite (ONOO-). We tested the hypothesis that Ang II subtype 1 (AT1) receptor activation enhances oxidative stress and nitrotyrosine deposition in the kidneys of rats with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS After two weeks of streptozotocin-induced DM, rats received either no treatment, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for two weeks. At four weeks, renal expression of the p47phox component of NAD(P)H oxidase, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and nitrotyrosine were evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry and related to plasma lipid peroxidation products (LPO), hydrogen peroxide production in the kidney and 24-hour protein excretion. RESULTS Immunoreactive expression of p47phox and eNOS were increased in DM with an increase in plasma LPO, renal hydrogen peroxide production and nitrotyrosine deposition. Expression of nNOS was unaltered. Treatment with either ACEI or ARB prevented all these findings and also prevented significant microalbuminuria. The treatments did not affect the elevated blood sugar, nor did DM or its treatment affect the blood pressure or the creatinine clearance. CONCLUSION Early proteinuric diabetic nephropathy increases renal expression of the p47phox component of NAD(P)H oxidase and eNOS with increased indices of systemic and renal oxidative/nitrosative stress. An ACEI or an ARB prevents these changes and prevents the development of proteinuria, independent of blood pressure or blood sugar. This finding indicates a pathogenic role for AT1 receptors in the development of oxidative damage in the kidneys during early DM.
Stroke Outcome Measures

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the foremost cause of adult neurological disability in the United States. Comprehensive assessment of persons with stroke is necessary for appropriate management of care and evaluation of interventions and outcomes. With the emergence of new effective treatments for stroke, the opportunity to document stroke impairments and disabilities to monitor recovery and to plan for reentry back to the community is a high nursing priority. The utilization of well-validated standardized instruments makes this goal attainable.
Role of sonography in the diagnosis and treatment of a ganglion cyst compressing the lateral branch of deep peroneal nerve

Selective compression neuropathy of the lateral branch of the deep peroneal nerve is rare. A 55‐year‐old woman with ankle instability and mild weakness of extension of the toes was examined with sonography (US), which revealed the presence of a ganglion cyst compressing selectively the lateral branch of the deep peroneal nerve. US‐guided aspiration of the cyst resulted in nerve decompression and progressive resolution of symptoms. This case demonstrates the importance of examining the deep peroneal nerve and its branches when performing US in the clinical setting of ankle instability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:108–111, 2017;
Heterologous Desensitization Mediated by G Protein-specific Binding to Caveolin*

We examined the notion that sequestration of G protein subunits by binding to caveolin impedes G protein reassociation and leads to transient, G protein-specific desensitization of response in dispersed smooth muscle cells. Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) and substance P (SP) were used to activate Gq/11, cyclopentyl adenosine (CPA) was used to activate Gi3, and acetylcholine (ACh) was used to activate both Gq/11 and Gi3 via m3 and m2 receptors, respectively. CCK-8 and SP increased only Gαq/11, and CPA increased only Gαi3 in caveolin immunoprecipitates; caveolin and other G proteins were not increased. ACh increased both Gαq/11 and Gαi3 in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion: only Gαq/11was increased in the presence of an m2 antagonist, and only Gαi3 was increased in the presence of an m3 antagonist. To determine whether transient G protein binding to caveolin affected subsequent responses mediated by the same G protein, PLC-β activity was measured in cells stimulated sequentially with two different agonists that activate either the same or a different G protein. After treatment of the cells with ACh and an m2 antagonist, the phospholipase C-β (PLC-β) response to CCK-8 and SP, but not CPA, was decreased; conversely, after treatment of the cells with ACh and an m3 antagonist, the PLC-β response to CPA, but not CCK-8 or SP, was decreased. Similarly, after treatment with CCK-8 or SP, the PLC-β response mediated by Gq/11 only was decreased, whereas after treatment with CPA, the PLC-β response mediated by Gi3only was decreased. A caveolin-binding Gαq/11 fragment blocked the binding of activated Gαq/11 but not Gαi3 to caveolin-3 and prevented desensitization of the PLC-β response mediated only by other Gq/11-coupled receptors. A caveolin-binding Gαi3 fragment had the reverse effect. Thus, transient binding of receptor-activated G protein subunits to caveolin impedes reassociation of the heterotrimeric species and leads to desensitization of response mediated by other receptors coupled to the same G protein.
Biodistribution of a 153Gd-Folate Dendrimer, Generation = 4, in Mice With Folate-Receptor Positive and Negative Ovarian Tumor Xenografts

Konda SD, Wang S, Brechbiel M, et al. Biodistribution of a 153Gd-folate dendrimer, generation = 4, in mice with folate-receptor positive and negative ovarian tumor xenografts. Invest Radiol 2002;37:199–204. rationale and objectives. An important characteristic of targeted contrast agents is how they are tolerated in a biologic environment and their localization in the surrounding tissues in addition to target tissue. We evaluate the biodistribution of a gadolinium Gd 153-folate-dendrimer in high affinity folate-receptor (hFR) positive and negative ovarian tumor xenografts. methods. The 153Gd-folate-dendrimer chelate was prepared by exchanging 153Gd with nonradioactive gadolinium for 1 week, followed by extensive filtration. Athymic mice with hFR-positive (n = 3) and negative tumors (n = 3) were injected intravenously and counted using a whole-body counting system with a 80 to 150 keV counting window. results. The hFR-positive tumors accumulate 3.6% ± 2.8% injected dose/g, whereas only background counts were found in hFR-negative tumors. The folate-dendrimer’s tumor-to-blood ratio of 12.6, in hFR-positive tumors, was ∼5.7 to 17.0 fold better than those obtained with monoclonal antibodies targeted to the folate receptor. conclusions. Biodistribution studies confirm previous MRI findings and show that the accumulation of the folate-dendrimer requires the expression of the hFR.
Review on Privacy Preservation and Secure Data Sharing on Cloud Storage

Cloud computing provides an economical and efficient solution for sharing group resource among cloud users. Privacy preservation and secure sharing of the data over un-trusted cloud is still a challenging issue, due to the frequent change of the membership. A secure multi owner data sharing technique is proposed for dynamic groups in the cloud. By using group signature and dynamic broadcast encryption techniques, any cloud user can anonymously share data with others. In this paper we will review various techniques which used for secure data sharing and privacy preservation with its pitfalls
A risk assessment methodology using intuitionistic fuzzy set in FMEA

Most current risk assessment methods use the risk priority number (RPN) value to evaluate the risk of failure. However, conventional RPN methodology has been criticised as having five main shortcomings as follows: (1) the assumption that the RPN elements are equally weighted leads to over simplification; (2) the RPN scale itself has some non-intuitive statistical properties; (3) the RPN elements have many duplicate numbers; (4) the RPN is derived from only three factors mainly in terms of safety; and (5) the conventional RPN method has not considered indirect relations between components. To address the above issues, an efficient and comprehensive algorithm to evaluate the risk of failure is needed. This article proposes an innovative approach, which integrates the intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS) and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach on risk assessment. The proposed approach resolves some of the shortcomings of the conventional RPN method. A case study, which assesses the risk of 0.15 µm DRAM etching process, is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Finally, the result of the proposed method is compared with the listing approaches of risk assessment methods.
Can the GRACE satellite mission help in the Murray-Darling Basin?

Achieving a successful long-term strategy for sustainable water resource management of the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) involves improving our understanding of the integrated hydrological system and assessing the impacts of land use and climate change upon this system. A methodology is currently being developed with the potential for addressing these issues by way of a new satellite technology system called GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment). The principle behind GRACE is that hydrological processes occurring throughout the earth's surface lead to temporal changes in the distribution of mass, which subsequently cause subtle changes in the earth's gravity field. By observing changes in the earth's gravity field at unprecedented accuracy over the next several years, this mission has the potential to provide precise measurements of changes in terrestrial water storage over large regions at monthly to annual time scales. Thus GRACE promises to provide the first-ever observations of total water storage changes across the entire MDB; measurements by which we can assess the monthly, seasonal, and inter-annual trend in water storage and the effectiveness of recent revegetation efforts for reducing ground water recharge and the subsequent impacts of salinity. Moreover, GRACE will provide novel insight on the uncertainty of model-based prediction of hydrological processes at the catchment-to-basin scale. In this paper we present a methodology for assessing the overall utility of GRACE in the MDB which involves hydrological modelling, data assimilation, and ground-based monitoring within the Murrumbidgee catchment. Initial results from the monitoring network indicate that GRACE will likely provide a statistically significant measure of water storage change across the MDB. Results from a conceptual-based hydrological model of the Murrumbidgee catchment illustrate the potential for GRACE to improve model prediction by way of a data assimilation framework.
From geometric to semantic 3 D content : the FOCUS K 3 D initiative

An understanding of language is usually built on three foundations: syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. If we think in terms of the web, XML addressed portable syntax, providing a common framework for structuring data. RDF, OWL, and other semantic-web standards are working towards a level of semantic inter-operability, allowing the sharing of meaning. But what about pragmatics, the question of how the components of a language are used by practitioners to express ideas or to achieve goals? I argue that, although pragmatics may be less amenable to formalisation, it has no less important a role in "semantic media" applications. I will discuss pragmatics in the context of both well developed work in data visualization, and my own more speculative work in domain-specific languages within graphics.
Attachment but Not Penetration of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Is Necessary To Induce Apoptosis in Target Cells

ABSTRACT Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) induces apoptotic cell death in bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and B-lymphoma cells. Using a BHV-1 glycoprotein H null mutant, we have demonstrated that although penetration of BHV-1 is not required, attachment of BHV-1 viral particles is essential for the induction of apoptosis.
Exploiting Chaotic Feature Vector for Dynamic Textures Recognition

This paper investigates the description ability of chaotic feature vector to dynamic textures. First a chaotic feature and other features are calculated from each pixel intensity series. Then these features are combined to a chaotic feature vector. Therefore a video is modeled as a feature vector matrix. Next by the aid of bag of words framework, we explore the representation ability of the proposed chaotic feature vector. Finally we investigate recognition rate between different combinations of chaotic features. Experimental results show the merit of chaotic feature vector for pixel intensity series representation.
Importance of measuring CO2-production rate when using 13C-breath tests to measure fat digestion

Stable isotope breath tests offer a safe, repeatable non-invasive method of measuring fat digestion. They involve the ingestion of a substrate labelled with 13C followed by serial measurements of the 13C: 12C ratio in expired CO2, from which the percentage of the 13C dose recovered (PDR) can be calculated. However PDR depends on the CO2-production rate. Our aim was to compare results obtained using directly measured CO2-production rates with those calculated from two predicted values. Twelve normal healthy children and twenty-four children with cystic fibrosis (CF) (without or with the normal dose of enzyme supplementation) were studied with 1,3-distearyl, 2[carboxyl[13C]octanoyl glycerol. The volume of CO2 produced (litres/min) was measured at rest for 30 min approximately 3 h after substrate ingestion, and the results were converted to mmol/min. For each subject the expected BMR was calculated from the equation of Schofield (1985), based on sex, age, weight and height, and from these values, CO2-production rate was derived. Surface area was calculated and an estimated value of 5 mmol/m2 per min (Shreeve et al. 1970) was used. Using these three CO2-production rates, three different PDR were calculated and compared. In healthy children there was a close concordance between measured and predicted CO2-production rates, but children with CF had a mean measured CO2-production rate 39% higher than normal children. This use of normal data for predicted CO2-production rates in children with CF underestimates cumulative PDR. If direct measurements of CO2-production rate are not available or impossible to perform the Vco2 obtained from the BMR calculated using the equations of Schofield (1985) or Shreeve et al. (1970) can be used in normal children. However, if accurate results for PDR are to be obtained, CO2-production rates should be measured when performing breath tests in conditions where energy expenditure and/or CO2-production rate are not expected to be normal.
A model of academic community entrepreneurship (ACE): Initiation, innovation, and impacts of PICMET

Entrepreneurship is the process of creating problem solving system that generate knowledge and provide value. It is also seen as an innovation engine. It could be applied in many fields including academic community. This attempt of creating academic community can be view as an academic entrepreneurship. The impactful process of academic entrepreneurship is worthwhile to be noticed and shared. Because PICMET has shown a model of building a sustainable scholar community and its coordinating organization in the international level, it could be a successful case of academic community entrepreneurship (ACE) Model. ACE is focused on creating new value of academic and practical knowledge and social capital through participation and collaboration. As a scholar, the founder and his team could be an innovator as lead users in the academic community platform. It was a vigorous attempt of lead scholar in the Management of Engineering and Technology field. Its biannual rotation of the location with support of many international partners, publication of peer-reviewed proceeding, and department of ETM at the hosting institution are all contributing forces. The archive and ethnographic case studies are utilized to build refined ACE model with multiple layered process research. New model of entrepreneurial journey, entrepreneurial career staged ACE-HEROS model sheds light on the ACE model. This research aims to provide the platform of remembering and depicting engaged scholarship that has reached realm of academic entrepreneurship. The measuring of PICMET impact is still challenging but the qualitative categories are proposed to suggest some constructive response to the dedicated academic entrepreneur and community. This is also a call for collaborative researches on our community in the future.
Dynamic Voltage Scaling Multiplier Using Twin-Precision Technique for Low Power Design

The flexible twin-precision multiplier is combined with variable precision, parallel processing (PP), Razor based dynamic voltage scaling (DVS), and dedicated MP operand scheduling to provide optimum performance for different operating conditions. The twin-precision technique can reduce the power dissipation by adapting a multiplier to the bit width of the operands being computed. The technique also enables an increased computational throughput, by allowing several narrow-width operations to be computed in parallel. All of the building blocks of proposed flexible twin-precision multiplier can either work as independent small precision multiplier or parallel to perform higher-precision multiplier. While still maintain the full through-put, the dynamic voltage and frequency scaling management unit configures the twin-precision multiplier to operate at the proper precision and frequency. Adapting to the run-time workload for targeted application, that flexible multiplier can used to design for DSP application. Razor flip-flops together with a dithering voltage unit then configure the multiplier to achieve the lowest power consumption. The single-switch dithering voltage unit and razor flip-flops help to reduce the voltage margin and overhead typically associated to DVS to lowest level. Finally, the proposed high speed flexible twin-precision multiplier, can further benefits from an operand scheduler that rearranges the input data, hence determine the optimum voltage and frequency operating conditions for minimum power and delay consumption. This architecture is simulated and results are obtained using TANNER EDA 13, MODEL SIM 10.1b and XILINX ISE tool.
Neuropsychological testing of patients with borderline personality disorder.

OBJECTIVE AND METHOD This study examined whether a battery of neuropsychological tests could detect cognitive deficits--particularly in the areas of perception, learning, and memory--in patients with borderline personality disorder. The test battery was completed by 16 research outpatients with borderline personality disorder, typified by behavioral dyscontrol and diagnosed according to DSM-III-R criteria and the Diagnostic Interview for Borderline Patients. A comparison group of 16 normal volunteers also completed the test battery. RESULTS The performance of the borderline patients was significantly impaired in comparison with that of the normal group on memory tests requiring uncued recall of complex, recently learned material. Cues given on an auditory memory task partially corrected that deficit. The patients' performance was also significantly impaired on several visual perceptual tests. These deficits do not appear to have been attributable to attentional problems, psychomotor impairment, current major depression, or history of alcohol abuse. CONCLUSIONS The observed difficulties in separating essential from extraneous visual information and in recalling complex material may be relevant in understanding some of the clinical features of borderline personality disorder. The observed memory improvement resulting from cueing suggests specific strategies that may be used to aid patients' recall of complex material.
Explanation of Social Inequalities in Hyperactivity/Inattention in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Abstract Background: Hyperactivity and inattention are major effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Although predominantly women from the high social class consume alcohol during pregnancy, children from the low social class are particularly affected by the adverse effects of PAE. This study aimed to test the hypothesis of a social gradient in hyperactivity/inattention in children with PAE. Methods: Children with PAE (N=996) enrolled in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) were studied. KiGGS was designed and conducted by Robert Koch Institute (RKI) as a nationwide representative survey on the health of German children and adolescents aged 0–17 years. The data include information given by parents and adolescents on the physical and mental health, sociodemographic features, life circumstances and conditions. Results: PAE children with a middle and low parental socioeconomic status (SES) are on a higher risk of developing hyperactivity/inattention compared to those with high parental SES. Cultural-behavioral factors had the strongest effect in the explanation of social inequalities in hyperactivity/inattention among children with PAE. Conclusions: Cultural-behavioral factors, particularly health-related behaviors, need a significant improvement in children from the low and middle social class. To reduce social inequalities in hyperactivity in children with PAE, interventions have to focus on the dietary and television habits of the child by reaching parents from the low and middle social class.