Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating Soil Organic Carbon Content with Visible–Near-Infrared (Vis-NIR) Spectroscopy

The selection of a calibration method is one of the main factors influencing measurement accuracy with visible-near-infrared (Vis-NIR, 350–2500 nm) spectroscopy. This study, based on both air-dried unground (DU) and air-dried ground (DG) soil samples, used nine spectral preprocessing methods and their combinations, with the aim to compare the commonly used partial least squares regression (PLSR) method with the new machine learning method of support vector machine regression (SVMR) to find a robust method for soil organic carbon (SOC) content estimation, and to further explore an effective Vis-NIR spectral preprocessing strategy. In total, 100 heterogeneous soil samples collected from Southeast China were used as the dataset for the model calibration and independent validation. The determination coefficient (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), residual prediction deviation (RPD), and ratio of performance to interquartile range were used for the model evaluation. The results of this study show that both the PLSR and SVMR models were significantly improved by the absorbance transformation (LOG), standard normal variate with wavelet detrending (SW), first derivative (FD), and mean centering (MC) spectral preprocessing methods and their combinations. SVMR obtained optimal models for both the DU and DG soil, with R2, RMSE, and RPD values of 0.72, 2.48 g/kg, and 1.83 for DU soil and 0.86, 1.84 g/kg, and 2.60 for DG soil, respectively. Among all the PLSR and SVMR models, SVMR showed amore stable performance than PLSR, and it also outperformed PLSR, with a smaller mean RMSE of 0.69 g/kg for DU soil and 0.50 g/kg for DG soil. This study concludes that PLSR is an effective linear algorithm, but it might not be sufficient when dealing with a nonlinear relationship, and SVMR turned out to be a more suitable nonlinear regression method for SOC estimation. Effective SOC estimation was obtained based on the DG soil samples, but the accurate estimation of SOC with DU soil samples needs to be further explored. In addition, LOG, SW, FD, and MC are valuable spectral preprocessing methods for Vis-NIR optimization, and choosing two of them (except for FD + SW and LOG + FD) in a simple combination is a good way to get acceptable results.
Discrimination among Melanoma, Nevi, and Normal Skin by Using Synchronous Luminescence Spectroscopy

Novel optical spectroscopy and imaging methods may be valuable in the early detection of cancer. This paper reports differences in the luminescence responses of pigmented skin lesions (melanomas and nevi) and apparently normal non-pigmented human skin, based on analyses of synchronous luminescence spectroscopy measurements. Measurements were performed in the excitation range of 330–545 nm, with synchronous intervals varying from 30– 120 nm. Normal skin, nevi, and melanomas differ in the way they fluoresce, and these differences are more distinct in the synchronous fluorescence spectra than in the conventional emission and excitation spectra. The differences in the fluorescence characteristics of pigmented and normal skin samples were ascribed to differences in concentrations of endogenous fluorophores and chromophores. Principal component and linear discriminant analysis of the synchronous spectra measured at different synchronous intervals showed that the greatest variance among the sample groups was at the 70 nm interval spectra. These spectra were then used to create partial least squares discriminant analysis-based classification models. Evaluation of the quality of these models from the receiver operating characteristic curves showed they performed well, with a maximum value of 1 for the area under the curve for melanoma detection. Hence, synchronous luminescence spectroscopy coupled with statistical methods may be advantageous in the early detection of skin cancer.
Development and Metrological Characterization of a Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) Spectrometer for Simultaneous Absolute Measurement of Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor

Simultaneous detection of two analytes, carbon dioxide (CO2)and water vapor (H2O), has been realized using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) with a single distributed feedback diode laser at 2.7 μm. The dynamic range of the spectrometer is extended from the low parts per million to the percentage range using two gas cells, a single-pass cell with 0.77 m, and a Herriott-type multipass cell with 76 m path length. Absolute measurements were carried out, i.e., amount fractions of the analytes were calculated based on previously determined spectral line parameters, without the need for an instrument calibration using gas standards. A thorough metrological characterization of the spectrometer is presented. We discuss traceability of all parameters used for amount fraction determination and provide a comprehensive uncertainty assessment. Relative expanded uncertainties (k = 2, 95% confidence level) of the measured amount fractions are shown to be in the 2-3% range for both analytes. Minimum detectable amount fractions are 0.16 μmol/mol for CO2 and 1.1 μmol/mol for H20 for 76 m path length and 5 s averaging time. This corresponds to normalized detection limits of 27 μmol/mol m Hz_1/2 for CO2 and 221 μmol/mol m Hz−1/2 for H2O. Precision of the spectrometer, determined using Allan variance analysis, is 3.3 nmol/mol for CO2 and 21 nmol/mol for H2O. The spectrometer has been validated using reference gas mixtures with known CO2 and H2O amount fractions. An application example of the absolute TDLAS spectrometer as a reference instrument to validate other sensors is also presented.
Connecting Children and Family with Nature-Based Physical Activity

Abstract Background: As the obesity epidemic expands to include younger Americans, there is greater need to understand youth experiences and to identify innovative strategies to promote physical activity in children and adolescents. Connecting children and families with nature-based activities is an example of a strategy that may promote physical activity and other aspects of health and well-being in children and youth. Purpose: It is important to determine which aspects of activity in nature youth (and families) find most and least appealing, as well as characteristics of an ideal program. This study is intended to provide a needs assessment and recommended design for a community outreach program. Methods: Six focus groups were conducted with parents and youth in rural Michigan. Thirty-eight of the 42 participants were female. Results: Content analysis generated three major results: (1) Youth enjoy nature, but could be more active and engaged; (2) Adults appreciate restorative aspects of nature; youth prefer competitive and challenging experiences; and (3) Programs should promote, educate, train and create opportunities for youth to engage in healthy lifelong activities. Discussion: Participants showed interest in outdoor activity, but activities must be provided that are compelling and that address the barriers preventing populations from being more active. Translation to Health Education Practice: More effective programs must have clear objectives, build the confidence of participants, be challenging, and above all, fun. Ideal programs should offer both physical activity and ecologically meaningful nature experiences.
The function of the reciprocal link in paraplegic orthotic gait

Hip-knee-ankle-foot orthoses (HKAFOs) are routinely used to allow people with thoracic level paraplegia to walk. However, many users give up the orthoses because of fatigue or inconvenience of use. Therefore, much research is focused on the design of orthoses that are easier to use and that provide a more energy-efficient gait. One of the main differences between HKAFO designs for these users is the design of hip joints, with one major group being those with reciprocally linked hip joints. If improvements are to be made to these features, the specific benefits and problems encountered in their use must be understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight the qualitative and quantitative evidence for mechanical function of the reciprocal link in HKAFOs used for walking by individuals with thoracic level paraplegia. A review of the function and importance of a mechanical link between the hip joints of an HKAFO in qualitative terms highlights the fact that text on the function of the linkage is often sketchy and at times contradictory. At the same time, the importance placed on the function of the reciprocal link during the swing phase of gait is almost uniformly great. Seven published papers have assessed the function of the reciprocal linkage in a quantitative manner. The information reported in all these papers questions the importance placed on the reciprocal action during swing phase. However, support is provided for the underemphasized function of preventing bilateral hip collapse during the double support
Suitability of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor α7 and Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor 3 Antibodies for Immune Detection

Recent evidence reveals a crucial role for acetylcholine and its receptors in the regulation of inflammation, particularly of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (Chrna7) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 3 (Chrm3). Immunohistochemistry is a key tool for their cellular localization in functional tissues. We evaluated nine different commercially available antibodies on back skin tissue from wild-type (Wt) and gene-deficient (KO) mice. In the immunohistochemical analysis, we focused on key AChR-ligand sensitive skin cells (mast cells, nerve fibers and keratinocytes). All five antibodies tested for Chrm3 and the first three Chrna7 antibodies stained positive in both Wt and respective KO skin. With the 4th antibody (ab23832) nerve fibers were unlabeled in the KO mice. By western blot analysis, this antibody detected bands in both Wt and Chrna7 KO skin and brain. qRT-PCR revealed mRNA amplification with a primer set for the undeleted region in both Wt and KO mice, but none with a primer set for the deleted region in KO mice. By 2D electrophoresis, we found β-actin and β-enolase cross reactivity, which was confirmed by double immunolabeling. In view of the present results, the tested antibodies are not suitable for immunolocalization in skin and suggest thorough control of antibody specificity is required if histomorphometry is intended.
Studies on Ketosis in Dairy Cattle. V. The Development of Ketosis

Summary 1.Ketosis in cows, as measured by hypoglycemia and ketonemia, began to develop within one to three days after parturition. Prior to parturition there was no ketonemia and the blood glucose values did not deviate markedly from that observed in normal cows. 2.Glucose determinations following the injection of adrenalin showed that the liver glycogen was markedly depleted in cows with ketosis and also indicated that the liver glycogen content was low prior to parturition and the onset of ketosis. 3.Glucose tolerance tests showed that added glucose was removed from the blood of cows with ketosis fully as rapidly as from normal cows. 4.Arteriovenous studies demonstrate that the mammary gland continues to remove a normal quantity of glucose from the blood even in marked hypoglycemia. 5.Milk production is adversely affected in hypoglycemia and ketonemia even when a normal food intake is maintained. 6.The maintenance of a high energy intake prior to and following parturition did not prevent the onset of ketosis. Most of the analytical work was carried out at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, which is close to the herd on which these observations were made. The author wishes to thank Dr. E. M. Bailey for his courtesy in providing this space.
Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was first introduced in Europe by Paul Grammont 20 years ago. Since then, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has been refined and has gained popularity, especially for the treatment of rotator cuff tear arthropathy. The indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty now include revision arthroplasty and complex proximal humeral fractures. In contrast to standard shoulder arthroplasty procedures, which have a dynamic center of rotation, the problem of having a stable center of rotation is solved with the reverse shoulder prosthesis. By converting the humerus to a socket and the glenoid to a ball, the center of rotation is fixed at the glenohumeral joint with the reverse shoulder prosthesis. Recent research examining the biomechanical properties of the reverse prosthesis have demonstrated the importance of considering the anatomy in the region for proper placement of the glenoid component for stability and to maximize the range of motion. As more clinical trials using the reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedure become available, the complications are increasingly becoming recognized and may ultimately affect the surgical procedure itself. Orthopaedic surgeons are continuing to modify the surgical technique and design of the prosthesis to improve outcomes and have demonstrated that there is room for improvement in these areas. As the indications have expanded to include revision arthroplasty and complex proximal humeral fractures, surgeons have developed new methods to potentially improve outcomes by including latissimus dorsi transfer, proximal humeral bone grafting or glenoid bone grafting.
Esterified Cholesterol Is Highly Localized to Bruch's Membrane, as Revealed by Lipid Histochemistry in Wholemounts of Human Choroid

Accumulation of neutral lipids in Bruch's membrane (BrM) is a major age change in human retina and contributes to the formation of extracellular lesions associated with age-related macular degeneration. We developed a BrM–choroid wholemounting technique suitable for reliable staining and evaluated different fluorescent lipid dyes for topographic semiquantitative analysis of BrM lipids. Thin BrM–choroid complexes with partially stripped choroid from 10 aged donor eyes were prepared with an optimized wholemounting technique. Preparation quality was monitored by examining 1-μm-thick sections of representative samples. The staining patterns of Nile Red, BODIPY 493/503, filipin for unesterified cholesterol (UC-F), filipin for esterified cholesterol (EC-F), and Oil Red O in wholemounts were compared with their staining patterns in chorioretinal sections, using wide-field epi-fluorescence microscopy. Wholemounts exhibited optimal flatness on the BrM side. Reduced tissue thickness allowed reliable dye penetration and staining of BrM. Only EC-F was with high specificity localized to BrM and demonstrated an intense and distinct granular staining pattern not previously appreciated in chorioretinal sections. All other lipid dyes also stained choroidal or retinal tissue intensely. No dye provided perfect characteristics in regard to representing all neutral lipid classes present in BrM or to fluorescence intensity. Nevertheless, only EC-F was highly localized to BrM with a specific granular pattern. Because direct assays indicate that esterified cholesterol is abundantly present in BrM, we consider EC-F the most valuable choice for analyzing neutral lipid deposits in human BrM.
Protein Extraction of Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Tissue Enables Robust Proteomic Profiles by Mass Spectrometry

Global mass spectrometry (MS) profiling and spectral count quantitation are used to identify unique or differentially expressed proteins and can help identify potential biomarkers. MS has rarely been conducted in retrospective studies, because historically, available samples for protein analyses were limited to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissue specimens. Reliable methods for obtaining proteomic profiles from FFPE samples are needed. Proteomic analysis of these samples has been confounded by formalin-induced protein cross-linking. The performance of extracted proteins in a liquid chromatography tandem MS format from FFPE samples and extracts from whole and laser capture microdissected (LCM) FFPE and frozen/optimal cutting temperature (OCT)- embedded matched control rat liver samples were compared. Extracts from FFPE and frozen/OCT-embedded livers from atorvastatin-treated rats were further compared to assess the performance of FFPE samples in identifying atorvastatin-regulated proteins. Comparable molecular mass representation was found in extracts from FFPE and OCT-frozen tissue sections, whereas protein yields were slightly less for the FFPE sample. The numbers of shared proteins identified indicated that robust proteomic representation from FFPE tissue and LCM did not negatively affect the number of identified proteins from either OCT-frozen or FFPE samples. Subcellular representation in FFPE samples was similar to OCT-frozen, with predominantly cytoplasmic proteins identified. Biologically relevant protein changes were detected in atorvastatin-treated FFPE liver samples, and selected atorvastatin-related proteins identified by MS were confirmed by Western blot analysis. These findings demonstrate that formalin fixation, paraffin processing, and LCM do not negatively impact protein quality and quantity as determined by MS and that FFPE samples are amenable to global proteomic analysis.
Localization of mRNAs and Proteins in Methyl Methacrylate-embedded Tissues

Precise localization of proteins and mRNA in histological sections is necessary for evaluating spatial gene expression patterns. Here we report sensitive detection of the gene products in fish tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) assays on sections of whole specimens and vertebra embedded in methyl methacrylate (MMA) resin. This plastic resin favors easy preparation of various specimen types and enables preparation of large sections with well-preserved cell morphology. IHC analysis of the muscle regulatory factor MyoD in transverse sections of juvenile cod revealed MyoD-positive cells in the dorsolateral parts of the adaxial muscle. ISH revealed less spatially restricted signals of the bone morphogenic protein bmp4 in muscle and brain. To assess the applicability of ISH on sections of bony tissue, col1a1 and col2a1 expression was investigated in non-decalcified vertebra sections of Atlantic salmon. The former was identified in both chondrocytes and osteoblasts, whereas the latter was mostly evident in chondrocytes. We conclude that MMA resin offers easy preparation of large and problematic tissues and the possibility of carrying out both IHC and ISH analyses using standard protocols.
Priority Setting for Health Technology Assessment: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Approaches: A paper produced by the Priority Setting Subgroup of the EUR-ASSESS Project

This report is about setting priorities for health technology assessment (HTA). HTA examines systematically the consequences of the application of health technologies (broadly defined to include any health care intervention) to support decision making in policy and practice. Only a fraction of existing health technologies have been formally evaluated, and many more appear each year. Resources for HTA are, however, limited so that priorities have to be set, whether explicitly or implicitly. The aim of setting priorities for HTA should be to identify those assessments that offer the greatest benefits in relation to their cost, and thus to maximize the benefit derived from investments in HTA.
An Experimental Validation of the Gorry and Scott Morton Framework

The role of frameworks in information systems has recently received a great deal of critical attention. One prominent indictment, which has been directed at even commonly accepted frameworks, is that they lack empirical support, and in fact are not constructed in operational terminology. This article reports the results of an experimental lab study using MBA students as subjects to investigate the tenants of the Gorry and Scott Morton framework (Gorry and Scott Morton, 1971). While firm support is found for the assumption that the level of information attributes varies across system type in the direction postulated, there is evidence that the ability to differentiate the component attributes is affected by such factors as field dependency and mode of presentation.
Strategic Information Systems Planning Success: An Investigation of the Construct and Its Measurement

Strategic information systems planning (SISP) requires significant outlays of increasingly scarce human and financial resources. Yet, there exists very little understanding of how the success of this planning activity is measured. Using classical frameworks for measurement development as well as contemporary statistical techniques for assessing dimen-sionality, this study theoretically develops and empirically tests a measurement model of SISP success. The results suggest that SISP success can be operationalized as a second- order factor model. The first order constructs of the model are termed alignment, analysis, cooperation, and improvement in capabilities. These factors are governed by a second-order construct of SISP success. The results of the study are framed as a tool, for benchmarking planning efforts as well as a foundation for operationalizing a key dependent variable in SISP research. cies in the planning process or in more effectively marketing planning activities within and outside of the IS function.
Taking control and 'moving on': How young people turn around problematic transitions from out-of-home care

In this paper we draw on in-depth interviews with 59 young people (aged between 18-24) who had experienced a volatile transition from out-of-home care. As a group they had a high number of placements in care, many had experienced physical and/or sexual abuse prior to, or while they were in care, most had histories of substance misuse, and all had experienced homelessness at some point since leaving care. However, we found that the circumstances of just over half (n=32) had significantly improved and they appeared to be successfully navigating a route to independence. We argue that a notable feature of those who were ‘moving on’ was the agency and, more specifically, the positive focus and direction of their agency. Those who were ‘moving on’ expressed a strong sense of the need to take control and of wanting something better and we identified five pivotal moments or experiences that encouraged young people to actively seize control over their lives and their circumstances —stable housing; addressing substance abuse; improved family relationships; meaningful relationships with professional support; and finding work. These five factors are often interlinked, but whatever the catalyst(s), the resulting turnaround in the young people’s lives was pronounced. We draw a connection between these positive turning points, and the importance of policy and legislation that enables ongoing support for care leavers beyond the initial transition from care.