Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relation between Presynaptic and Postsynaptic Dopaminergic Functions Measured by Positron Emission Tomography: Implication of Dopaminergic Tone

Both presynaptic and postsynaptic dopaminergic functions can be estimated by positron emission tomography (PET). While both presynaptic and postsynaptic dopaminergic functions would be regulated by corresponding genes and related to personality traits, the relation between presynaptic and postsynaptic functions in terms of interindividual variation has hardly been investigated. In the present study, both striatal dopamine D2 receptor binding and endogenous dopamine synthesis rate were measured in the same healthy subjects using PET with [11C]raclopride and l-[β-11C]DOPA, respectively, and these two parameters were compared. Two PET studies with [11C]raclopride and l-[β-11C]DOPA were performed sequentially at rest condition on 14 healthy men. For [11C]raclopride PET, the binding potential was calculated by the reference tissue model method. For l-[β-11C]DOPA PET, the endogenous dopamine synthesis rate was estimated by graphical analysis. A significant negative correlation was observed between the binding potential of dopamine D2 receptors and endogenous dopamine synthesis rate (r = −0.66, p < 0.05). Although the interindividual variation of binding potential of [11C]raclopride would be due to both the interindividual difference in the receptor density and that in the concentration of endogenous dopamine in the synaptic cleft, the negative correlation between parameters for both presynaptic and postsynaptic functions might indicate a compensative relation between the two functions.
Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) in pediatric and neonatal intensive care

Summary Objective: To identify and summarize the requirements of an optimized CPOE application for pediatric intensive care. Methods: We analyzed the medication process and its documentation in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care units (PICU/NICU) of two university hospitals using workflow analysis techniques, with the aim of implementing computer-supported physician order entry (CPOE). Results: In both PICU/NICU, we identified similar processes that differed considerably from adult medication routine. For example, both PICU/NICU prepare IV pump syringes on the ward, but receive individualized ready-to-use mixed IV bags for each patient from the hospital pharmacy on the basis of a daily order. For drug dose calculation, both PICU/NICU employ electronic calculation tools that are either incorporated within the CPOE system, or are external modules invoked via interface. Conclusion: On the basis of this analysis, we provide suggestions to optimize CPOE applications for use in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit in the form of three catalogues of desiderata for drug order entry support.
Postconcussive Symptom Exaggeration After Pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

BACKGROUND: A minority of pediatric patients who have mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) report persistent postconcussive symptoms. In adults, failure on validity tests, which help to detect exaggerated or feigned problems, is associated with symptom complaints. No pediatric studies have examined the relationship between validity test performance and symptom report. We hypothesized that children failing a validity test would report significantly more postconcussive symptoms than those passing. METHODS: Using a consecutive clinical case series design, we examined 191 patients aged 8 to 17 years seen for neuropsychological evaluation after mTBI. Participants were administered a validity test (Medical Symptom Validity Test; MSVT) and completed a graded symptom scale as part of a neuropsychological battery. RESULTS: A total of 23 participants (12%) failed the MSVT. The Fail group endorsed significantly more postconcussive symptoms than the Pass group, with a large effect size (P < .001; d = 1.1). MSVT performance remained a robust unique predictor of symptom report even after controlling for other influential factors (eg, female gender, premorbid psychiatric problems). CONCLUSIONS: A subset of children who had persistent complaints after mTBI may be exaggerating or feigning symptoms. If such negative response bias remains undetected, errors in etiologic statements and less than optimal treatment may occur. Because the detection of invalid responding is well established in neuropsychology, clinical neuropsychologists should be incorporated routinely into clinical care for patients who have persistent complaints. To better control for noninjury effects in future pediatric mTBI studies, researchers should add validity tests to neurobehavioral outcome batteries.
Temporal characterization of subcortical nuclei in mnemonic processes: results of tetrodotoxin reversible inactivation studies in the rat.

By means of permanent lesion techniques it has been possible to ascertain whether a given subcortical neural structure is involved in memory processing. These results, however, are useful only to build a topography of memory, i.e. to provide information only on the "where" such processes take place. Memory being, per se, a temporal process, organized in at least three putative phases (acquisition, consolidation, retrieval) it is of paramount importance to know not only the "where", but also the "when", and, possibly, the "how long" of a given site involvement. The fully reversible inactivation technique has been employed to assess the chronological involvement of subcortical sites. By means of the stereotaxic administration of tetrodotoxin (TTX) it has been possible to inactivate known volumes of nervous tissue for given periods of time. In this way, it has been possible to measure the amnesic effects (disruption of the performance of a passive avoidance response, PAR) after inactivation of discrete neural sites. The data so far obtained by these means are presented and discussed. The comparison of results is justified by the constancy of the experimental subjects (young adult male rats of the same age), the surgical interventions, and the conditioning paradigm (passive avoidance responding in the light-dark box). The parabrachial nuclei, substantia nigra, ventral hippocampus, dorsal hippocampus, nucleus basalis magnocellularis, amygdala, globus pallidus, nucleus caudate-putamen (anterior, median, posterior), medial septal area and nucleus accumbens have been investigated. From these studies, data have been acquired on all three phases of memorization. The most detailed findings concern consolidation. In particular, it was shown that the functional integrity duration necessary to avoid amnesic damages varies greatly from site to site, from at least 15 min to no less than 48 hours. The results confirm and amplify previous experimental work, by defining the chronology of mnemonic involvement of many neural sites. The results are discussed in terms of comparison between sites and connectivity between the investigated sites and other sites or neuronal systems.
Speech, Emotion, Age, Language, Task, and Typicality: Trying to Disentangle Performance and Feature Relevance

The availability of speech corpora is positively correlated with typicality: The more typical the population is we draw our sample from, the easier it is to get enough data. The less typical the envisaged population is, the more difficult it is to get enough data. Children with Autism Spectrum Condition are atypical in several respect: They are children, they might have problems with an experimental setting where their speech should be recorded, and they belong to a specific subgroup of children. Thus we address two possible strategies: First, we analyse the feature relevance for samples taken from different populations, this is not directly improving performances but we found additional specific features within specific groups. Second, we perform cross-corpus experiments to evaluate if enriching the training data with data obtained from similar populations can increase classification performances. In this pilot study we therefore use four different samples of speakers, all of them producing one and the same emotion and in addition, the neutral state. We used two publicly available databases, the Berlin Emotional Speech database and the FAU Aibo Corpus, in addition to our own ASC-Inclusion database.
Probing the Arabidopsis Flagellin Receptor: FLS2-FLS2 Association and the Contributions of Specific Domains to Signaling Function[W][OA]

Transmembrane LRR-RLKs are a major class of plant proteins. This study investigates the functional contributions of multiple FLS2 protein domains and modifications to provide insight into structure-function relationships of LRR-RLK proteins in general. FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2) is a transmembrane receptor kinase that activates antimicrobial defense responses upon binding of bacterial flagellin or the flagellin-derived peptide flg22. We find that some Arabidopsis thaliana FLS2 is present in FLS2-FLS2 complexes before and after plant exposure to flg22. flg22 binding capability is not required for FLS2-FLS2 association. Cys pairs flank the extracellular leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain in FLS2 and many other LRR receptors, and we find that the Cys pair N-terminal to the FLS2 LRR is required for normal processing, stability, and function, possibly due to undescribed endoplasmic reticulum quality control mechanisms. By contrast, disruption of the membrane-proximal Cys pair does not block FLS2 function, instead increasing responsiveness to flg22, as indicated by a stronger oxidative burst. There was no evidence for intermolecular FLS2-FLS2 disulfide bridges. Truncated FLS2 containing only the intracellular domain associates with full-length FLS2 and exerts a dominant-negative effect on wild-type FLS2 function that is dependent on expression level but independent of the protein kinase capacity of the truncated protein. FLS2 is insensitive to disruption of multiple N-glycosylation sites, in contrast with the related receptor EF-Tu RECEPTOR that can be rendered nonfunctional by disruption of single glycosylation sites. These and additional findings more precisely define the molecular mechanisms of FLS2 receptor function.
Effects of exercise on physiological and psychological variables in cancer survivors.

PURPOSE The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on physiological and psychological function in patients rehabilitating from cancer treatment. A second purpose was to evaluate the differential effects of low- and moderate-intensity exercise on these variables. METHODS Eighteen survivors of breast or colon cancer (15 female and 3 male, 40-65 yr of age) served as subjects. The subjects were matched by aerobic capacity and scores on a Quality of Life questionnaire, and then randomly assigned to a control, low- (25-35% heart rate reserve (HRR)), or a moderate- (40-50% HRR) intensity exercise group. The exercise groups performed lower-body aerobic exercise three times a week for 10 wk. After the exercise training, there were no statistically significant differences between the two exercise groups on any of the physiological variables. Therefore, the exercise groups were combined into one group for the final analysis. RESULTS The results revealed statistically significant increases in aerobic capacity (P < 0.001) and lower-body flexibility (P = 0.027), a significant decrease in body fat (P < 0.001), and a significant increase in quality of life (P < 0.001) and a measure of energy (P = 0.038) in the exercise group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION Low- and moderate-intensity aerobic-exercise programs were equally effective in improving physiological and psychological function in this population of cancer survivors. Aerobic exercise appears to be a valuable and well-tolerated component of the cancer-rehabilitation process.
ANALYSIS OF A SCALABLE PRECONDITIONER FOR THE WIGNER-POISSON EQUATION

We analyze a preconditioner for the time-independent Wigner-Poisson equations for a resonant tunneling diode and present a numerical example of a continuation study which supports the theory. The application of the preconditioner transforms the equations into a compact fixed point problem for the Wigner distribution. After discretization, the Jacobians of the discrete problem have mesh-independent eigenvalue clustering properties, which implies the mathematical scalability of the nonlinear solver.
Selected questionnaire methods studying the quality of life

The scientific literature is full of numerous reports dealing with the quality of life of patients suffering from different diseases. The aim of the study is to present a set of questionnaires, which are used to study the quality of the patient's life, the questionnaires, which are the most popular in Poland and all over the world as well as those which concern the children's allergy. Increasingly, the research deals with the objective and subjective feelings of patients about their condition. Currently, the European Union's priority is to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases. The studies on the quality of life are an interdisciplinary area, combining the clinical significance and the psychological aspects of medical care.
Quality of Life among Iranian Infertile Women in Postmenopausal Period: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives Infertility has a significant impact on a women's quality of life (QOL). Infertile women face with physical and mental challenges during their postmenopausal period. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the QOL among Iranian infertile women in the postmenopausal period using a valid and reliable instrument. Methods In this cross-sectional study both snowball and social networking methods were used for sampling. Two demographic and QOL questionnaire were used for data collection. The QOL questionnaire includes 41 items which measure the QOL in five dimensions: socioeconomic, mental health, religiousness, physical health and future imagining. Data analyzed was carried out in IBM SPSS ver. 20.0 using descriptive statistic, χ2 test, and Fisher test. A P value of 0.01 or less was considered significant. Results Overall 211 eligible participants were studied. Some participants obtained full score on socioeconomic, religiousness, physical health and future imagining dimensions of QOL but none on the mental health dimension of the QOL. Only, 6.6% of study participants have a good QOL. There was a significant relationship between age and financial provider whit status of QOL. Conclusion Most Iranian infertile women in the postmenopausal period have poor or moderate QOL. Therefore, improving the QOL among these women should be considered.
Development and Application of a Cross-language Document Comparability Metric

In this paper we present a metric that measures comparability of documents across different languages. The metric is developed within the FP7 ICT ACCURAT project, as a tool for aligning comparable corpora on the document level; further these aligned comparable documents are used for phrase alignment and extraction of translation equivalents, with the aim to extend phrase tables of statistical MT systems without the need to use parallel texts. The metric uses several features, such as lexical information, document structure, keywords and named entities, which are combined in an ensemble manner. We present the results by measuring the reliability and effectiveness of the metric, and demonstrate its application and the impact for the task of parallel phrase extraction from comparable corpora.
BDNF Polymorphisms Are Linked to Poorer Working Memory Performance, Reduced Cerebellar and Hippocampal Volumes and Differences in Prefrontal Cortex in a Swedish Elderly Population

Background Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) links learning, memory and cognitive decline in elderly, but evidence linking BDNF allele variation, cognition and brain structural differences is lacking. Methods 367 elderly Swedish men (n = 181) and women (n = 186) from Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS) were genotyped and the BDNF functional rs6265 SNP was further examined in subjects who completed the Trail Making Task (TMT), verbal fluency task, and had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) examined brain structure, cognition and links with BDNF. Results The functional BDNF SNP (rs6265,) predicted better working memory performance on the TMT with positive association of the Met rs6265, and was linked with greater cerebellar, precuneus, left superior frontal gyrus and bilateral hippocampal volume, and reduced brainstem and bilateral posterior cingulate volumes. Conclusions The functional BDNF polymorphism influences brain volume in regions associated with memory and regulation of sensorimotor control, with the Met rs6265 allele potentially being more beneficial to these functions in the elderly.
CAD of Waveguide Low-Pass Filters for Satellite Applications

Corrugated-waveguide low-pass filters are analysed by successive reflection coefficient transformations. The discontinuities are modelled by waveguide equivalent circuits, including interaction of higher order modes. The filter response is determined by TEm0-transfer functions (m=1,2.) each of which can be calculated independently. Implementing this method in an optimization routine allows complete computer-aided design according to given specifications.
A Novel Framework for Tracking In-vitro Cells in Time-lapse Phase Contrast Data

With the proliferation of modern microscopy imaging technologies the amount of data that has to be analysed by biologists is constantly increasing and as a result the development of automatic approaches that are able to track cellular structures in timelapse images has become an important field of research. The aim of this paper is to detail the development of a novel tracking framework that is designed to extract the cell motility indicators in phase-contrast image sequences. To address issues that are caused by nonstructured (random) motion and cellular agglomeration, cell tracking is formulated as a sequential process where the inter-frame cell association is achieved by assessing the variation in the local structures contained in consecutive frames of the image sequence. We have evaluated the proposed algorithm on dense phase contrast cellular data and the reported results indicate that the developed algorithm is able to accurately track MadinDarby Canine Kidney (MDCK) Epithelial Cells in image data that is characterised by low contrast and high level of noise.
Sperm-Egg Fusion: A Molecular Enigma of Mammalian Reproduction

The mechanism of gamete fusion remains largely unknown on a molecular level despite its indisputable significance. Only a few of the molecules required for membrane interaction are known, among them IZUMO1, which is present on sperm, tetraspanin CD9, which is present on the egg, and the newly found oolema protein named Juno. A concept of a large multiprotein complex on both membranes forming fusion machinery has recently emerged. The Juno and IZUMO1, up to present, is the only known extracellular receptor pair in the process of fertilization, thus, facilitating the essential binding of gametes. However, neither IZUMO1 nor Juno appears to be the fusogenic protein. At the same time, the tetraspanin is expected to play a role in organizing the egg membrane order and to interact laterally with other factors. This review summarizes, to present, the known molecules involved in the process of sperm-egg fusion. The complexity and expected redundancy of the involved factors makes the process an intricate and still poorly understood mechanism, which is difficult to comprehend in its full distinction.
Learning as immersive experiences: Using the four-dimensional framework for designing and evaluating immersive learning experiences in a virtual world

Traditional approaches to learning have often focused upon knowledge transfer strategies that have centred on textually-based engagements with learners, and dialogic methods of interaction with tutors. The use of virtual worlds, with text-based, voice-based and a feeling of ‘presence’ naturally is allowing for more complex social interactions and designed learning experiences and role plays, as well as encouraging learner empowerment through increased interactivity. To unpick these complex social interactions and more interactive designed experiences, this paper considers the use of virtual worlds in relation to structured learning activities for college and lifelong learners. This consideration necessarily has implications upon learning theories adopted and practices taken up, with real implications for tutors and learners alike. Alongside this is the notion of learning as an ongoing set of processes mediated via social interactions and experiential learning circumstances within designed virtual and hybrid spaces. This implies the need for new methodologies for evaluating the efficacy, benefits and challenges of learning in these new ways. Towards this aim, this paper proposes an evaluation methodology for supporting the development of specified learning activities in virtual worlds, based upon inductive methods and augmented by the four-dimensional framework reported in a previous study. The study undertaken aimed to test the efficacy of the proposed evaluation methodology and framework, and to evaluate the broader uses of a virtual world for supporting lifelong learners specifically in their educational choices and career decisions. The paper presents the findings of the study and considers that virtual worlds are reorganising significantly how we relate to the design and delivery of learning. This is opening up a transition in learning predicated upon the notion of learning design through the lens of ‘immersive learning experiences’ rather than sets of knowledge to be transferred between tutor and learner. The challenges that remain for tutors rest with the design and delivery of these activities and experiences. The approach advocated here builds upon an incremental testing and evaluation of virtual world learning experiences.
RESULTS OF SURVEYS AMONG DRIVERS AND CUSTOMERS OF FOR-HIRE THREE-WHEELERS IN FIVE SMALL TOWNS IN SRI LANKA

Ownership of three-wheelers, a mode of paratransit, is rapidly increasing in Sri Lanka. Results of a survey among drivers and customers of for-hire three-wheelers are analysed in the present paper, which has direct policy relevance for policymakers and urban planners in Asian developing countries. Two sets of questionnaires were employed to examine the characteristics and perceptions of for-hire three-wheeler drivers and customers. Ability to own (affordability) and flexible employment conditions emerged as the top reasons for the rapid increase. The emergence of three-wheeler services is largely attributable to inadequate public transport services in small towns. Users report that a three-wheeler reduces travel time, increases comfort, makes it easy to reach the destination, facilitates day-to-day activities, and serves well in an emergency situation. However, the results reveal, among other things, that about 35.8 per cent of the drivers had had an accident in the 12-month period prior to the survey, 56 per cent had less than two years of driving experience, and 92.8 per cent had driven under the influence of alcohol. During the day, the most serious problems are the non-allocation of a stand or a lack of parking in crowded areas, and frequent attacks by gangsters. At night, problems include inadequate street lights and being called on for use in unlawful activities. Nevertheless, considering the employment it generates and the valuable services it provides, this industry continues to grow and operate in Sri Lanka, especially in small towns.