Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography for the evaluation of right ventricular ejection fraction in patients with cardiac disorders.

OBJECTIVE To compare correlation between right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) derived from MRI and equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) depicted from the left anterior oblique (LAO) view and anterior (ANT) view [designated as ERNA (LAO) and ERNA (ANT), respectively]. METHODS Twenty-one patients with cardiac disorders received ERNA and cardiac MRI examination within 2 weeks were enrolled in this study. The region of interest (ROI) in right ventricle was depicted from the LAO and anterior (ANT) views to calculate the ERNA (LAO) and ERNA (ANT). Cardiac MRI was performed as served as reference standard to compare correlation between RVEF derived from MRI and ERNA (LAO)/ERNA (ANT), respectively. The repeatability was evaluated according to the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS RVEF obtained through MRI was closely correlated with that obtained through ERNA (LAO) view (r=0.883) and ERNA (ANT) view (r=0.891), respectively. Bland-Altam analysis indicated the RVEF derived from the ERNA (LAO) view was obviously underestimated in patients with right ventricular enlargement. Meanwhile, the RVEF derived from the anterior view was much closer to the RVEF derived from MRI compared with that obtained from the LAO view. CONCLUSIONS ERNA is effective for the determination of RVEF. LAO is still preferred for the determination of RVEF, but the RVEF may be underestimated in the patients with right ventricular enlargement. Determination of RVEF based on ANT is solely recommended in the determination of RVEF in patients with right ventricular enlargement and serves as a control.
A Failure of Early Behavior Therapy (circa 1966), Or, Why I Learned to Stop Worrying and to Embrace Psychotherapy Integration

Reported here is the case of a man complaining of sexual diffidence who ter-minated a course of behavior therapy earlier than the therapist expected. Seenfor four or five sessions by the author at the very beginning of his professionalcareer in 1966, this patient may have been put off by one or more of the kindsof mistakes that, it is surmised, many early behavior therapists were subjectto. Looking back on this therapeutic failure, the author understands better whyhe has taken a more integrative position over the past 20 years, and speculateson how a broadened perspective might have prevented the patient from leavingtreatment prematurely.
New Particle Formation in the Remote Troposphere: A Comparison of Observations at Various Sites

Measurements show that new particles are formed by homogenous nucleation over a wide range of conditions in the remote troposphere. In our studies, large nucleation events are found exclusively in regions of enhanced sulfuric acid vapor (H2SO4g) concentrations, with maximum concentrations never exceeding 5×107 molecules cm−3. Although these data suggest that H2SO4g participated, comparisons between ambient conditions in regions of nucleation to conditions necessary for binary H2SO4 water (H2O) nucleation indicate that the mechanism may vary with elevation. In remote marine regions, at altitudes greater than ∼4 km above sea level, observations of nucleation in clear air along cloud perimeters are in fair agreement with current classical binary nucleation models. In these regions, the low temperatures associated with high altitudes may produce sufficiently saturated H2SO4 for the production of new H2SO4/H2O particles. However, uncertainties with current binary nucleation models limit decisive comparisons. In warmer regions, closer to the earth's surface, measured H2SO4 concentrations are clearly insufficient for binary nucleation. Conditions at these sites are similar to those observed in an earlier study where there was circumstantial evidence for a ternary mechanism involving H2SO4, H2O, and ammonia (NH3) [Weber et al., 1998], suggesting that this may be a significant route for particle production at lower altitudes where surface‐derived species, like NH3, are more apt to participate.
Irreducibly represented groups

A group is irreducibly represented if it has a faithful irreducible unitary representation. For countable groups, a criterion for irreducible representability is given, which generalises a result obtained for finite groups by W. Gaschutz in 1954. In particular, torsionfree groups and infinite conjugacy class groups are irreducibly represented. We indicate some consequences of this for operator algebras. In particular, we characterise up to isomorphism the countable subgroups of the unitary group of a separable infinite dimensional Hilbert space H of which the bicommutants '' (in the sense of the theory of von Neumann algebras) coincide with the algebra of all bounded linear operators on H.
Curing robot autism: a challenge

Almost all robots are autistic; very few humans are. Out of the box, robots generally do not behave correctly in social settings (involving humans, or other agents). Most researchers treat this challenge behaviorally, by superficially tacking task- and domain- specific social behavior onto functioning individual robots. These rules are built once, and applied once. In contrast, I posit that we can build better socially-capable robots by relying on general social intelligence building blocks, built into the brains of robots, rather than grafted on per mission: built once, applied everywhere. I challenge the autonomous agents community to synthesize the computational building blocks underlying social intelligence, and to apply them in concrete robot and agent systems. I argue that our field is in a unique position to do this, in that our community intersects with computer science, behavioral and social sciences, robotics, and neuro-science. Thus we can bring to bear a breadth of knowledge and understanding which cannot be matched in other related fields. To lend credibility for our ability to carry out this challenge, I will demonstrate that we have carried out similar tasks in the past (though at a smaller scale). I conclude with a sample of some open questions for research, raised by this challenge.
Facilitation of Learning and Rehabilitation in Rats by Inducing Response-like Movement (Special Editorials : Five Selected Articles in ABE)

We investigated the effects of forced response-like movements on serial reversal learning of a sensorimotor task in normal and hemiplegic (unilateral cortical lesion in the forepaw sensorimotor area) rats. The rats were trained to respond to an air-puff stimulus applied to one forepaw; the response involved releasing either the stimulated or non-stimulated forepaw from a lever. During the training, an error trial was followed by a correction trial wherein a lever on the correct-response side (n=4 in each group) or the incorrect-response side (n=4 in each group) was automatically elevated at 220 ms after the air-puff stimulation, mimicking the ratsʼ lever-release movement. No lever activation was applied to the rats in the control condition (n=4 in each group). We found that learning speed was generally facilitated by the lever activation procedure on the incorrectresponse side, but not on the correct-response side. As an exception, however, lever activation on the correctresponse side facilitated learning in the contralesional (paralyzed side) forepaw of the hemiplegic group. Reaction time was not affected by the lever activation procedure, although it was longer for the contralesional forepaw compared to the ipsilesional forepaw in the hemiplegic group and both forepaws in the normal group. We conclude that the sensory inputs induced by the same forced response-like movement facilitate learning or rehabilitation differently in normal and hemiplegic rats. The results and the animal model in this study are useful for the development of more efficient motion-assisting devices for rehabilitation.
Targeted next-generation sequencing of cancer genes dissects the molecular profiles of intraductal papillary neoplasms of the pancreas

Intraductal neoplasms are important precursors to invasive pancreatic cancer and provide an opportunity to detect and treat pancreatic neoplasia before an invasive carcinoma develops. The diagnostic evaluation of these lesions is challenging, as diagnostic imaging and cytological sampling do not provide accurate information on lesion classification, the grade of dysplasia or the presence of invasion. Moreover, the molecular driver gene mutations of these precursor lesions have yet to be fully characterized. Fifty‐two intraductal papillary neoplasms, including 48 intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) and four intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasms (ITPNs), were subjected to the mutation assessment in 51 cancer‐associated genes, using ion torrent semiconductor‐based next‐generation sequencing. P16 and Smad4 immunohistochemistry was performed on 34 IPMNs and 17 IPMN‐associated carcinomas. At least one somatic mutation was observed in 46/48 (96%) IPMNs; 29 (60%) had multiple gene alterations. GNAS and/or KRAS mutations were found in 44/48 (92%) of IPMNs. GNAS was mutated in 38/48 (79%) IPMNs, KRAS in 24/48 (50%) and these mutations coexisted in 18/48 (37.5%) of IPMNs. RNF43 was the third most commonly mutated gene and was always associated with GNAS and/or KRAS mutations, as were virtually all the low‐frequency mutations found in other genes. Mutations in TP53 and BRAF genes (10% and 6%) were only observed in high‐grade IPMNs. P16 was lost in 7/34 IPMNs and 9/17 IPMN‐associated carcinomas; Smad4 was lost in 1/34 IPMNs and 5/17 IPMN‐associated carcinomas. In contrast to IPMNs, only one of four ITPNs had detectable driver gene (GNAS and NRAS) mutations. Deep sequencing DNA from seven cyst fluid aspirates identified 10 of the 13 mutations detected in their associated IPMN. Using next‐generation sequencing to detect cyst fluid mutations has the potential to improve the diagnostic and prognostic stratification of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Prevalence and correlates of self-reported psychotic symptoms in the British population

Background The psychosis phenotype is generally thought of as a categorical entity. However, there is increasing evidence that psychosis exists in the population as a continuum of severity rather than an all-or-none phenomenon. Aims To investigate the prevalence and correlates of self-reported psychotic symptoms using data from the 2000 British National Survey of Psychiatric Morbidity. Method A total of 8580 respondents aged 16–74 years were interviewed. Questions covered mental health, physical health, substance use, life events and socio-demographic variables. The Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to identify psychotic symptoms. Results Of the respondents, 5.5% endorsed one or more items on the PSQ. Factors independently associated with psychotic symptoms were cannabis dependence, alcohol dependence, victimisation, recent stressful life events, lower intellectual ability and neurotic symptoms. Male gender was associated with paranoid thoughts, whereas female gender predicted hallucinatory experiences. Conclusions Self-reported psychotic symptoms are less common in this study than reported elsewhere, because of the measure used. These symptoms have demographic and clinical correlates similar to clinical psychosis.
Value-added Trade and the Australian Economy

Australia's trade linkages have been affected by the expansion of global production networks, with Australia typically exporting commodities that are used to produce goods and services that are, in turn, exported to other markets. In this article, estimates of value-added trade are presented for Australia that complement conventional trade statistics. The value-added trade estimates suggest that the United States and Europe are more important for export demand than implied by conventional trade statistics, as some Australian content is exported to those locations indirectly via east Asia through global supply chains. The value-added trade estimates also highlight the importance of the services sector to Australian trade, as the services sector is integral to producing goods exports.
Adipocyte death defines macrophage localization and function in adipose tissue of obese mice and humans Published, JLR Papers in Press, September 8, 2005. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M500294-JLR200

Macrophage infiltration of white adipose tissue (WAT) is implicated in the metabolic complications of obesity. The precipitating event(s) and function(s) of macrophage infiltration into WAT are unknown. We demonstrate that >90% of all macrophages in WAT of obese mice and humans are localized to dead adipocytes, where they fuse to form syncytia that sequester and scavenge the residual “free” adipocyte lipid droplet and ultimately form multinucleate giant cells, a hallmark of chronic inflammation. Adipocyte death increases in obese (db/db) mice (30-fold) and humans and exhibits ultrastructural features of necrosis (but not apoptosis). These observations identify necrotic-like adipocyte death as a pathologic hallmark of obesity and suggest that scavenging of adipocyte debris is an important function of WAT macrophages in obese individuals. The frequency of adipocyte death is positively correlated with increased adipocyte size in obese mice and humans and in hormone-sensitive lipase-deficient (HSL−/−) mice, a model of adipocyte hypertrophy without increased adipose mass. WAT of HSL−/− mice exhibited a 15-fold increase in necrotic-like adipocyte death and formation of macrophage syncytia, coincident with increased tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression. These results provide a novel framework for understanding macrophage recruitment, function, and persistence in WAT of obese individuals.
Mechanism of rapid mucus secretion in goblet cells stimulated by acetylcholine

The parasympathetic control of goblet cell secretion and the membrane events accompanying accelerated mucus release were studied in large intestinal mucosal biopsies maintained in an organ culture system. The secretory response of individual goblet cells to 10(-6) M acetylcholine chloride with 3 x 10(-3) M eserine sulfate (a cholinesterase inhibitor) was assessed by light microscopy and autoradiography, by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and by freeze-fracture. Goblet cells on the mucosal surface are unaffected by acetylcholine. In crypt goblet cells acetylcholine-eserine induces rapid fusion of apical mucous granule membranes with the luminal plasma membrane (detectable by 2 min), followed by sequential, tandem fission of the pentalaminar, fused areas of adjacent mucous granule membranes. These events first involve the most central apical mucous granules, are then propagated to include peripheral granules, and finally spread toward the most basal granules. By 60 min, most crypt cells are nearly depleted. The apical membrane, although greatly amplified by these events, remains intact, and intracellular mucous granules do not coalesce with each other. During rapid secretion membrane-limited tags of cytoplasm are observed attached to the cavitated apical cell surface. These long, thin extensions of redundant apical membrane are rapidly lost, apparently by being shed into the crypt lumen.
Conditions necessary for the formation of serous detachment. Experimental evidence from the cat.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate experimentally the conditions necessary for the formation of serous detachments. METHODS Selective injury to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris was produced in cats using weak laser burns and intense diffuse light, with or without photosensitization with rose bengal. The fundi were analyzed by observation, fluorescein angiography, and histologic examination. RESULTS Injuring the RPE alone did not cause detachments. Focal injury to the RPE and choriocapillaris caused moderate detachment only when an area surrounding the focal leakage site had been subjected to light damage. Diffuse injury to the RPE and choriocapillaris caused broader detachments. CONCLUSIONS Three conditions are necessary for serous detachments to form: (1) a source of fluid pressure, (2) a defect in the blood-retinal barrier (entry site), and (3) an area of impaired fluid transport beyond the site of leakage (if fluid is to accumulate over a broader area).
Measurement of magnetic nanoparticle relaxation time.

PURPOSE Nanoparticle relaxation time measurements have many applications including characterizing molecular binding, viscosity, heating, and local matrix stiffness. The methods capable of in vivo application are extremely limited. The hypothesis investigated by the authors was that the relaxation time could be measured quantitatively using magnetic spectroscopy of nanoparticle Brownian motion (MSB). METHODS The MSB signal (1) reflects the nanoparticle rotational Brownian motion, (2) can be measured from very low nanoparticle concentrations, and (3) is a function of the product of the drive frequency and the relaxation time characterizing Brownian motion. To estimate the relaxation time, the MSB signal was measured at several frequencies. The MSB signal for nanoparticles with altered relaxation time is a scaled version of that for reference nanoparticles with a known relaxation time. The scaling factor linking the altered and reference MSB measurements is the same factor linking the altered and reference relaxation times. The method was tested using glycerol solutions of varying viscosities to obtain continuously variable relaxation times. RESULTS The measured relaxation time increased with increasing viscosity of the solution in which the nanoparticles resided. The MSB estimated relaxation time matched the calculated relaxation times based on viscosity with 2% average error. CONCLUSIONS MSB can be used to monitor the nanoparticle relaxation time quantitatively through a scale space correlation of the MSB signal as a function of frequency.
CALIDAD DEL SERVICIO DEPORTIVO EN LA EDAD ESCOLAR DESDE UNA DOBLE PERSPECTIVA SPORT SERVICE QUALITY AT SCHOOL AGE FROM A DOUBLE PERSPECTIVE

In order to determine the perceived quality about sport services at school age we have used the EPOD scale. The target population that has been studied was composed of coaches and customers of a sport system, with a total of 463 users and 29 service providers. The global valuation of services and activities has been positive. There are some differences between the two groups under consideration in the overall size and sports technicians’ category. As regards to the different physical-sports activities, the best valued ones are dance, tennis and aerobics. The worst valued aspects are related to resources, materials and facilities, and also the organisations public image. Human resources are the strongest point of sport services for students at school age.
Enhancing angiogenesis alleviates hypoxia and improves engraftment of enteric cells in polycaprolactone scaffolds

We examined whether expediting angiogenesis in porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds could reduce hypoxia and consequently improve the survival of transplanted enteric cells. To accelerate angiogenesis, we delivered vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) using PCL scaffolds with surface crosslinked heparin. The fabrication and characterization of scaffolds has been reported in our previous study. Enteric cells, isolated from intestinal tissue of neonatal mice and expanded in vitro for 10 days, exhibited high expression levels for contractile protein α‐smooth muscle actin and desmin. The cultured enteric cells were seeded in scaffolds and were implanted subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice for 7 and 14 days. At day 7, the heparin‐modified PCL scaffolds with VEGF exhibited significantly increased angiogenesis and engraftment of enteric cells, with a simultaneous reduction in hypoxia. At day 14, the blood vessels grew across the entire thickness of the scaffold and resulted in a significantly diminished hypoxic environment; however, the transplanted cell density did not increase further. In conclusion, the enhancement of angiogenesis reduced cellular hypoxia and improved the engraftment of enteric cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the Delay of the fMRI Response

We propose a fast, efficient, general, simple, valid, and robust method of estimating and making inference about the delay of the fMRI response modeled as a temporal shift of the hemodynamic response function (HRF). We estimate the shift unbiasedly using two optimally chosen basis functions for a spectrum of time shifted HRFs. This is done at every voxel, to create an image of estimated delays and their standard deviations. This can be used to compare delays for the same stimulus at different voxels, or for different stimuli at the same voxel. Our method is compared to other alternatives and validated on an fMRI data set from an experiment in pain perception.
Asymmetric Relations in Longitudinal Social Networks

In modeling and analysis of longitudinal social networks, visual exploration is used in particular to complement and inform other methods. The most common graphical representations for this purpose appear to be animations and small multiples of intermediate states, depending on the type of media available. We present an alternative approach based on matrix representation of gestaltlines (a combination of Tufte's sparklines with glyphs based on gestalt theory). As a result, we obtain static, compact, yet data-rich diagrams that support specifically the exploration of evolving dyadic relations and persistent group structure, although at the expense of cross-sectional network views and indirect linkages.
Automatic exudates detection in retinal images using efficient integrated approaches

Diabetic Retinopathy with exudates causes a major problem in human visualization and becomes a cause of blindness to diabetic patients. In addition, the numbers of diabetic retinopathy patients are increasing while the numbers of doctors are not easily increased in the same proportion. This circumstance causes a heavy work load for doctors. In the past, the medical image processing research has shown that simply getting a second opinion can significantly help physician's diagnosis. This research proposes a method to detect exudates from diabetic retinopathy images. The early exudates detection of diabetic retinopathy patients will reduce seriousness in diabetic retinopathy. The proposed method for detecting exudates consists of 5 major steps as follows: 1) To improve the quality of images by using the contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) 2) To apply the object attribute thresholding algorithm (OAT) for non-retinal object removal, 3) To implement Frangi's algorithm based on Hessian filtering for blood vessel detection 4) To detect the retinal optic disc by applying the combination between multi-resolution analysis and Hough transform and 5) To classify exudates in the remaining region with algorithms of hierarchical fuzzy-c-mean clustering. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on DIARETDB, which is the retinal image database of the Lappeenranta University of Technology, where the performance is good enough for exudates detection.