Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparison of women with fibromyalgia syndrome to criterion fitness standards: a pilot study.

PURPOSE To compare fitness of women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) aged 50+ with performance standards associated with functional independence in late life. METHODS Data came from a longitudinal study tracking physical and cognitive function of 93 women with FMS and included the most recent symptoms, activity levels, and fitness assessments. RESULTS Most women performed below criterion-referenced fitness standards for all measures. Nearly 90% percent of those < 70 years scored below the standard for lower body strength. Only ~20% of respondents < 70 years old met the criteria for aerobic endurance. A third of those aged over 70 met the standard in agility and dynamic balance. Physical activity was positively associated with fitness performance, while pain and depression symptoms were negatively associated. DISCUSSION High proportions of women with FMS do not meet fitness standards recommended for maintaining physical independence in late life, indicating a risk for disability. Regular fitness assessments and targeted exercise interventions are warranted.
Induction of immunological hyporesponsiveness to granulomatous hypersensitivity in Schistosoma mansoni infection.

The induction in mice of immunological unresponsiveness to granulomatous hypersensitivity around Schistosoma mansoni eggs was attempted by exposure of mice to egg antigens in the prenatal, neonatal, and adult stages of life. Prenatal treatment was carried out by breeding of naturally infected females or by intravenous injection of intact living schistosome eggs or soluble schistosome egg antigens into pregnant females. Marked hyporesponsiveness was demonstrated only in offspring of massively infected mothers bred soon after the onset of egg-laying and in offspring of mothers injected with massive amounts of soluble egg antigens. The hyporesponsive state of progeny of mothers treated with large doses of soluble egg antigens was transient. Similar prenatal treatment caused no amelioration of hepatosplenic disease in offspring that were subsequently infected with S. mansoni. Hyporesponsiveness to granuloma formation was also induced neonatally with large doses of antigen. Lower doses of antigen (as low as 10-4 [g) induced sensitization. A moderate degree of hyporesponsiveness was also induced in adult mice by very large doses of antigen, but not in those treated with lower doses of antigen plus immunosuppressive drugs.
Unilateral Opening of Rat Blood-Brain Barrier Assisted by Diagnostic Ultrasound Targeted Microbubbles Destruction

Objective. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a key obstacle that prevents the medication from blood to the brain. Microbubble-enhanced cavitation by focused ultrasound can open the BBB and proves to be valuable in the brain drug delivery. The study aimed to explore the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of unilateral opening of BBB using diagnostic ultrasound targeted microbubbles destruction in rats. Methods. A transtemporal bone irradiation of diagnostic ultrasound and intravenous injection of lipid-coated microbubbles were performed at unilateral hemisphere. Pathological changes were monitored. Evans Blue extravasation grades, extraction from brain tissue, and fluorescence optical density were quantified. Lanthanum nitrate was traced by transmission electron microscopy. Results. After diagnostic ultrasound mediated microbubbles destruction, Evans Blue extravasation and fluorescence integrated optical density were significantly higher in the irradiated hemisphere than the contralateral side (all p < 0.01). Erythrocytes extravasations were demonstrated in the ultrasound-exposed hemisphere (4 ± 1, grade 2) while being invisible in the control side. Lanthanum nitrate tracers leaked through interendothelial cleft and spread to the nerve fiber existed in the irradiation side. Conclusions. Transtemporal bone irradiation under DUS mediated microbubble destruction provides us with a more accessible, safer, and higher selective BBB opening approach in rats, which is advantageous in brain targeted drugs delivery.
In Search of an Integrative Measure of Functioning

International trends towards people-centred, integrative care and support require any measurement of functioning and disability to meet multiple aims. The information requirements of two major Australian programs for disability and rehabilitation are outlined, and the findings of two searches for suitable measures of functioning and disability are analysed. Over 30 current measures of functioning were evaluated in each search. Neither search found a generic measure of functioning suitable for these multibillion dollar programs, relevant to a wide range of people with a variety of health conditions and functioning experiences, and capable of indicating support needs, associated costs, progress and outcomes. This unsuccessful outcome has implications internationally for policy-relevant information for disability, rehabilitation and related programs. The paper outlines the features of an Integrative Measure of Functioning (IMF) based on the concepts of functioning and environmental factors in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). An IMF would be applicable across a variety of health conditions, settings and purposes, ranging from individual assessment to public health. An IMF could deliver person-centred, policy-relevant information for a range of programs, promoting harmonised language and measurement and supporting international trends in human services and public health.
Extending Information-Theoretic Validity Indices for Fuzzy Clustering

Previously, eight popular information-theoretic-based cluster validity indices have been generalized and tested for probabilistic partitions built by the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm for the Gaussian mixture model. However, the analysis was limited to probabilistic clusters, and there were limited explanations for differences in the performance of the indices. In this paper, we extend the tests to partitions found by fuzzy c-means (FCM) and provide further explanations and insights about the performance of these indices. Of the eight generalized indices, we advocate a normalized version of the soft mutual information cluster validity index (NMI sM) as the best overall choice, as it outperforms the other seven indices for both FCM and EM according to our tests on synthetic and real data. The superiority of NMIsM is most pronounced for datasets with overlapped and/or varying-sized clusters. Finally, we provide a theoretical analysis, which helps explain the superior performance of NMIsM compared with the other three normalizations of soft mutual information.
Parent and Child References to Letters During Alphabet Book Reading: Relations to Child Age and Letter Name Knowledge

Research Findings: The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of extratextual references to letters made by parents and preschoolers during shared reading of an alphabet book. The frequency of letter references was also examined in relation to child age and knowledge of letter names. Participants consisted of 44 preschoolers and their primary caregivers. Videotaped book-reading data were transcribed verbatim and coded for their inclusion of 14 types of letter references (e.g., naming requests, labels, repetitions). Significant findings included the following: Parent labels were significantly correlated with child age; and child knowledge of letter names was significantly correlated with parent naming requests, corrections, and repetitions, and child answers and initiations. Practice or Policy: Findings are discussed in reference to the literature regarding parental sensitivity to child age and knowledge in educational interactions with their child.
Chapter 10 IP Trust Validation Using Proof-Carrying Hardware

A rapidly growing third-party Intellectual Property (IP) market provides IP consumers with high flexibility when designing electronic systems. It also reduces the development time and expertise needed to compete in a market where profitwindows are very narrow. However, one key issue that has been neglected is the security of hardware designs built upon third-party IP cores. Historically, IP consumers have focused on IP functionality and performance than security. The negligence toward development of robust security policies is reflected in the IP design flow (see Fig. 10.1), where IP core specification usually only includes functionality and performance measurements. The prevailing usage of third-party soft IP cores in SoC designs raises security concerns as current IP core verification methods focus on IP functionality rather than IP trustworthiness. Moreover, lack of regulation in the IP transaction market adds to the predicament of the SoC designers and forces them to perform verification and validation of IPs themselves. To help SoC designers in IP verification, various methods have been developed to leverage enhanced functional testing and/or perform probability analysis of internal nodes for IP core trust evaluation and malicious logic detection [1, 2]. However, these methods were easily bypassed by sophisticated hardware Trojans [3–5]. Formal methods were also introduced for IP core trust evaluation [1, 6–10]. Among all the proposed formal methods, proof-carrying hardware (PCH), which originated from proof-carrying code (PCC), emerged as one of the most prevalent methods for certifying the absence of malicious logic in soft IP cores and reconfigurable logic [6–10]. In the PCH approach, synthesizable register-transfer level (RTL) code of IP core and informal security properties were
Characterization of the Calcium Binding Protein Family in Zebrafish

Calcium Binding Proteins (CaBPs), part of the vast family of EF-Hand-domain containing proteins, modulate intracellular calcium levels. They thereby contribute to a broad spectrum of biological processes – amongst others cell migration, gene expression and neural activity. In this study we identified twelve members of this protein family in zebrafish including one gene (cabp4b) currently not present in the zebrafish genome assembly. To gain insight into their biological functions, we carried out a detailed analysis of the expression patterns of these genes during zebrafish late embryonic and early larval development. We detected specific transcription for most of them in different neuronal cell populations including the neuroretina, the inner ear and the notochord. Our data supports potential roles for CaBPs during neuronal development and function and provides a starting point for genetic studies to examine CaBPs' function in these tissues and organs.
Localized Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament of the Knee: An Exceptional Presentation of a Rare Disease with Neoplastic and Inflammatory Features

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a rare condition, most commonly involving the knee joint. PVNS is locally aggressive and can invade and destroy surrounding soft tissue and bone, leading to anatomical and functional deterioration of the affected joint. Localized PVNS is an unusual presentation of the disease, generally consisting of a nodular lesion protruding into the articular cavity. Localized PVNS of the knee can mimic other joint disorders which may pose a challenge for a correct diagnosis. Given the locally aggressive behavior of PVNS, prompt identification and excision of the lesion are instrumental to avoid complications. Here, we report a rare case of localized cystic PVNS involving the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee in a 32-year-old woman with persistent knee pain, in whom magnetic resonance imaging was inconclusive. The diagnosis was achieved via arthroscopy and histology. We also present a concise review of the literature on this pathological entity as well as a discussion on the differential diagnosis between localized PVNS and other intra-articular cystic lesions.
Identification of Novel and Recurrent Disease-Causing Mutations in Retinal Dystrophies Using Whole Exome Sequencing (WES): Benefits and Limitations

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are Mendelian diseases with tremendous genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Identification of the underlying genetic basis of these dystrophies is therefore challenging. In this study we employed whole exome sequencing (WES) in 11 families with IRDs and identified disease-causing variants in 8 of them. Sequence analysis of about 250 IRD-associated genes revealed 3 previously reported disease-associated variants in RHO, BEST1 and RP1. We further identified 5 novel pathogenic variants in RPGRIP1 (p.Ser964Profs*37), PRPF8 (p.Tyr2334Leufs*51), CDHR1 (p.Pro133Arg and c.439-17G>A) and PRPF31 (p.Glu183_Met193dup). In addition to confirming the power of WES in genetic diagnosis of IRDs, we document challenges in data analysis and show cases where the underlying genetic causes of IRDs were missed by WES and required additional techniques. For example, the mutation c.439-17G>A in CDHR1 would be rated unlikely applying the standard WES analysis. Only transcript analysis in patient fibroblasts confirmed the pathogenic nature of this variant that affected splicing of CDHR1 by activating a cryptic splice-acceptor site. In another example, a 33-base pair duplication in PRPF31 missed by WES could be identified only via targeted analysis by Sanger sequencing. We discuss the advantages and challenges of using WES to identify mutations in heterogeneous diseases like IRDs.
Are Complex A and the Orphan stream related

We consider the possibility that the Galactic neutral hydrogen stream Complex A and the stellar Orphan stream are related, and use this hypothesis to determine possible distances to Complex A and the Orphan stream, and line-of-sight velocities for the latter. The method presented uses our current knowledge of the projected positions of the streams, as well as line-of-sight velocities for Complex A, and we show that a solution exists in which the two streams share the same orbit. If Complex A and the Orphan stream are on this orbit, our calculations suggest the Orphan stream to be at an average distance of 9 kpc, with heliocentric radial velocities of approximately −95 km s−1. Complex A would be ahead of the Orphan stream in the same wrap of the orbit, with an average distance of 4 kpc, which is consistent with the distance constraints determined through interstellar absorption line techniques.
Characterisation of Phenolic Compounds in South African Plum Fruits (Prunus salicina Lindl.) using HPLC Coupled with Diode-Array, Fluorescence, Mass Spectrometry and On-Line Antioxidant Detection

Phenolic compounds are abundant secondary metabolites in plums, with potential health benefits believed to be due to their antioxidant activity, amongst others. Phenolic characterisation of South African Prunus salicina Lindl. plums is necessary to fully evaluate their potential health benefits. An HPLC method using diode-array detection (DAD) for quantification of phenolic compounds was improved and fluorescence detection (FLD) was added for quantification of flavan-3-ols. Validation of the HPLC-DAD-FLD method showed its suitability for quantification of 18 phenolic compounds, including flavan-3-ols using FLD, and phenolic acids, anthocyanins and flavonols using DAD. The method was suitable for characterisation of the phenolic composition of 11 South African plum cultivars and selections, including various types with yellow and red skin and flesh. The method was used in conjunction with mass spectrometry (MS) to identify 24 phenolic compounds. Neochlorogenic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside were the major compounds in most of the plums, while cyanidin-3-O-glucoside was absent in Sun Breeze plums with yellow skin and flesh. Post-column on-line coupling of the ABTS•+ scavenging assay with HPLC-DAD enabled qualitative evaluation of the relative contribution of individual phenolic compounds to the antioxidant activity. The flavan-3-ols, neochlorogenic acid and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside displayed the largest antioxidant response peaks.
Generalized Functional ANOVA Diagnostics for High-Dimensional Functions of Dependent Variables

This article studies the problem of providing diagnostics for high-dimensional functions when the input variables are known to be dependent. In such situations, commonly used diagnostics can place an unduly large emphasis on functional behavior that occurs in regions of very low probability. Instead, a generalized functional ANOVA decomposition provides a natural representation of the function in terms of low-order components. This article details a weighted functional ANOVA that controls for the effect of dependence between input variables. The construction involves high-dimensional functions as nuisance parameters and suggests a novel estimation scheme for it. The methodology is demonstrated in the context of machine learning in which the possibility of poor extrapolation makes it important to restrict attention to regions of high data density.
Cold-adapted, live attenuated influenza vaccine

The recently licensed cold-adapted, live attenuated influenza vaccine (CAIV-T, FluMist™, MedImmune Vaccines Inc.) has the potential to enhance control of epidemic influenza. The intranasal vaccine has proven safety and efficacy. Regulatory constraints and cost of CAIV-T have hampered the introduction of the vaccine in the first year. Unwarranted concern about possible transmission of the virus from vaccine recipients to immunocompromised patients limited use in healthcare personnel. The intense influenza A(H3N2) epidemic of 2003–2004 has underscored the necessity of supplementing current efforts to control influenza. Over 120 deaths have been documented in children – the majority of which have been previously healthy. Use of CAIV-T in children will not only decrease the risk of serious disease, but also dampen the spread of the virus in the community and reduce exposure of patients who are at high risk of complications and death.
Leader-follower consensus of multi-agent systems

This paper addresses the leader-follower consensus problem of multi-agent systems with a time-invariant communication topology consisting of general linear node dynamics. A distributed observer-type consensus protocol based on relative output measurements is proposed. It is shown that the leader-follower consensus of multi-agent systems can be cast equivalently into the stability of a set of matrices of the same dimension as a single agent. The notion of consensus region is then introduced and analyzed by using tools from the stability of matrix pencils. It is further demonstrated that there exists an observer-type protocol that solves the leader-follower consensus problem, and meanwhile yields an unbounded consensus region, if and only if the agent dynamics are stabilizable and detectable. A multi-step consensus protocol design procedure is finally presented. The effectiveness of the theoretical results is demonstrated through numerical simulations.
Feasibility of a noncontact catheter for endocardial mapping of human ventricular tachycardia.

BACKGROUND Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is limited by difficulty in identifying suitable sites for ablation. This study assesses use of a system capable of simultaneous endocardial mapping of the human left ventricle to map and guide radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of VT. METHODS AND RESULTS A catheter-mounted noncontact multielectrode array was used to reconstruct 3360 electrograms, superimposed onto a computer-simulated endocardial model. Of 24 patients studied, 20 had ischemic heart disease. Exit sites were demonstrated by the noncontact system in 80 (99%) of 81 VTs, with complete VT circuits traced in 17 (21%). In another 37 VTs, 36+/-30% (mean+/-SD) of the diastolic interval was identified. Thirty-eight VT morphologies were ablated with 154 RF energy applications. Successful ablation was achieved by 77% of RF applications to relevant diastolic activity identified by the system and was significantly more likely (P<0.0001) than by RF at the VT exit or remote from diastolic activation. Over a mean follow-up of 1.5 years, 14 patients (64%) have had no recurrence of VT, and only 2 target VTs (5.3%) have recurred. Five patients have had recurrence of other VTs. CONCLUSIONS This noncontact mapping system identified diastolic portions of the circuit in most VTs studied and can safely map and guide ablation of human VT.
Roles of hepatic progenitor cells activation, ductular reaction proliferation and Notch signaling in morbid obesity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) activation, proliferative ductular reaction (DR), replicative arrest and Notch signaling have been demonstrated in a variety of human liver diseases. The relationships are poorly understood in morbid obesity. We investigated factors responsible for the HPCs/DR, replicative arrest and Notch signaling in non-NASH and NASH groups. METHODOLOGY Cytokeratin 7 (and 19), p21, CD34, Ki67 and different Notch receptors and ligands immunohistochemical stained biopsies from morbid obese patients with non-NASH (n=10) and NASH (n=25) were studied. These results were correlated with clinicopathological variables. RESULTS NASH patients presented with abnormal liver function tests and had higher HbA1c percentage. Strong association between HPCs and DR was seen (r=0.785, p<0.000). BMI, interface activity and replicative arrest were associated with HPCs expansion and DR in NASH patients. A strong association between CD34 with HPCs and DR was found in non-NASH patients. In NASH group, Notch 3 was important in bile ductular proliferation; whereas Notch 4 was associated with sinusoidal neovessels proliferation and Kupffer cell activation. CONCLUSIONS HPCs and DR played an important role in hepatic regeneration in fatty liver disease of morbid obesity. An altered replication pathway in NASH promotes HPCs activation and DR. Notch-3 and Notch-4 were significantly different between non-NASH and NASH groups.
Efeitos de instruções e do horizonte nos julgamentos de tamanhos relativos pictóricos

Investigating the role of the judgment instructions and pictorial depth information in the perception of relative size was the purpose of this work. In the experiment, observers chose which rectangle of the two presented (standard and test stimulus) was taller on the computer screen. The observers were divided in groups according to the instructions received (apparent or objective) and the kind of texture gradient in which the stimuli were presented. The judgments were not affected by the texture, but predominantly by the experimental instructions. Apparent judgment instructions had more relative errors and favored the underestimation of size of the standard stimulus, while objective judgment instructions favored the overestimation of size. The presence of the horizon line improved more accuracy of judgments of relative size. Judgment instructions and height of the horizon turned out as important factors in the determination of the judgments of relative size visually perceived.
Analysing Genre: Language Use in Professional Settings

General Editor's Preface Preface Acknowledgements Part 1: Genre Analysis-Theoretical Preliminaries 1. From description to explanation in discourse analysis 2. Approach to genre analysis Part 2: Genre Analysis in Action 3. Product and self promotion in business settings 4. Research genres in academic settings 5. Legal discourse in professional settings Part 3: Applications 6. From description to explanation in language teaching 7. Generic integrity and language reform Bibliography Subject Index Author Index.