Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DYNAMIC SPECTRAL ANALYSIS FINDINGS IN FIRST EPISODE AND CHRONIC SCHIZOPHRENIA

The quantified analysis of the electroencephalogram (qEEG) has enabled the extraction of additional psychophysiological information from the raw EEG, but in turn has introduced a number of distortions. This study compared Dynamic Spectral Analysis (DSA), a novel and mathematically stringent technique for the evaluation of qEEG activity with conventional power spectral analysis in subjects with both first episode and chronic schizophrenia and matched controls. Advantages of the technique in the automated processing of data, rejection of artefact, avoidance of artefact introduced by the mathematical trans-formation of the data and the identification of irregular low frequency artefactual activity “pi” are discussed in detail. Using this method, the study has confirmed past observations of increased slow wave activity in schizophrenia, and identified a decrease in peak frequency in the alpha band in the subjects with chronic schizophrenia. The two clinical groups differed in mean peak frequency in the delta band with the first episode schizophrenia subjects having a raised mean peak frequency and the subjects with chronic schizophrenia having a lowered mean peak frequency. The results suggest continued change in the EEG with illness chronicity in schizophrenia. These changes were most evident in the frequency domain emphasizing the importance of routine measurement of mean band frequencies in qEEG studies.
Autonomous cortical activity in mouse eggs controlled by a cytoplasmic clock.

Mouse eggs of Swiss albino origin, both parthenogenetic and fertilized, were bisected into nucleate (NHs) and anucleate halves (AHs) and observed in vitro (semicontinuous observations) for up to 40 h for possible manifestations of cortical activity. Three experimental groups were studied: (1) Non-fertilized eggs activated 17 h after administration of hCG with a heat-shock and bisected 4 h later. (2) Non-fertilized eggs first bisected, and the resulting sister halves activated 17 h after administration of hCG with ethyl alcohol. (3) In vivo fertilized eggs bisected 27 h after administration of hCG into an AH and a binucleate half. Parthenogenetic eggs (intact, zona-free, and incompletely bisected), and fertilized eggs collected 17, 20, and 27 h after administration of hCG were also studied. In the middle of the first cell cycle the cell surface in all types of cells studied changed from smooth to slightly undulate. In nucleate cells the surface deformations lasted for several hours and disappeared shortly before the first mitosis. In contrast, in AHs the indentations of the cell surface deepened, and developed into manifold furrows, thus leading to fragmentation. However, in 20% of AHs fragmentation was partially or completely reversed. The incidence and the intensity of fragmentation were lower, and its reversibility was more common in AHs carrying the 2nd polar body. We suggest that the interphase nucleus, i.e. the pronucleus in whole eggs and NHs, and the 2nd polar body nucleus (if 2nd polary body is attached to an AH) exerts a moderating effect on cortical activity. However, the initiation of cortical activity is nucleus-independent, as shown by the behaviour of AHs separated before activation. We believe that the observed phenomena reflect autonomous cortical activity which is regulated by a cytoplasmic clock.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a major impact on the progress of research on dementia. To address the problems involved in diagnosing AD in its earliest stages, the National Institute on Aging, the American Association of Retired Persons, the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke, and the National Institute of Mental Health jointly sponsored a workshop for planning research. The purpose of the meeting was to identify the most important scientific research opportunities and the crucial clinical and technical issues that influence the progress of research on the diagnosis of AD. The 37 participants included some of the most knowledgeable and eminent scientists and physicians actively involved in the study of AD. The participants were divided among six panels representing the disciplines of neurochemistry, neuropathology, neuroradiology, neurology, neuropsychology, and psychiatry. Within each of the panels, participants discussed specific areas of research requiring further
Score-level fusion of two-dimensional and three-dimensional palmprint for personal recognition systems

Two types of scores extracted from two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) palmprint for personal recognition systems are merged, introducing a local image descriptor for 2-D palmprint-based recognition systems, named bank of binarized statistical image features (B-BSIF). The main idea of B-BSIF is that the extracted histograms from the binarized statistical image features (BSIF) code images (the results of applying the different BSIF descriptor size with the length 12) are concatenated into one to produce a large feature vector. 3-D palmprint contains the depth information of the palm surface. The self-quotient image (SQI) algorithm is applied for reconstructing illumination-invariant 3-D palmprint images. To extract discriminative Gabor features from SQI images, Gabor wavelets are defined and used. Indeed, the dimensionality reduction methods have shown their ability in biometrics systems. Given this, a principal component analysis (PCA)+linear discriminant analysis (LDA) technique is employed. For the matching process, the cosine Mahalanobis distance is applied. Extensive experiments were conducted on a 2-D and 3-D palmprint database with 10,400 range images from 260 individuals. Then, a comparison was made between the proposed algorithm and other existing methods in the literature. Results clearly show that the proposed framework provides a higher correct recognition rate. Furthermore, the best results were obtained by merging the score of B-BSIF descriptor with the score of the SQI+Gabor wavelets+PCA+LDA method, yielding an equal error rate of 0.00% and a recognition rate of rank-1=100.00%.
General asynchrony is not expensive for PRAMs

The authors present a technique to efficiently simulate a synchronous n-processor PRAM using a completely asynchronous PRAM. This work is an extension of prior results of Martel et. al. (1990) in which a measure of work for asynchronous PRAM algorithms is developed that accounts for all instructions executed by the processors including busy waiting steps. These prior results show that if the asynchrony is modestly restricted, the expected work of asynchronous PRAM algorithms is within a constant factor of the expected work on a standard synchronous n-processor PRAM. They extend these prior results to a general asynchronous model with only O(nT(min(log P,log U))) expected work and O(nT) space, using up to n/lognlog*n processors. Here, P is the number of processors used in the simulation, U is the maximum number of updates to any single data item, and T is the number of time steps in the synchronous n-processor PRAM algorithm. The results indicate that completely relaxing synchrony in shared memory parallel processing systems is possible with only modest additional work. <<ETX>>
The validity of the Annual Review of Competence Progression: a qualitative interview study of the perceptions of junior doctors and their trainers

Objective To investigate trainee doctors’ and trainers’ perceptions of the validity of the Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) using Messick’s conceptualisation of construct validity. Design Qualitative semi-structured focus groups and interviews with trainees and trainers. Setting Postgraduate medical training in London, Kent Surrey and Sussex, Yorkshire and Humber, and Wales in November/December 2015. Part of a larger study about the fairness of postgraduate medical training. Participants Ninety-six trainees and 41 trainers, comprising UK and international medical graduates from Foundation, General Practice, Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Radiology, and Surgery, at all levels of training. Main outcome measures Trainee and trainer perceptions of the validity of the ARCP as an assessment tool. Results Participants recognised the need for assessment, but were generally dissatisfied with ARCPs, especially UK graduate trainees. Participants criticised the perceived tick-box nature of ARCPs as measuring clerical rather than clinical ability, and which they found detrimental to learning. Trainees described being able to populate their e-portfolios with just positive feedback; they also experienced difficulty getting assessments signed off by supervisors. ARCPs were perceived as poor at identifying struggling trainees and/or as discouraging excellence by focussing on minimal competency. Positive experiences of ARCPs arose when trainees could discuss their progress with interested supervisors. Conclusions Trainee and trainer criticisms of ARCPs can be conceptualised as evidence that ARCPs lack validity as an assessment tool. Ongoing reforms to workplace-based assessments could address negative perceptions of the ‘tick-box’ elements, encourage constructive input from seniors and allow trainees to demonstrate excellence as well as minimal competency, while keeping patients safe.
conjugation – a mechanistic view

The regulation of protein fate by modification with the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) plays an essential and crucial role in most cellular pathways. Sumoylation is highly dynamic due to the opposing activities of SUMO conjugation and SUMO deconjugation. SUMO conjugation is performed by the hierarchical action of E1, E2 and E3 enzymes, while its deconjugation involves SUMO-specific proteases. In this review, we summarize and compare the mechanistic principles of how SUMO gets conjugated to its substrate. We focus on the interplay of the E1, E2 and E3 enzymes and discuss how specificity could be achieved given the limited number of conjugating enzymes and the thousands of substrates.
Comment on "The physical basis of model-free analysis of NMR relaxation data from proteins and complex fluids" [J. Chem. Phys. 131, 224507 (2009)].

In a recent article,1 Halle was critical of the use of the slowly relaxing local structure (SRLS) model2, 3 for the analysis of NMR spin relaxation in proteins.4, 5 Although he cited private communications with us, he did not discuss the contents of his article prior to its publication, nor were we aware of his intentions. We are in disagreement with a number of aspects of this article, but confine ourselves just to a brief rebuttal of his negative comments about SRLS and its use. We do, however, respect Halle’s efforts to provide a physical basis for the model-free (MF) approach.
Influence of Contacts on Electric Field in an Au/(CdZn)Te/Au Detector: A Simulation

We report our simulations on the influence of contacts on charge collection in semi-insulating (CdZn)Te with Au contacts under radiation flux, employing simultaneous solutions of the drift-diffusion and Poisson equations. The type of the space charge and the distribution of the electric field in the Au/(CdZn)Te/Au structure at high fluxes reflect the combined influence of charge generated by band bending at the electrodes, and from photogenerated carriers trapped at deep levels. We show that the space charge originating from the latter approaches dominance at high fluxes while the influence of the contacts becomes negligible. The ratio of trapping and collection times at low fluxes strongly depends on band bending, due mainly to a change in the occupation of deep levels by injection or depletion from the contacts. Such dependence is weak at high fluxes; in this case, the space charge due to trapped carriers prevails over that formed due to band bending. These phenomena can cause the formation an electric-field minimum within the device (the pinch point), the position of which is influenced by the nature of the contacts. The field minimum can completely disappear or develop into a dead layer as band bending changes.
Purification and characterization of an immunoglobulin A1 protease from Bacteroides melaninogenicus

Attention has recently been focused on bacterial proteases with the capacity to cleave immunoglobulin A (IgA proteases) as possible pathogenic factors in bacterial meningitis, gonorrhoea, and destructive periodontal disease. Here, we describe a method for the rapid purification of a specific IgA1 protease from Bacteroides melaninogenicus. The IgA1 protease was purified 6,172-fold with a yield of 9% by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE-ion exchange chromatography, and separation on a preparative TSK-G 3000SWG high-pressure gel permeation chromatography column. The enzyme was specific for human IgA1 and cleaved a prolyl-seryl peptide bond in the hinge region of the alpha 1 chain between residues 223 and 224. The molecular weight of the enzyme was 62,000, the isoelectric point was 5.0, and the Km was 3.4 X 10(-6). The enzyme was active over a broad pH range and had maximal activity at pH 5.0. B. melaninogenicus IgA1 protease was classified as a thiol protease on the basis of its inhibition by traditional protease inhibitors and the fact that it was active only under reducing conditions.
Remifentanil for endotracheal intubation in neonates: a randomised controlled trial

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of remifentanil as a premedication in neonates undergoing elective endotracheal intubation. Design A double-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting Tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit. Patients Haemodynamically stable term and preterm neonates requiring elective endotracheal intubation. Interventions Infants in the intervention arm received remifentanil (3 µg/kg) and normal saline placebo. The control group received fentanyl (2 µg/kg) and succinylcholine (2 mg/kg). Both groups also received atropine (20 µg/kg) as part of the premedication regime. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was time to successful intubation. Secondary outcomes included time to return of spontaneous respirations, oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure changes during the procedure, adverse events and a survey of intubation conditions. Results A total of 15 infants were randomised to each group. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. The median time to successful intubation was not statistically different (247 s in the remifentanil group vs 156 s in the fentanyl group, p=0.88). The intubation conditions were rated more favourably with fentanyl by the intubators. Although not statistically significant, chest wall rigidity was observed more commonly with remifentanil. Conclusions Although remifentanil is comparable to fentanyl and succinylcholine in attenuating adverse physiologic responses during neonatal intubation, muscle rigidity is a concern at doses of 3 µg/kg. Further trials are required to evaluate ideal dosing regimens and combinations of agents for use with remifentanil in neonates.
Glutathione mediates LPS‐stimulated COX‐2 expression via early transient p42/44 MAPK activation

This study examines whether endotoxin (LPS)‐stimulated COX‐2 is modulated by an interaction between mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and intracellular glutathione. Bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAEC) were pretreated for 30 min with the following prior to addition of 0.1 μg/ml endotoxin in 2% FBS in medium 199: 5 mM N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) or 5 mM glutathione ethyl ester (GSE) (modulators of intracellular glutathione); 10 μM SB203580 or 25 μM PD98059 (inhibitors of p38 and p42/44 MAPKs, respectively). End‐points included assessment of COX‐1 and COX‐2 gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR); COX‐1, COX‐2, p38, and p42/44 protein by Western analysis; and measurement of PGE2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α releases by GC/MS. Both GSE and NAC resulted in significant exacerbation of the LPS‐stimulated increase in COX‐2 gene and protein expression and prostaglandin release, and suppressed the LPS‐induced decrease in COX‐1. LPS caused a biphasic activation of p42/44 MAPKs, an early increase peaking at 30 min and a second sustained phase, lasting up to 24 h; LPS also caused an early and sustained increase p38 MAPK activity. Pretreatment of cells with either GSE or NAC increased the early LPS‐stimulated activation of p42/44 but had little effect on the sustained phase. Inhibition of either p38 or p42/44 MAPKs suppressed LPS‐stimulated COX‐2 gene and protein expression, and prostaglandin release (P < 0.05) but had little effect on COX‐1. We conclude that intracellular glutathione modulates LPS‐stimulated COX‐2 gene expression and prostaglandin synthesis in BPAEC via early activation of p42/44 MAPKs. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 86–93, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kronecker product approximation with multiple factor matrices via the tensor product algorithm

Kronecker product (KP) approximation has recently been applied as a modeling and analysis tool on systems with hierarchical networked structure. In this paper, we propose a tensor product-based approach to the KP approximation problem with arbitrary number of factor matrices. The formulation involves a novel matrix-to-tensor transformation to convert the KP approximation problem to a best rank-(R1, …, RN) tensor product approximation problem. In addition, we develop an algorithm based on higher-order orthogonal iteration to solve the tensor approximation problem. We prove that the proposed approach is equivalent to conventional singular value decomposition-based approach for two matrix factor case proposed by Van Loan. Hence, our work is a generalization of Van Loan's approach to more than two factor matrices. We demonstrate our approach by several experiments and case studies. The results indicate that the tensor product formulation is effective for KP approximation.
On Combining Diverse Static Analysis Tools for Web Security: An Empirical Study

Developers frequently rely on free static analysis tools to automatically detect vulnerabilities in the source code of their applications, but it is well-known that the performance of such tools is limited and varies from one software development scenario to another, both in terms of coverage and false positives. Diversity is an obvi-ous direction to take to improve coverage, as different tools usual-ly report distinct vulnerabilities, but this may come with an in-crease in the number of false alarms. In this paper, we study the problem of combining diverse static analysis tools to detect web vulnerabilities, considering four software development scenarios with different goals and constraints, ranging from low budget to high-end (e.g., business critical) applications. We conducted an experimental campaign with five free static analysis tools to detect vulnerabilities in a workload composed by 134 WordPress plugins. Results clearly show that the best solution depends on the development scenario. Furthermore, in some cases, a single tool performs better than the best combination of tools
Who Died? The Murder of Collaterals Related to Intimate Partner Conflict

Using data from the Murder in Britain Study, the authors focus on murders that are related to intimate partner conflict but involve the killing of a person other than the intimate partner. Intimate partner collateral murders (IPCM) include children, allies, and new partners. The findings expand the number and types of murder associated with intimate partner conflict, characterize the three main types of collaterals, compare the childhood and adulthood of the perpetrators of intimate partner murder [IPM] (n = 104) and IPCM (n = 62), and reflect similarities and differences. Various disciplinary approaches are reflected in the research design, data collection, findings, and conclusions.
The Effect of Self-management Systems on Coping with Stress and Anxiety in Chronic Patients

Self-management programs have been introduced in order to help chronic patients better manage their symptoms, treatments, and the physical, as well as the psychosocial consequences and lifestyle changes inherent in living with a chronic condition. As many chronic patients tend to also suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, coping resources and constructive coping strategies can also help them improve their psychological health, which in turn can help them improve their quality of life. Information technologies can provide useful opportunities for improving the selfmanagement support that are provided to chronic illnesses such as asthma, especially when they can be integrated with patients’ ongoing medical care and by enabling the patients to also better cope with mental health issues. The present paper describes an exploratory study that studied 17 asthma patients who used a self-management system and examined if and how the system also helped them cope with the negative emotions evoked by their disease. Adopting a coping theory perspective, the paper identified several coping responses that the studied self-management system seemed to support, and developing future self-management systems so that they can also support these coping responses can be useful for improving the health of chronically ill patients.
Electrochemistry: The Past Thirty and the Next Thirty Years – A Volume in Honour of J O'M Bockris

Harry Bloom and Felix Gutmann (eds) New York: Plenum 1977 pp xiv + 450 price $59.40 An excellent compendium of topics in electrochemistry for the physicist who wants to keep in touch with recent developments and lines of research. The volume is pricey but well produced and it comprises papers from an international symposium held at Imperial College in April 1975.
Self-perceived mate value influences intrasexual competitiveness attitudes in young people of both sexes

Individuals vary in their intrasexual competitiveness attitude, i.e., an important variable reflecting the potential threat or the extent to which one perceives other individuals of the same sex as social or mating rivals. In this study, we investigated the relationship between self-perceived mate value, a construct usually linked to intersexual selection, and intrasexual competitiveness attitude. We postulated that those psychological traits that increase mate value are related to psychological traits underlying intrasexual competitiveness attitude. The results obtained from a sample of 711 young participants of both sexes (M= 16.93 years ± SD = 0.86) indicated that mate value was positively related to intrasexual competitiveness attitude. Specifically, the subscales ofFear of Failure,Wealth, andLookswere positive predictors of intrasexual competitiveness attitude. Moreover, theLookssubscale was more relevant in determining intrasexual competitiveness attitude in women than in men. These three subscales were part of the same factorial structure that appears to be indicative of a self-promoting strategy based on the ostentation of traits through attitudes. As a conclusion, we argue that the individual differences in intrasexual competitiveness attitudes are associated with the differences in psychological features usually associated with intersexual selection.