Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[The reliability and validity of Chinese version of AD8].

OBJECTIVE To examine the validity and reliability of the application of Chinese version of AD8 among patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and to explore the discriminative properties of AD8 including score boundaries, sensitivity and specificity in differentiating AD and normal controls. METHODS A total of 240 subjects were recruited, including 75 cognitively intact subjects as normal control and 165 patients with AD. Normal control and patients with AD were assessed with Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and Clock Drawing Test (CDT). All informed normal controls and informants of patients with AD were asked about Chinese version of AD8, among which, 158 informants of patients with AD received AD8 examination again. RESULTS (1) The Cronbach alpha for Chinese version of AD8 was 0.78. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of retest reliability was 0.96 (P < 0.01). (2) The correlation coefficients between each item of AD8 ranged from 0.36 to 0.69 (P < 0.01). Chinese version of AD8 total scores were strongly positively correlated with CDR global score (r = 0.82, P < 0.01), and CDR-SB(r = 0.80, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with the total score of MMSE (r = -0.75, P < 0.01) and CDT (r = -0.53, P < 0.01). (3) For discrimination between normal controls and patients with AD, the AUC was 0.93. Using a cutoff of 2 or greater on Chinese version of AD8 to discriminate dementia, the sensitivity was 93.9%, and specificity was 76.0%. CONCLUSION Chinese version of AD8 is a brief and sensitive screening measure with good validity and reliability.
A causal relationship between trade efficiency and economic efficiency: Evidence from dynamic simultaneous equations models

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to examine the causal relationship between economic efficiency and trade efficiency using dynamic panel data in simultaneous equations models for global panel of 50 countries over the period 2000–2014. The study also implements this interrelationship for two groups of countries based on their level of development. Two models applying different factors reflecting countries’ economic and trade policies are proposed to measure the targeted efficiencies using data envelopment analysis method. Evidence from the simultaneous equations models to identify a relationship between economic efficiency and trade efficiency supports the bidirectional causality between them in all three categories of countries. It has been also found that both economic and institutional factors have a significant positive influence on trade and growth performance, with the effect of political factors being especially pronounced for developing countries that suffer from weak institutional capacity. These empirical findings are of particular interest to policy-makers as they help to build sound policies in order to maximize trade performance as well as economic efficiency.
A new GA based method for improving hybrid clustering

In this paper a new hybrid clustering method is presented which uses fuzzy logic and genetic algorithm. There are two main phases that should be investigated. The first is coding hybrid clustering problem in a way that could be solved by genetic algorithm. The other is designing an evaluation function which conducts the potential results to the global optimum. In this paper, a novel fuzzy criterion for evaluating the final partition is proposed which uses string representation of ensemble of primary clusters. The objective function tries to maximize the agreement between the ensemble members as well as minimize the disagreement simultaneously. The efficiency of the proposed method is evaluated by multiple standard databases. The promising obtained results show the outperforming of the proposed method compared to the other well known clustering method.
Stability analysis of dynamical systems for minor and principal component analysis

Algorithms that extract the principal or minor components of a signal are widely used in signal processing and control applications. This paper explores new frameworks for generating learning rules for iteratively computing the principal and minor components (or subspaces) of a given matrix. Stability analysis using Lyapunov theory and La Salle invariance principle is provided to determine regions of attraction of these learning rules. Among many derivations, it is specifically shown that Oja's rule and many variations of it are asymptotically globally stable. Lyapunov stability theory is also applied to weighted learning rules. Some of the essential features for the proposed MCA/PCA learning rules are that they are self normalized and can be applied to non-symmetric matrices. Exact solutions for some nonlinear dynamical systems are also provided
Acquisitions in the biopharmaceutical IPO market: Collaboration, competition and co-opetition

The present paper explores the little studied area concerning the acquisition of recent biopharmaceutical initial public offering firms. We examine the nature of the relationship between the acquiring firm and the acquired initial public offering firm prior to the acquisition and from the perspective of the resource-based view. We find to some extent that firm specific-resources affect the prospect that the firm will be acquired. Furthermore, our findings show that firms with more of these types of resources are likely to be acquired by firms engaged in co-opetition rather than by firms engaged solely in collaboration, competition, or (to a limited extent) with no prior relationship.
Chronic Kidney Disease in India: Challenges and Solutions

Chronic diseases have become a major cause of global morbidity and mortality even in developing countries. The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India cannot be assessed accurately. The approximate prevalence of CKD is 800 per million population (pmp), and the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is 150–200 pmp. The most common cause of CKD in population-based studies is diabetic nephropathy. India currently has 820+ nephrologists, 710+ hemodialysis units with 2,500+ dialysis stations and 4,800+ patients on CAPD. There are 172+ transplant centers, two-thirds of which are in South India and mostly privately run. Nearly 3,500 transplants are done annually, the total number of cadaver donors being approximately 700 till now. Thus, taken together, nearly 18,000–20,000 patients (10% of new ESRD cases) in India get renal replacement therapy. The cost of single hemodialysis varies between USD 15 and 40 with an additional cost of erythropoietin being USD 150–200/month. The cost of CAPD using a ‘Y’ set with 3 exchanges/week is USD 400/month. The cost of the transplant procedure in a state-run hospital is USD 800–1,000, and the cost of immunosuppression using tacrolimus, steroid and mycophenolate is USD 350–400/month. Until recently, the government did not recognize CKD/ESRD as a significant problem in India. However, some illustrious activities in relation to CKD brought attention of the media and policymakers to this very common but till now deprived group of diseases. On the one side the government has initiated a process by which it is planning to establish stand-alone hemodialysis units in the country to increase the facilities at an affordable cost, and on the transplant side it had launched a National Organ Transplant Program to facilitate transplantation on a national scale. Hemodialysis program is halfway to being implemented. Thus, in India there is still a long way to go with respect to CKD. Until then, in a country like India, screening of high-risk individuals for CKD and the risk factors is the best bet.
A study of solder joint degradation and detection using RF impedance analysis

The trend of many types of electronic products is toward higher operating frequencies. At high frequencies, the signal propagation is concentrated at the surface of interconnects, which is known as the skin effect. Therefore, even a samll crack at the surface of a solder joint may directly influence the performance of high speed electronic assemblies. Degradation of solder joints, such as cracking due to fatigue or stress, generally initiates at the surface where the strain range is maximized, and propagates inward. Traditional DC resistance measurements are not able to sense partial cracks in solder joints. RF impedance analysis, which is capable of detecting small cracks, offers an improved means of monitoring the degradation of solder joints of high speed electronic products. In this study, RF impedance changes are used as an early indicator of degradation of solder joints, due to the skin effect, compared with DC resistance measurements. Impedance-controlled circuit boards on which surface mount components were soldered have been developed. Partially and entirely cracked solder joints were produced for test in advance. The RF impedance was observed to increase in response to partial cracking of the solder joint, while the DC resistance did not indicate any anomalies. The technique of RF impedance analysis shows potential as a prognostic tool that can provide advanced warning of impending failures of solder joint. At last future research work in this field is suggested.
The extrapolation problem and how population modeling can help

We argue that population modeling can add value to ecological risk assessment by reducing uncertainty when extrapolating from ecotoxicological observations to relevant ecological effects. We review other methods of extrapolation, ranging from application factors to species sensitivity distributions to suborganismal (biomarker and “‐omics”) responses to quantitative structure–activity relationships and model ecosystems, drawing attention to the limitations of each. We suggest a simple classification of population models and critically examine each model in an extrapolation context. We conclude that population models have the potential for adding value to ecological risk assessment by incorporating better understanding of the links between individual responses and population size and structure and by incorporating greater levels of ecological complexity. A number of issues, however, need to be addressed before such models are likely to become more widely used. In a science context, these involve challenges in parameterization, questions about appropriate levels of complexity, issues concerning how specific or general the models need to be, and the extent to which interactions through competition and trophic relationships can be easily incorporated.
[Late Retinal Complications in Former Preterm Infants with Regressed ROP].

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to evaluate late retinal complications in former preterm infants with regressed stages of acute retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND METHODS Between 1995 and 2002 a consecutive series of 15 patients (16 eyes) with loss in visual acuity were examined. Gestational age was < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500 g. The reason for visual disturbances was: RD (n = 14), vitreous haemorrhage (n = 3) and posterior vitreous detachment (n = 1). RESULTS Two eyes recovered spontaneously. Surgery was performed in 14/16 eyes, with a pars plana vitrectomy (n = 14), or buckling procedure (n = 2). Four eyes with a severe form of regressed ROP needed multiple procedures for reattachment At last follow-up in 13/14 (93.0 %) eyes the retina was completely attached. Visual acuity ranged from light projection to 20/25. CONCLUSIONS Former premature patients with vitreoretinal changes due to regressed ROP may develop vitreous traction and subsequent late-onset retinal detachment. Surgery with primary vitrectomy technique in eyes with retinal detachment can remove the vitreoretinal adhesions and is an effective treatment technique. In eyes without retinal detachment the natural course can be awaited.
A Systematic Review of the Soft-Tissue Connections Between Neck Muscles and Dura Mater: The Myodural Bridge

Study Design. Systematic review. Objective. To elucidate the existence of soft tissue connections between the neck muscles and cervical dura mater. Summary of Background Data. Several studies discuss the existence of a cervical myodural bridge; however, conflicting data have been reported. Methods. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases. Studies reporting original data regarding the continuity of non–post-surgical soft tissue between the cervical muscles and dura mater were reviewed. Two reviewers independently selected articles, and a third one resolved disagreements. Another two researchers extracted the methodology of the study, the anatomical findings, and evaluated the quality of the studies using Quality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies Scale. A different third researcher resolved disagreements. Results. Twenty-six studies were included. A soft tissue connection between the rectus capitis posterior minor, the rectus capitis posterior major, and the obliquus capitis inferior muscles seems to be proved with a strong level of evidence for each one of them. Controversy exists about the possible communication between the dura mater and the upper trapezius, rhomboideus minor, serratus posterior superior, and splenius capitis by means of the ligamentum nuchae. Finally, there is limited evidence about the existence of a soft tissue connection between rectus capitis anterior muscle and the dura mater. Conclusion. There is a continuity of soft tissue between the cervical musculature and the cervical dura mater; this might have physiological, pathophysiological, and therapeutic implications, and going some way to explaining the effect of some therapies in craniocervical disorders. Level of Evidence: N/A
On the data performance in tactical WLAN with signal strength ratio based handoff algorithms

In tactical communication systems, WLANs are very popular options due to their high data rate. Motivated by the work of [1], we investigate performance of newly developed signal strength ratio (SSR) based handoff algorithms in tactical communication systems using WLANs. We obtain better performance in terms of number of handoff, packet loss rate and throughput for SSR based handoff algorithms. Performance of average received signal strength based handoff algorithms has also been investigated for tactical WLAN systems.
Chronic lead exposure may be associated with erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION Heavy metals constitute significant potential threats to human health in both occupational and environmental settings. Research examining the etiology of lead toxicity-induced hypertension reveals that the free radical production and lowering of inherent antioxidant reserves resulting from lead toxicity are directly related to vasoconstriction underlying lead-induced hypertension. A similar mechanism would affect smooth muscle relaxation in the cavernous tissue leading to erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM Is to study the possible hazardous effect of chronic lead exposure on the erectile function, and to document the deposition of lead in the cavernous tissue. METHODS The study group consisted of 34 men with ED, consecutively scheduled for penile implant insertion at Cairo University Hospital, as well as 15 controls. We determined the blood lead level for the two groups by the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Sixteen of the 34 patients, and none of the 15 controls, had elevated lead serum levels (above 25 [g/dL]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We estimated the levels of two reactive oxygen species (ROS) and four antioxidants in peripheral blood for the two groups. At the time of penile implant insertion, we prepared cavernous tissue paraffin sections stained with Mallory-Parker stain to study lead deposition. We also prepared ultrathin sections for electron microscopy. We estimated cavernous tissue lead level. RESULTS The ED group had significantly higher blood lead level when compared with the control group. A significant positive correlation was found between the blood lead level and cavernous tissue lead level of the ED group. Individuals with high blood lead had significantly higher levels of serum ROS and significantly lower levels of serum antioxidants, compared with those having low blood lead. Histological sections from patients with high blood lead showed deposition of grayish lead granules in the cavernous tissue. CONCLUSIONS Chronic lead exposure may be associated with ED.
Effect of ownership structure and board structure on firm value: evidence from India

This paper aims to explore the relationship of promoter ownership and board structure with firm performance for Indian companies. ,Corporate governance structures of 391 Indian companies out of CRISIL NSE Index (CNX) 500 companies listed on national stock exchange (NSE) have been studied for their impact on performance of companies. Panel data regression methodology has been used on data for five financial years from 2010 to 2014 for the selected companies. Performance measures considered are market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) and accounting-based measure (return on assets [ROA]). ,The empirical findings indicate that market-based measure (Tobin’s Q) is more impacted by corporate governance than accounting-based measure. There is significant positive association between promoter ownership and firm performance. It is also indicated that the relationship between promoter ownership and firm performance is different at different levels of promoter ownership. Board size is found to be positively related to ROA; however, board independence is not found to be related to any of the performance measures. ,Limitations of the study are in terms of data methodology and possible omission of some variables. It is felt that endogeneity and reverse causality might be better addressed using simultaneous equation methodology. ,The paper adds to the emerging body of literature on corporate governance performance relationship in Indian context using a reasonably wider and newer data set.
Short-Term Results with a Constrained Acetabular Liner in Patients at High Risk of Dislocation after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background Dislocation following primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a complication with an incidence of 2%-5%. This study examines the clinical and radiological outcome of a constrained acetabular implant used in primary THA in high-risk patients to prevent dislocation. Methods 54 patients with 55 constrained implants for primary THA were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Oxford, Harris Hip and Charlson scores were recorded. Results 54 patients, with an average age of 83.2 years, were followed up at a mean of 44.9 (20-74) months. 38 had an hydroxyapatite- (HA) coated acetabular shell with a constrained insert and 17 had a cemented constrained implant. The median Charlson score at surgery was 5 (4-10). There were significant improvements in Oxford, Harris hip pain and function scores and Charnley pain after surgery. 2 patients had radiolucent lines on the most recent radiograph. Neither was symptomatic and the acetabular components had not migrated. 3 patients developed postoperative infection, 1 deep requiring a 2-stage revision. Of the 29 patients who died, 1 required revision 2 months following surgery for dislocation of the constrained liner. This patient died 26 months later from unrelated causes having had no further complications from her surgery. There have been no further revisions or reoperations for dislocation in any of the other cases. Conclusions The use of a constrained acetabular liner at primary THA in high risk patients for dislocation can successfully prevent this complication without increasing component loosening. In this series of 55 constrained implants we have a postoperative dislocation rate of 1.8%.
[Clinical study on combination of multiple regimens in treatment of osteoporosis in perimenopause and postmenopausal women].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical efficacy of multiple regimen combination in treatment of osteoporosis of perimenopausal or postmenopausal women. METHODS From Jul. 2008 to Dec. 2009, 109 women with low bone mineral density (BMD) or osteoporosis treated in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Second Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College were enrolled randomly into 3 group, including 36 women in Group A managed by osteoform 1000 mg/d + alfacalcidol 0.25 µg/bid orally, 40 women in group B managed by osteoform 1000 mg/d + alfacalcidol 0.25 µg/bid + tibolone 1.25 mg/d orally and 33 women in group C managed by osteoform 1000 mg/d + alfacalcidol 0.25 µg/bid + bisphosphonates 70 mg/w orally. After 48 weeks BMD on lumbar 1-4 (L₁₋₄) and left femur were detected by X-ray. Bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP), cross linked clelopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and 25-hydroxychole calciferol [25(OH)D₃] was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULT Seven women (6.4%, 7/109) were withdrawed form this study, including 2 cases losing follow up in group A, 3 cases stopping treatment in group B, 2 cases giving up treatment due to severe adverse effect (burning in upper abdomen) in group C. (1) Pain relieve: after 48 weeks treatment, women in 3 groups improved symptom of pain significantly, the rates of pain relieve were 85% (29/34) in group A, 92% (34/37) in group B and 94% (29/31) in group C. (2) BMD: BMD was improved significantly in women in 3 groups after treatment. BMD of L₁₋₄ were (0.88 ± 0.15) g/cm² in group A, (0.89 ± 0.18) g/cm² in group B and (0.87 ± 0.10) g/cm² in group C before treatment, and converted to (0.90 ± 0.01) g/cm² in group A, (0.93 ± 0.09) g/cm² in group B and (0.91 ± 0.11) g/cm² in group C after treatment. BMD of left femur were (0.87 ± 0.07) g/cm² in group A, (0.87 ± 0.07) g/cm² in group B and (0.85 ± 0.12) g/cm² in group C before treatment and converted to (0.90 ± 0.03) g/cm² in group A, (0.91 ± 0.08) g/cm² in group B and (0.89 ± 0.12) g/cm² in group C after treatment. It was shown significantly different BMD between group B or C and group A (P < 0.01), however, there was no significant different BMD between group B and C (P > 0.05). (3) Index of bone metabolism: BALP were (26 ± 6) µg/L in group A, (26 ± 9) µg/L in group B and (28 ± 7) µg/L in group C before treatment and converted to (22 ± 5) µg/L in group A, (20 ± 9) µg/L in group B and (22 ± 8) µg/L in group C after treatment, which showed statistical difference (P < 0.05). CTX were (0.85 ± 0.20) ng/L in group A, (0.84 ± 0.47) ng/L in group B, and (0.88 ± 0.11) ng/L in group C before treatment and converted to (0.81 ± 0.19) ng/L in group A, (0.77 ± 0.33) ng/L in group B, and (0.82 ± 0.14) ng/L in group C after treatment, which showed statistical difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Those 3 regimens combination could be used in treatment of osteoporosis by decreasing bone conversion, increasing bone density, decreasing bone absorption. Regimen A was only suitable for basic therapy, the other two regimens could provide better treatment.
Ananlysis and compensation of vibration error of high frequency synthetic aperture radar

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system of high frequency, high resolution and high frame rate is one of the hot research areas. At present, the analysis of vibration error influence mainly embarks from the theoretical derivation, and simulated in level model. In order to accurately analyze the influence of high frequency vibration to high frequency SAR, it is necessary to simulate in signal level. Due to the short wave length of high frequency SAR, impact of high frequency vibration which is almost negligible to the conventional SAR of microwave band must be finely processed. Phase Adjustment by Contrast Enhancement (PACE) is a better SAR imaging autofocusing algorithm in the case of low Signal Noise Ratio (SNR), which can precisely estimate high frequency phase errors. In actual implementation, interpolation method is an effective means to improve the efficiency of the algorithm.