Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Another Advertisement for Donepezil

To the Editor: In 1980, the Coronary Drug Project showed that, in patients assigned to placebo, those that took the lactose pill 80% or more of the time had half the death rate of those who took the placebo less faithfully. The authors made no claim about the benefit of the placebo. Rather they emphasized the basic scientific observation that compliant patients are different from noncompliant ones. Recently, Geldmacher et al. published similar findings. They showed that patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who took a pill of donepezil 80% or more of the time had a longer interval before nursing home placement (NHP) than those who took the donepezil less faithfully. These authors interpret their data differently from the Coronary Drug Project authors. They assert that, ‘‘Use of donepezil by AD patients resulted in significant delays in NHP. ’’ Their claim is particularly implausible because of the enormous difference between caregivers who keep patients compliantly enrolled for years and those who do not. This difference in caregiver dedication and capacity will surely account for most, if not all, of the difference seen in rates of NHP. A placebo-controlled trial would, of course, be necessary to determine whether donepezil actually has any benefit whatsoever regarding NHP. The authors feel that such a studywould be unethical though, ‘‘Given that treatmentwith cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) is currently recommended as the standard of care for AD patients. ’’ As reference for this ethics claim, they cite the American Academy of Neurology Practice Parameter on Management of Dementia, but in doing so, they are regrettably misleading. Here is what the relevant guideline actually says, in its entirety: ‘‘Pharmacologic treatment of AD. ChEI should be considered in patients with mild to moderate AD (Standard), although studies suggest a small average degree of benefit. ’’ The authors conclude with the suggestion that we should think of treating AD with donepezil (yes, donepezil) in the samewaywe think of treating hypertension; ‘‘years of treatment’’ will be needed. In summary, this article, produced ‘‘under the direction of, and with funding from Eisai Inc., and Pfizer Inc.,’’ uses flimsy data to make an unjustifiable claim of ‘‘results’’ from donepezil. It misrepresents a key Practice Parameter to claim that generating useful data would be unethical. It recommends long-term use of the specific product, for many years of which, as with hypertension, no treatment benefit would be seen. Would it be churlish to wonder out loud how this paper is different from an advertisement?
Modeling of Grid-Connected VSCs for Power System Small-Signal Stability Analysis in DC-Link Voltage Control Timescale

With the increasing use of voltage source converters (VSCs) in power electronics dominated power systems, oscillation phenomena in DC-link voltage control (DVC) timescale (around 10 Hz) among multiple VSCs have occurred. Several studies have tried to analyze these oscillation problems, but all associated with the single VSC situation. To consider the dynamic interactions between VSCs in DVC timescale, especially in the weak grid condition, this paper presents a small-signal model to understand VSC external characteristics based on motion equation concept also featured in synchronous generator (SG). Comparisons of time-domain simulation responses and eigenvalues show that the proposed model can hold the main behaviors of concern. The form of the model is very similar to the rotor motion equation in SG, with which power engineers have been very familiar. In addition, by establishing the relationship between the unbalanced powers and state variables of internal voltage (viz., VSC output voltage), the modeling idea introduced in this paper can be applied to other power electronic devices.
Multi-modal segmental models for online handwriting recognition

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) have become within a few years the main technology for online handwritten word recognition (HWR). We consider segment models which generalize HMMs, these models aim at modeling the signal at a global level rather than at the frame level and have been shown to overcome standard HMMs in their modeling ability. We propose a segment model which allows us to automatically handle different writing styles. We compare our system on the isolated character set of the UNIPEN database with a reference system and a baseline segment model.
The Cancer Genome Anatomy Project: Online Resources to Reveal the Molecular Signatures of Cancer

Four years ago, the National Cancer Institute implemented the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project (CGAP), which was designed to build an interface between genomics and cancer research.1 It was evident that new approaches to science, based on comprehensive molecular analysis, promised remarkable new opportunities to enhance our fundamental understanding of cancer. New technologies offered the potential to delineate specific types of genetic changes, including patterns of altered gene expression and function that could be used to define any cancer in the context of, but not strictly dependent upon, its site of origin. Therefore, we anticipated that these new technologies would elucidate the molecular features of an individual tumor, and profile progression and response to therapy. The molecular information generated could be used by basic and clinical researchers to define the molecular signatures that distinguish different cancers. Pivotal to this approach is the availability of a robust database and analysis tools. The goal of such an electronic database is to seamlessly integrate molecular and clinical data. Essential to the utility of such a database is the availability of analysis tools that allow researchers to perform in silico analysis to correlate alterations in genes and their expression products with clinical data about the tumor. The challenge would be to extract and integrate all of the relevant information from those dataset to enrich our understanding of cancer. Here, we describe the progress CGAP has made toward building such a database and designing analysis tools.
Cattle and Weedy Shrubs as Restoration Tools of Tropical Montane Rainforest

Over the last 150 years, a large proportion of forests in Latin America have been converted to pastures. When these pastures are abandoned, grasses may slow re‐establishment of woody species and limit forest regeneration. In this study, we explored the use of cattle in facilitating the establishment of woody vegetation in Colombian montane pastures, dominated by the African grasses Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyo) and Melinis minutiflora (Yaraguá). First, we described woody and herbaceous vegetation in grazed and non‐grazed pastures. Second, we tested the effect of grazing and seed addition on the establishment and growth of woody species. We also determined if the effect of grazing was different in P. clandestinum and M. minutiflora pastures. We found that low stocking density of cattle greatly increased density, number of branches per individual (a measure of “shrubiness”), and basal area of woody species, but also reduced woody plant species richness and diversity. In the grazed area, the shrubs Baccharis latifolia (Chilca) and Salvia sp. (Salvia) were the most abundant. The combined effect of grazing and shading from the shrubs reduced herbaceous vegetation by 52 to 92%. In the grazing/seed addition experiment, grazing increased establishment of woody seedlings, particularly of the shrub Verbesina arborea (camargo), but the largest effect was seed addition. Where grasses are an important barrier to regeneration, grazing can facilitate the establishment of shrubs that create a microhabitat more suitable for the establishment of montane forest tree species.
Scale-free network model under exogenous pressures

A random network model under the constraint that the average distance and the average degree (k) remain approximately constant is studied. We found that, if the network maintains the form of its degree distribution and the maximal degree kc is a N dependent cutoff function kc(N) < N, the degree distribution would be approximately power-law whose exponent is between 2 and 3. Moreover, the distribution exponent has little relationship with the average degree (k). The average distance constraint can be interpreted as the environmental selection pressure, which could explain the scale-free degree property of real-world networks.
Kids Play - Designing a touch screen game with children

Playing is an important part of the development of young children. The growth in number of touch screen devices owned by families has offered game designers an opportunity to create new kind of playing experiences also for young children. In order to design appealing games for children they should be included in the game design process. With age-appropriate methods the design process can be a fun activity for the participants and offer valuable results to support the design work. This thesis describes a design process of a children’s music genre game where children participated in one phase of designing the game. The game was built for the Apple iPad device. Altogether 52 children aged between 3 and 7 years participated in design workshops. The game was designed and tested together with these children by using age-appropriate co-creation and research methods. The workshop results were used for designing and developing the early stage prototype into a finalized product. Literature study was conducted on children’s cognitive development, children’s different roles in design processes and methods where children are an essential part of the process. Based on the found material a detailed structure for sessions to be held in 5 day workshop was planned. Used methods included the Fun toolkit, Cooperative inquiry, Mixing ideas and Layered collaboration. Some changes to the original methods had to be made, because the available timespan was shorter and the participating children were partly younger than the ones the methods were created for. The workshops initially provided qualitative and quantitative results which were analysed after the workshops. The most important benefit from organizing the workshops was to be able to “go inside” of children’s minds. Observing them while they were playing and seeing what is interesting to them and makes them laugh was very important source of insight and inspiration. Based on this knowledge the following key game element themes were formed: abnormalities, achievements, funny failures, stardom / pretend play and surprises. These themes were used as the basis for further game design work. The overall game concept was reformed and new features were designed.
Increased Expression of Kindlin 2 in Luteinized Granulosa Cells Correlates With Androgen Receptor Level in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Having Hyperandrogenemia

Hyperandrogenemia is the leading defect in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and considered to be involved in the ovulation dysfunction of PCOS. During the process of ovulation, granulosa cells (GCs) undergo epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and integrin-interacting protein kindlin 2 is a well-known regulator in EMT. Therefore, our objective here was to compare the expression levels of kindlin 2 in luteinized GCs between patients with PCOS and control women and the relationship between kindlin 2 and PCOS pathogenesis. In this study, kindlin 2 expression was significantly increased in luteinized GCs from patients with PCOS, and kindlin 2 could be induced by testosterone both in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, kindlin 2 was positively correlated with androgen receptor (AR) in PCOS GCs. Taken together, kindlin 2 may play a role in luteinized GCs, especially in the case of excess androgen. Further studies are required to assess the specific role of kindlin 2 in follicular development and PCOS pathogenesis.
Design Methodology for a Rankine Microturbine: Thermomechanical Analysis and Material Selection

The Rankine microturbine is a microelectromechanical system being developed for generating mechanical and electrical power from waste heat, such as from automobile exhaust gases. The design of this device faces the difficult challenges of creating structures rotating at high-speeds (1 000 000 r/min), sustaining large internal pressures (3 MPa) and temperature gradients (100°C/mm), and machining millimeter-sized components of ceramic or metallic materials with micrometer tolerances. Here, we report an integrated approach to guide the design of the Rankine microturbine by analyzing its performance and reliability. The primary performance metrics and design challenges were identified, and a modeling approach based on a combination of low-order analytical models and finite-element calculations was developed for thermal and structural analyses. The results of these models, along with their implications for the selection of size, shape, and materials, are presented. The need for materials with low thermal conductivity (10 W/m/K) for the rotor and sidewalls is highlighted, along with the expected levels of stresses and deformation and their impact on reliability. Viable device configurations and materials (silica, zirconia, and titanium alloys) are proposed for operation at elevated temperatures. The approach to the modeling used in this paper is expected to be of value for the preliminary design of other microsystems subjected to stringent mechanical and thermal loading.
Risk stratification of normotensive patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism

Treatment guidelines recommend strong consideration of thrombolysis in patients with acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE) that present with arterial hypotension or shock because of the high risk of death in this setting. For haemodynamically stable patients with PE, the categorization of risk for subgroups may assist with decision‐making regarding PE therapy. Clinical models [e.g. Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (PESI)] may accurately identify those at low risk of overall death in the first 3 months after the diagnosis of PE, and such patients might benefit from an abbreviated hospital stay or outpatient therapy. Though some evidence suggests that a subset of high‐risk normotensive patients with PE may have a reasonable risk to benefit ratio for thrombolytic therapy, single markers of right ventricular dysfunction (e.g. echocardiography, spiral computed tomography, or brain natriuretic peptide testing) and myocardial injury (e.g. cardiac troponin T or I testing) have an insufficient positive predictive value for PE‐specific mortality to drive decision‐making toward such therapy. Recommendations for outpatient treatment or thrombolytic therapy for patients with PE necessitate further development of prognostic models and conduct of clinical trials that assess various treatment strategies.
Expression and activities of three inducible enzymes in the healing of gastric ulcers in rats.

AIM To explore the roles of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), heme oxygenase (HO) and cyclooxygenase (COX) in gastric ulceration and to investigate the relationships of the expression and activities of these enzymes at different stages of gastric ulceration. METHODS Gastric ulcers (kissing ulcers) were induced by luminal application of acetic acid. Gastric tissue samples were obtained from the ulcer base, ulcer margin, and non-ulcerated area around the ulcer margin at different time intervals after ulcer induction. The mRNA expression and protein levels of inducible and constitutive isoforms of NOS, HO and COX were analyzed with RT-PCR and Western blotting methods. The activities of the total NOS, inducible NOS (iNOS), HO, and COX were also determined. RESULTS Differential expression of inducible iNOS, HO-1 and COX-2 and enzyme activities of NOS, HO and COX were found in the gastric ulcer base. High iNOS expression and activity were observed on day 1 to day 3 in severely inflamed ulcer tissues. Maximum expressions of HO-1 and COX-2 and enzyme activities of HO and COX lagged behind that of iNOS, and remained at high levels during the healing phase. CONCLUSION The expression and activities of inducible NOS, HO-1 and COX-2 are found to be correlated to different stages of gastric ulceration. Inducible NOS may contribute to ulcer formation while HO-1 and COX-2 may promote ulcer healing.
Two-Stage Clustering of a Human Brain Tumour Dataset using Manifold Learning Models

A control valve for a hydraulic booster steering system provides gradual control of inlet flow to the system pump to complete cut off of output, or by throttling of inlet flow to effect a pilot stream through the pressure pump. This occurs in the neutral position of the control valve during straight ahead steering. Where flow through the pump intake feed means is thus impeded, the pump simply cavitates in a known manner and to be of a type which is suction regulated, having a check valve means at the pressure outlet side. The advantage of cutting off inlet flow to the pump during straight ahead steering, or at least throttling of such inlet flow by a constantly open throttle passage, is to save energy otherwise wasted in heating the fluid.
Interactions between chitosan and cells measured by AFM

Chitosan, a biocompatible material that has been widely used in bone tissue engineering, is believed to have a high affinity to osteoblastic cells. This research is the first to prove this hypothesis. By using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a chitosan-modified cantilever, quantitative evaluation of the interforce between chitosan and cells was carried out. A chitosan tip functionalized with Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) was also used to measure the interforce between RGD-chitosan and osteoblastic cells. This research concluded by examining cell adhesion and spreading of chitosan substrates as further characterization of the interactions between cells and chitosan. The force measured by AFM showed that the interforce between chitosan and osteoblasts was the highest (209 nN). The smallest adhesion force (61.8 nN) appeared between chitosan and muscle fibroblasts, which did not demonstrate any osteoblastic properties. This result proved that there was a significant interaction between chitosan and bone cells, and correlated with the observations of cell attachment and spreading. The technique developed in this research directly quantified the adhesion between chitosan and cells. This is the first study to demonstrate that specific interaction exists between chitosan and osteoblasts.
Facial expression recognition using feature based techniques and model based techniques: A survey

Facial expression is a way of non-verbal communication. A person depicts his/her feelings through facial expressions. In computer systems facial expressions help in verification, identification and authentication. One popular use of facial expression recognition is automatic feedback capture from customers upon reacting to a particular product. Effective recognition technology is in high demand by the common users of today's gadgets and technologies. Facial expression recognition technique is broadly classified into two techniques: Feature based techniques and Model based techniques. The key contribution of this article is that we have analyzed latest state of the art techniques in Feature based techniques and Model based techniques. These techniques are analyzed using various standard public face databases: GEMEP-FERA, BU-3DFE, CK+, Bosphorous, MMI, JAFFE, LFW, FERET, CMU-PIE, Georgia tech, AR, eNTERFACE 05 and FRGC. From our analysis we found that for Feature based Curvelet approach performed on FRGCv2 database gave an excellent 97.83% recognition rate and Model based textured 3D video technique performed on BU-4DFE database gave an excellent 94.34 % recognition rate.
How the Optical Properties of Au Nanoparticles are Affected by Surface Plasmon Resonance

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been attracting more attention because they have many color varieties in the visible region based on plasmon resonance, which is due to the collective oscillation of the electrons at the surface of the nanoparticles. We prepared 6 nm Au NPs to modify the surface of the glass substrate. Surface plasmons resonance of Au NPs in toluene is between 500 nm and 600 nm. When Au NPs are modified on the glass substrate, the peak of surface plasmons resonance of Au NPs is shifted. We employed spectral ellipsometry to detect optical properties. Then the characteristics of surface plasmons resonance of Au NPs is determined by reflective index. The performance of surface plasmons resonance of Au NPs on the glass substrate is simulated and shown.
Enhancing the conductivity of ZnO micro- and nanowire networks with gallium oxide

In this work a successful hybridization strategy for ZnO micro- and nanowire's surface with Ga2O3 nano-networks is presented and briefly discussed. The ZnO micro- and nanowires are grown by an upgraded flame transport synthesis (FTS) approach. The ZnO wires have been coated with gallium acetylacetonate (Ga(acac)3) organic solution followed by subsequent annealing in air and argon atmospheres. Depending on the annealing conditions, distinct impacts on the electrical properties of individual hybridized ZnO microwires are observed which demonstrate a remarkable increase in conductivity (factor of 20 for air and 200 for argon environments). Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in combination with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed that the gallium oxide nanoparticles form, alter the ZnO surface features and might effect a doping in such a way. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) studies of the hybridized ZnO surface reveal that both the β-/γ-Ga2O3 phases are present as nanoinclusions in the top layer. These investigations confirmed noticeable modifications in the ZnO lattice caused by the hybridization with gallium oxide. Moreover, the structural changes in the ZnO surface were traced via Raman spectroscopy examinations revealing an increase in the scattering peaks intensity at 569 cm−1 and 646 cm−1 which are responsible for the native oxygen vacancies in ZnO and a corresponding blue shift for the E2(high) peak indicates an introduction of strain into ZnO lattice.
Changes in Defensiveness and in Affective Distress Following Inpatient Treatment of Eating Disorders: Rorschach Comprehensive System and Self-Report Measures

Conceptualizing eating disorders (EDs) as forming a coping mechanism against facing psychic pain, in this study, we examined the contribution of weight stabilization and ED behaviors to psychological outcomes of affective distress, defensiveness, and contact with inner/external reality among 2 subgroups of adolescent inpatients with (a) “restricting type” anorexia (AN–R) and (b) bingeing/purging type EDs (B/P). We administered Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 2003) and self-report measures at acute admission and on discharge. Data indicated that in both subgroups, stabilization of weight and disordered eating behaviors was accompanied by reduced explicit (self-reported) affective distress, yet by elevated implicit affective distress (D, SumShd). Subgroups' different Rorschach change trends indicated different dynamic processes in defensive style and contact with inner/external reality.