Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance of evaluation of a new image acquisition strategy in pinhole SPECT: a simulation study

Non-uniform spatial resolution or axial blurring is a major limitation in conventional pinhole SPECT, which is largely attributed to incompleteness of the acquired projection data sets. Recently, we have experimentally demonstrated that the non-uniform spatial resolution could be improved by a new design of the pinhole orbit that satisfies the completeness of pinhole SPECT reconstruction (Tuy's condition). This study was intended to evaluate systematically the effect of our two-circular orbit system by a computer simulation and to examine an effective oblique angle about the additional orbit of two orbits. A numerical multiple-disk phantom with seven disks was used. Forwarded projection data without noise and with Gaussian noise were used to evaluate the axial spatial resolution uniformity and the statistical noise property, respectively. The angles of the additional orbit were chosen every 15/spl deg/ in the range from 0/spl deg/ to 75/spl deg/ for object's axis. Single and two-orbit data were reconstructed by 3D-OSEM method for pinhole SPECT. Our simulation showed two-orbit acquisition of any combinations was significantly effective for the improvement of both spatial resolution uniformity (81-93% at the edge disk of the phantom) and statistical noise property (69-88% at the edge disk of the phantom) compared with single orbit acquisition. Especially, combination of 90/spl deg/ and 60/spl deg/ orbits resulted in the best performance among other orbital combinations.
Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Female Sex Workers and Their Occupational Risk Factors

Background: The tendency for female sex workers to seek health care is highly influenced by physician attitudes and behavior. By identifying medical students' attitudes toward female sex workers and assessing their knowledge of barriers to seeking care, we can focus medical training and advocacy efforts to increase access to care and improve public health outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, medical students from various countries were invited to participate in an online survey with close-ended questions and Likert scale statements. Responses were quantified and knowledge and attitude scores were assigned based on knowledge of barriers to seeking care and agreement with positive and negative attitude statements. Results: A total of 292 medical students from 56 countries completed the survey, of whom 98.3% agreed that it will be their job to provide treatment to patients regardless of occupation. Self-identified religious students conveyed more negative attitudes toward female sex workers compared to those who did not identify themselves as religious (p<0.001). Students intending to practice in countries where prostitution is legal conveyed more positive attitudes compared to those intending to practice in countries where prostitution is illegal (p<0.001). Conclusion: Medical students largely agreed on the importance of providing care to female sex workers as a vulnerable group. In addition to addressing knowledge gaps in medical education, more localized studies are needed to understand the religious and legal influences on attitudes toward female sex workers. Such information can help focus the efforts in both medical education and communication training to achieve the desired behavioral impacts, reconciling the future generations of health care providers with the needs of female sex workers.
Obesidad: una pandemia que afecta a la población infantil del siglo XXI

Proposito: con esta revision teorica, se pretende presentar informacion actualizada sobre la obesidad en la poblacion infantil y advertir sobre las tendencias de esta patologia en la ninez del mundo globalizado, que impacta en la salud publica. Tema: la obesidad en la poblacion infantil en lo corrido del siglo XXI, el analisis de su prevalencia y la descripcion de algunos factores que influyen en esta patologia, tales como los ambientales, los geneticos y los psicologicos. Desarrollo: esta revision se abordo con la tecnica de revision y registro de documentos, inscrita en investigacion exploratoria. Hallazgos: la prevalencia marca una tendencia ascendente en las dos ultimas decadas, provocada por la transicion nutricional de la globalidad, por los estilos de vida adoptados por la sociedad cada vez mas sedentaria, y por factores psicosociales interrelacionados que contribuyen a su manifestacion y desarrollo en la ninez y la perpetuan en la adultez. Estos ninos se encaminan a padecimientos metabolicos, con mayor probabilidad de padecer enfermedades cronicas no transmisibles a edad temprana. Conclusion: se proponen pautas dirigidas a proyectar adultos saludables, siempre y cuando las sociedades prioricen la atencion en salud de los ninos de la actualidad.
Fully Reconfigurable 8-Channel 2-18GHz Broadband Switched Multiplexer

This paper describes the functionality, design and realisation of a 2-18GHz switched multiplexer. A two port, fast, multi-configurable filter bank with 8 equally spaced channels, each independently controllable. Allowing 256 possible combinations of overall band-pass or band-stop filter response with the capability of changing state in less than 100ns, allowing reconfiguration on a pulse-by-pulse basis in dense signal environments. The versatility of the architecture also enables higher levels of system integration to exploit the high degree of inherent channelisation
Reactive power optimization of distribution network including photovoltaic power and SVG considering harmonic factors

In the operation of grid-connected photovoltaic power stations, a large amount of harmonic current is injected into distribution network, which reduces the power quality of distribution network. In the paper, the Static Var Generator (SVG) is added to the outlet of the photovoltaic power station, by using the feedforward control strategy for the voltage, SVG can effectively suppress the harmonic current generated by photovoltaic power plants. When the active power output of the PV power station and reactive power of SVG output change, the harmonic current of the grid with SVG and photovoltaic power will change accordingly. The harmonic current model with SVG and photovoltaic power is established based on BP neural network, which can calculate the harmonic current of both SVG and PV. In allusion to the impacts on the distribution network resulting from the grid harmonic current of SVG and PV and the uncertainty of the reactive power optimization, the harmonic index (Total Harmonic Distortion of Voltage, THDU) is added to the traditional reactive power optimization model based on the established harmonic current model including SVG and photovoltaic power. The chance constrained of the fundamental harmonic voltage and the total harmonic distortion of voltage is analyzed, and the reactive power optimization model of distribution network including the photovoltaic power station and SVG considering harmonic factors is established. In the paper, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is applied to solve the reactive power optimization model and results of IEEE-33 test system case verifies the rationality and feasibility of the model established in the paper. The model can comprehensively reduce the active power loss and the harmonic pollution so as to improve the economy and security of the operation of distribution network.
Mechanisms of paresthesias arising from healthy axons

Paresthesias are common manifestations of central and peripheral pathological processes and are due to ectopic impulse activity in cutaneous afferents or their central projections. Cutaneous afferents are more excitable than motor axons, due to differences in their biophysical properties. These differences probably include more persistent Na+ conductance and inward rectification on cutaneous afferents, properties which probably confer greater protection from impulse‐dependent conduction failure but create a greater tendency to ectopic activity. Ectopic discharges can be induced in normal afferents by four maneuvers: hyperventilation, ischemia, release of ischemia, and prolonged tetanization. The alkaline shift produced by hyperventilation selectively increases the persistent Na+ conductance, while the membrane depolarization produced by ischemia affects both transient and persistent Na+ channels. Postischemic and posttetanic paresthesias occur when hyperpolarization by the Na+/K+ pump is transiently prevented by raised extracellular K+. The electrochemical gradient for K+ is reversed, and inward K+ currents trigger regenerative depolarization. These mechanisms of paresthesia generation can account for paresthesias in normal subjects and may be relevant in some peripheral nerve disorders. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 310–320, 2000
The relation of cognitive control to social outcome after paediatric TBI: Implications for intervention

Hypothesis: This study postulated cognitive control is related to social outcome in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopaedic injury (OI). Procedure and design: This study analysed 12-month, post-injury, cross-sectional data from 52 children (7–17 years) with moderate-to-severe TBI and 41 children with OI. Cognitive control was measured with the Sternberg Task (memory) and the Flanker Task (resistance to interference). Relations to social outcome (Vineland Adaptive Behavioural Scales—Socialization and Communications domains) were measured. Results: Reaction time (RT) on the Sternberg task was related to social outcome, with stronger relations in children of lower SES. Flanker baseline and interference RTs were related to social outcome, with the relation for interference RT more robust in children with lower SES. Conclusions: Cognitive control is related to social outcome. Further, it is suggested that cognitive training may have positive effects on social function through improved efficiency of social information processing.
Targeting acetylcholinesterase to treat neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are often characterised by the degeneration of the cholinergic system. Thus, the aim of many treatment regimens is to support this system either by means of muscarinic agonists or by inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the latter being able to increase the concentration of acetylcholine. However, both pharmacological groups of drugs can only help in the beginning of the progressive disease. The finding that the occupation of the peripheral anionic site of AChE is able to stop the formation of the amyloid plaque led to the development of bivalent ligands that occupy both the active and the peripheral site. This dual action might be more beneficial for treatment of Alzheimer´s disease than simple inhibition of the acetylcholine hydrolysis. Thus, the new bivalent ligands are the focus of this review.
PET – a platform for experimentation with efficient HPSG processing techniques

The PET platform for experimentation with hpsg processing and implementation techniques is introduced. PET provides an extendible set of building blocks for the implementation of efficient processors. This enables straightforward comparison of different approaches, rapid development of new techniques and easy synthesis of known techniques. An overview of the basic design is given and key aspects of the implementation are discussed. Early empirical results on the three standard test sets for the LinGO grammar are given. Two improved expansion strategies are evaluated empirically. The results of fine tuning the quick check filtering method through empirical study are discussed as an exemplar of the proposed experimental approach to the development and optimization of processing techniques. An overview of the progress in processing the LinGO grammar made over a development period of three years is given.
Virology 101 (UNIX System Virus)

: There is nothing mysterious about computer viruses. A working, but easily observable, virus can be written in a few lines of code. Although particular virus attacks may be guarded against, no general defense within one domain of reference is possible; viruses are a natural consequence of stored-program computation. Like other hazards of technology, their threat may be mitigated by cautious behavior and community sanctions.
Optoelectronic CMOS Power Supply Unit for Electrically Isolated Microscale Applications

This paper presents a CMOS power supply unit for electrically isolated microscale applications, where the provision of electrical power is not appropriate through wiring. A miniature fiberoptic platform consisting of an inclined silicon mirror fabricated using bulk micromachining is coupled to the monolithically integrated photodiode/dc-dc converter system, to yield a stand-alone optical power supply. In this approach, the dc/dc converter steps up the voltage of a single CMOS-integrated photodiode to a higher level. A test chip is fabricated using UMC 0.18-μm triple-well CMOS technology to demonstrate the power supply unit. Two different types of photodiodes, namely, a triple-well photodiode and an n-well photodiode are compared. It is found that on-chip triple-well photodiode results in a projected responsivity of 26 mA/W. The dc/dc converter had a maximum efficiency of 56% and is able to boost an input voltage level of 0.5-to-1.2 V. Silicon mirrors coated with 25-nm-thick aluminum are measured to have a reflectivity of 80% for a laser beam at a wavelength of 650 nm. Capability of the overall packaged optoelectronic system, consisting of the optical fiber, silicon mirror, CMOS photodiode, and the dc/dc converter, is demonstrated by generation of an electrical power of 60 μW.
Accurate Factorization and Eigenvalue Algorithms for Symmetric DSTU and TSC Matrices

Two algorithms are presented which compute, with small componentwise relative error, a block $LDL^T$ factorization of symmetric matrices belonging to two classes of matrices: diagonally scaled totally unimodular (DSTU) and total signed compound (TSC) matrices. This accuracy is achieved by taking advantage of some special properties of such structures in order to avoid subtractions throughout the factorization process. Once an accurate block $LDL^T$ decomposition is available, it is proved that one can easily obtain an accurate symmetric rank-revealing decomposition, which is the starting point for algorithms computing with high relative accuracy the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of arbitrary, possibly indefinite, symmetric matrices. This proves that eigenvalues and eigenvectors of symmetric DSTU and TSC matrices can be computed with high relative accuracy.
Get active about physical activity. Ask, advise, assist: get your patients moving.

T he growing evidence of declining levels of physical activity and an increasing incidence of obesity in Canada is as depressing as it is daunting. The relationship between physical inactivity and development of an array of chronic illnesses is now well understood; a sedentary lifestyle is associated with a twofold increase in the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. A social revolution has transformed our society from one in which regular, daily physical activity was the norm to a community where a sedentary lifestyle is commonplace. In the past few years, the incidence of obesity among teenagers has doubled; the incidence of being overweight increased by 92% in boys and by 57% in girls between 1981 and 1996. For more than a decade, Canadian children have expended 400% less energy than their counterparts did 40 years ago, and 60% of them do not meet fitness standards for their age group. Almost two thirds of Canadians are physically inactive and unable to enjoy the health benefits that accrue to those who are active in their daily lives. An increasingly immobile community must be prepared to confront a rising incidence of disease and the associated pressures that will be placed on an already overburdened health system. Researchers calculate that 2.5% of total direct health costs in Canada ($2.1 billion) and 21 000 premature deaths were attributable to physical inactivity in 1999. Conversely, and predictably, evidence shows that regular physical activity results in reduced risk of many common chronic diseases. Health Canada now recommends an accumulation of at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
Two dynamic modes of striatal function under dopaminergic‐cholinergic control: Simulation and analysis of a model

A neural network model based on the anatomy and physiology of the matrix compartment of the striatum is described. The model consists of a network of neurons which are mutually inhibitory within a defined domain. A membrane potassium conductance (GK) under dopaminergic‐cholinergic control is included in the model. Computer simulation results show that changes in GmaxK, can modulate the behaviour of the network to produce either competition or coactivation among striatal output neurons. An analysis of a two‐neuron system based on the model shows that the maximum steepness of the threshold function plays a decisive role in the dynamics, in particular with regard to the competition that exists between the neurons. Competitive interations predominate at low GmaxK, while coactivation predominates at high GmaxK. We suggest that the former dynamic governs reciprocal inhibition of antagonistic muscles, while the latter governs cocontraction and rigidity. The model offers insights into the control of striatal neurodynamics by GmaxK which establish closer links between dopaminergic actions in the striatum and the mechanism of Parkinsonian rigidity. A prediction of the model is that acetylcholine should increase GmaxK in striatal output neurons.
Molecular mechanisms of the pro-apoptotic actions of melatonin in cancer: a review

Introduction: Compelling evidence has highlighted the complex pleiotropic functions elicited by the melatonin in cancer cells. Melatonin behaves as a ‘smart killer', i.e., modulating anti-apoptotic processes in normal cells, and triggering pro-apoptotic signals in cancer cells. Areas covered: Melatonin induces programmed cell death in a wide range of different tumors (breast, gastro-intestinal, hematological, prostate, osteosarcoma, melanoma, kidney, etc…). Mechanisms of action and molecular pathways involved in pro-apoptotic processes under melatonin treatment are discussed. Expert opinion: Melatonin involvement in apoptotic processes is a new and relevant field of investigation. Even in tumor models unresponsive to melatonin alone, this hormone can significantly amplify the cytostatic and the cytotoxic effects triggered by other compounds or conventional drugs. We are far from having a satisfactory understanding about how and when melatonin exerts its beneficial effects. Melatonin in the nanomolar range activates the intrinsic and/or the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in cancer cells, namely through an increase in the p53/MDM2p ratio and downregulation of Sirt1. This finding is of great relevance since there is intense research ongoing to identify nontoxic feasible inhibitors of MDM2 and Sirt1. Melatonin should be evaluated for the management of those cancers where both of these are overexpressed and functionally strategic.
Toward a consensus on the QALY.

Earlier versions of the other articles in this Value in Health Special Issue, Moving the QALY Forward: Building a Pragmatic Road (articles 2–6) were presented at an ISPOR Development Workshop on “Moving the QALY Forward: Building a Pragmatic Road” held in Philadelphia from November 6–8, 2007. After the discussion of the articles, a workshop consensus group was formed, including representation from the groups producing the other articles. It fell to the consensus group to identify common ground on key issues. Given the diversity of views expressed at this workshop, as evidenced in the articles presented, it was clear that it would not be possible to reach agreement on specifics, such as how QALYs should be measured, or which instrument(s) should be used. Rather, the group felt that the best way forward was to reach agreement on several high-level principles and to express disagreements as a set of issues for further research. In all, eight general statements were agreed upon, which were then put to all the workshop participants for discussion. These statements are outlined as follows, along with the main points arising in the discussion.
Short‐term and long‐term effects of albuterol aerosol therapy in cystic fibrosis: A preliminary report

The effectiveness of maintenance albuterol aerosol therapy in cystic fibrosis (CF) was assessed by comparing spirometric measurements at the beginning and end of 1 year. Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) were measured twice daily to determine bronchodilator responsiveness and spontaneous diurnal variation (SDV), and results were compared with groups of normal and asthmatic children. CF patients not receiving regular albuterol therapy served as a control group. In the treatment group, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) were significantly increased (12.2% and 18.4%, respectively) over the course of the treatment year, as contrasted with a significant decrease during the preceding year. During the study year the CF control group had a significant decrease in FEV1 and FEF25–75% and the difference between treatment and control groups was significant for FVC, FEV1, and FEF25–75% PEFR increased from the first to the last week of the year‐long observation period (from 71.8% to 78.7% of predicted values, P < 0.01). Spontaneous diurnal variations were significantly greater in the CF study group than a group of normal children; SDV decreased significantly in the treatment group during the year of study. A bronchodilator response of > 15% was present in 25.8% of CF patient days, but there was considerable interpatient variability. Frequent bronchodilator responders were accurately predicted by their baseline bronchodilator responsiveness, but not by age or personal or family history of asthma or atopy. No difference in long‐term pulmonary function improvements were noted between frequent and infrequent responders. The results suggest that maintenance albuterol aerosol treatments reversed the progressive downward course in lung function in the CF treatment group. A double‐blind placebo‐controlled study is required to confirm these preliminary findings. Pediatr Pulmonol. 1995; 20:205–214. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advances in the science and application of body composition measurement.

1Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada 2Laboratory of Epidemiology, Demography, and Biometry, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland 3Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota 4Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Children's Medical Research Institute, Diabetes and Metabolic Research Program, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 5Human Phenotyping Core, New York Obesity Research Center, St Luke's–Roosevelt Hospital and Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York 6Laboratory of Biological Modeling, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 7Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 8Institute of Human Nutrition and Food Science, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany 9Clinical Unit in Cambridge, GlaxoSmithKline, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK 10Clinical Nutrition Department, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland 11Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 12Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey.