Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional NMR imaging using fast spin echo at 1.5 T

Functional NMR imaging of the brains response to a simple visual task has been performed using a fast spin echo (FSE) imaging sequence at 1.5 T. The FSE method refocuses dephasing effects induced by large‐scale susceptibility variations, and permits imaging in regions where macroscopic field gradients produce artifacts in gradient echo sequences. At 1.5 T, gradient echo (GRE) sequences are sensitive to the effects of brain activation, but relatively large effects may arise from large vessels and veins, and these may dominate the effects produced by smaller capillaries. Spin echo (SE) sequences with short echo times are relatively immune to large vessel effects and emphasize the susceptibility induced losses from small capillaries, but the imaging time for these sequences is prohibitive for most functional brain studies. We demonstrate that multislice functional brain imaging may be performed in reasonable imaging times at 1.5 T using an FSE imaging sequence. The FSE sequence with short echo spacing but long effective TE is sensitive to susceptibility induced effects at the capillary level. It is not sensitive to larger scale in homogeneities such as those found in veins and can be used in regions near tissuelair boundaries. Results are shown comparing conventional GRE and FSE images in activation of the visual cortex and these are supported by theoretical calculations and phantom experiments.
A new refinement criterion for adaptive sampling in path tracing

Monte Carlo based methods such as path tracing are the only to do the physically correct simulations of global illumination. Due to its high capability to exploit acceleration structures and SIMD parallelism of modern processors, path tracing is becoming potential in the sense of real time. Basically path tracing generates images with heavy noise. Adaptive sampling is an interesting way to produce less noisy images. In this paper, we make use of both the intra-pixel information and the inter-pixel information to propose a new refinement criterion for adaptive sampling in path tracing to lower the Monte Carlo noise appeared in the generated image. For the intra-pixel information, we take advantage of the non-extensive Tsallis entropy as a homogeneity measurement of sample values within a pixel. For the inter-pixel information, we develop an innovative inter-pixel coherence measure based on the magnitude of spatial gradient and the impulsiveness of the distribution. Implementation results demonstrate that our novel method can perform significantly better than the previously typical ones.
Confidence bounds for nonlinear dose–response relationships

An important aim of drug trials is to characterize the dose–response relationship of a new compound. Such a relationship can often be described by a parametric (nonlinear) function that is monotone in dose. If such a model is fitted, it is useful to know the uncertainty of the fitted curve. It is well known that Wald confidence intervals are based on linear approximations and are often unsatisfactory in nonlinear models. Apart from incorrect coverage rates, they can be unreasonable in the sense that the lower confidence limit of the difference to placebo can be negative, even when an overall test shows a significant positive effect. Bootstrap confidence intervals solve many of the problems of the Wald confidence intervals but are computationally intensive and prone to undercoverage for small sample sizes. In this work, we propose a profile likelihood approach to compute confidence intervals for the dose–response curve. These confidence bounds have better coverage than Wald intervals and are more precise and generally faster than bootstrap methods. Moreover, if monotonicity is assumed, the profile likelihood approach takes this automatically into account. The approach is illustrated using a public dataset and simulations based on the Emax and sigmoid Emax models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alteration of Cytokeratin 7 and Cytokeratin 20 Expression Profile Is Uniquely Associated With Tumorigenesis of Primary Adenocarcinoma of the Small Intestine

Twenty-four cases of primary nonampullary small intestinal adenocarcinoma were immunohistochemically examined for the expression of cytokeratin (CK) 7 and CK20 and compared with 23 colorectal adenocarcinomas secondarily involving the small intestine by direct extension or metastasis. While normal small intestinal mucosa was diffusely positive for CK20 and completely negative for CK7 expression, all small intestinal adenocarcinomas (24 of 24) showed a variable degree of CK7 expression. Specifically, the CK7 staining pattern was diffuse in 13 cases (54%) and focal in the remaining cases. Sixteen small intestinal adenocarcinomas (67%) coexpressed CK7 and CK20, and 8 (33%) completely lost CK20 immunoreactivity when compared with adjacent non-neoplastic small intestinal mucosa. In the latter cases, the loss of CK20 immunoreactivity with a reciprocal emergence of CK7 expression was evident. This was in contrast to secondary colorectal adenocarcinomas where 22 cases (96%) expressed CK20, among which only 1 case showed focal CK7 expression. The remaining 1 case was negative for both CK7 and CK20. Interestingly, adenomatous epithelium associated with small intestinal adenocarcinomas identified in 18 cases also exhibited CK7 positivity with a sharp transition from CK7-negative normal-appearing epithelium. Taken together, these observations delineate an alteration of CK7 and CK20 expression profile that occurs early in small intestinal tumorigenesis. This unique pattern may be of diagnostic value in distinguishing primary small intestinal adenocarcinoma from secondary colorectal adenocarcinoma.
3q26‐29 Amplification in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a review of established and prospective oncogenes

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is significantly underrepresented in worldwide cancer research, yet survival rates for the disease have remained static for over 50 years. Distant metastasis is often present at the time of diagnosis, and is the primary cause of death in cancer patients. In the absence of routine effective targeted therapies, the standard of care treatment remains chemoradiation in combination with (often disfiguring) surgery. A defining characteristic of HNSCC is the amplification of a region of chromosome 3 (3q26‐29), which is consistently associated with poorer patient outcome. This review provides an overview of the role the 3q26‐29 region plays in HNSCC, in terms of both known and as yet undiscovered processes, which may have potential clinical relevance.
Phase Property of Central-Symmetric Four-Ports Applied to Quadrature Directional Coupler Design in Asymmetric Coupled-Line Technology

Properties of ideally matched lossless four-port networks having central symmetry have been investigated. It has been shown that such networks feature ideal quadrature differential phase characteristics. It is shown that this unique property can be utilized for phase improvement of asymmetric coupled-line directional couplers. The presented theoretical investigation has been proven by measurements of two different directional couplers with a central symmetry designed in technology of multilayer asymmetric coupled lines.
The reduced form of coenzyme Q10 decreases the expression of lipopolysaccharide-sensitive genes in human THP-1 cells.

Monocytes are key players in inflammatory processes that are triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major outer membrane component of Gram-negative bacteria. The present study in human monocytic THP-1 cells was designed in order to identify LPS-inducible genes that are down-regulated by the reduced form of coenzyme Q(10) (ubiquinol, Q(10)H(2)). For this purpose, THP-1 cells were incubated with 10 μM Q(10)H(2) for 24 hours. Subsequently, cells were stimulated for 4 hours with 1 μg/mL LPS, and the resulting gene expression levels were determined using microarrays. Fourteen LPS-inducible genes were identified to be significantly (P ≤ .05) down-regulated by Q(10)H(2) pretreatment between a factor of 1.32 and 1.65. The strongest effect of Q(10)H(2) incubation was found for the nuclear receptor coactivator 2 gene (NCOA2). Gene ontology terms revealed for the Q(10)H(2)-sensitive genes an involvement in, e.g., signal transduction processes (centaurin, delta 1; NCOA2; pleckstrin and Sec7 domain containing 3; protein phosphatase 2, regulatory subunit B [B56], γ isoform), transcriptional regulation (NCOA2; POU domain, class 2, transcription factor 1; ETS variant gene 3), and cell proliferation pathways (hypothetical protein FLJ36090, epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 15). In conclusion, we provide evidence in THP-1 cells that Q(10)H(2) modulates LPS-induced gene expression.
Duration of untreated psychosis and pathways to psychiatric services in first‐episode schizophrenia

Abstract The aim of the present study was to examine the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) in first‐episode schizophrenia patients in Japan and to investigate the available pathways to psychiatric services. Eighty‐three patients who visited Keio University Hospital (n = 54) or Oizumi Mental Hospital (n = 29) were evaluated retrospectively with regard to their DUP, living situation, social participation level, referral pathway, reason for seeking treatment, and their global assessment of functioning (GAF) score. The mean DUP was 13.7 months (median, 5.0 months) overall. No significant difference in DUP was found between subjects living alone and those living with others; however, employed patients had a significantly shorter DUP (8.1 months) than unemployed patients (18.7 months). Pathways to psychiatric services were totally different between the two institutions. Fifty‐two subjects (62.7%) came to the services directly: 40 patients (74.1%) came to the university hospital and 12 patients (41.4%) came to the mental hospital. At the mental hospital, nine patients (31.0%) had been admitted because of a legal obligation, and six (20.7%) had been referred through public health centers. None of the patients had been referred to either of the services by general practitioners. The main reason for seeking treatment was psychiatric symptom aggravation (59.3%) at the university hospital and acting out (64.3%) at the mental hospital. Some universal psychosocial factors appear to influence the DUP but the characteristics of specific psychiatric services may also affect treatment delays.
Generation of H2O2 in Brain Mitochondria

Generation of H2O2 by rat brain mitochondria using succinate and glycerol‐l‐phosphate as substrates has been demonstrated. Earlier workers were unable to detect this activity in sucrose‐Tris buffer. We found that this was due to a lag in the expression of activity in sucrose medium. Using phosphate buffer (50 mM), good rates are now obtained. Generation of H2O2 by rat brain mitochondria required the presence of antimycin A and was dependent on the substrates succinate and glycerol‐l‐phosphate. Low rates were obtained with NAD+‐linked substrates and none with choline, glutamate, and NADH. The Km and Vmax values for H2O2 generation were considerably lower than the corresponding values for the respective dehydrogenase activity, measured by dye reduction. Oxygen‐radical scavengers inhibited H2O2 generation, suggesting oxygen radical involvement. Depletion of ubiquinone from mitochondria resulted in loss of H2O2 generation. Reconstitution of such depleted particles with ubiquinone restored the capacity to generate H2O2 in a concentration‐dependent manner. Levels of H2O2 production were found to be maximal in cerebellum. Brain mitochondria from rabbit, hamster, mouse, and guinea pig also have the capacity to generate H2O2 on oxidation of glycerol‐l‐phosphate.
Dual-band reduced size PIFA antenna with U-slot for Bluetooth and WLAN applications

A dual-band internal planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) is proposed for 2.4 GHz Bluetooth (ISM) and wireless area network (WLAN) 5.2 GHz (IEEE 802.116) applications. The antenna has a rigid design with a foam substrate so it can be integrated easily with the Bluetooth housing of personal digital assistant (PDA) devices. A U-shaped slot is etched in the top plate to achieve the dual-band operation. The antenna has a single feed with total compact size of 14/spl times/15/spl times/6 mm/sup 3/. The antenna bandwidth is 4% and 4.3% at the lower and upper frequencies, respectively.
School Enrollment in Iraq During the U.S-Led Invasion: A Statistical Analysis

Little is known about the educational consequences in Iraq during the U.S.-led invasion of 2003-2010. This study examines school enrollment based on the 2007 Iraq Household Socio-Economic Survey. There are three main findings. First, a population- weighted analysis indicates that the school enrollment rate (72.3 percent) is lower than past Iraqi rates but comparable to that in neighboring Arab countries. Second, a multivariate analysis shows that boys and rural children are far more likely to be enrolled. Last, household opinions suggest that a key reason for non-enrollment is lack of child or parent interest. An analysis of adult labor force participants suggests that the lack of interest is attributable to weak employment prospects for educated youth.
Prostate carcinoma incidence in relation to prediagnostic circulating levels of insulin‐like growth factor I, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3, and insulin

There have been several epidemiologic studies investigating the association between circulating levels of insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I), insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3), and insulin in relation to the risk of prostate carcinoma, with conflicting results. To examine this issue further, the authors conducted a nested case–control study within the Cardiovascular Health Study cohort.
Development of a Curriculum on the Child With Medical Complexity: Filling a Gap When Few Practice Guidelines Exist

Background: Pediatric hospitalists are increasingly involved in the clinical management of children with medical complexity (CMC), specifically those with neurologic impairment and technology dependence. Clinical care guidelines and educational resources on management of the diseases and devices prevalent in CMC are scarce. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a web-based curriculum on care of CMC for hospitalists at our institution using a novel approach to validate educational content. Methods: Junior faculty collaborated with senior hospitalist peer mentors to create multimedia learning modules on highly-desired topics as determined by needs assessment. Module authors were encouraged to work with subspecialty experts from within the institution and to submit their modules for external peer review. Pilot study participants were asked to complete all modules, associated knowledge tests, and evaluations over a 4-month period. Results: Sixteen of 33 eligible hospitalists completed the curriculum and associated assessments. High scores with respect to satisfaction were seen across all modules. There was a significant increase in posttest knowledge scores (P < 0.001) with sustained retention at 6 months posttest (P < 0.013). Participants were most likely to make changes to their teaching and clinical practice based on participation in this curriculum. Conclusions: We used a novel approach for content development in this curriculum that incorporated consultation with experts and external peer review, resulting in improved knowledge, high satisfaction, and behavior change. Our approach may be a useful method to improve content validity for educational resources on topics that do not have established clinical care guidelines.
Opening Minds in Canada: Background and Rationale

Objective To summarize the background and rationale of the approach taken by the Mental Health Commission of Canada's Opening Minds (OM) Anti-Stigma Initiative. Method The approach taken by OM incorporates a grassroots, community development philosophy, has clearly defined target groups, uses contact-based education as the central organizing element across interventions, and has a strong evaluative component, so that best practices can be identified, replicated, and disseminated. Contact-based education occurs when people who have experienced a mental illness share their personal story of recovery and hope. Results OM has acted as a catalyst to develop partnerships between community groups who are undertaking anti-stigma work and an interdisciplinary team of academic researchers in 5 universities who are evaluating the results of these programs. Conclusions Building partnerships with existing community programs and promoting systematic evaluation using standardized approaches and instruments have contributed to our understanding of best practices in the field of anti-stigma programming.
Down-regulation of adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase activity: A driver of cancer

Adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is known as “intracellular energy sensor and regulator. ” AMPK regulates multiple cellular processes including protein and lipid synthesis, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis. Moreover, AMPK plays a key role in the regulation of “Warburg effect” in cancer cells. AMPK activity is down-regulated in most tumor tissues compared with the corresponding adjacent paracancerous or normal tissues, indicating that the decline in AMPK activity is closely associated with the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of AMPK deactivation during cancer progression is of pivotal importance as it may identify AMPK as a valid therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Here, we review the mechanisms by which AMPK is down-regulated in cancer.
Agomelatine in the treatment of major depressive disorder: an 8-week, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of fixed-dose agomelatine 25 and 50 mg/d in the treatment of outpatients with moderate-to-severe major depressive disorder (MDD) compared to placebo. METHOD In this 8-week, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group trial, patients with DSM-IV-defined MDD were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive a once-daily dose of agomelatine 25 mg, agomelatine 50 mg, or placebo. The primary efficacy measure was the change from baseline to week 8 in the clinician-rated 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS(17)); other efficacy measures were the clinical remission and response rates (measured by HDRS(17)), Clinical Global Impressions scales, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score, subjective measures on sleep, and the overall quality of life. The study was conducted between December 2006 and January 2008. RESULTS Agomelatine 25 mg/d was more efficacious based on the HDRS(17) total score (P = .01) compared to placebo throughout the treatment period, whereas for agomelatine 50 mg/d, statistically significant reduction in HDRS(17) total score could be observed from weeks 2 to 6 but not at week 8 (P = .144). A higher proportion of patients receiving agomelatine 25 mg/d showed clinical response (P = .013), clinical remission (P = .07), and improvement according to the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale (P = .065) compared to those receiving placebo. No statistically significant difference between patients receiving agomelatine 50 mg/d compared to placebo on clinical response (P = .116) or clinical remission (P =. 457) was observed. HADS score, quality of sleep, and quality of life significantly improved with agomelatine 25 mg/d compared to placebo. Both agomelatine doses were safe and well tolerated, although clinically notable aminotransferase elevations were observed transiently in the agomelatine 50 mg/d group. CONCLUSIONS Agomelatine 25 mg/d was effective in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe MDD and was safe and well tolerated. Agomelatine 50 mg/d provided evidence for its antidepressant efficacy until week 6 and was also safe and well tolerated. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00411242.
Effects of antenatal education on maternal prenatal and postpartum adaptation.

AIM This paper is a report of a study of the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation in a Turkish context. BACKGROUND Although there have been a number of studies on the effects of antenatal education on pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood, the evidence of its effectiveness is limited and equivocal. There is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of antenatal education on prenatal and postpartum adaptation and whether individual or group education is more beneficial. METHODS A Roy Adaptation Model-based quasi-experimental study with 120 nulliparous women was conducted between 2006 and 2008. Two experimental groups received either group education or individual education; the control group received standard care. Data were collected using a demographical data form and Lederman's prenatal and postpartum self-evaluation questionnaires. FINDINGS While there were statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of prenatal adaptation, no difference was found in postpartum adaptation. Post hoc analysis showed that women in the experimental groups (individual and group education) were better adapted in the prenatal period compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION Roy's adaptation model may be useful as a guide in prenatal adaptation programmes. Group antenatal education might be preferred over individual education because it is less costly.
Effects of a Brief, Prevention-Focused Parenting Education Program for New Mothers

We evaluated the effects of a parenting program, Baby and You, on parenting knowledge, parenting morale, and social support using a single-group, pre-test, and post-test design with 159 Canadian mothers of infants aged 2 to 9 months old. Baby and You is a prevention-focused parenting program (PFPP) to improve maternal and infant health through education and social support. The 4-week curriculum focuses on infant development and safety, parent–child relationships, maternal self-care, and community resources. We computed repeated-measures ANOVAs separately for scores on Parenting Knowledge Scale, Parenting Moral Index, and Family Support Scale. We found a significant increase between pre-test and post-test on parenting knowledge, but not parenting morale or social support. Parenting morale may be a stable construct that shows little change over time. It may take more than 4 weeks of programming for mothers to identify and integrate new sources of social support.