Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a Resident Training Module for Systematic Optic Disc Evaluation in Glaucoma

PurposeTo determine the impact on ophthalmology residents of a training module to teach systematic optic disc (disc) evaluation. MethodsA training module for disc evaluation was developed consisting of: (1) a computer-based evaluation course with 100 illustrative disc photographs featuring normal and glaucomatous discs; (2) 2 different disc photograph test sets to be completed before and after taking the course; and (3) a 1-page checklist emphasizing 8 areas of disc evaluation to guide the residents through the test sets. Each area required identification of 2 to 3 key features pertinent to glaucoma. Points were assigned to each correctly answered item on the checklist by ophthalmology residents of 2 training programs. Residents were also asked to evaluate the disc according to a glaucoma scale. Main outcome measures included precourse and postcourse checklist scores and disc glaucoma evaluation scores. ResultsTwenty-eight residents from 2 training programs completed the training module. Mean checklist scores improved significantly after taking the evaluation course across all residents and in residents who had 2 years of ophthalmology residency experience (P=0.019, 0.017, respectively). Precourse disc glaucoma evaluation score increased 4% to 6% per year of ophthalmology residency training (P=0.023, R2=0.1838). One program had a higher mean postcourse disc glaucoma evaluation score than another (P=0.038). ConclusionsA systematic disc evaluation module for resident training may improve disc evaluation, provide an objective method to assess the resident's learning experience, monitor the progress and identify areas of weakness of training, and compare results among groups of residents across different residency programs.
Game-Theoretic Frameworks for Demand Response in Electricity Markets

This paper presents game-theoretic frameworks for demand response at both electricity market and consumer levels. First, the interaction between a demand response aggregator (DRA) and electricity generators is modeled as a Stackelberg game in which the DRA, as the leader of the game, makes demand reduction bids, and generators, as followers, compete for maximizing their profits based on the reduced demand. Next, the interaction between the DRA and consumers is modeled as a mechanism design problem wherein the DRA seeks to minimize the aggregate inconvenience of consumers while achieving the targeted load curtailment. The inconvenience function of each consumer is captured by a type value, which is used by the DRA to solve the load curtailment problem. A Vickrey-Clarke-Groves-based mechanism is proposed, which guarantees that each consumer reveals its true type value to the DRA. A case study of the Stackelberg game shows that, in the South Australian electricity market where there is significant renewable penetration, peak period demand response provides the maximum potential profit, but off-peak demand response even in a concentrated market is not financially attractive.
Enzyme Action in the Regulation of Plant Hormone Responses*

Plants synthesize a chemically diverse range of hormones that regulate growth, development, and responses to environmental stresses. The major classes of plant hormones are specialized metabolites with exquisitely tailored perception and signaling systems, but equally important are the enzymes that control the dose and exposure to the bioactive forms of these molecules. Here, we review new insights into the role of enzyme families, including the SABATH methyltransferases, the methylesterases, the GH3 acyl acid-amido synthetases, and the hormone peptidyl hydrolases, in controlling the biosynthesis and modifications of plant hormones and how these enzymes contribute to the network of chemical signals responsible for plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation.
Epidurography: selective catheter technique and review of 53 cases.

Lumbar epidurography was performed in 53 patients at Massachusetts General Hospital, and the diagnostic efficacy of the procedure was documented. The anatomy of the epidural space and the techniques for epidurography are discussed. The procedure is advocated as an adjunct to lumbar myelography, particularly in patients with a prominent ventral epidural space and confusing or equivocal clinical examination.
Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Vasomotor Reactivity During Autonomic Challenges in Heart Failure

BackgroundSignificant alterations in autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, vasomotor reactivity, and cerebral blood flow may develop from damage to brain ANS regulatory areas in heart failure (HF). This preferentially right-sided injury occurs largely in autonomic structures perfused by the middle cerebral artery. Indications of altered, asymmetrical perfusion raise the potential for further neural damage. ObjectiveTo determine whether the extent of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity and vasomotor reactivity is altered on one side of the brain over the other in HF versus control subjects, three ANS challenges were administered—each challenge recruited ANS regulatory areas potentially injured in HF. MethodsTranscranial Doppler ultrasonography was used to measure cerebral blood flow velocity and vasomotor reactivity in 40 HF (mean age = 52.7 years, SD = 7.5; 27 men; left ventricular ejection fraction = 26.8, SD = 8.3) and 42 control subjects (mean age = 48.3 years, SD = 6.0; 22 men) during 5% CO2 and hyperventilation, Valsalva, and orthostatic (upper body tilt) challenges. ResultsLower cerebral blood flow velocity and abnormal vasomotor reactivity (p < .01) were noted in HF middle cerebral arteries during all challenges. More right-sided flow velocity reductions appeared in HF, with laterality differences noted during CO2 and orthostatic (p < .05), but not Valsalva challenges. DiscussionDiminished cerebral blood flow velocity and altered vasomotor reactivity were associated with HF, changes being preferentially on the right side; the asymmetry was more pronounced during CO2 and orthostatic challenges. The impaired blood flow regulation may contribute to the lateralized brain pathology in ANS areas, undermining autonomic control in HF.
p75 and TrkA neurotrophin receptors in human skin after spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury, with special reference to sensory corpuscles

Human skin, including nerves and sensory corpuscles, displays immunoreactivity (IR) for low‐ (p75) and high‐affinity (TrkA‐like) receptors for nerve growth factor (NGF), the best characterized member of the family of neurotrophins. This study was designed to analyze the changes induced by spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries in the expression of neurotrophin receptors in digital skin, with special reference to nerves and sensory corpuscles.
Immunoregulatory pathways following strong inflammatory processes markedly impair CD4+ T cell responses

ABSTRACT As the research and use of immunotherapies is expanding, isolating ideal combinational strategies has become the next goal for many investigators. Vaccine therapies are also becoming one of the many combinational strategies being utilized in conjunction with immunostimulatory antibodies such as checkpoint blockade or adjuvants to stimulate immune responses. Here we review aspects of the immune responses that remain to be considered for designing future targeted therapies given the recent findings of the role of out of order T cell activation signaling. Specifically, we review some considerations in generating primary T cell responses under conditions of strong immunostimulatory signals based on recent studies completed by our group and others.
Soccer injury in the lower extremities

Information about soccer injuries is required to develop prevention and rehabilitation programmes. Most soccer injuries occur in the lower extremities. This type of injury is reviewed here. Definitions of injury, injury rate, injury percentage, mechanism of injury, anatomical region of injury, type of injury, and severity of injury are summarised. In each section, a description and summary of the data are provided. Finally, the limitations of the studies and suggestions to improve the investigation of soccer injuries are provided.
Audiovisual speech integration: modulatory factors and the link to sound symbolism

In this talk, I will review some of the latest findings from the burgeoning literature on the audiovisual integration of speech stimuli. I will focus on those factors that have been demonstrated to influence this form of multisensory integration (such as temporal coincidence, speaker/gender matching, and attention; Vatakis & Spence, 2007, 2010). I will also look at a few of the other factors that appear not to matter as much as some researchers have argued that they should, such as spatial coincidence (except under a particular subset of circumstances; Spence 2013). I will also look at the emerging literature that has documented the widespread existence of audiovisual crossmodal correspondences, and consider their putative link to the literature on embodied cognition (Spence & Deroy, 2013). References [1] Spence, C. (2013). Just how important is spatial coincidence to multisensory integration? Evaluating the spatial rule. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. [2] Spence, C. , & Deroy, O. (2012). Hearing mouth shapes: Sound symbolism and the reverse McGurk effect. iPerception, 3, 550-5526. [3] Vatakis, A. , & Spence, C. (2007). Crossmodal binding: Evaluating the “unity assumption” using audiovisual speech stimuli. Perception & Psychophysics, 69, 744-756. [4] Vatakis, A. , & Spence, C. (2010). Audiovisual temporal integration for complex speech, object-action, animal call, and musical stimuli. In M. J. Naumer & J. Kaiser (Eds.), Multisensory object perception in the primate brain (pp. 95-121). New York: Springer. http://psyweb.psy. ox.ac. uk/xmodal/members.htm International Conference on Auditory-Visual Speech Processing AVSP2013
Sourcing external technological knowledge: a decision support framework for firms

Although much has been made of the trend towards knowledge and technology outsourcing by firms and organisations, few studies have attempted to analyse the specific factors associated with the decision to use external technological knowledge sources in the innovation process. This paper outlines some key results from a study of the practices of a number of UK firms and organisations and the development of a Decision Support Framework (DSF) model, to aid understanding of the decision-making process surrounding the external sourcing of technological knowledge.
Effect of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I and early total parenteral nutrition on immune depression following severe head injury.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and aggressive nutrition on CD4/CD8 ratios following head injury. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING An urban level 1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS Head-injured patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 4 to 10 within 6 hours of hospital admission requiring no major extracranial surgery with the exception of isolated lower-extremity fracture fixation. Fourteen patients were recruited and 11 completed the study. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to a continuous infusion of saline or 0.01 mg/kg per hour of recombinant human (rh) IGF-I. Both groups received parenteral nutrition and rapidly advanced to a total protein intake of 2 g/kg per day and a maximum nonprotein calorie intake of 40 kcal/kg per day. The nonprotein prescription was 1.25 times the metabolic energy expenditure determined by metabolic cart not to exceed a nonprotein calorie intake of 40/kcal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The CD4/CD8 ratios and serum IGF-I levels on days 1, 7, and 14. RESULTS Administration of early aggressive nutrition eliminated the depressed CD4/CD8 ratio usually seen after head injury; administration of IGF-I increased the CD4/CD8 ratio while IGF-I levels were elevated. CONCLUSIONS Infusion of rhIGF-I and aggressive early intravenous nutrition affects the immunologic response of patients with severe head injury.
The physical placement of classroom technology and its influences on educational practices

The purpose of this study was to gain deeper insights into how technology restructures the classroom as a spatial setting and how the positioning of these technologies can be associated with educational practices. The research includes a photographic and schematic representation of 115 classrooms in 12 primary schools in Belgium, resulting in a typology based on structural features of the classrooms. Based on the typology derived and the specific positioning of technology, nine teachers were purposefully selected and interviewed regarding their perceptions concerning the link between the use of technology and the classroom layout. The results indicate that (1) the positioning of technology can be related to specific types of technology use; (2) the classroom layout is in transition from one central display to multiple screens; and (3) because of physical access to technology, the educational practice of individual classes is spatially dispersed over different locations within the school.
El Análisis Discriminante en la Previsión de la Insolvencia en las Empresas de Seguros de no Vida

RESUMEN En este trabajo se aplica el análisis discriminante a la previsión de la insolvencia de las empresas de seguros no vida utilizando ratios financieros como variables explicativas. En concreto, se construyen reglas de clasificación que permiten asignar una empresa al grupo de las potencialmente insolventes o al grupo de las potencialmente solventes en t + 1, utilizando datos de las cuentas anuales de períodos anteriores. El estudio se limita a cinco desfases, es decir, podremos realizar el diagnóstico de la situación en t + 1 utilizando datos desde t hasta t−4. Se utilizan conjuntos de ratios distintos para construir las reglas de clasificación en función del desfase de los datos. Estas reglas están basadas, por una parte, en la estimación de las funciones de distribución multivariantes de los conjuntos de ratios en cada grupo, incorporando también tanto las probabilidades a priori como los costes de clasificación errónea.
Activation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1a promotes myogenesis through the noncanonical Wnt pathway, leading to hypertrophic myotubes

Regeneration of skeletal muscle is a complex process that requires the activation of quiescent adult stem cells, called satellite cells, which are resident in hypoxic niches in the tissue. Hypoxia has been recognized as a key factor to maintain stem cells in an undifferentiated state. Herein we report that hypoxia plays a fundamental role also in activating myogenesis. In particular, we found that the activation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α under hypoxia, in murine skeletal myoblasts, leads to activation of MyoD through the noncanonical Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Moreover, chemical inhibition of HIF‐1α activity significantly reduces differentiation, thus confirming its crucial role in the process. Furthermore, hypoxia‐preconditioned myoblasts, once induced to differentiate under normoxic conditions, tend to form hypertrophic myotubes. These results support the notion that hypoxia plays a pivotal role in activating the regeneration process by directly inducing myogenesis through HIF‐1α. Although preliminary, these findings may suggest new perspective for novel therapeutic targets in the treatment of several muscle diseases. —Cirillo, F. , Resmini, G. , Ghiroldi, A. , Piccoli, M. , Bergante, S. , Tettamanti, G. , Anastasia, L. Activation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α promotes myogenesis through the noncanonical Wnt pathway, leading to hypertrophic myotubes. FASEB J. 31, 2146–2156 (2017). www.fasebj. org
Cytokeratin and Vimentin Expression in Breast Cancer

Background The transition from epithelial keratin to mesenchymal vimentin expression marks an important step in the malignant progression of breast cancer. This study analyzed the clinical significance of cytokeratin and vimentin in patients with breast cancer. Materials and methods Expression of cytokeratin and vimentin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded tissue sections of patients with breast cancer. Results Loss of cytokeratin was seen in 11% of the patients. A clearer trend towards loss of cytokeratin was observed in patients with stage IV disease and PR negativity. Weak cytokeratin expression was present in patients who developed recurrence or metastatic disease. Loss of cytokeratin was associated with reduced overall survival in univariate and multi-variate analysis, gain of vimentin expression was seen in 57% of breast carcinoma patients. It was higher in patients with lymph node positivity, advanced stage, HER2 positivity, and disease recurrence or metastasis. Multivariate survival analysis indicated that gain of vimentin expression was associated with reduced relapse-free survival. Conclusion Loss of cytokeratin and gain of vimentin expression are indicators of biologically aggressive breast carcinoma.
Modeling Methodology for Computing the Radar Cross Section and Doppler Signature of Wind Farms

Detailed modeling of radar scattering from wind turbines using commercial computational electromagnetic (CEM) tools requires large computing resources and extended run times. This paper will present a dynamic model specifically designed to model the radar cross-section (RCS) of wind turbines and the Doppler signature generated by the rotating blades in a rapid manner. The paper will elaborate on the methodology used for the meshing and the RCS computation of blades, tower and nacelle. Verification of the developed model against measured RCS of canonical shapes is provided. Finally, RCS and Doppler signature results of a generic turbine and a wind farm are presented.
miR-125b and miR-155 Contribute to BCL2 Repression and Proliferation in Response to CD40 Ligand (CD154) in Human Leukemic B-cells*

Background: BCL2 repression occurs in normal and leukemic B-lymphocytes in lymph nodes. Results: miR-155 and miR-125b repress BCL2 translation and, in part, mediate the proliferative response to CD40 ligand (CD154). Conclusion: miR-155 and miR-125b contribute to proliferative responses to CD154 and one of their targets is BCL2. Significance: CD154 drives proliferation of mature B-cell malignancies and abrogating the effects of miRNA induced by CD154 may be therapeutically useful. Developmental stage-specific regulation of BCL2 occurs during B-cell maturation and has a role in normal immunity. CD40 signaling promotes proliferation and rescues B-cells from apoptosis, partly through induction of BCL2L1 and BCL2A1 and repression of BCL2. We previously showed that a stromal cell/CD40 ligand (CD154) culture system reproduced this switch in survival protein expression in primary human leukemic B-cells and we employed this model system to investigate BCL2 repression. BCL2 was post-transcriptionally regulated and the repressed BCL2 mRNA was associated with non-polysomal, but dense fractions on sucrose density gradients. Microarrays identified a set of miRNA that were induced by culture conditions and potentially able to bind to the BCL2 3′-UTR. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-125b and miR-155 repressed BCL2 mRNA but while stromal cell contact alone was sufficient to induce strongly miR-125b this did not cause BCL2 repression. miR-155, which is the most abundant miRNA under basal conditions, specifically required CD154 for further induction above a threshold to exert its full repressive effects. Anti-miR-125b and anti-miR-155 prevented CD154-mediated repression of BCL2 and reduced CD154-mediated proliferation in the MEC1 B-cell line. We suggest that miR-155 and miR-125b, which are induced by CD154 and stromal cell signals, contribute to regulating proliferation and that BCL2 is one of their target mRNAs.
Avoidance of constraint violation for experiment-based evolutionary multi-objective optimization

Experiment-based optimization using Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) is a promising approach for real world problems in which construction of simulation models is difficult. When using EAs, three difficulties have to be considered. Currently, two difficulties, uncertainty of the evaluation value and limitation of the number of evaluations, are active research topics into EAs. However, the other difficulty, avoidance of extreme trial, has not entered into the spotlight. Extreme trials run the ‘risk’ of breakdown of the optimized object and its measurement instruments in experiment-based optimization. In this paper, we consider that the extreme trial means a large constraint violation of the problems, and install the concept of ‘risky-constraint’. Then, to avoid risky-constraint violation, we propose a violation avoidance method and combine it with Multi-objective Evolutionary Algorithms (MOEAs). The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed through numerical experiments and real common-rail diesel engine experiments.
MASS COMMUNICATION

33:232 MEDIA ECONOMICS: UNDERSTANDING MARKETS, INDUSTRIES, AND CONCEPTS by Alan B. Albarron (Ames: Iowa State Press, 2002 [2nd ed.]— $39.99, paper, ISBN 0-8138-2124-X, 229 pp., appendices, glossary, index) updates the basic introductory text published in 1996. Not only has the book changed—so have the author’s affiliation (now a professor and chair of his department at University of North Texas, and the editor of Journal of Media Economics) and that of his publisher (which has droppd “university” as it is now owned by Blackwell)! Among the changes for this new edition are a chapter on the Internet, review questions and exercises, and the appendix reference materials. The 14 chapters appear in seven main sections: introduction (one chapter); principles of media economics (economic concepts, understanding the market, and evaluating media markets); the broadcast, cable, and satellite television and Internet industries (with a chapter on each); the motion picture and recording industries (again, a chapter on each); the print industries (chapters on newspapers, magazines, and the book business); media economics research (one chapter); and supplements (which include reference sources for media economic research, and commonly used financial ratios). Albarran provides a valuable survey of a host of issues and businesses here–making an excellent undergraduate text. (Chris Sterling)
Alarm fatigue: impacts on patient safety

Purpose of review Electronic medical devices are an integral part of patient care. As new devices are introduced, the number of alarms to which a healthcare professional may be exposed may be as high as 1000 alarms per shift. The US Food and Drug Administration has reported over 500 alarm-related patient deaths in five years. The Joint Commission, recognizing the clinical significance of alarm fatigue, has made clinical alarm management a National Patient Safety Goal. Recent findings Potential solutions to alarm fatigue include technical, organizational, and educational interventions. Selecting only the right monitors (i.e., avoiding overmonitoring), judicious selection of alarm limits, and multimodal alarms can all reduce the number of nuisance alarms to which a healthcare worker is exposed. Summary Alarm fatigue can jeopardize safety, but some clinical solutions such as setting appropriate thresholds and avoiding overmonitoring are available.