Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Brain Blood Flow SPET Imaging in Heroin Abusers

Abstract: To assess whether chronic heroin abuse may generate vascular central nervous deficits, we studied the profile of vascular alterations in 17 heroin addicts (14 males mean age 31 years, range 23–39 years and 3 females mean age 33 years, range 30–35 years) before and, in one of them, 10 weeks after an ultra‐rapid heroin detoxification. Using the functional technique of single‐photon emission tomography (SPET) with 740 MBq of 99mTc‐hexametazine (HMPAO) and computational brain‐mapping techniques by means of a Talairach analysis, we determined the pattern of vascular brain alterations associated with chronic heroin abuse. Compared with controls, subjects who had used heroin chronically showed a decrease of global brain perfusion that was more significant in the frontal cortex—mainly in orbito‐frontal regions, as well as in the occipital and temporal lobes. All patients showed marked asymmetric perfusion of the basal ganglia and the majority of them showed also an asymmetric perfusion of cerebellum. In addition, there were small activated areas dispersed in the occipital lobe (3 of 17) and apex region (4 of 17). In conclusion, decreased perfusion in heroin addicts was found in regions involved in the control of attention, motor speed, memory and visual–spatial processing. The prefrontal cortex is involved in decision making and inhibitory control, processes disturbed in heroin addicts who have stopped heroin consumption. A reduction in regional perfusion may reflect ongoing subtle neurocognitive deficits, which are consistent with the maintenance of asymmetry of the basal nuclei.
Robust Convex Optimization

We study convex optimization problems for which the data is not specified exactly and it is only known to belong to a given uncertainty set U, yet the constraints must hold for all possible values of the data from U. The ensuing optimization problem is called robust optimization. In this paper we lay the foundation of robust convex optimization. In the main part of the paper we show that if U is an ellipsoidal uncertainty set, then for some of the most important generic convex optimization problems (linear programming, quadratically constrained programming, semidefinite programming and others) the corresponding robust convex program is either exactly, or approximately, a tractable problem which lends itself to efficientalgorithms such as polynomial time interior point methods.
Metal-Silicate Segregation and Fractionation of Ge Isotopes: Comparison of Experimental Data and Meteorite

SEGREGATION AND FRACTIONATION OF Ge ISOTOPES: COMPARISON OF EXPERIMENTAL DATA AND METEORITES. B. Luais, M.J. Toplis, L. Tissandier, and M. Roskosz. C.R. P.G. , CNRS, Nancy-Université, 15, rue Notre-Dame des Pauvres, B.P.20, 54501 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, luais@crpg.cnrs-nancy.fr, D.T. P. , 14 avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France, LSPES, Université de Lille1, Bâtiment C6, Villeneuve d'Ascq, 59655, France
Exploring the Influential Factors in Perceived Value of LINE: Enjoyment of LINE Activity, Perceived Risk, and Privacy Concern of LINE Users in Bangkok

The purpose of this research was to explore the influential factors in the perceived value of the users of the LINE application in Bangkok, Thailand. The research model consisted of four latent variables: privacy concern (PC), perceived risk (PR), enjoyment of LINE activities (ELA) and perceived value of LINE (PVL). The data was collected from a sample of 190 respondents all of whom used the LINE application. The research instrument was a survey questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale for measuring respondent? s attitudes. Data was analyzed using the SPSS programme and SmartPLS version 2.0. M3 programme. The findings revealed that LINE application users? ELA influences PVL, while ELA is not influenced by PC and PR. This study also confirms that LINE application users? PR is significantly associated with PC. These findings can help managers and decision makers of the LINE application to keep apace with research on consumer attitudes and to make suitable and appropriate developments in the functions of LINE. Additionally, it will assist LINE managers in developing suitable strategies to achieve competitive advantage.
Absence of Effect of Menopause Status at Initiation of First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy on Immunologic or Virologic Responses: A Cohort Study from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective To compare the effectiveness of first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) between premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Methods ART-naïve women initiating cART between January 2000/June 2010 at the Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas Cohort were studied. Women were defined as postmenopausal after 12 consecutive months of amenorrhea. CD4 cell counts and HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) measurements were compared between pre- and postmenopausal at 6, 12 and 24 months after cART initiation. Women who modified/discontinued a drug class or died due to an AIDS defining illness were classified as ART-failures. Variables were compared using Wilcoxon test, χ2 or Fisher’s exact test. The odds of cART effectiveness (VL<400 copies/mL and/or no need to change cART) were compared using logistic regression. Linear model was used to access relationship between CD4 change and menopause. Results Among 383 women, 328 (85%) were premenopausal and 55 (15%) postmenopausal. Median pre cART CD4 counts were 231 and 208 cells/mm3 (p = 0.14) in pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively. No difference in the median pre cART VL was found (both 4.8 copies/mL). Median CD4 changes were similar at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months after cART initiation, CD4 changes among postmenopausal women were significantly lower among premenopausal women (p = 0.01). When the analysis was restricted to women with VL<400 copies/mL, no statistical difference was observed. Overall, 63.7% achieved cART effectiveness at 24 months without differences between groups at 6, 12 and 24 months. Conclusion Menopause status at the time of first-line cART initiation does not impact CD4 cell changes at 24 months among women with a virologic response. No relationship between menopause status and virologic response was observed.
Triplet nucleotide removal at random positions in a target gene: the tolerance of TEM-1 β-lactamase to an amino acid deletion

The deletion of amino acids is one of the evolutionary mechanisms by which nature adapts the function of proteins. A simple method has been developed that mimics this event in vitro by introducing a deletion of exactly three nucleotides at random positions in a target gene. The method involved the engineering of the mini-Mu transposon to introduce a recognition sequence for the restriction enzyme MlyI. The new transposon, MuDel, was capable of efficient insertion into a target DNA sequence. To determine the efficacy of the method, the bla gene that encodes the TEM-1 β-lactamase was used as the target and a small library containing 22 different sequence variants was created. Of these 22 variants, 8 were identified that conferred resistance to ampicillin on Escherichia coli. Each of the TEM-1 variants possessed a distinct ampicillin minimum inhibitory concentration, ranging from 500 to >10 000 μg/ml. Sequence analysis revealed that active TEM-1 variants contained deletions not just in loops but also helices, and included regions known to be involved in catalysis, antibiotic resistance and inhibitor binding. This new technology is transferable to most genes, permitting an extensive analysis of deletion mutations on protein function.
A RPL based adaptive and scalable data-collection protocol module for NS-3 simulation platform

This paper presents data-collection protocol framework based on RPL (IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low Power and Lossy Networks) for NS-3 (Network Simulator 3) simulation platform. Its design, implementation, simple examples of operations and evaluations will also be demonstrated. The conclusions and future developments are located in the final part of this paper.
Role of Chlorogenic Acids in Controlling Oxidative and Inflammatory Stress Conditions

Chlorogenic acids (CGAs) are esters formed between caffeic and quinic acids, and represent an abundant group of plant polyphenols present in the human diet. CGAs have different subgroups that include caffeoylquinic, p-coumaroylquinic, and feruloyquinic acids. Results of epidemiological studies suggest that the consumption of beverages such as coffee, tea, wine, different herbal infusions, and also some fruit juices are linked to reduced risks of developing different chronic diseases. These beverages contain CGAs present in different concentrations and isomeric mixtures. The underlying mechanism(s) for specific health benefits attributed to CGAs involves mitigating oxidative stress, and hence the related adverse effects associated with an unbalanced intracellular redox state. There is also evidence to show that CGAs exhibit anti-inflammatory activities by modulating a number of important metabolic pathways. This review will focus on three specific aspects of the relevance of CGAs in coffee beverages; namely: (1) the relative composition of different CGA isomers present in coffee beverages; (2) analysis of in vitro and in vivo evidence that CGAs and individual isomers can mitigate oxidative and inflammatory stresses; and (3) description of the molecular mechanisms that have a key role in the cell signaling activity that underlines important functions.
Non-Tradable Share Reform and Corporate Governance in the Chinese Stock Market

Prior to China’s split-share structure reform, domestic A shares were divided into non-tradable and tradable shares. Non-tradable shareholders represent the government, hold roughly a two-thirds majority, and manage the firms, while tradable shareholders have little power to affect the decisions made by non-tradable shareholders. This is a typical structure to exhibit agency problems. The 2005 structure reform program stipulates that non-tradable shareholders have to bargain with tradable shareholders in order to gain liquidity. The price that non-tradable shareholders pay to tradable shareholders for gaining liquidity is defined as “compensation. ” We explore the issue of why corporate governance might play an important role in affecting the level of compensation. Firms with a weak governance structure or severe agency problems are required to have a higher level of compensation. The level of compensation is positively correlated with the non-tradable shareholding, the pledge ratio, and related-party transactions, and is negatively correlated with foreign shareholdings. The same set of variables dictates the ex-post wealth effect of tradable shareholders, but in the reverse direction. The share reform provides a natural setting that allows tradable shareholders to reflect their concerns with agency problems. The mechanism could ameliorate the agency problems. Corporate governance, in a broad sense, is related to compensation and the ex-post wealth effect of tradable shares. A successful mechanism should be designed to have minority shareholders involved in the process and have the final compensation reflect the quality of corporate governance.
Identifying fine movement difficulties in Parkinson's disease using a computer assessment tool

As a neurodegenerative disease which effects movement, Parkinson's disease can present features such as rigidity, lack of hand and finger control and difficulty initiating movement (bradykinesia), to name but a few. A computer-based assessment tool has been created and an evaluation carried out by 10 participants with Parkinson's disease and a control group of 10 participants without the disease. This assessment tool collects data on the user's mouse movements by asking them to click targets on screen, to allow for identification of certain features of Parkinson's disease. Results showed that the level of hand control and finger dexterity was considerably less in the participants with the disease compared to those without. Only 1 participant in the control group had any accidental clicks compared to 7 in the Parkinson's disease group. The anticipated use of this tool is to complement the established methods of assessment and to enable the assessment process itself to become less subjective.
Features of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in adolescence

Rationale: To elucidate the prepubertal risk factors associated with the development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and determine the special clinical manifestations of the syndrome in this transitional time of a woman’s life. Objective: To propose therapeutic targets and regimens, not only to prevent the long-term complications of the syndrome, but also to improve the self-esteem of a young girl who matures into womanhood. Methods and Results: A systematic review of literature was performed through electronic database searches (Pubmed, Medline and Embase). Studies published in English-language, peer-reviewed journals from 1996 to 2013 were included. The selected studies focused on the risk factors, the unique features and treatment options of the PCOS in puberty. The pathogenesis of the PCOS was hypothesized to be based on interactions between genetic and certain environmental factors. The diagnosis was usually difficult in young girls. The syndrome was related to a greater risk of future infertility, type II diabetes mellitus, the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Early treatment was crucial to prevent the long-term complications of the syndrome, especially infertility and cardiovascular disease. Discussion:The recognition of the early signs of PCOS during or even before adolescence is of great importance. It is essential to establish the correct diagnosis for PCOS and rule out other causes of androgen excess in young women with hyperandrogenism. The type of treatment applied should be considered on an individual basis. Abbreviations: PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Photobiomodulation by a 635nm Diode Laser on Peri-Implant Bone: Primary and Secondary Stability and Bone Density Analysis—A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction Various procedures in dental implantology are performed to enhance the bone healing process and implant stability. One of these methods can be a low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Objectives The aim of our study was to evaluate the stabilization (primary and secondary) and bone density in peri-implant zone after LLLT protocol using a 635 nm diode laser. Material and Methods The research included 40 implants placed in the posterior region of a mandible in 24 patients (8 women and 16 man; age: 46.7 ± 8.7 years). The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups G1 (n=12, 18 implants) and G2 (n=12, 22 implants) according to the treatment procedure; G1 (test): 635 nm laser, with handpiece diameter: 8mm, output power: 100mW, spot area: 0.5024cm2, average power density: 199.04mW/cm2, continuous mode, dose: 4J per point (8J/cm2), time: 40 sec per point, 2 points (irradiation on a buccal and a lingual side of the alveolus/implant), and total energy per session 8J; G2 (control): no laser irradiation. The G1 (test) group's implants were irradiated according to the following protocol: 1 day before surgery, immediately after the surgery and 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after. The total energy after all therapeutic sessions was 48J. The implants stability was measured employing a Periotest device (Periotest Test Value: PTV) (measured immediately after the surgery, 7 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 2 and 3 months after the surgery) and the bone density using cone-beam computed tomography (grayscale value) (measured immediately after the surgery, 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the treatment). Results The average implant stability at different time points showed lower PTV value (higher stability) at 2nd and 4th week after 635 nm laser irradiation (G1) compared with a control (G2) group (p<0.01). The secondary stability of the implants after 12 weeks observation was not significantly higher for the laser group in contrast to none-irradiated implants (p>0.05). The mean grayscale value at the apical, middle, and cervical level of the titanium implants showed the reduction of pixel grayscale value after 2 weeks and was lower for the G1 group in contrast to the G2 group (p<0.01). The value of grayscale after 12 weeks was significantly higher at the middle and apical level of the implants in the G1group in contrast to the G2 group (p<0.01). Conclusion The application of the 635 nm diode laser enhanced secondary implant stability and bone density. However, to assess the impact of the LLLT on peri-implant bone with different bone densities, further well-controlled long-term trials on larger study groups are needed.
On the feasibility of using a lake water balance model to infer rainfall: an example from Lake Victoria

Abstract A water balance model of Lake Victoria that can be used to assess rainfall from lake level, is derived. The model utilizes satellite estimates of rainfall directly over the lake. The model, initially derived and calibrated for the period 1956–1978, is reformulated here in such a way that all water balance terms except evaporation can be calculated from a combination of catchment rainfall and level of the lake. The reformulated model is validated and used to predict lake level fluctuations during the period 1931–1994. An error analysis is also performed. The model is then “inverted” to solve for mean rainfall conditions during various intervals of changing lake levels. For modern periods with known rainfall conditions, the error in model estimates is of the order of 1%.
Applying the AUTOSAR timing protection to build safe and efficient ISO 26262 mixed-criticality systems

Integrating applications with different criticality levels into one electronic control unit requires special care. An unlucky priority assignment (as part of the overall dynamic software architecture) can result in the violation of safety requirements of the ISO 26262. Hence, a certain protection is needed to guarantee the so called freedom from interference. In this paper, we evaluate the three priority-assignment strategies: CAPA, RMS and a hybrid approach. The optimal selection requires a trade-off between safety and resource-efficiency. We show how the AUTOSAR Timing Protection mechanism-when configured wisely-facilitates combining the advantages of the three approaches and yields safe and very efficiency schedules. We show a method for determining good configurations for the Timing Protection service.
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of EHD Flow on Corona Discharge in Compressed Air

This paper presents the numerical study of the effect of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow on corona discharge in a pin-plate system in compressed air (pressures of 1-60 atm). The coupled electric and gas flow fields were simultaneously solved by using the commercial CFD FLUENT software. A hybrid numerical algorithm based on the boundary-element method, the finite-element method, and the method of characteristics was employed to calculate the electric conditions, solving both the Poisson and charge transport equations. This part is coded as the user-defined function in FLUENT, and the gas flow simulation does not start until the calculation of the electric field is convergent. It has been shown that the ion convection effect increases with the increase in pressure. Under higher operation pressures, the corona current is no longer proportional to the ion mobility, and neglecting the influence of EHD flow on corona discharge may result in significant errors.
IL-2 Is Required for the Activation of Memory CD8+ T Cells via Antigen Cross-Presentation1

Dendritic cells (DCs) are capable of capturing exogenous Ag for the generation of MHC class I/peptide complexes. For efficient activation of memory CD8+ T cells to occur via a cross-presentation pathway, DCs must receive helper signals from CD4+ T cells. Using an in vitro system that reflects physiologic recall memory responses, we have evaluated signals that influence helper-dependent cross-priming, while focusing on the source and cellular target of such effector molecules. Concerning the interaction between CD4+ T cells and DCs, we tested the hypothesis that CD40 engagement on DCs is critical for IL-12p70 (IL-12) production and subsequent stimulation of IFN-γ release by CD8+ T cells. Although CD40 engagement on DCs, or addition of exogenous IL-12 are both sufficient to overcome the lack of help, neither is essential. We next evaluated cytokines and chemokines produced during CD4+ T cell/DC cross talk and observed high levels of IL-2 produced within the first 18–24 h of Ag-specific T cell engagement. Functional studies using blocking Abs to CD25 completely abrogated IFN-γ production by the CD8+ T cells. Although required, addition of exogenous IL-2 did not itself confer signals sufficient to overcome the lack of CD4+ T cell help. Thus, these data support a combined role for Ag-specific, cognate interactions at the CD4+ T cell/DC as well as the DC/CD8+ T cell interface, with the helper effect mediated by soluble noncognate signals.
Serum Organochlorine Pesticide Residues and Risk of Testicular Germ Cell Carcinoma: A Population-Based Case-Control Study

Testicular germ cell carcinoma (TGCC) is the most common malignancy among men ages 20 to 34 years. Although the pathogenesis of TGCC is poorly understood, suboptimal androgen levels or impaired androgen signaling may play a role. Some persistent organochlorine pesticides commonly found in human tissue possess antiandrogenic properties. We examined whether the risk of TGCC is associated with serum levels of 11 organochlorine pesticides, including p,p′-DDE, and whether the p,p′-DDE-TGCC association is modified by CAG or GGN repeat polymorphisms in the androgen receptor gene. We conducted a population-based case-control study among 18- to 44-year-old male residents of three Washington State counties. Cases (n = 246) were diagnosed during 1999 to 2003 with a first, primary TGCC. Controls (n = 630) were men of similar age with no history of TGCC from the same population identified through random-digit telephone dialing. Questionnaires elicited information on demographic, medical, and lifestyle factors. A blood specimen provided serum for gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues and DNA for genotyping. We observed no clear patterns between TGCC risk and concentrations of any of the organochlorines measured, nor did we observe that the risk associated with p,p′-DDE was modified by androgen receptor CAG (<23 versus ≥23 repeats) or GGN (<17 versus ≥17 repeats) genotype. This study does not provide support for the hypothesis that adult exposure to organochlorine pesticides is associated with risk of TGCC. Due to uncertainty regarding how well organochlorine levels measured in adulthood reflect exposures during early life, further research is needed using exposure measurements collected in utero or during infancy. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(8):2012–8)