Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Under-Sodium Viewing: A Review of Ultrasonic Imaging Technology for Liquid Metal Fast Reactors

This current report is a summary of information obtained in the "Information Capture" task of the U.S. DOE-funded "Under Sodium Viewing (USV) Project. " The goal of the multi-year USV project is to design, build, and demonstrate a state-of-the-art prototype ultrasonic viewing system tailored for periodic reactor core in-service monitoring and maintenance inspections. The study seeks to optimize system parameters, improve performance, and re-establish this key technology area which will be required to support any new U.S. liquid-metal cooled fast reactors.
Impact of key organizational factors on knowledge transfer success in multi-national enterprises

The study, which was designed as a survey, sets to establish the capacity of some organizational components to predict knowledge transfer success in multinational enterprises. It involved a sample size of 125 drawn from employees in the production unit of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Nestle Foods Plc. Questionnaires that contained scales which measured dimensions of organizational components and knowledge transfer success were used for data collection. It was hypothesized that organizational components (organizational culture, strategy, information technology, training and organizational performance) will significantly predict knowledge transfer success. The hypothesis was confirmed by the results [R2 = . 21, F (5,124) = 7.74; p < . 05]. However, training was the main significant contributor with 44%. It was concluded that training as a major factor interact with other components to significantly predict knowledge transfer success in the multinational enterprises examined. This implied that organizations emphasizing knowledge management have to ensure effective training while taking into consideration other organizational components. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate effective training in the effort to drive successful knowledge transfer that enhances productivity. Organizations are advised to de-emphasize demographic characteristics of employees and focus on result-oriented training programs.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in the Diagnosis and Management of Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with diabetes mellitus (1). The classic definition of HTN is based on office blood pressure (BP) measurements, and most data relating HTN to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are derived from office measurements (2). Yet, the measurements in the office may not reflect the true BP levels. They may be elevated when the true BP is normal (white coat effect), or they may be normal when the true BP is elevated (masked HTN). Office measurements also do not reflect the diurnal variation and nocturnal BP levels. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is a precise method to quantify BP levels and diagnose HTN. Recent studies showed that 24-h ABPM is more accurate than office BP measurements in predicting cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (3–6). The present review will summarize the advantages of 24-h ABPM over office measurements and will recommend when and how to use 24-h ABPM in the diagnosis of HTN in diabetic patients. ### Ambulatory BP measurements The use of 24-h ABPM was introduced in the late 1970s. In the beginning, the devices were large, heavy, and cumbersome, but today the devices are lightweight and nearly all of them use an oscillometric measurement method to compute BP levels. This method eliminates observer bias and provides information on BP levels and heart rate throughout the day. The large numbers of readings obtained during the patient's daily activities provide a superior assessment of the true BP and can be used for the diagnosis of HTN. Additionally, 24-h ABPM provides information on BP variability, circadian changes, and the effects of environmental and emotional conditions on BP levels. Several studies that compared ABPM with intra-arterial measurements and mercury column sphygmomanometers demonstrated the accuracy of ABPM (7). However, since many new devices have …
Diffuse Decreased Gray Matter in Patients with Idiopathic Craniocervical Dystonia: A Voxel-Based Morphometry Study

Background: Recent studies have addressed the role of structures other than the basal ganglia in the pathophysiology of craniocervical dystonia (CCD). Neuroimaging studies have attempted to identify structural abnormalities in CCD but a clear pattern of alteration has not been established. We performed whole-brain evaluation using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify patterns of gray matter (GM) changes in CCD. Methods: We compared 27 patients with CCD matched in age and gender to 54 healthy controls. VBM was used to compare GM volumes. We created a two-sample t-test corrected for subjects’ age, and we tested with a level of significance of p < 0.001 and false discovery rate (FDR) correction (p < 0.05). Results: Voxel-based morphometry demonstrated significant reductions of GM using p < 0.001 in the cerebellar vermis IV/V, bilaterally in the superior frontal gyrus, precuneus, anterior cingulate and paracingulate, insular cortex, lingual gyrus, and calcarine fissure; in the left hemisphere in the supplementary motor area, inferior frontal gyrus, inferior parietal gyrus, temporal pole, supramarginal gyrus, rolandic operculum, hippocampus, middle occipital gyrus, cerebellar lobules IV/V, superior, and middle temporal gyri; in the right hemisphere, the middle cingulate and precentral gyrus. Our study did not report any significant result using the FDR correction. We also detected correlations between GM volume and age, disease duration, duration of botulinum toxin treatment, and the Marsden–Fahn dystonia scale scores. Conclusion: We detected large clusters of GM changes chiefly in structures primarily involved in sensorimotor integration, motor planning, visuospatial function, and emotional processing.
The Episode of Genetic Drift Defining the Migration of Humans out of Africa Is Derived from a Large East African Population Size

Human genetic variation particularly in Africa is still poorly understood. This is despite a consensus on the large African effective population size compared to populations from other continents. Based on sequencing of the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit II (MT-CO2), and genome wide microsatellite data we observe evidence suggesting the effective size (Ne) of humans to be larger than the current estimates, with a foci of increased genetic diversity in east Africa, and a population size of east Africans being at least 2-6 fold larger than other populations. Both phylogenetic and network analysis indicate that east Africans possess more ancestral lineages in comparison to various continental populations placing them at the root of the human evolutionary tree. Our results also affirm east Africa as the likely spot from which migration towards Asia has taken place. The study reflects the spectacular level of sequence variation within east Africans in comparison to the global sample, and appeals for further studies that may contribute towards filling the existing gaps in the database. The implication of these data to current genomic research, as well as the need to carry out defined studies of human genetic variation that includes more African populations; particularly east Africans is paramount.
Areamap and Gabor filter based Vickers hardness indentation measurement

The automated measurement of Vickers hardness indentations is demanded from industry and is an interesting image processing challenge. Different algorithms already exist but to get reliable results for all Vickers indentation images is difficult to achieve due to large variance in indentation size, position and orientation as well as in specimen surface texture and illumination conditions. A new algorithm is presented in this paper which uses AreaMaps, the LogPolar space and Gabor filter cascades to perform indentation localisation and measurement. The new approach exhibits excellent indentation detection capabilities while at the same time providing highly accurate measurement results.
Brief Definitive Report Identification of Cd8 as a Peanut Agglutinin (pna) Receptor Molecule on Immature Thymocytes

Differentiation of most T lymphocytes occurs within the thymus and is characterized by variable expression of CD4/CD8 coreceptor molecules, increased surface density of T cell antigen receptor (TCtk) ot[3 proteins, and decreased expression of glycan chains recognized by the ga-lactose-specific lectin peanut agglutinin (PNA). Although appreciated for several decades that PNA agglutination is useful for the physical separation of immature and mature thymocyte sub-populations, the identity of specific PNA-binding glycoproteins expressed on immature thy-mocytes remains to be determined. In the current report, we studied the expression of PNA-specific glycans on immature and mature T cells and used lectin affinity chromatography and immunoprecipitation techniques to characterize PNA-binding glycoproteins on thymocytes. Our data demonstrate that PNA-specific glycans are localized on a relatively small subset of thymocyte surface proteins, several of which were specifically identified, including CD43, CD45, and suprisingly, CD8 molecules. CD80t and CD8o~' proteins bound to PNA in the absence of CD813 expression showing that O-glycans on CD813 glycoproteins are not necessary for PNA binding and that glycosylation of CDSot and CD8e~' proteins proceeds effectively in the absence of CD813. Finally, we demonstrate that PNA binding of CD8 is developmentally regulated by sialic acid addition as CD8 proteins from mature T cells bound to PNA only after sialidase treatment. These studies identify CD8 as a PNA receptor molecule on immature thy-mocytes and show that PNA binding of CD8 on immature and mature T ceils is developmentally regulated by sialic acid modification. M ost T cells of the immune system differentiate within the thymus by a highly ordered process referred to as thymic selection (1, 2). The maturation status ofthymocyte subpopulations is most often evaluated by their variable expression of CD4/CD8 coreceptor molecules and surface density of eli3 TCI< (T cell antigen receptor) proteins. By these criteria, three major thymocyte subpopulations are identified within the thymus which exemplify the proges-sion of thymocytes along the CD4/CD8 developmental pathway: (a) immature CD4-CD8-(double-negative) thy-mocytes, which express no/low surface density of oq3 TCP. ; (b) immature CD4+CD8 + (double-positive) thy-mocytes, which express no/low surface density of eq3 TCR; and (c) mature CD4+CD8-and CD4-CD8 + (single positive) thymocytes, both of which express high surface density of ot~ TCP. (1, 2). The predominant thymocyte subpopulation is the immature CD4+CD8 + thymocyte subset, which accounts for ". ,85% ofT ceils within the thy-mus (1, 2). The characterization of immune ceil subsets has been greatly facilitated by the use of lectins, which …
Increase in deaths from pertussis among young infants in the United States in the 1990s

Background. Severe pertussis primarily occurs among infants (<12 months of age). Despite high levels of immunization, reported pertussis cases increased in the United States in the 1990s among all age groups, including infants. Methods. To characterize fatal pertussis cases, we analyzed pertussis deaths reported to CDC in the 1990s and compared these with data on pertussis deaths reported in the 1980s. Data from national surveillance systems and from available medical records were used, including data from analyses of deaths reported in 1992 through 1995. Results. In 1980 through 1989, 77 pertussis deaths were reported; 61 deaths were among infants (1.67 deaths per million), including 49 among infants <4 months of age. In the 1990s 103 pertussis deaths were reported; 93 deaths were among infants (2.40 deaths per million), including 84 among infants <4 months of age. Of 89 infants with ethnicity data, 31 (36%) were Hispanic; the mortality rate among Hispanic infants (4.77 per million) was higher than among non-Hispanic infants (1.80 per million). Of 76 infants with reported gestational age, 40 (53%) were born at <37 weeks, including 22 (29%) who were born at <35 weeks. Severe pulmonary hypertension was a common lethal complication among infants. Conclusions. Pertussis deaths increased among infants too young to be protected by immunization. A disproportionate share of deaths were complicated by pulmonary hypertension and occurred among Hispanic infants and infants born at <37 weeks gestation. New approaches to prevent infection among infants <4 months of age and improved therapies for pertussis complications are needed.
Global Biogeographic Analysis of Methanogenic Archaea Identifies Community-Shaping Environmental Factors of Natural Environments

Methanogenic archaea are important for the global greenhouse gas budget since they produce methane under anoxic conditions in numerous natural environments such as oceans, estuaries, soils, and lakes. Whether and how environmental change will propagate into methanogenic assemblages of natural environments remains largely unknown owing to a poor understanding of global distribution patterns and environmental drivers of this specific group of microorganisms. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis targeting the biogeographic patterns and environmental controls of methanogenic communities using 94 public mcrA gene datasets. We show a global pattern of methanogenic archaea that is more associated with habitat filtering than with geographical dispersal. We identify salinity as the control on methanogenic community composition at global scale whereas pH and temperature are the major controls in non-saline soils and lakes. The importance of salinity for structuring methanogenic community composition is also reflected in the biogeography of methanogenic lineages and the physiological properties of methanogenic isolates. Linking methanogenic alpha-diversity with reported values of methane emission identifies estuaries as the most diverse methanogenic habitats with, however, minor contribution to the global methane budget. With salinity, temperature and pH our study identifies environmental drivers of methanogenic community composition facing drastic changes in many natural environments at the moment. However, consequences of this for the production of methane remain elusive owing to a lack of studies that combine methane production rate with community analysis.
Impedance spectroscopy of grain boundaries in nanophase ZnO

Sintered compacts of nanophase ZnO (∼60 nm average grain size, presintered at 600 °C) were made from powders (∼13 nm) prepared by the gas-condensation technique. Impedance spectra were taken as a function of temperature over the range 450–600 °C and as a function of oxygen partial pressure over the range 10^−3−1 atm (550 and 600 °C only). The activation energy was determined to be 55 kJ/mole (0.57 eV) and was independent of oxygen partial pressure. The oxygen partial pressure exponent was −1/6. Impedance spectra exhibited nonlinear I-V behavior, with a threshold of approximately 6 V. These results indicate that grain boundaries are governing the electrical properties of the compact. Ramifications for oxygen sensing and for grain boundary defect characterization are discussed.
Influence of dose and beverage type instructions on alcohol outcome expectancies of DUI offenders.

OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that self-reported alcohol outcome expectancies are situationally specific beliefs that vary depending on contextual variables, such as the quantity and type of beverage one is instructed to imagine consuming. METHOD One hundred thirty DUI offenders attending a 72-hour weekend program were randomly assigned to either a "small dose" or "large dose" instruction condition and then completed five versions of the Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol scale, a separate version for each of five beverage types ("alcohol," "beer," "wine," "mixed drinks" and "straight liquor"). RESULTS Two separate 2 (dose) x 5 (beverage type) ANOVAs revealed that positive and negative expectancies varied significantly as a function of both dose and beverage type. Specifically, participants endorsed more positive outcomes and more negative outcomes when they imagined drinking a large amount versus a small amount. In addition, participants endorsed significantly more positive expectancies for beer and mixed drinks than for wine. They endorsed the largest number of negative expectancies for straight liquor and the fewest for wine. CONCLUSIONS Expectancies are to some degree context-bound and researchers and clinicians should consider providing explicit dose and beverage type instructions to research participants and clients when they use self-report questionnaires to assess alcohol outcome expectancies.
Clinical-Grade Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells Durably Control Pathogenic T Cell Responses in Human Models of Transplantation and Autoimmunity

A major goal of immunotherapy remains the control of pathogenic T cell responses that drive autoimmunity and allograft rejection. Adherent progenitor cells, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), represent attractive immunomodulatory cell therapy candidates currently active in clinical trials. MAPCs can be distinguished from MSCs on the basis of cellular phenotype, size, transcriptional profile, and expansion capacity. However, despite their ongoing evaluation in autoimmune and allogeneic solid organ transplantation settings, data supporting the immune regulatory potential of clinical-grade MAPCs are limited. In this study, we used allogeneic islet transplantation as a model indication to assess the ability of clinical-grade MAPCs to control T cell responses that drive immunopathology in human autoimmune disease and allograft rejection. MAPCs suppressed T cell proliferation and Th1 and Th17 cytokine production while increasing secretion of IL-10 and were able to suppress effector functions of bona fide autoreactive T cells from individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus, including killing of human islets. Furthermore, MAPCs favored the proliferation of regulatory T cells during homeostatic expansion driven by γ-chain cytokines and exerted a durable, yet reversible, control of T cell function. MAPC suppression required licensing and proceeded via IDO-mediated tryptophan catabolism. Therefore, the common immune modulatory characteristics of clinical-grade MAPCs shown in this study suggest that they can be regarded as an alternative source of adult progenitor cells with similar clinical usefulness to MSCs. Taken collectively, these findings may guide the successful deployment of both MSCs and MAPCs for the amelioration of human autoimmunity and allograft rejection.
A Model for Competence Gap Analysis

Modeling competences is an integral part of many Human Resource (HR) and e-Learning related activities. HR departments use competence descriptions to define requirements needed for performing specific tasks or jobs. The same competences are acquired by employees and applicants by e.g. experience or certifications. Typically, HR departments need to match such required and acquired competences in order to find suitable candidates. In e-Learning a similar situation arises. Curricula or training programmes need to describe prerequisites that must be fulfilled before joining and the competences that will be acquired after successful completion. This paper analyses the limitations and extends existing approaches for modeling competences in order to allow (semi-)automatic competence matching.
LACK OF SOYBEAN ROOT ELONGATION RESPONSES TO MICROMOLAR MAGNESIUM ADDITIONS AND FATE OF ROOT-EXUDED CITRATE IN ACID SUBSOILS

Additions of micromolar concentrations of magnesium (Mg) to hydroponics enhance aluminum (Al) tolerance of soybean by increasing citrate secretion from roots and external complexation of toxic Al species. The objective of this study was to assess the ameliorative effect of Mg additions on soybean root elongation into mineralogically different acid soils. Roots of soybean seedlings grew for 28 days into acid soils treated with three Mg levels in their soil solution (Control, 150 and 300 μM) and lime. Root growth in the acid soils and aboveground dry matter responses to the Mg treatments were less than for the lime treatments. Citrate fate in the acid soils revealed that 66–99% of added citrate was either adsorbed or biodegraded, suggesting that root secreting citrate in the soil abundant with Al and iron (Fe) hydroxides potentially reduces the availability to complex rhizotoxic Al. A calcium (Ca) deficiency may have constrained root growth response to the Mg-treated soils.
Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Shirting Materials Measured on the KES-F and FAST Instruments

This study compares the test results of the FAST system (fabric assurance by simple testing) with those of the KES-F (Kawabata evaluation system for fabrics) for two series of twenty-two shirting materials in terms of their low-stress fabric mechanical properties of bending, shear, and tensile deformation. The first series of eighteen shirting fabrics, ranging in weight from 96 to 170 g/m2, was sampled from a leading Hong Kong shirt manufacturer. The second series of four denim shirting fabrics, ranging in weight from 199 to 217 g/m 2, was later included to test the validity of extrapolating the relationships observed for the first series of eighteen shirting materials. Despite some considerable differences in the measurement principles of the two testing systems, there are highly significant correlations between the parameters obtained from the test results of the two systems.
Preparedness for natural disasters among older US adults: a nationwide survey.

OBJECTIVES We sought to determine natural disaster preparedness levels among older US adults and assess factors that may adversely affect health and safety during such incidents. METHODS We sampled adults aged 50 years or older (n = 1304) from the 2010 interview survey of the Health and Retirement Study. The survey gathered data on general demographic characteristics, disability status or functional limitations, and preparedness-related factors and behaviors. We calculated a general disaster preparedness score by using individual indicators to assess overall preparedness. RESULTS Participant (n = 1304) mean age was 70 years (SD = 9.3). Only 34.3% reported participating in an educational program or reading materials about disaster preparation. Nearly 15% reported using electrically powered medical devices that might be at risk in a power outage. The preparedness score indicated that increasing age, physical disability, and lower educational attainment and income were independently and significantly associated with worse overall preparedness. CONCLUSIONS Despite both greater vulnerability to disasters and continuous growth in the number of older US adults, many of the substantial problems discovered are remediable and require attention in the clinical, public health, and emergency management sectors of society.