Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bi-phase age-related brain gray matter magnetic resonance T1rho relaxation time change

Objectives: To investigate normative value and age-related change of brain magnetic resonance T1rho relaxation at 1.5 T. Methods: 20 males (age: 40.7+/-15.5 years, range: 22-68 years) and 22 females (age: 38.5 +/-14.8 years, range: 21-62 years), were scanned at 1.5 Tesla using 3D fluid suppressed turbo spin echo sequence. Regions-of-interests (ROIs) were obtained by atlas-based tissue segmentation and T1rho was calculated by fitting the mean value to monoexponential model. Correlation between T1rho relaxation of brain gray matter regions and age was investigated. Results: A regional difference among individual gray matter areas was noted; with hippocampus (98.37+/-5.37 msec) and amygdala (94.95+/-4.34 msec) have the highest measurement, while pallidum (83.81+/-5.49) and putamen (83.93+4.76) the lowest measurement. T1rho values decreased slowly (mean slope: -0.256) and significantly (p<0.05) with age in gray matter for subjects younger than 40 years old, while for subjects older than 40 years old there was no significant correlation between T1rho relaxation and age. Conclusion: T1rho relaxation demonstrates a bi-phase change with age in adults of 22-68 years.
Online Speeding Optimal Charging Algorithm for electric vehicles without future information

The integration of massive plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) to the power grid requires the charging to be coordinated to minimize the energy cost. The difficulty of an efficient charging control mainly comes from the uncertainty of each EV's charging profile. In this paper, we propose an online Speeding Optimal Charging Algorithm (SOCA), which does not rely on any knowledge of the future information. In particular, we show that SOCA ensures finishing charging all EVs and achieves the best known competitive ratio (2.39). It guarantees the worst-case performance regardless of the EVs' charging profiles. Through extensive simulations, we show that on average SOCA results in less than 14% extra cost of the optimal offline algorithm. By setting proper speeding factor, SOCA can further reduce the extra cost to less than 6%.
Functional and Structural Analysis of the Internal Ribosome Entry Site Present in the mRNA of Natural Variants of the HIV-1

The 5′untranslated regions (UTR) of the full length mRNA of the HIV-1 proviral clones pNL4.3 and pLAI, harbor an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). In this study we extend this finding by demonstrating that the mRNA 5′UTRs of natural variants of HIV-1 also exhibit IRES-activity. Cap-independent translational activity was demonstrated using bicistronic mRNAs in HeLa cells and in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The possibility that expression of the downstream cistron in these constructs was due to alternative splicing or to cryptic promoter activity was ruled out. The HIV-1 variants exhibited significant 5′UTR nucleotide diversity with respect to the control sequence recovered from pNL4.3. Interestingly, translational activity from the 5′UTR of some of the HIV-1 variants was enhanced relative to that observed for the 5′UTR of pNL4.3. In an attempt to explain these findings we probed the secondary structure of the variant HIV-1 5′UTRs using enzymatic and chemical approaches. Yet subsequent structural analyses did not reveal significant variations when compared to the pNL4.3-5′UTR. Thus, the increased IRES-activity observed for some of the HIV-1 variants cannot be ascribed to a specific structural modification. A model to explain these findings is proposed.
Prevalence of dermatological lesions in hospitalized children at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE Skin disorders constitute a significant proportion of consultations in children's clinics; however, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of dermatological lesions in hospitalized children in Nigeria. This study determines the prevalence of dermatological lesions in hospitalized children. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 402 children aged three months to twelve years admitted in the Pediatric wards of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, were enrolled over a six-month period. Examination of the skin and its appendages was done for each patient. Data on the socioeconomic status, hygiene, and health-related factors were also obtained using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS Over 96% of the children had at least one identifiable skin lesion. The five leading skin lesions were post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (49.5%), BCG scar (28.4%), Mongolian spots (27.1%), junctional melanocytic nevi (20.1%), and cafι-au-lait macules (18.4%). The leading infectious skin disease was pyoderma (13.4%), followed by tinea capitis (6.7%). Scarification marks (P=0.001), tinea capitis (P=0.014), plantar fissuring (P=0.001), and impetigo (P=0.016) were associated with low socioeconomic classes, while the presence of BCG scar (50.0%) was associated with the high socioeconomic class. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that dermatologic lesions are common in hospitalized children. Identifying them will provide an opportunity for pediatricians to educate parents on the various causes as well as prevention of lesions.
Left Atrial Appendage Closure Under Intracardiac Echocardiographic Guidance: Feasibility and Comparison With Transesophageal Echocardiography

Background Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure is an alternative therapy for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation patients. These procedures are currently guided with transesophageal echocardiography and fluoroscopy in most centers. As intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is commonly used in other catheter‐based procedures, we sought to determine the safety and effectiveness of intracardiac echocardiography–guided left atrial appendage closure with the Watchman device. Methods and Results A total of 27 patients (11 males, 77.0±8.5 years) with atrial fibrillation receiving Watchman left atrial appendage closure under intracardiac echocardiography guidance at a single center were investigated. All patients were implanted successfully. There were no major procedural complications. The overall procedure‐related complication rate was 14.8%, mainly due to access site hematoma. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated successful closure of the left atrial appendage in all patients at 45 days after device implant. Conclusions Transcatheter left atrial appendage closure with intracardiac echocardiography guidance is safe and feasible.
Calculation of Dispersion Relation and Single Mode Operation in Surface Plasmon Resonance Based Fiber Optic Refractive Index Sensors

The dispersion relations of two lowest-order surface plasmon (SP) modes are derived for a structure consisting of a thin silver layer around a reduced cladding fiber. Mode splitting is formed by reducing metal thickness. Fulfillment of phase matching condition is investigated by inspection of the SPs' and fiber modes' dispersion diagrams. Propagation lengths, field patterns, and resonance wavelengths are determined with high accuracy. The sensitivity of 7.13 × 10-6 RIU is obtained for ambient refractive index range of 1.333-1.375. Short-range SP modes cannot be excited in this structure even in IR region. Dependence of SP cutoff conditions on the core radii, metal thickness, ambient refractive index, and operating wavelength are explored. It is proved that the proposed method is going to be useful for proper structural design of single plasmonic mode operation in SP resonance based fiber optic refractive index sensors.
Concurrent Verbal Encouragement and Wingate Anaerobic Cycle Test Performance in Females: Athletes vs. Non-Athletes

To examine the effect of concurrent verbal encouragement on the performance of the WAnT in female athletes vs. female non-athletes. College-age female subjects were recruited where ten of the subjects were intercollegiate athletes (ATH, n1=10) and the nine were non-athletes (NON, n2=9). The WAnT was novel to all subjects and the subjects were blinded to the study’s purpose. Prior to the experimental trials, subjects were measured for body composition and performed a familiarity WAnT trial without verbal encouragement. Subjects then performed the WAnT twice, once with concurrent verbal encouragement (VE) and once without (NVE), in a balanced cross-over design. Peak (PP) and mean power (MP), and total work (TW) were compared between ATH and NON across VE and NVE using an ANOVA (1 between, 1 within), α=0.05. ATH and NON did not differ (p>0.05) in age or body composition with the exception of fat-free mass which differed significantly (ATH=53.7±6.6, NON=46.1±5.7 kg) (p<0.05). A significant (p<0.05) main effect for ATH/NON was observed where ATH outperformed NON when pooled across VE/NVE trials for PP (ATH=13.0±1.4, NON=11.3±1.7 W·kg−1), MP (ATH=7.7±1.1, NON=6.7±0.9 W·kg-1) and TW (ATH=232±35, NON=201±26 J·kg−1). When pooled across all subjects (ATH and NON), the VE/NVE trials did not differ (p>0.05) for PP (VE=12.4±1.7, NVE=12.0±1.9 W·kg−1), MP (VE=7.3±1.1, NVE=7.2±1.2 W·kg−1) and TW (VE=219±33, NVE=215±35 J·kg−1). The ATH/NON interaction with VE/NVE was not significant (p>0.05). Concurrent verbal encouragement does not affect performance on the WAnT in females, nor does it affect WAnT performance in female athletes and non-athletes differently.
On the Complexity of Strong and Epistemic Credal Networks

Credal networks are graph-based statistical models whose parameters take values in a set, instead of being sharply specified as in traditional statistical models (e.g., Bayesian networks). The computational complexity of inferences on such models depends on the irrelevance/independence concept adopted. In this paper, we study inferential complexity under the concepts of epistemic irrelevance and strong independence. We show that inferences under strong independence are NP-hard even in trees with ternary variables. We prove that under epistemic irrelevance the polynomial time complexity of inferences in credal trees is not likely to extend to more general models (e.g. singly connected networks). These results clearly distinguish networks that admit efficient inferences and those where inferences are most likely hard, and settle several open questions regarding computational complexity.
Eocene initiation of the Cascadia subduction zone: A second example of plume-induced subduction initiation?

The existing paradigm for the major ca. 56–48 Ma subduction zone reorganization in the Pacific Northwest of North America is that: (1) the Siletzia large igneous province erupted offshore to the west of North America, forming an oceanic plateau; (2) Siletzia then collided with North America, clogging the Pacific Northwest segment of the Cordilleran subduction zone; and (3) the oceanic lithosphere west of Siletzia then ruptured to initiate the new Cascadia subduction zone. Oceanic lithosphere is strong and difficult to rupture, so this would represent a rare example of such a rupture initiating a new subduction zone. This paper explores an alternative hypothesis for the reorganization, a plume-induced subduction initiation (PISI) mechanism, which has previously been applied to the initiation of Caribbean plate subduction zones in the Cretaceous. In this PISI hypothesis, a newly formed, ~1200-km-diameter Yellowstone mantle plume head rose at ca. 55 Ma beneath western North America, generating Siletzia in situ on the North American margin, as well as generating the ~1700-km-long Challis-Kamloops volcanic belt ~600 km to the east of Siletzia. This destroyed the existing Cordilleran subduction zone and allowed the new Cascadia subduction zone to form by collapse of thermally weakened oceanic lithosphere over the hot western margin of the plume head. This PISI hypothesis provides an integrated framework for understanding Siletzia, the Challis-Kamloops belt, Eocene core complexes from Idaho (U.S.) to British Columbia (Canada), underplated mafic rocks beneath Oregon and Washington (U.S.), post–17 Ma manifestations of the Yellowstone plume, and geophysical characteristics of the lithosphere beneath the Pacific Northwest.
A swarm aggregation algorithm based on local interaction for multi-robot systems with actuator saturations

We propose a swarm aggregation algorithm based on local interactions in the presence of saturations on the robot actuators. This assumption allows to better model the physical limitations of actual mobile robotic platforms. In our framework, robot-to-robot interactions are limited to the visibility neighborhood, i.e., to robots that are within the range of visibility of each other. A theoretical analysis of the convergence properties is presented for the proposed swarm aggregation algorithm. Extensive simulations have been performed to corroborate the theoretical results. In addition, experiments with a team of low-cost mobile robots have been carried out to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
The common molecular genetic alterations in Dukes' B and C colorectal carcinomas are not short‐term prognostic indicators of survival

Our study was undertaken to determine the prognostic significance of several common genetic alterations observed in colorectal carcinomas. We have previously analysed loss of heterozygosity of the MCC, APC, p53 and DCC tumour suppressor gene loci as well as p53 gene mutations and protein over‐expression in a series of 100 Dukes' stage B and C colorectal tumours obtained at surgery. To extend our observations of alterations that may occur in these tumours, mutations to the c‐Ki‐ras oncogene and APC tumour suppressor gene were detected by PCR single‐strand conformation polymorphism analysis. Short‐term follow‐up revealed no significant association between overall patient survival and any single, or combination of, genetic alteration(s). Surprisingly, patients whose tumours showed evidence of p53 protein over‐expression/ accumulation by immunocytochemistry (ICC) had a significantly better prognosis (p = 0.039) than those whose tumours had no p53 ICC reactivity.
The trans Golgi Network Is Lost from Cells Infected with African Swine Fever Virus

ABSTRACT The cellular secretory pathway is important during the assembly and envelopment of viruses and also controls the transport of host proteins, such as cytokines and major histocompatibility proteins, that function during the elimination of viruses by the immune system. African swine fever virus (ASFV) encodes at least 26 proteins with stretches of hydrophobic amino acids suggesting entry into the secretory pathway (R. J. Yanez, J. M. Rodriguez, M. L. Nogal, L. Yuste, C. Enriquez, J. F. Rodriguez, and E. Vinuela, Virology 208:249–278, 1995). To predict how and where these potential membrane proteins function, we have studied the integrity of the secretory pathway in cells infected with ASFV. Remarkably, ASFV caused complete loss of immunofluorescence signal for the trans Golgi network (TGN) marker protein TGN46 and dispersed the AP1 TGN adapter complex. Loss of TGN46 signal was not due to degradation of TGN46, suggesting redistribution of TGN46 to other membrane compartments. ASFV markedly slowed transport of cathepsin D to lysosomes, demonstrating that loss of TGN structure correlated with loss of TGN function. ASFV shows a tropism for macrophages, and it is possible that ASFV compromises TGN function to augment the activity of viral membrane proteins or to suppress the function of host immunoregulatory proteins.
Factors Influencing Tax-Payer Information Usage Behavior: Test of An Integrated Model

This study explores the key factors of the electronic tax filing system (EFS) from the behavioral perspectives of the end users. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examines the antecedents of information technology usage and proposes an integrated model for the empirical examination of the users’ behavioral intentions for using EFS. The results show that perceived behavior control most significantly affects the end users’ intentions for the EFS usage. In addition, users’ overall satisfactions, specifically those explained by ease of use of the EFS also influence their intention to adopt the EFS. Discussions and policy recommendations for promoting the EFS are provided according to the empirical results.
Depletion of NK cells results in disseminating lethal infection with Bordetella pertussis associated with a reduction of antigen‐specific Th1 and enhancement of Th2, but not Tr1 cells

IFN‐γ plays a critical role in protection against Bordetella pertussis, but Th1 cells are only detectable after the infection has started to resolve, suggesting a protective role for innate IFN‐γ early in infection. Here, we demonstrate significant recruitment of NK cells and NKT cells into the lungs following respiratory challenge with B. pertussis. Furthermore, NK cells are the primary source of IFN‐γ in the lungs during the acute stage of infection. Stimulation of IFN‐γ production by NK cells was indirect through B. pertussis‐activated IL‐12 or IL‐23 production by dendritic cells. Depletion of NK cells with anti‐asialo ganglio‐N‐tetraosylceramide antibody resulted in a lethal infection, with enhancement of bacterial load in the lungs and dissemination of the bacteria to the liver via the blood. NK cell‐depleted mice had significantly reduced B. pertussis‐specific IFN‐γ and enhanced IgG1 and IL‐5, but not IL‐10 production, suggesting that regulatory T cells are induced simultaneously with Th1 cells, but the absence of NK cells resulted in enhancement of Th2‐type responses. These findings suggest that NK cells confer resistance to B. pertussis by activating IL‐12‐mediated production of IFN‐γ, which enhances the anti‐bacterial activity of macrophages, but also promotes the differentiation of Th1 cells.
Genesis of the T wave as based on an equivalent surface source model

This article shows the use of the equivalent surface source model in its application to the genesis of the surface ECG in which the sources are of the double layer type. This model has previously been shown to yield an accurate description of body surface potentials during the QRS interval. Its application to the genesis of the T wave is now worked out in greater detail. In this source model, the full spatio-temporal character of the cardiac electric generator is expressed by means of an equivalent double layer situated at the boundary of ventricular tissue. The timing of local depolarization and of repolarization of the cells near this boundary is used to simulate the surface ECG. The background of this source model is discussed, as well as its validity. A matrix formulation is presented of the forward problem of computing the resulting body surface potentials. Based on this forward formulation, an inverse computation of the timing of the repolarization process was performed. Simulated T waves, based on this timing, showed a close correspondence with measured body surface potentials. By taking the inversely computed timing of repolarization as representing the true situation, the model can be used to study in which way perturbations in the timing of local repolarization effect the shape of T waves. An analysis based on this model indicates that the amplitude of the T wave is proportional to the dispersion of the repolarization times at the ventricular surface. The model is also shown to be capable of simulating the ECG changes during local ischemia.
Emerging Markets : Institutional Voids and Beyond Session Format : Competitive Session The Multinationality-Performance Relationship : Evidence from Emerging Economy Multinational Enterprises

The literature on multinationality-performance relationship has been limited to multinational firms from developed economies, and previous studies generally disregard the effects of location and ownership structure. This paper seeks to explain this relationship in the emerging market context, highlighting the importance of location decisions and ownership structure. We use panel data that include 2258 multinationals from 25 emerging economies over a period of 2004-2013. We find a significant positive relationship between multinationality and performance. In particular, investment in developed countries rather than developing countries has a significant positive impact on firm performance. Private owned enterprise has a better performance in foreign markets than state owned enterprise. These results indicate that emerging markets firms can improve performance by investing abroad and the better location choice is developed countries. In addition, firms with different ownership structure should have different internationalisation strategies.
Cardio Vascular Diabetology O R I G I N a L I N V E S T I G a T I O N Open Access

Dietary saturated fat/cholesterol, but not unsaturated fat or starch, induces C-reactive protein associated early atherosclerosis and ectopic fat deposition in diabetic pigs Koopmans et al. Dietary saturated fat/cholesterol, but not unsaturated fat or starch, induces C-reactive protein associated early atherosclerosis and ectopic fat deposition in diabetic pigs Abstract Background: Diabetes is thought to accelerate cardiovascular disease depending on the type of diet. This study in diabetic subjects was performed to investigate the metabolic, inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of nutritional components typically present in a Western, Mediterranean or high glycaemic diet. Methods: Streptozotocin-diabetic pigs (~45 kg) were fed for 10 weeks supplemental (40% of dietary energy) saturated fat/cholesterol (SFC), unsaturated fat (UF) or starch (S) in an eucaloric dietary intervention study.
Awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in current smokers: a nationwide survey

Background/Aims Cigarette smoking is the most common risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, few studies of the attitudes toward COPD of smokers, the group at risk of developing this condition, have been conducted. The purpose of this study was to explore the awareness of and attitudes toward COPD of current smokers. Methods The sample consisted of 502 individuals aged 45 and older from throughout Korea who smoked at least 10 packs of cigarettes per year. Telephone interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted with respondents. Results First, we evaluated the health status of subjects, finding that 45.4% considered themselves to be in good health. We also asked about COPD-related symptoms, and 60.6% of subjects reported such symptoms. However, only 1.2% of subjects had been diagnosed with or treated for COPD, only 0.4% spontaneously mentioned COPD as a respiratory disease, and only 26.5% recognized COPD as a respiratory disease after seeing a list of such diseases. Television ranked as the top source of information about COPD. The willingness of 45.0% of subjects to stop smoking increased after being informed about COPD. Conclusions Despite having COPD-related symptoms, most smokers did not know that COPD is a respiratory disease. The attitudes of smokers toward COPD and smoking cessation varied according to socioeconomic status. In summary, a continuous effort to increase the awareness of COPD among smokers is needed. Additionally, strategies tailored according to different socioeconomic groups will also be necessary.
Spatial pattern of Kd(PAR) and its relationship with light absorption of optically active components in inland waters across China

Abstract. The spatial distribution of the attenuation of photosynthetic active radiation (Kd(PAR)) was routinely estimated in China lakes and reservoirs. Higher mean value of Kd(PAR) was observed in Northeastern plain and mountainous region (NER). A linear model is used to predict Kd(PAR), as a function of light absorption coefficient of pigment particulates (aphy), colored dissolved organic matters (aCDOM), and inorganic particulate matters (aNAP): Kd(PAR) = 0.41 + 0.57 × aCDOM + 0.96 × aNAP + 0.57 × aphy (R2 = 0.87, n = 741, p