Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Volumetric assessment of lesion severity with optical coherence tomography: relationship with fractional flow.

AIMS Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) provides a rapid tomographic scan of a coronary vessel, with an accurate reconstruction of its lumen profile. An FD-OCT-based metric that corresponds more closely with physiological significance of lesions may enable more precise guidance of interventional procedures. The aim of this feasibility study was to evaluate a new method for quantifying coronary lesion severity that estimates hyperaemic flow resistance of branched vessel segments imaged by FD-OCT. METHODS AND RESULTS An analytical flow model was developed that relates fractional flow reserve (FFR) to the vascular resistance ratio (VRR), a measure of blood flow resistance derived from volumetric FD-OCT lumen profiles. The VRR-FFR relationship was evaluated in 21 patients on whom both pressure measurement and FD-OCT imaging were performed in a random order during maximal hyperaemia. Lesion severity assessed by VRR showed a stronger linear correlation with FFR measurements (before model optimisation [blinded]: r=0.81; p<0.001; root mean square error [RMSE]=0.095 FFR units; after model optimisation [unblinded]: r=0.91; p<0.001; RMSE=0.066 FFR units) than quantitative coronary angiography and FD-OCT-derived measurements of minimum lumen area (r=0.67; p=0.0012) and per cent area stenosis (r=-0.61; p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS Accurate volumetric measurement of the lumen profile with FD-OCT correlates more closely with FFR than standard metrics derived from single image cross-sections. VRR shows promise as a method for evaluating lesion severity.
Hyponatremia in the 2009 161-km Western States Endurance Run.

PURPOSE To determine the incidence of exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH), the associated biochemical measurements and risk factors for EAH, and whether there is an association between postrace blood sodium concentration ([Na+]) and changes in body mass among participants in the 2009 Western States Endurance Run, a 161-km mountain trail run. METHODS Change in body mass, postrace [Na+], and blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration, and selected runner characteristics were evaluated among consenting competitors. RESULTS Of the 47 study participants, 14 (30%) had EAH as defined by a postrace [Na+] <135 mmol/L. Postrace [Na+] and percent change in body mass were directly related (r = .30, P = .044), and 50% of those with EAH had body mass losses of 3-6%. EAH was unrelated to age, sex, finish time, or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the run, but those with EAH had completed a smaller (P = .03) number of 161-km ultramarathons. The relationship of CPK levels to postrace [Na+] did not reach statistical significance (r = -.25, P = .097). CONCLUSIONS EAH was common (30%) among finishers of this 161-km ultramarathon and it was not unusual for those with EAH to be dehydrated. As such, changes in body mass should not be relied upon in the assessment for EAH during 161-km ultramarathons.
The Secrecy Capacity Region of the Gaussian MIMO Multi-Receiver Wiretap Channel

In this paper, we consider the Gaussian multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) multi-receiver wiretap channel in which a transmitter wants to have confidential communication with an arbitrary number of users in the presence of an external eavesdropper. We derive the secrecy capacity region of this channel for the most general case. We first show that even for the single-input single-output (SISO) case, existing converse techniques for the Gaussian scalar broadcast channel cannot be extended to this secrecy context, to emphasize the need for a new proof technique. Our new proof technique makes use of the relationships between the minimum-mean-square-error and the mutual information, and equivalently, the relationships between the Fisher information and the differential entropy. Using the intuition gained from the converse proof of the SISO channel, we first prove the secrecy capacity region of the degraded MIMO channel, in which all receivers have the same number of antennas, and the noise covariance matrices can be arranged according to a positive semi-definite order. We then generalize this result to the aligned case, in which all receivers have the same number of antennas; however, there is no order among the noise covariance matrices. We accomplish this task by using the channel enhancement technique. Finally, we find the secrecy capacity region of the general MIMO channel by using some limiting arguments on the secrecy capacity region of the aligned MIMO channel. We show that the capacity achieving coding scheme is a variant of dirty-paper coding with Gaussian signals.
A Tree-Based Approach for Addressing Self-Selection in Impact Studies with Big Data

We introduce a tree-based approach for assessing the performance impact of diverse self-selected interventions in management research. Our approach, which takes advantage of "Big Data", or observational data with large sample sizes and a large number of variables, offers important advantages over traditional propensity score matching. In particular, the tree-based approach to assessing the impact of interventions offers a data-driven methodology that applies to a wide range of intervention types (binary, polytomous, continuous), allows for examination of nascent interventions whose selection cannot be theoretically specified a priori, identifies pre-intervention variables that correlate with the self-selected intervention, and presents comparisons of ensuing performance in visuals that are easy to discern and understand. We illustrate the method and the insights that it yields in the context of two studies: analysis of the impact of an eGov service in India, and comparison of performance across different contractual pricing mechanisms and contract durations in the outsourcing of technology and technology-enabled business functions.
The Effects of Internal and External Focus of Attention on Childrens Performance in Vertical Jump Task

The purpose of this present study was to examine the effects of internal and external focus of attention on childrens performance in vertical jump task. Sixteen 8-10 year old (m= 9, ± 0.89) children voluntarily participated in this study. The participants first performed vertical jump task in the control condition, then performed under two conditions in a counterbalanced order: External attentional focus and internal attentional focus. In the control condition, the participants performed vertival jump without giving attentional focus instruction. In the external focus condition, the participant's attention was directed to the rungs of a measurement device, namely, Vertek and in the internal focus condition, their attention was directed to their fingers with which they were to touch the rungs. The participants performed 8 vertical jumps in every three conditions and the hight of their jumps were measured. As we measured repeatedly, the result of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the external focus of attention significantly led to better performance (higher vertical jump) compared to internal focus and control condition. This present study suggests that adopting external attentional focus will improve effectiveness of children's movement in tasks which require maximum force production.
Spatial distribution and rate of potential nitrification activity in two hill country pastures

The purpose of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the effect of increasing fertiliserand excreta-N inputs on the spatial distribution and rate of potential nitrification activity in hill country pasture land at two sites, Invermay and Ballantrae. High nitrification rates could potentially limit N efficiency by increasing N losses through leaching and denitrification. Nitrification potentials (NP) were measured in camp sites and medium slopes of hill country soils receiving 0 kg N and 500 kg N/ha/yr over the previous 18 months. Nitrification potential was determined by calculating the rate of nitrate production (mg NO 3 -N/kg soil/h) by linear regression of soil solution concentrations, versus time. Nitrification potential was significantly higher at Invermay than at Ballantrae, which was likely due to a significantly lower soil pH at Ballantrae. At Invermay, NP increased with fertiliser-N application rate and in camp site soils. The fertiliser N effect was not observed at Ballantrae. However, soil NO 3 -N and NP was significantly greater in soils from camp sites than for soils from medium slopes. Best management practices for fertiliser-N application in hill country should make allowances for these factors to maximise farm efficiency and profitability.
Images of the Cognitive Brain Across Age and Culture

While structural and functional characteristics of the brain are largely similar across individuals, there is also evidence that much neural heterogeneity, both structural and functional, is present between different groups of people. For example, some individuals have greater regional brain volumes and thicknesses than others, and neural activity in response to the same stimuli varies across different individuals as well. Moreover, neural structure and function are temporally dynamic, showing changes across the human lifespan. Understanding how such neural heterogeneity arises between different individuals over the human lifespan is important for uncovering factors that influence developmental trajectories from adulthood to advanced age. In this article, we consider two general sources that contribute to neural heterogeneity over the adult lifespan – age-related biological changes and culture-related differences in external experience. Over the human lifespan, biological processes related to brain structural integrity and neurobiological function change from adulthood to advanced aging (Goh, 2011; Goh & Park, 2009a; Park & Goh, 2009; Park & Reuter-Lorenz, 2009). In brief, aging has been associated with shrinkage of gray matter volume and thickness, reductions in white matter integrity, reductions in neurogenesis, and dysregulation of neuromodulatory mechanisms such as neurotransmitter action and synaptic communication. These age-related neurobiological changes have been associated with age-related changes in cognitive processing that is generally characterized by lower performance in tests of cognitive flexibility, fidelity, and speed in older adults compared to younger adults. Functionally, aging is associated with a decrease in the selectivity of brain responses to different types of stimuli as well as an increase in engagement of frontal regions. Importantly, it has been suggested that because age-related neurobiological changes tend to level off individual differences, neural differences between older adult individuals may be reduced compared to younger adult individuals (Baltes & Lindenberger, 1997; Park & Gutchess, 2002; Park et al., 1999; Park et al., 2004; Park & Gutchess, 2006). Thus, along with lower cognitive behavioral performance, aging may also be associated with greater, albeit compromised, similarity in brain structure and function across individuals. Over the lifespan as well, individuals undergo different life experiences such as culturally different social and cognitive environments that emphasize dissociable ways of processing information (Nisbett, 2003; Nisbett & Masuda, 2003; Nisbett et al., 2001). For example,
Isoprostanes, Prostaglandins and Tocopherols in Pre-eclampsia, Normal Pregnancy and Non-pregnancy

This study is designed to evaluate whether oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in severe pre-eclampsia compared to normal pregnancy and non-pregnancy. We have measured plasma and urinary levels of 8-iso-PGF2α, a major isoprostane as an indicator of oxidative stress; plasma and urinary 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2α, a major metabolite of cyclooxygenase-catalysed PGF2α as an indicator of inflammatory response, and plasma -α-and -γ-tocopherol in 18 pre-eclamptic, 19 normal pregnancy and 20 non-pregnant women. Pregnant women had significantly higher levels of 8-iso-PGF2α and PGF2α metabolite as compared to the non-pregnancy. Levels of 8-iso-PGF2α in the pre-eclamptic women did not differ from the normal pregnancy but PGF2α metabolite levels were significantly higher in normal pregnancy. On the other hand, γ-tocopherol levels were significantly lower in pre-eclampsia than normal pregnancy. In contrast, the concentration of α-tocopherol was very similar between the groups. α-and γ-tocopherol levels were significantly lower in pregnancy compared to non-pregnancy. Although no direct evidence of oxidative stress and inflammatory response was observed in severe pre-eclampsia, a reduction of γ-tocopherol suggests the possible precedence of oxidative stress in this condition. Higher levels of isoprostanes and prostaglandin metabolite in late pregnancy suggest the importance of both free radicals and cyclooxygenase-catalysed oxidation products in normal biological processes of pregnancy.
A Pilot Computer Science and Programming Course for Primary School Students

Computer Science and programming are being introduced to school curricula in many western countries in an effort to equip students with Computational Thinking skills. However, as these subjects are still relatively new to pre-tertiary education there is much investigation to be done into how best to present these topics and how to prepare teachers. In this study we focus on the presentation of topics relating to computing, Computational Thinking, and Computer Science for primary schools. We analyse English-language curricula that have been published, specifically the English, Australian and CSTA curricula for primary schools. From this we establish the main topics covered, and how they are positioned to be suitable for students from the first year of school to approximately their eighth year. We then report on a pilot study of a curriculum based on Computational Thinking; long term the study will encompass a range of topics and year levels, but the pilot focused on topics suitable for 11 to 12 year old students. Here we detail the design of this part of the curriculum, the manner of its delivery, and the experiences and observations of the generalist teacher who taught the course. Through assessment data, student responses to an attitude survey, and class observations we have evaluated the pilot curriculum. The findings of this study are being used to inform the design of a planned larger scale study.
Characterization of tumor infiltrating Natural Killer cell subset

The presence of tumor-infiltrating Natural Killer (NK) within a tumor bed may be indicative of an ongoing immune response toward the tumor. However, many studies have shown that an intense NK infiltration, is associated with advanced disease and may even facilitate cancer development. The exact role of the tumor infiltrating NK cells and the correlation between their presence and poor prognosis remains unclear. Interestingly, during pregnancy high numbers of a specific NK subset, CD56brightCD16dim, are accumulated within first trimester deciduas. These decidual NK (dNK) cells are unique in their gene expression pattern secret angiogenic factors that induce vascular growth. In the present study we demonstrate a significant enrichment of a CD56brighCD16dim NK cells within tumors. These NK cells express several dNK markers including VEGF. Hence, this study adds new insights into the identity of tumor residual NK cells, which has clear implications for the treatment of human cancer.
On the COSMO-SkyMed PingPong Mode to Observe Metallic Targets at Sea

A dual-polarimetric model to exploit X-band COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) dual-polarimetric PingPong mode synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data for metallic target observation purposes is first developed. The model relates the correlation between the copolarized channels, in case of sea surface with and without metallic targets, to the time offset between bursts related to the HH and VV polarimetric channels. Following this theoretical rationale, a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) approach is implemented to first exploit CSK PingPong full-resolution SAR data for target observation purposes. Experiments undertaken over a large data set of COSMO-SkyMed single look complex slant (SCS) PingPong HH/VV SAR data demonstrate the physical soundness of the approach and its effectiveness from an operational viewpoint. A whole CSK SAR scene is processed in about 10 s. Furthermore, the dual-polarization approach is also compared with a conventional single-polarization CFAR one and it is shown to perform best.
How interest groups influence public opinion: Arguments matter more than the sources

Abstract Through what mechanism do interest groups shape public opinion on concrete policies? In this article, three hypotheses are proposed that distinguish between the effect of the arguments conveyed by interest groups and the effect of interest groups as source cues. Two survey experiments on the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TIPP) and the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change allow the testing of these hypotheses. The resulting evidence from several countries shows that, with respect to interest groups’ attempts at shaping public opinion, arguments matter more than their sources. This is so even when accounting for people's trust in the interest groups that serve as source cues and for people's level of information about a policy. The finding that interest groups affect public opinion via arguments rather than as source cues has implications for the literature on elite influence on public opinion and the normative evaluation of interest group activities.
Effect of Nitrogen Application Rates on Yield and Quality in Irrigated and Rainfed Cotton

Studies on the effect of nitrogen (N) application rates on lint yield and fiber quality in irrigated and rainfed cotton were conducted for two years. In 2013, cotton was planted in 48 plots. Twenty-four plots were irrigated and the other 24 pots were rainfed. Six N application rates (0, 39, 67, 101, 135, and 168 kg/ha) with four replicates were randomly assigned to the irrigated and rainfed plots. In 2014, five N treatments (0, 56, 112, 168, and 224 kg/ha) with four replicates were assigned to 20 irrigated plots. Effect of N application rates on cotton lint yield was significant in 2014 (p = 0.0196), but not in 2013. Yield showed a quadratic relationship with leaf N content in irrigated cotton in both 2013 (p = 0.0268) and 2014 (p = 0.0099). Correlation between leaf N and yield of rainfed cotton was not significant in 2013. Leaf N of irrigated cotton in 2014 had significant correlation with fiber length (p = 0.0037), UQL (p = 0.0001), and UHML (p < 0.0001). Yellowness was linearly related with leaf N content. Fiber strength showed a linear relationship with leaf N in 2013 rainfed cotton (p = 0.0495), a quadratic relationship with irrigated cotton in 2013 (p = 0.0231) and 2014 (p = 0.0365). Overuse of nitrogen fertilizer in cotton could result in loss of yield and fiber quality. When the fiber quality from irrigated cotton was compared with rainfed cotton, irrigation increased lint yield by 26% and fiber length by 2%.
The Role of Accumbal Hypoactivity in Cocaine Addiction.

Cocaine-induced hypoactivity of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) is hypothesized to contribute to cocaine addiction. There are two important questions related to this hypothesis. First, cocaine addiction is characterized by an increase in drug-directed behavior and a simultaneous weakening of other motivated behaviors. However, the NAC contributes to both drug- and nondrug-directed behavior. Moreover, the nature of the contributions is similar and associated predominantly with excitatory phasic firing patterns. Given these observations it is not clear how hypoactivity of NAC neurons might contribute to the behaviors that characterize cocaine addiction. Second, various types of investigations have documented neurochemical and molecular adaptations that could underlie NAC hypoactivity. However, there is also evidence of other adaptations in the NAC, and in NAC afferents, which are expected to have an excitatory influence on NAC neural activity. In the present review we will briefly overview these issues. We will also describe a hypothesis, and related empirical evidence, that may contribute to answering these questions. Further investigation of the issues and the hypothesis may contribute to a better understanding of the neuroadaptations that contribute to cocaine addiction.
The histone demethylase RBP2 Is overexpressed in gastric cancer and its inhibition triggers senescence of cancer cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The aberrant expression of histone-modifying enzymes such as histone deacetylases contributes to oncogenesis. It is unclear whether RBP2, a newly identified histone demethylase, is involved in cancer development/progression. We determined RBP2 expression in gastric cancer and its biologic function in cancer cells. METHODS Cancerous and matched normal gastric specimens from 42 patients with gastric cancer were analyzed for RBP2 expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Gene expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting and depleted with small interference RNA. Clonogenesis and cellular senescence were examined by foci formation and beta-Galactosidase staining. Promoter activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to detect RBP2 and methylated histone H3-K4 on promoters. RESULTS RBP2 messenger RNA and protein expression were increased in 71.5% (30/42) and 100% (20/20) of gastric cancer specimens, respectively. Significantly diminished foci numbers coupled with massive senescence/growth arrest and elevated expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs) p21(CIP1), p27(kip1), and/or p16(ink4a) occurred in RBP2-depleted gastric and cervical cancer cells. RBP2 depletion-mediated senescence and clonogenic defect were attenuated by inhibiting p21(CIP1) or p27(kip1) expression. The promoter activity of all 3 CDKIs genes was enhanced by RBP2 inhibition. RBP2 occupied these promoters in control cells, and the loss of RBP2 occupancy was accompanied by enhanced H3-K4 trimethylation following RBP2 depletion. CONCLUSIONS RBP2 is overexpressed in gastric cancer, and its inhibition triggers senescence of malignant cells at least partially by derepressing its target genes CDKIs. Histone demethylase inhibition by targeting RBP2 may be an anticancer strategy.
Risk Factors, Copula Dependence and Risk Sensitivity of a Large Portfolio

In this paper, we propose a flexible tool to estimate the risk sensitivity of a high-dimensional portfolio composed of different classes of assets, especially in extreme risk circumstances. We build a so-called Cvine Risk Factors Model (CRFM), which is a non-linear version of a risk factor model in a copula framework. Our tool allows us to decompose the risk of any asset and any portfolio into specific risk directions depending on the context. As an application, we compare the sensitivity of different types of portfolios to extreme risks. We also give an example of a view-type analysis as usually performed by portfolio managers who examine what their portfolio becomes under specific circumstances: here we examine the case of a low inflation context. These analyses allow us to detect changes in the diversification opportunities over time.