Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High Signal Intensity on T1-Weighted MR Image Related to Vacuum Cleft in the Intervertebral Disk: Clinical and Phantom Study

Purpose: To determine the possible mechanism by which an area of high signal intensity appears on T1-weighted MR images adjacent to a vacuum cleft in intervertebral disks. Materials and Methods: We analyzed a total of 14 disks in nine patients in whom a vacuum cleft with T1-signal hyperintensity was observed. Lesions were present from T11-12 to L5-S1 using a 1.5-T whole-body imager, sagittal spine-echo T1-weighted and gradient-echo images (flip angle, 20 and 60) were obtained. In order to identify the vacuum cleft, using plain radiographs in all patients and CT scans in two were also ob-tained. A 3% agar-gel block containing empty slits to form a magnetic susceptibility difference, a phantom was designed. The air spaces were 1.6 mm in thickness, 25 mm in width, and 20 to 25 mm in depth with 1.6-mm spacing. Results: In all patients, vacuum clefts were confirmed by plain radiographs and CT scans. At the level containing air, T1-weighted images (both spin-echo and gradient-echo) showed a signal void resulting from the intervertebral disk vacuum cleft. A hyperintense band adjacent to the vacuum cleft was, however, observed. A gradient-echo image with a 60 flip angle showed a brighter signal intensity than one with a 20 angle. Our phantom study gave the same results. Conclusion: The magnetic susceptibility artifact may be responsible for the T1-signal hyperintensity observed adjacent to the vacuum cleft in intervertebral disks. In addition, in order to generate signal hyperintensity, the desiccating disk material must contain a certain amount of water molecules.
An Embedded Programmable Logic Matrix (ePLX) for flexible functions on SoC

In this paper, we propose embedded programmable logic matrix (ePLX) which is suitable for flexible system on chip (SoC). The ePLX architecture is based on the dense two input look-up-table(LUT) array and the hierarchical wiring resources, which are global/local wiring resources and with simple mapping tools. The compile flow of ePLX is also the simple one with the standard design environments, basically. We have verified the advantage of this architecture by programming the function module and mapping the circuits with high usage efficiency and doubling operation speed. The physical architecture of ePLX uses the divided power supply LUT and wiring resources that consists of SRAM with CMOS transfer gate switch elements. These techniques enable to handle the 0.6V level FV controllable programmable devices for the power management SoC. The ePLX can provide the unique additional merits for many applications under the platform design environments.
Impact of violated high‐dose refuge assumptions on evolution of Bt resistance

Transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins have been widely and successfully deployed for the control of target pests, while allowing a substantial reduction in insecticide use. The evolution of resistance (a heritable decrease in susceptibility to Bt toxins) can pose a threat to sustained control of target pests, but a high‐dose refuge (HDR) management strategy has been key to delaying countervailing evolution of Bt resistance. The HDR strategy relies on the mating frequency between susceptible and resistant individuals, so either partial dominance of resistant alleles or nonrandom mating in the pest population itself could elevate the pace of resistance evolution. Using classic Wright‐Fisher genetic models, we investigated the impact of deviations from standard refuge model assumptions on resistance evolution in the pest populations. We show that when Bt selection is strong, even deviations from random mating and/or strictly recessive resistance that are below the threshold of detection can yield dramatic increases in the pace of resistance evolution. Resistance evolution is hastened whenever the order of magnitude of model violations exceeds the initial frequency of resistant alleles. We also show that the existence of a fitness cost for resistant individuals on the refuge crop cannot easily overcome the effect of violated HDR assumptions. We propose a parametrically explicit framework that enables both comparison of various field situations and model inference. Using this model, we propose novel empiric estimators of the pace of resistance evolution (and time to loss of control), whose simple calculation relies on the observed change in resistance allele frequency.
In folly ripe. In reason rotten. Putting machine theology to rest

Computation has changed the world more than any previous expressions of knowledge. In its particular algorithmic embodiment, it offers a perspective, within which the digital computer (one of many possible) exercises a role reminiscent of theology. Since it is closed to meaning, algorithmic digital computation can at most mimic the creative aspects of life. AI, in the perspective of time, proved to be less an acronym for artificial intelligence and more of automating tasks associated with intelligence. The entire development led to the hypostatized role of the machine: outputting nothing else but reality, including that of the humanity that made the machine happen. The convergence machine called deep learning is only the latest form through which the deterministic theology of the machine claims more than what extremely effective data processing actually is. A new understanding of complexity, as well as the need to distinguish between the reactive nature of the artificial and the anticipatory nature of the living are suggested as practical responses to the challenges posed by machine theology.
Non-Linear Dimensionality Reduction With Isomaps

This paper discusses the Isomap method for dimensionality reduction and studies its performance on both artificial and natural datasets. While linear methods for dimensionality reduction such as Principle Component Analysis (PCA) detect a linear subspace of the original domain that represents the data with maximal accuracy, the Isomap method detects the tangent space of a manifold embedded in the original domain. PCA remains globally linear as it simply transforms the data from one vector space into another. Isomap is only locally linear; globally it maps a lowdimensional manifold embedded in a high-dimensional domain into a lower-dimensional vector space by globally aligning the local manifold tangent spaces. The critical precondition for its success is that the sampling frequency of the data is sufficient to avoid ’short-circuits’ in the spatial dissimilarity matrix. This is demonstrated by means of artificial datasets with dimensionality ranging from two (e.g. planar geometry) to several thousand (e.g. images of geometrical models) since they allow absolute control over the sampling frequency. The results of Isomap applied to a natural dataset (pressure images from a foot scan) are much more ambiguous. Since we have no prior knowledge of the ’hidden’ dimensionality of the data we do not know if the sampling frequency is sufficient. The difficulty here lies in differentiating between classification outliers, i.e. atypical samples, and ’unexpected’ degrees of freedom, that may initially seem ’wrong’ if they contradict our expectations.
The antioxidant activity of the essential oils of Artemisia afra, Artemisia abyssinica and Juniperus procera

The essential oils of Artemisia afra Jacq. , Artemisia abyssinica Schultz‐Bip. and Juniperus procera Hoechst ex Endl. were examined for their potential radical scavenging activities. First a rapid evaluation of antioxidants was made using a TLC screening method. The abilities of the volatile oils to act as nonspecific donors for hydrogen atoms or electrons were checked in the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl assay. Oils from all three species showed positive results and were examined further. The oils of A. afra and J. procera were also effective hydroxyl radical scavenging agents when assessed in the deoxyribose degradation assay, whilst oils from A. abyssinica exhibited a paradoxical effect. In the in vitro assay for non‐enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liposomes, the oils of A. afra and J. procera also displayed antioxidant potential. It was not possible to measure the effect of A. abyssinica oil in this system because certain components, e.g. alk‐2‐enals, interfered with the assay. The compounds that contribute to the radical scavenging activities of A. afra and J. procera were identified and then assessed for their effects in the various test systems. Finally, the qualitative and quantitative compositions of the essential oils were studied by GC‐MS. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[Levofloxacin-based triple therapy for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment: a multi-central, randomized, controlled clinical study].

OBJECTIVE To compare efficacy and tolerability of 7-day standard triple therapy versus 7-day levofloxacin-based triple therapy in first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. METHODS Three hundred consecutive H.pylori positive patients were randomized to receive: clarithromycin, amoxicillin, lansoprazole (Group A: n = 150); or amoxicillin, levofloxacin, lansoprazole (Group B: n = 150). H. pylori status was rechecked by (13)C-urea breath test 4 weeks after the end of therapy. RESULTS The eradication rates in intention to treat (ITT) and per protocol (PP) analyses were: Group A, 74.5% (111/149) and 78.2% (111/142); and Group B, 82.4% (122/148) and 83.0%(122/147). Although the eradication rate achieved with levofloxacin-based triple therapy was higher than that with standard therapies in either ITT or PP analysis, but no significantly difference was found between the two triple therapies. The incidence of side effects was similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS A 7-day levofloxacin-based triple therapy can achieve higher H.pylori eradication rate than standard regimen. The levofloxacin-based regimen can be one effective therapy for the first-line anti-H.pylori treatment.
The Effects of a Walking Exercise Program on Fall-Related Fitness, Bone Metabolism, and Fall-Related Psychological Factors in Elderly Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 3-month walking exercise program with ankle weights on fall-related fitness, bone metabolism, and fall-related psychological factors. Fall-related fitness was determined from strength, balance, agility, aerobic endurance, muscle mass, and fat mass measures. Bone metabolism was measured using bone density, hormones, and biochemical markers. Fall-related psychological factors included fear of falling and falls efficacy. A 2 × 2 factorial with repeated measures design was used. All subjects were community-dwelling elderly women who volunteered to participate, and randomly were assigned to either an exercise group (n = 11) or a control group (n = 10). Results revealed significant changes in upper body strength, leg strength, aerobic endurance, and body composition. Additionally, hormones and biochemical markers changed significantly over time. Trunk fat and fear of falling changed differently among the two groups. In conclusion, this study suggests that a 3-month walking exercise program with ankle weights may have positive effects on fall-related fitness, bone metabolism, and fall-related psychological factors.
Are They Emerging Adults or Emerging Adults Who Are University Students? An Investigation Through Risk Taking and Identity Development

The purpose of this study is to make comparison among university students, high school students and nonstudent groups according to evaluation of themselves as adult, identity dimensions and risk taking behavior. The research group consisted of 506 ( 235 female, 271 male) participants. 175 of them are high school students, 182 university of them are students and the 154 are nonstudents. To collect data The Dimensions of Identity Development Scale and Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaire were used. To analyze data One-way ANOVA test was used. According to results, there are significant differences among high school sdudents, university students and nonstudents groups. The results also revealed that nonstudent group didn't showed charecteristic of emerging adulthood period. SUMMARY Purpose and significance: Emerging adulthood is defined as life stage between adolescence and young adulthood. Due to social and economic changes, transition to adulthood prolonged. But it seems convenient especially for university students and it has been invesitigated whether this life stage seen in nonstudents group. The purpose of this study is to make comparison among university students, high school students and nonstudent groups according to evaluation of themselves as adult, identity dimensions and risk taking behavior. Method: The research group consisted of 506 ( 235 female, 271 male) participants. 175 of them high school students, 182 university students and 154 nonstudents. To collect data The Dimensions of Identity Development Scale and Adolescent Risk-Taking Questionnaire were used. To analyze data One-way ANOVA test was used. Results: According to result of this study, most of university students didn't define themselves as adult but most of nonstudents defined themselves as adult. The results of the study revealed that there are significant differences among high school sdudents, university students and nonstudents. In terms of risk taking, university students showed higher risk taking behavior than other two groups. In terms of identity, nonstudents showed higher commitment than other two groups and university students showed higher exploration than other two groups. Discussion and Conclusion: The result of this study revelaed that high school students, university students and nonstudents have different characteristics according to evaluation of themselves as adult, identity dimensions and risk taking behavior. According to the results high school and university period are different from each other and also although they are in same age period university students and nonstudents are different from each other. As a result, only university students may be defined as emerging adults.
Iterative refinement implies numerical stability for Gaussian elimination

Because of scaling problems, Gaussian elimination with pivoting is not always as accurate as one might reasonably expect. It is shown that even a single iteration of iterative refinement in single precision is enough to make Gaussian elimination stable in a very strong sense. Also, it is shown that without iterative refinement row pivoting is inferior to column pivoting in situations where the norm of the residual is important.
High-Efficiency Differential RF Front-End for a Gen2 RFID Tag

This brief proposes the analysis and design of a high-efficiency differential radio-frequency (RF) front-end for electronic-product-code second-generation-compatible RF identification tags. By studying the operating mechanism of an N-stage rectifier using a dynamic compensation technique, we propose a steady-state model to predict its output voltage and power conversion efficiency (PCE). The model gives insight to specify circuit parameters according to different input and load conditions. To compose the RF front-end, the rectifier is designed along with an envelope detector, a voltage regulator, and a backscattering modulator. The RF front-end is implemented in 0.18-μm standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor technology with electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. Both simulation and measurement results verify the proposed steady-state model. The maximum PCE of the RF front-end reaches 43% at -17-dBm incident power.
Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgical treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: long-term outcome and complications.

OBJECT Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with the Gamma Knife (GK) is a rapidly emerging surgical modality in the management of medically refractory idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (TN). The current study examines the long-term outcome in patients with drug-resistant idiopathic TN who underwent GK surgery at the authors' institution. METHODS One hundred and six consecutive patients (38 men and 68 women) with proven medically refractory idiopathic TN were included in this retrospective study. Their ages were 41-82 years (mean 72.3 years). All patients underwent SRS with prescribed maximal radiation doses ranging from 70 to 85 Gy. Isocenters 1-3 were used and plugging was used selectively. The follow-up period was 12-72 months (mean 34.3 months). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their history of previous surgery. RESULTS The initial response rate in patients with no history of previous surgery was 92.9%; in those who had undergone previous surgery, the initial response rate was 85.7%. At the end of the 1st posttreatment year, an excellent outcome was achieved in 82.5% of patients who had not had previous surgery, and in 69.4% of those who had. The respective outcome rates for the 2nd posttreatment year were 78 and 63.5%, respectively. The most common complication was the development of persistent paresthesia, which occurred in 15.8% of patients with no previous surgery and 16.3% of those with previous surgery. CONCLUSIONS Stereotactic radiosurgery with the GK is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with medically refractory idiopathic TN.
The Acetate/ACSS2 Switch Regulates HIF-2 Stress Signaling in the Tumor Cell Microenvironment

Optimal stress signaling by Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2 (HIF-2) during low oxygen states or hypoxia requires coupled actions of a specific coactivator/lysine acetyltransferase, Creb binding protein (CBP), and a specific deacetylase, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). We recently reported that acetylation of HIF-2 by CBP also requires a specific acetyl CoA generator, acetate-dependent acetyl CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2). In this study, we demonstrate that ACSS2/HIF-2 signaling is active not only during hypoxia, but also during glucose deprivation. Acetate levels increase during stress and coincide with maximal HIF-2α acetylation and CBP/HIF-2α complex formation. Exogenous acetate induces HIF-2α acetylation, CBP/HIF-2α complex formation, and HIF-2 signaling. ACSS2 and HIF-2 are required for maximal colony formation, proliferation, migration, and invasion during stress. Acetate also stimulates flank tumor growth and metastasis in mice in an ACSS2 and HIF-2 dependent manner. Thus, ACSS2/CBP/SIRT1/HIF-2 signaling links nutrient sensing and stress signaling with cancer growth and progression in mammals.
Inhibition of Cdk2 activation by selected tyrphostins causes cell cycle arrest at late G1 and S phase.

We have previously reported that certain tyrphostins which block EGF-R phosphorylation in cell-free systems fail to do so in intact cells. Nevertheless, we found that this family of tyrphostins inhibits both EGF- and calf serum-induced cell growth and DNA synthesis [Osherov, N.A. , Gazit, C. , Gilon, and Levitzki, A. (1993). Selective inhibition of the EGF and HER2/Neu receptors by Tyrphostins. J. Biol. Chem. 268, 11134-11142. ] Now we show that these tyrphostins exert their inhibitory activity even when added at a time when the cells have already passed their restriction point and receptor activation is no longer necessary. AG555 and AG556 arrest 85% of the cells at late G1, whereas AG490 and AG494 cause cells to arrest at late G1 and during S phase. No arrest occurs during G2 or M phase. Further analysis revealed that these tyrphostins act by inhibiting the activation of the enzyme Cdk2 without affecting its levels or its intrinsic kinase activity. Furthermore, they do not alter the association of Cdk2 to cyclin E or cyclin A or to the inhibitory proteins p21 and p27. These compounds also have no effect on the activating phosphorylation of Cdk2 by Cdk2 activating kinase (CAK) and no effect on the catalytic domain of cdc25 phosphatase. These compounds lead to the accumulation of phosphorylated Cdk2 on tyrosine 15 which is most probably the cause for its inhibition leading to cell cycle arrest at G1/S. A structure-activity relationship study defines a very precise pharmacophore, suggesting a unique molecular target not yet identified and which is most probably involved in the regulation of the tyrosine-phosphorylated state of Cdk2. These compounds represent a new class of cell proliferation blockers whose target is Cdk2 activation.
Thyroid Hormone Coordinates Respiratory Control Maturation and Adenine Nucleotide Translocator Expression in Heart In Vivo

BackgroundThe signal transduction mechanism linking mitochondrial ATP synthesis with cytosolic ATP utilization in heart changes during postnatal development in vivo. This maturational process occurs in parallel with accumulation of mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT), which provides a possible site for respiratory control. We postulated that thyroid hormone regulates these maturational processes. Methods and ResultsWe used 31P MR spectroscopy to determine the relationship between myocardial high-energy phosphates, phosphocreatine, and ADP and oxygen consumption (M&OV0312;o2) during epinephrine stimulation in 32- to 40-day-old lambs thyroidectomized after birth (THY) and age-matched controls. Steady-state protein and mRNA levels for ANT isoforms and &bgr;-F1-ATPase were assessed from left ventricular tissues by Western and Northern blotting. With greater doses of epinephrine, THY attained lower peak M&OV0312;o2 than controls (P <0.05). Controls maintained high-energy phosphate levels, unlike THY, which demonstrated significantly decreased phosphocreatine/ATP and increased cytosolic ADP despite lower peak M&OV0312;o2. No significant differences in &bgr;-F1-ATPase protein or mRNA occurred between groups. However, ANT isoform mRNA levels were 2-fold greater and protein levels 4-fold greater in control hearts. ConclusionsThese data imply that the maturational shift away from ADP-mediated respiratory control is regulated by thyroid hormone in vivo. Specific thyroid-modulated increases in ANT mRNA and protein imply that this regulation occurs in part at a pretranslational level.
Bank Lending, Financing Constraints and SME Investment

Investment opportunities depend on the level of financing constraints. Earlier research has mainly focused on the controversial argument that cash flow-investment correlations increase with the level of these constraints. We side-step this controversy by focusing on bank loans rather than cash flow based on the argument that access to bank lending reduces financing constraints. We also focus on a subset of firms that are likely more vulnerable to financing constraints, small and mid-sized enterprises. Our results show that bank loans predict investment for unconstrained firms, but not for constrained firms, and trade credit predicts investment, but only for constrained firms.