Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Atrial Electrogram Fractionation Distribution before and after Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Human Persistent Atrial Fibrillation—A Retrospective Multivariate Statistical Analysis

Purpose: Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE)-guided ablation after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been used for persistent atrial fibrillation (persAF) therapy. This strategy has shown suboptimal outcomes due to, among other factors, undetected changes in the atrial tissue following PVI. In the present work, we investigate CFAE distribution before and after PVI in patients with persAF using a multivariate statistical model. Methods: 207 pairs of atrial electrograms (AEGs) were collected before and after PVI respectively, from corresponding LA regions in 18 persAF patients. Twelve attributes were measured from the AEGs, before and after PVI. Statistical models based on multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) have been used to characterize the atrial regions and AEGs. Results: PVI significantly reduced CFAEs in the LA (70 vs. 40%; P < 0.0001). Four types of LA regions were identified, based on the AEGs characteristics: (i) fractionated before PVI that remained fractionated after PVI (31% of the collected points); (ii) fractionated that converted to normal (39%); (iii) normal prior to PVI that became fractionated (9%) and; (iv) normal that remained normal (21%). Individually, the attributes failed to distinguish these LA regions, but multivariate statistical models were effective in their discrimination (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our results have unveiled that there are LA regions resistant to PVI, while others are affected by it. Although, traditional methods were unable to identify these different regions, the proposed multivariate statistical model discriminated LA regions resistant to PVI from those affected by it without prior ablation information.
Why support International redistribution? Corruption and public support for aid in the eurozone

What factors explain public support for international redistribution? While the European Union has sent billions of taxpayers' money to over indebted euro countries in an attempt to avoid an economic collapse, these transfers have encountered fierce resistance among both donor and recipient constituents. However, we know surprisingly little about why citizens support or oppose redistribution within the EU. This paper suggests that domestic levels of corruption and institutional quality may be one of the most important explanations for the great variation in public support for financial assistance, bailouts and aid. Using recent European Elections Survey data merged with data on regional level quality of government, we show that the effects of institutional quality are consistently stronger than macro-economic factors, including economic development, inequality or levels of public debt. We find strong evidence that citizens in low corrupt contexts are more likely to support financial assistance to fellow member states. The results have implications for future challenges in securing public support for EU economic integration as well as for our understanding of how and why corruption undermines society's collective action capacity.
The Evolution of Security Prices Is Not Stochastic but Governed by a Physicomathematical Law

Since Bachelier's thesis in 1900 (laying the foundation of the stochastic process, or Brownian motion, as a model of stock price changes), attempts at understanding the nature of prices and at predicting them have failed. Statistical methods have only found minor regularities/anomalies, and other mathematical and physical approaches do not work. This leads researchers to consider that the evolution of security prices is basically random, and, thus, inherently not predictable. We show that the evolution of security prices is not a stochastic process but largely deterministic and governed by a physical law. The law takes the form of a physicomathematical theory centered around a purely mathematical function, unrelated to models and statistical methods. It can be described as an "isodense" network of moving regression curves of an order greater than or equal to 1. The salient aspect of the function is that, when inputting a time series of any security into the function, new mathematical objects emerge spontaneously, and these objects exhibit the unique property of attracting and repelling the quantity. The graphical representation of the function is called a "topological network" due to the preeminence of shapes over metrics, and the emergent objects are called "characteristic figures" (mainly "cords"). The attraction and repulsion of the price by the cords results in the price bouncing from cord to cord. Thus, the price has to be considered as driven by the cords in a semi-deterministic manner (leaning towards deterministic). With a function that describes the evolution of the price, we now understand the reason behind each price movement and can also predict prices both qualitatively and quantitatively. The function is universal, does not rely on any fitting, and, due to its extreme sensitivity, reveals the hidden order in financial time series data that existing research never uncovered.
An Updated Weight of the Evidence Evaluation of Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Low Doses of Bisphenol A

There is controversy over whether low doses of bisphenol A (BPA, CAS no. 80-05-7) cause reproductive and developmental effects in humans. We update the 2004 weight-of-evidence assessment of an expert panel convened by Harvard's Center for Risk Analysis by critically evaluating over 50 additional studies published between April 2002 and February 2006 that examine in vivo reproductive and developmental toxicity in mammals at doses ≤5 mg/kg-d. Our findings are consistent with the Harvard study: some statistically significant findings in rats and mice exist but they are generally countered by more numerous studies showing no effect for similar endpoints. No effect is marked or consistent across species, doses, and time points. Some mouse studies report morphological changes in testes and sperm and some non-oral mouse studies report morphological changes in female reproductive organs. Owing to lack of first-pass metabolism, results from non-oral studies are of limited relevance to oral human exposure. Human biomonitoring indicates exposures lower than the “low” doses in the reviewed animal studies. Reports of human health impact are very limited and inconsistent. Taken together, the weight of evidence does not support the hypothesis that low oral doses of BPA adversely affect human reproductive and developmental health.
Urban(izing) University Strategic Planning: An Analysis of London and New York City

While there is a growing recognition of the mutually beneficial relationships universities and cities can forge around local and regional development, urban and academic leaders have often struggled to harness the diverse capacities of universities as producers and analysts of urban space. This article addresses this challenge by examining the institutional and spatial strategies being prioritized by universities in the context of global urbanization. It details a Lefebvrian-influenced conceptual and methodological approach to evaluate the multifaceted, multiscalar urban(izing) functions of “universities in urban society. ” Comparatively assessing the organizational structures, spatial orientations, and ways of operating being pursued by universities in London and New York City reveals the scope—and variation—of university urbanism within and across global urban higher education systems. The empirical analysis points toward the need for adaptive approaches through which urban actors can leverage universities in the analysis and governance of urban processes. Conclusions are drawn for public policy and university outreach.
VirB7 Lipoprotein Is Exocellular and Associates with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens T Pilus

ABSTRACT Agrobacterium tumefaciens transfers oncogenic T-DNA and effector proteins to plant cells via a type IV secretion pathway. This transfer system, assembled from the products of the virBoperon, is thought to consist of a transenvelope mating channel and the T pilus. When screened for the presence of VirB and VirE proteins, material sheared from the cell surface of octopine strain A348 was seen to possess detectable levels of VirB2 pilin, VirB5, and the VirB7 outer membrane lipoprotein. Material sheared from the cell surface of mostvirB gene deletion mutants also possessed VirB7, but not VirB2 or VirB5. During purification of the T pilus from wild-type cells, VirB2, VirB5, and VirB7 cofractionated through successive steps of gel filtration chromatography and sucrose density gradient centrifugation. A complex containing VirB2 and VirB7 was precipitated from a gel filtration fraction enriched for T pilus with both anti-VirB2 and anti-VirB7 antiserum. Both the exocellular and cellular forms of VirB7 migrated as disulfide-cross-linked dimers and monomers when samples were electrophoresed under nonreducing conditions. A mutant synthesizing VirB7 with a Ser substitution of the lipid-modified Cys15 residue failed to elaborate the T pilus, whereas a mutant synthesizing VirB7 with a Ser substitution for the disulfide-reactive Cys24 residue produced very low levels of T pilus. Together, these findings establish that the VirB7 lipoprotein localizes exocellularly, it associates with the T pilus, and both VirB7 lipid modification and disulfide cross-linking are important for T-pilus assembly. T-pilus-associated VirB2 migrated in nonreducing gels as a monomer and a disulfide-cross-linked homodimer, whereas cellular VirB2 migrated as a monomer. A strain synthesizing a VirB2 mutant with a Ser substitution for the reactive Cys64 residue elaborated T pilus but exhibited an attenuated virulence phenotype. Dithiothreitol-treated T pilus composed of native VirB2 pilin and untreated T pilus composed of the VirB2C64S mutant pilin distributed in sucrose gradients more predominantly in regions of lower sucrose density than untreated, native T pili. These findings indicate that intermolecular cross-linking of pilin monomers is not required for T-pilus production, but cross-linking does contribute to T-pilus stabilization.
Exploring the Job Demands–Resources Model of Work Engagement in Government: Bringing in a Psychological Perspective

Work engagement refers to an active energetic state of mind that is characterized by vigor, dedication, and absorption. Despite practitioner’s attention for work engagement, few public administration scholars have studied public servants’ work engagement empirically. The goal of this study is to extend the job demands–resources (JD-R) model of work engagement using insights from the public administration literature. The analysis of a large-scale survey (N = 9,465) shows that (a) work and personal resources, including public service motivation, are positively related to work engagement; (b) red tape moderates these relationships; and (c) work engagement mediates the relationship between JD-R and job outcomes. In conclusion, public organizations can potentially increase work engagement and inherently employee outcomes by increasing work-related resources (autonomy, cooperation with colleagues) and selecting personnel with a proactive personality and high levels of public service motivation.
Comparison of Refractive Error Measures by the IRX3 Aberrometer and Autorefraction

Purpose To compare the aberrometry-derived refractive error measurements from the IRX3 aberrometer (Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France) with a standardized measure of refractive error from the Shin-Nippon SRW-5000 (Japan) autorefractor in a large sample of school-aged children. Methods Participants were a subgroup of children from the Northern Ireland Childhood Errors of Refraction Study phase 2 (n = 161 9 to 10 years; n = 147 15 to 16 years). Refractive error was measured under cycloplegia (1.0% cyclopentolate HCl) with the IRX3 aberrometer followed by measurement with the Shin-Nippon autorefractor. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals and limits of agreement were calculated for refractive vector components (M, J0, and J45). Results Participants had a wide range of refractive error ranging from −6.00 to +8.00 diopters (D) spherical equivalent refraction. Fixed measurement biases (±95% confidence interval) between instruments were small for both groups (9- to 10-year-olds: M, −0.20 ± 0.65 D; J0, −0.005 D; J45, 0.05 D; 15- to 16-year-olds: M, 0.03 ± 0.61 D; J0, −0.04 D; J45, −0.02 D). Statistically significant differences were found between instruments for M and J45 for the 9- to 10-year-old group (p < 0.0001) and for J0 for the 15- to 16-year-old group (p = 0.003). A statistically significant proportional measurement bias was found for the cylindrical components J0 and J45 for both groups (p < 0.0001), but no statistically significant proportional bias was found for M for either group. Conclusions This is the first study to explore refractive error measurements from the IRX3 aberrometer in children. The differences between instruments for all refractive components (M, J0, and J45) were small for both groups (<0.25 D) and may not be considered clinically meaningful. Levels of agreement were also comparable to other studies investigating the validity of instruments measuring automated refraction in both adults and children. The results would suggest that these objective techniques produce similar results for assessment of refractive error in children.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of HIV-1 Group O-Infected Patients in Cameroun

Objective:To define a routine algorithm for the specific diagnosis and complete follow-up of HIV-1 group O (HIV-O) infections in Cameroun. Methods:During 18 months, samples referred to Centre Pasteur du Cameroun for HIV testing or viral monitoring were screened for HIV-O infection with an in-house serotyping assay. HIV-O viral load was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the LTR gene and resistance genotyping was performed on pol and env sequences. Results:Of the 7030 samples tested, 78 HIV-O infections (1.1%) were identified, including 7 M and O dually seroreactive samples (9%). All treatment-naive patients and 59% of the patients receiving HAART had detectable viral loads. Analysis of pol sequences from 15 treatment-naive patients revealed a high number of polymorphisms in the protease region, with natural residues implicated in genotypic resistance to tipranavir and saquinavir for HIV-1 group M according to the Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le Sida et les Hépatites virales algorithm. Six patients (40%) harbored the 181C mutation conferring natural resistance to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Among antiretroviral-treated patients, major resistance mutations described for HIV-1 group M were found. Conclusions:HIV-O prevalence remains relatively low in Cameroun. The cocirculation of groups M and O in this country leads to replicative dual infections. HIV-O-infected patients in this region can now benefit from effective and specific tools for a complete monitoring of infection. However, further studies are needed to understand long-term response to antiretrovirals of these complex variants.
Separation of proteins from stressed rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaf tissues by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: Induction of pathogenesis‐related and cellular protectant proteins by jasmonic acid, UV irradiation and copper chloride

We have used three kinds of stresses, including the signaling compound jasmonic acid, an environmental stressor, UV irradiation, and a heavy metal salt copper chloride, to study changes in the protein patterns in rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaf tissues using two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, instead of using lysis buffer containing urea (O'Farrell, J. Biol. Chem. 1975, 250, 4007—4021) for extraction of proteins from rice seedling tissues, we used Tris‐HCl buffer (commonly used for extraction of proteins for separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) for extraction of proteins and resolved these extracted proteins by the usual method of O'Farrell. Furthermore, the induction of a large number of proteins was clearly observed over controls. No spots corresponding to these induced proteins were found in the control experiment, indicating qualitative changes in protein patterns after various stress treatments. A total of 12 out of 13 proteins could be N‐terminally sequenced from jasmonic acid‐treated rice leaf tissues, and one protein was sequenced from UV‐irradiated leaf tissues. These proteins showed high homology to pathogenesis‐related (thaumatin‐like protein, a PR5 class protein; a beta‐1,3‐glucanase precursor; an intracellular PR protein encoded by PBZ1 gene, and an antifungal protein) and cellular protectant (glutathione transferase, EC 2.5.1.18; and ascorbate peroxidase) proteins, from plants, including rice. Results presented here suggest a role for jasmonic acid in the self‐defense mechanisms of rice plants.
Association Study of BMP4, IL6, Leptin, MMP3, and MTNR1B Gene Promoter Polymorphisms and Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design. A genetic association study was performed on 126 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and 197 healthy controls from independent Hungarian pedigrees. Objective. To reveal implication of promoter polymorphisms of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), interleukin-6 (IL6), leptin, matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), melatonin 1B receptor (MTNR1B) genes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Combinatorial association of these candidate genes was also studied to detect additive effect of certain single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) patterns. Summary of Background Data. It was previously unraveled that IL6, MMP3, and MTNR1B genes could be considered as predisposition genes of AIS. Since BMP4 and leptin play a central role in bone formation and remodeling and are in direct interaction with melatonin, IL6, and MMP3, these also can be potential predisposition genes. Methods. The genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results. At a single gene level, no significant differences were found for allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphisms of these genes between cases or controls; therefore, the formerly detected association of IL6, MMP3, and MTNR1B with AIS was not confirmed in the Hungarian population by independent SNP analysis. However, significantly increased AIS risk was observed at particular combinations of genotypes of paired SNPs of the candidate genes. Conclusions. The genetic effect of promoter polymorphisms of BMP4, IL6, leptin, MMP3, and MTNR1B can be synergistic for susceptibility to AIS. The combinatorial effect can modulate the final biological impact of many susceptibility polymorphisms; therefore, this should be considered at the comparison of results from case-control studies of different populations.
Imagining Real and Unreal Things: Evidence of a Dissociation in Autism

Current theories of visual imagery hold that the same neural processes govern both the representation of real objects and the representation of imagined (but real) objects. Here we test whether the representation of imagined (real) objects and the representation of imagined (but unreal) objects depend on the same or different neurocognitive processes. A likely clinical group for a dissociation between these two types of imagination are children with autism, since they show deficits in imaginative play, impoverished imagination is part of their diagnosis, but they can search for hidden objects. The present study explored imagination in autism using experimental methods. Experiment 1 investigated if children with autism could introduce changes to their representations of people and houses, using Karmiloff-Smith's (1989) technique of asking children to draw impossible people or houses. Results showed that children with autism were significantly worse than matched controls in their ability to introduce unreal changes to their representations of people and houses. Instead, they tended to draw real people or objects. Experiment 2 investigated whether the performance in Experiment 1 by children with autism was due to an inability to disengage from real world representations, as executive dysfunction theorists would argue. To do this, the experimenter instructed them on what to draw and how to draw it. Results showed that even when executive control passed to the experimenter in this way, the children with autism were still significantly impaired in their ability to draw imaginary but unreal things relative to the matched controls. Experiment 3 investigated whether the results from Experiments 1 and 2 arose because of a generativity deficit in autism, which might be the executive dysfunction theorists' alternative account. To test this, the same subjects were given a test of Verbal Fluency and a test of imagining multiple functions of a brick. Results showed that the children with autism were no worse than clinical controls in their ability to generate ideas about real objects, suggesting that a global generativity deficit cannot explain the previous findings. Rather, these results point to a specific impairment in the ability to imagine unreal objects. This is discussed in terms of its possible neural dissociability from other kinds of imagery, and in terms of its possible relationship to theory of mind.
[Use of optical coherence tomography to measure prevalence of epiretinal membranes in patients referred for cataract surgery].

PURPOSE To evaluate, using optical coherence tomography (OCT), the prevalence of epiretinal membranes (ERM) in patients referred for phacoemulsification, and the frequency of new ERM development in the first six months after surgery. METHODS Patients referred by general ophthalmologists for cataract surgery underwent a new, complete ophthalmological evaluation. OCT scanning was performed using the Macular Thickness Map acquisition protocol (StratusOCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec). This baseline examination was used to determine the prevalence of ERM in patients referred for cataract surgery. All patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification. If an ERM was already present in one eye, the other eye was chosen for cataract surgery. If no ERM was present, the eye with the poorest visual acuity was operated. Operated eyes were followed-up for six months in order to study the influence of phacoemulsification on the development of ERM. RESULTS Forty-five patients were prospectively evaluated. In the baseline visit, ERM were detected by OCT in 7 patients (15.6%). Both eyes were affected in one patient, with the ERM being apparent on funduscopy only in her left eye. Fundus examination was unremarkable in all other cases. After six months follow-up, no new cases of epiretinal membranes were detected in the eyes that had undergone phacoemulsification, neither by fundus evaluation nor by OCT. CONCLUSIONS Epiretinal membranes, previously thought to be secondary to cataract surgery, may be present before phacoemulsification and can be diagnosed by OCT.