Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reconciling transfer synchronization and service regularity: real-time control strategies using passenger data

ABSTRACT Real-time holding control strategies are implemented, among other reasons, in order to protect transfers. In the context of high-frequency services, there is a need to reconcile between striving for single-line regularity and synchronizing inter-line arrivals. Their operationalization depends on the predictions regarding passenger flows across the network. We examine the influence of real-time passenger data on the performance of transfer synchronization control. To this end, we develop two real-time transfer synchronization controllers which make use of different passenger data sources. The controllers differ in their assumptions concerning capacity constraints as well as on-board crowding conditions. The results show that each transferring passenger saves on average 2–10 min thanks to the proposed strategy, while on-board passengers experience a delay of 1–2 min each in most cases. The highest time saving per transferring passenger is obtained when the demand level is low and the controller opts for synchronizing more frequently. Highlights Rule-based holding controller selects transfer synchronization or line regularity The impact of different passenger data on controller performance is investigated On-board crowding conditions are considered by the real-time controller On-board occupancy is the most valuable real-time passenger data source
Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells Produce Dopamine and Survive after Implantation into the Striatum of a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease: A Potential Source of Donor for Transplantation Therapy

We have recently found that human amniotic epithelial (HAE) cells synthesize catecholamines including dopamine (DA). The present study was designed to explore the possibility of HAE cells to serve as a donor for transplantation therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, we investigated their ability to produce DA in vitro and the survival and function of HAE cells grafted into a rat model of PD. RT-PCR and Western blotting revealed that HAE cells express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA and protein, respectively. TH-immunohistochemistry on cultured HAE cells demonstrated that around 10% of the total cells are immunopositive for this protein. The production of DA by HAE cells was increased with time in the presence of L-tyrosine and BH(4), and was abolished with a specific TH inhibitor, alpha-methyl-rho-tyrosine. Dissociated HAE cells transduced with the Escherichia coli LacZ marker gene (beta-gal) were implanted into the previously DA-depleted striatum of immunosuppressed rats. Two weeks postgrafting HAE grafts were demonstrated to survive without overgrowth, as evidenced by the presence of beta-gal-positive cells and TH-immunoreactive cells within the grafts. The grafts also provided partial amelioration of apomorphine-induced rotational asymmetry. The results clearly indicate that HAE cells capable of producing DA can survive and function in the brain of a rat model of PD. Although DA replacement therapy of PD could possibly be achieved with implantation of HAE cells, further studies are needed to develop strategies to enhance the ability of HAE cells to produce DA as well as the graft survival.
Neurofibromatosis 2 leads to higher incidence of strabismological and neuro‐ophthalmological disorders

Purpose: Ophthalmic features of neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) include juvenile cataract, retinal hamartomas and tumours of the cranial nerves. We hypothesize that these tumours lead to strabismological and neuro‐ophthalmological symptoms, including palsies of cranial nerves III, IV and VI, nystagmus and gaze palsies.
An Analysis of the Policy Environment Surrounding Noncommunicable Diseases Risk Factor Surveillance in Kenya

Kenya is a developing country in sub-Saharan Africa, facing a triple disease burden, with an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs); uncontained infectious diseases; coupled with significant morbidity and mortality from environmental causes such as droughts and flooding. The limelight has been on infectious diseases, leaving few resources for NCDs. As NCDs start to gain attention, it is becoming apparent that essential information on their epidemiology and risk factor trends—key in evidence-based decision-making—is lacking. As a consequence, policies have long relied on information derived from unreliable data sources such as vital registries and facility-level data, and unrepresentative data from small-scale clinical and academic research. This study analyzed the health policy aspects of NCD risk factor surveillance in Kenya, describing barriers to the successful design and implementation of an NCD risk factor surveillance system, and suggests a strategy best suited for the Kenyan situation. A review of policy documents and publications was augmented by a field-study consisting of interviews of key informants identified as stakeholders. Findings were analyzed using the Walt and Gilson policy analysis triangle. Findings attest that no population baseline NCD burden or risk factor data was available, with a failed WHO STEPs survey in 2005, to be undertaken in 2013. Despite the continued mention of NCD surveillance and the highlighting of its importance in various policy documents, a related strategy is yet to be established. Hurdles ranged from a lack of political attention for NCDs and competing public interests, to the lack of an evidence-based decision making culture and the impact of aid dependency of health programs. Progress in recognition of NCDs was noted and the international community and civil society's contribution to these achievements documented. While a positive outlook on the future of NCD surveillance were encountered, it is noteworthy that overcoming policy and structural hurdles for continued success is imperative.
Nulliparous teenagers and preterm birth in California

Abstract Background: Young maternal age is one of the numerous risk factors for delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, yet the mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between teenagers and the risk of preterm birth (PTB) in a large and recent cohort study. Methods: We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using 2007–2011 California birth certificate records linked with hospital discharge indices and United States census data for nulliparous 13–20 year olds who gave birth to singletons. Maternal age was examined categorically at 1 year intervals. PTB was defined as delivery at <37 weeks of gestation with further distinction between <32 and 32–36 weeks, and between spontaneous and medically indicated deliveries. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for PTB. Results: The prevalence of PTB was highest among the youngest (13 year olds, 14.5%) and lowest among the oldest (20 year olds, 6.7%). After adjusting for maternal and paternal race/ethnicity, paternal age, initiation of prenatal care, source of payment, pre-pregnancy body-mass-index (BMI), height, smoking, and poverty; young mothers of ages 13, 14, 15, and 16 years had increased odds for spontaneous PTB at <32 weeks [OR (CI): 3.76 (1.83–7.75), 1.65 (1.10–2.48), 1.55 (1.24–1.93), 1.19 (1.00–1.42), respectively] compared to 20 year olds. All teenagers, excluding 19 year olds, had elevated odds of spontaneous PTB at 32–36 weeks. Conclusions: Nulliparous teenagers were at increased risk for spontaneous PTB, especially those 16 years or younger. Medically indicated PTB was not associated with young age.
Are specific dependence criteria necessary for different substances: how can research on cannabis inform this issue?

AIMS Research on cannabis dependence is used to comment on the similarities and differences among the substance dependence disorders, and to address the issue of whether specific versus generic substance dependence diagnostic criteria might offer the most fruitful approach to diagnosis. If cannabis dependence can be diagnosed and characterized adequately using the extant generic Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) dependence criteria, then one could argue that these diagnostic guidelines are valid and of high utility for substances with more well-accepted dependence syndromes. METHODS A brief, selective critical review of research on cannabis withdrawal and on the validity and internal consistency of cannabis dependence as assessed via DSM criteria for cannabis dependence was performed. RESULTS Findings from these reports indicate that cannabis dependence is much more similar to than different from other types of substance dependence, even with regard to withdrawal. The generic DSM-IV dependence criteria can be applied fairly well to cannabis, and yield findings similar to that observed with other substance dependence disorders. However, across substances, the generic criteria may not discriminate cases in a manner consistent with the underlying constructs of abuse and dependence, and cross-substance differences probably exist in the general dependence severity level and specific symptom profiles. CONCLUSIONS The use of generic DSM-IV criteria appears to work as well for cannabis dependence as for other substances, yet the more important question might be as to whether we can do better by developing more sophisticated generic criteria or by using substance specific criteria.
Accuracy of accommodation in heterophoric patients: testing an interaction model in a large clinical sample

A model of the cross‐link interactions between accommodation and convergence predicted that heterophoria can induce large accommodation errors (Schor, Ophthalmic Physiol. Opt. 1999;19:134–150). In 99 consecutive patients with intermittent tropia or decompensated phoria, we tested these interactions by comparing their accommodative responses to a 2.50‐D target under binocular fused conditions (BFC) and monocular occluded conditions (MOC). The accommodative response in BFC frequently differed from that in MOC. The magnitude of the accommodative errors in BFC, ranging from an accommodative lag of 1.80 D (in an esophoric patient) to an accommodative lead of 1.56 D (in an exophoric patient), was correlated with distance heterophoria and uncorrected refractive errors. These results indicate that heterophoria affects the accuracy of accommodation to various degrees, as the model predicted, and that an accommodative error larger than the depth of focus of the eye occurs in exchange for binocular single vision in some heterophoric patients.
Low‐Frequency Volatility of Real Estate Securities and Macroeconomic Risk

Real estate securities have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from stocks generally. Key amongst them is that underpinning the firms are both real and investment assets. Therefore, the connections between the underlying macroeconomy and listed real estate firms are of heightened importance. To consider the linkages with macroeconomic fundamentals, we extract the ‘low‐frequency’ volatility component from aggregate volatility shocks in 11 international securitised real estate markets using Engle and Rangel's (2008) Spline‐GARCH model. The analysis reveals that the low‐frequency volatility of real estate securities has strong and positive association with most of the macroeconomic risk proxies examined. Differences between real estate securities and common stocks have also been identified.
PINK1 (PARK6) associated Parkinson disease in Ireland

Mutations in the PINK1 gene have recently been shown to cause autosomal recessive Parkinson disease (PD). The authors assessed the prevalence of PINK1 gene mutations in 290 well-characterized early- and late-onset PD patients from Ireland. In a 51-year-old PD patient with a family history of PD, the authors identified a novel heterozygous mutation (R147H) in exon 2 of the PINK1 gene. Overall, these data indicate that PINK1 mutations are a rare cause of PD in Ireland.
The prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in female college students.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in female college students. This research also explored whether the number of hours per day spent using a computer, type of computer used (laptop vs. desktop), or academic major was related to the presence of musculoskeletal complaints. Additionally, "job strain", a measure of job stress which can affect the physical health of an individual, was measured to determine whether students feel stress from the job of "student" and if so, whether it contributed to these complaints. METHODS Two surveys, The Boston University Computer and Health Survey and the Job Content Questionnaire [9], were distributed to 111 female college students to measure musculoskeletal complaints and job strain. Seventy-two surveys were returned. Chi-square and logistical regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS The results indicated that 80.6% of the participants reported computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in the two weeks prior to completing the survey, although none of the examined factors were associated with the complaints. It is notable, however, that 82% of the students reported spending 0-6 hours/day using a computer, with almost 28% reporting 4-6 hours/day of usage. Eleven percent of the participants reported using the computer more than 8 hours/day. Of those students who use a laptop computer for all computer use, 90.1% reported musculoskeletal complaints. The students reported that they did not experience job strain. Further studies should be performed using a survey specifically intended for college students. CONCLUSION The majority of female college students in this study reported musculoskeletal discomfort during or after computer use. Although a statistical correlation could not be made, students using laptop computers reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms than those using desktop computers. Additionally, female college students did not seem to experience job strain. Future research should continue on larger, more diverse samples of students to better understand the prevalence and contributors of musculoskeletal complaints, how college students experience job strain (stress), and whether these two factors are related.
A systematic review of the epidemiology of status epilepticus

Population‐based data on the incidence, aetiology, and mortality associated with status epilepticus (SE) are required to develop preventative strategies for SE. Through a systematic review, we aimed to assess the methodological quality as well as similarities, and differences between available population based studies in order to arrive at conclusions on the epidemiology of SE. All population‐based studies where primary outcome was incidence, aetiology or mortality of SE were identified through a systematic search and synthesized. Methodological quality of studies were independently rated by two examiners using a unique scoring system. Seven population‐based projects on SE yielding nine published reports and five abstracts were reviewed. Quality scores were in the range of 19–34 with a possible maximum of 40 (kappa scores 0.67–1.0). The incidence of SE has a bimodal distribution with peaks in children aged less than a year and the elderly. Most SE were acute symptomatic. Short‐term mortality was 7.6–22% and long‐term mortality was 43%. Age and aetiology were the major determinants of mortality. There are few population‐based studies on SE but most are of good quality. Most studies are primarily or exclusively based on adult populations. There is limited information on the association of ethnicity and socio‐economic status and SE.
Using the UTAUT Model to Determine Factors Affecting Acceptance and Use of E-government Services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

E-government has become a popular focus of government efforts in many countries around the world. More and more governments around the world are introducing e-government as a means of reducing costs, improving services, saving time and increasing effectiveness and efficiency in the public sector. E-government and the Internet has made an essential change to the whole of Saudi societal structure, values, and culture, as well as the ways of conducting business by utilizing the potential of ICT as a tool of daily work. Therefore, e-government has been identified as one of the top priorities for Saudi government and all its agencies. However, the adoption of e-government faces many challenges and barriers, including political, cultural, organizational, technological, and social issues which must be considered and treated carefully by any government contemplating e-government adoption. Findings of several studies indicate that despite the high cost of e-government projects, both tangible and intangible, many e-government efforts are failing or are slowly diffusing. This thesis presents a comprehensive study and investigation of the influential factors on the acceptance of using e-government services (G2C) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by adopting the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. This study uses an amended version of the UTAUT model as its theoretical foundation. UTAUT is an empirically validated model that combines eight major models of technology acceptance and their extensions. The study investigates the effect of proposed UTAUT constructs and moderating variables on e-government services use and acceptance. Therefore, this study critically assesses key factors that influence e-government service acceptance in the public sector in Saudi Arabia, discusses the importance of citizen perspective about e-services, and provides a comprehensive assessment of e-service providers and citizens’ perceptions about the obstacles facing e-government services acceptance and use in Saudi Arabia. This thesis provide a comprehensive view and deep understanding of e-government services adoption based on the perceptions of e-services providers and Saudi citizens through the utilisation of the UTAUT model.
Screen printed PZT/PZT thick film bimorph MEMS cantilever device for vibration energy harvesting

We present a MEMS-based PZT/PZT thick film bimorph vibration energy harvester with an integrated silicon proof mass. The most common piezoelectric energy harvesting devices utilize a cantilever beam of a non piezoelectric material as support beneath or in-between the piezoelectric material. It provides mechanical support but it also reduces the power output. Our device replaces the support with another layer of the piezoelectric material, and with the absence of an inactive mechanical support all of the stresses induced by the vibrations will be harvested by the active piezoelectric elements.
Constructing a Powerful Profitability Factor: International Evidence

Recent findings for the U.S. stock market indicate that cash-based profitability measures (i.e., profitability measures that exclude accounting accruals) outperform measures of profitability that include accruals. We demonstrate that this result also holds for international markets. In a comparison of different profitability definitions, we find that a factor based on cash-based gross profitability (gross profitability adjusted for accounting accruals) subsumes other popular profitability factors based on time-series, factor-spanning, and cross-sectional asset pricing tests. We therefore propose that a profitability factor based on cash-based gross profitability should be used in international factor models.
Dihydrofolate Reductase from Neisseria sp

Members of the genus Neisseria are relatively nonsusceptible to trimethoprim, an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase. For example, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of trimethoprim for N. gonorrhoeae ranges from 2 to 70 μg/ml, whereas the MIC for Escherichia coli is 0.2 μg/ml or less. In an effort to understand this difference, dihydrofolate reductase was partially purified from five Neisseria species and compared with the enzyme from E. coli. N. gonorrhoeae dihydrofolate reductase was similar to that from E. coli in molecular weight (18,000) and affinity for the substrates reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and dihydrofolate (Km = 13 and 8 μM, respectively). However, the gonococcal enzyme had a decreased affinity for trimethoprim, with an apparent Ki of 45 × 10−9 M, some 30-fold greater than the E. coli value of 1.2 × 10−9 M. These enzymes also differed in their isoelectric points and pH activity profiles. Within the genus Neisseria, the dihydrofolate reductase isolated from N. meningitidis and N. lactamica resembled the N. gonorrhoeae enzyme, and only small differences were detected for the N. flavescens and Branhamella catarrhalis dihydrofolate reductases. These data indicate that the relatively poor affinity of trimethoprim for the dihydrofolate reductase from these organisms may be largely responsible for the relative nonsusceptibility of Neisseria sp. to trimethoprim. The contribution of other resistance mechanisms to the overall nonsusceptibility was assessed. Strains of N. gonorrhoeae with altered cell envelope permeability had MIC values less than twofold different from those of isogenic wild-type strains. Also, a direct relationship was observed between the affinity of trimethoprim analogs for gonococcal dihydrofolate reductase and the MIC of these compounds for the gonococcus. These observations suggest that the cell envelope of N. gonorrhoeae is not impermeable to trimethoprim. Changes in the amount of dihydrofolate reductase activity could cause alterations in the susceptibility of the gonococcus to trimethoprim, as demonstrated with N. gonorrhoeae strains selected for trimethoprim resistance after chemical mutagenesis. However, the level of dihydrofolate reductase activity in wild-type N. gonorrhoeae was similar to that of E. coli, indicating that the difference in the susceptibility of these organisms is not due to greater amounts of enzyme in N. gonorrhoeae.
Renal parenchymal hypoxia, hypoxia adaptation, and the pathogenesis of radiocontrast nephropathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Renal parenchymal Po(2) declines after the administration of iodinated radiocontrast agents, reaching critically low levels of approximately 10 mmHg in medullary structures. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS In this review, the causes of renal parenchymal hypoxia and its potential role in the pathogenesis of contrast nephropathy are appraised. RESULTS Commonly associated predisposing factors are associated with a propensity to enhance renal hypoxia. Indeed, animal models of radiocontrast nephropathy require the induction of such predisposing factors, mimicking clinical scenarios that lead to contrast nephropathy in high-risk individuals. In these models, in association with medullary hypoxic damage, a transient local cellular hypoxia response is noted, initiated at least in part by hypoxia-inducible factors. Some predisposing conditions that are distinguished by chronically aggravated medullary hypoxia, such as tubulointerstitial disease and diabetes, are characterized by a priori upregulation of hypoxia-inducible factors, which seems to confer tolerance against radiocontrast-related hypoxic tubular damage. Renal dysfunction under such circumstances likely reflects to some extent altered intrarenal hemodynamics, rather than acute tubular injury. CONCLUSIONS Real-time, noninvasive novel methods may help to differentiate between evolving tubular damage and altered hemodynamics and in the design of appropriate preventive interventions.