Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying brain microstructure with diffusion MRI: Theory and parameter estimation

We review, systematize and discuss models of diffusion in neuronal tissue, by putting them into an overarching physical context of coarse‐graining over an increasing diffusion length scale. From this perspective, we view research on quantifying brain microstructure as occurring along three major avenues. The first avenue focusses on transient, or time‐dependent, effects in diffusion. These effects signify the gradual coarse‐graining of tissue structure, which occurs qualitatively differently in different brain tissue compartments. We show that transient effects contain information about the relevant length scales for neuronal tissue, such as the packing correlation length for neuronal fibers, as well as the degree of structural disorder along the neurites. The second avenue corresponds to the long‐time limit, when the observed signal can be approximated as a sum of multiple nonexchanging anisotropic Gaussian components. Here, the challenge lies in parameter estimation and in resolving its hidden degeneracies. The third avenue employs multiple diffusion encoding techniques, able to access information not contained in the conventional diffusion propagator. We conclude with our outlook on future directions that could open exciting possibilities for designing quantitative markers of tissue physiology and pathology, based on methods of studying mesoscopic transport in disordered systems.
Detection of Poxvirus Using Transmission Electron Microscopy Techniques During Outbreak in Bay-Winged Cowbird (Gnorimopsar Chopi)

Gnorimopsar chopi is a bird with blackish plumage, smooth and silky look, found throughout the Brazilian territory, except in the Amazon State. It is one of the singing birds most wanted by illegal trade and is listed as endargered to extinction by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). Avian pox or variola avium is a infectious disease of worldwide distribution, that infect poultry, pet and wild birds of many species which result in economic losses to the poultry industry and commercial aviaries (Trypathy et al., 2000; Weli & Tryland, 2011).
Heat tolerance and its evolutionary potential along a latitudinal gradient in Daphnia magna

Background: Extreme weather events follow latitudinal patterns and are increasing due to climate change. To persist, natural populations must adapt to the increased occurrence of heat waves. Hypothesis: Heat tolerance is higher at lower latitudes and in smaller animals. Animals show evolutionary potential for heat tolerance. Organism: The water flea, Daphnia magna, a common species in bodies of fresh water. Methods: Set up a common-garden experiment using six populations spread across three latitudes in Western Europe, thereby creating a latitudinal gradient in local temperatures. Measure CTmax, the temperature above which animals lose motor function. Results: Thermal tolerance increased with increasing local temperatures. Body size, which was smaller at the southern latitude, negatively affected heat tolerance. Heat tolerance showed genetic variation within latitudes. Conclusions: Daphnia magna possesses the evolutionary potential to increase its heat tolerance if temperatures warm. Its heat tolerance shows latitudinal adaptation to local temperatures. A parallel pattern in body size magnifies the latitudinal pattern in heat tolerance.
The effect of Trypanosoma evansi infection on pig performance and vaccination against classical swine fever

AlthoughTrypanosoma evansi is not considered as an important pathogen in pigs, it may interfere with other pathogens or vaccinations by its immunosuppressive nature. In order to determine whether T. evansialters pig performance and induces immunosuppression in pigs, induction of immune responses by vaccination against classical swine fever (CSF) and by immunization with a control antigen, human serum albumin (HSA), was assessed in T. evansi -infected and non-infected animals. Although T. evansi infection did not have a significant influence on growth performance, feed conversion or PCV, antibody responses against both the test antigen HSA and the CSF vaccine were significantly reduced inT. evansi -infected animals as compared to uninfected animals. Moreover, the reduced response against the CSF vaccine appears to be accompanied by a less well-developed protection against CSF with higher fever responses and leukopenia. This immunosuppression might explain the accounts of poor protection of CSF-vaccinated pigs reported in T. evansi -endemic areas of Vietnam, and suggests that prior treatments with trypanocidal drugs to improve the efficacy of CSF vaccination, may be justified. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The Corporate Social Performance of Developing Country Multinationals

ABSTRACT: In this article, we explore the Corporate Social Performance (CSP) of Developing Country Multinationals (DMNCs). We argue that in competing internationally, DMNCs often face both reputation and legitimacy deficits, which they address by improving their CSP. We develop a series of hypotheses to explain the variation in CSP between DMNCs and domestic-only firms from developing countries and also examine variations in CSP between DMNCs depending on the extent of their multinationality and portfolio of host countries. Our findings support all our hypotheses, which suggest that DMNCs display enhanced levels of CSP compared to their domestic-only counterparts. CSP is also found to be positively related to the DMNCs’ degree of multinationality, but with a declining incremental impact, whereas entry into developed markets leads to a greater improvement in DMNCs’ CSP than expansion into developing markets. We highlight the implications of our findings for managers and researchers.
Human immunodeficiency virus 1 dual‐target nucleic acid technology improves blood safety: 5 years of experience of the German Red Cross blood donor service Baden‐Württemberg–Hessen

RNA viruses are associated with a high frequency of mutations because of the missing proofreading function of polymerases, such as reverse transcriptase. Between 2007 and 2010, six blood donations with false‐negative nucleic acid technology (NAT) results were reported in Germany. Therefore, NAT screening in two viral genome regions was introduced by our blood donation service in 2010 on a voluntary basis and became mandatory in Germany since the beginning of 2015.
Development of the cerebral cortex and the effect of the intrauterine environment

The human brain is one of the most complex structures currently under study. Its external shape is highly convoluted, with folds and valleys over the entire surface of the cortex. Disruption of the normal pattern of folding is associated with a number of abnormal neurological outcomes, some serious for the individual. Most of our knowledge of the normal development and folding of the cerebral cortex (gyrification) focuses on the internal, biological (i.e. genetically driven) mechanisms of the brain that drive gyrification. However, the impact of an adverse intrauterine and maternal physiological environment on cortical folding during fetal development has been understudied. Accumulating evidence suggests that the state of the intrauterine and maternal environment can have a significant impact on gyrification of the fetal cerebral cortex. This review summarises our current knowledge of how development in a suboptimal intrauterine and maternal environment can affect the normal development of the folded cerebral cortex.
Lane Changing Control to Reduce Traffic Load Effect on Long-Span Bridges

Long span bridges are critical parts of a nation’s infrastructure network and congested traffic loading is the governing form of traffic loading. Groups of trucks travelling in conveys are created when faster moving vehicles, such as cars, change lane. In this research the authors investigate how the control of these lane-changing events can help reduce the traffic load effects on long span bridges. Real traffic data is used to simulate a traffic stream on a virtual road and bridge using a microsimulation model. Various lane-changing restrictions are examined and compared to the typical case of free lane changing. It is shown that restriction of lane changing is an effective means of reducing long-span bridge traffic load effect. This result may assist bridge owners in implementing measures to prolong the life of existing infrastructure. mance of the vehicle, and the psychological nature of the driver (including aggressiveness, perception, and reaction times). Yousif & Hunt (1995) describe some of these factors, giving an intuitive explanation of the pressure to change lane, in terms of the fundamental diagram of traffic (see for example, Gartner et al. 2005), shown here as Figure 1. Figure 1. Relationship between the fundamental diagram of traffic and the pressure to change lane (adapted from Yousif & Hunt 1995). Complicating the problem of understanding lane changing further, is the difficulty in obtaining experimental data. This is because the phenomenon is spatially and temporally distributed. Attempts to monitor individual vehicle trajectories have been made (see for example, Xuan 2006, who uses Global Positioning Satellites), but suffer from the fact that the driver is aware of the monitoring. The difficulty in determining individual vehicle’s lane-changing characteristics can be somewhat overcome using empirical observations. Yousif & Hunt (1995), Sparmann (1979), Brackstone et al. (1998), Hidas (2005) describe lane change rates as a function of flow, and these observations can be used to calibrate a lane-change model. Further efforts use other approaches, such as kinematic wave theory (Laval et al. 2006) and a gas-kinetic (Boltzmann) model (Helbing & Greiner (1997)). Hidas (2002 and 2005) outlines some recent work in the development of microscopic models for lane changing. The lane changing model used in this work is the microscopic MOBIL model proposed by Kesting et al. (2007) and explained later. 2 MICROSIMULATION MODEL 2.1 The Intelligent Driver Model The Intelligent Driver Model (IDM) is a microscopic car-following model developed by Treiber and others (Treiber et al. (2000a), Treiber et al. (2000b)). Its equations describe the motion of an individual vehicle in response to its surroundings, given some physically-meaningful mechanical and driver performance parameters. In particular the IDM is based on the idea that a driver tries to minimize braking decelerations. The acceleration a vehicle undergoes is defined by:
Examining adherence to activity monitoring devices to improve physical activity in adults with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review

Background Activity monitoring devices are currently being used to facilitate and monitor physical activity. No prior review has examined adherence to the use of activity monitoring devices amongst adults with cardiovascular disease. Methods Literature from June 2012 to October 2017 was evaluated to examine the extent of adherence to any activity monitoring device used to collect objective physical activity data. Randomized control trials comparing usual care against the use of an activity monitoring device, in a community intervention for adults from any cardiovascular diagnostic group, were included. A systematic search of databases and clinical trials registers was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Results Of 10 eligible studies, two studies reported pedometer use and eight accelerometer use. Six studies addressed the primary outcome. Mean adherence was 59.1% (range 39.6% to 85.7%) at last follow-up. Studies lacked equal representation by gender (28.6% female) and age (range 42 to 82 years). Conclusion This review indicates that current research on activity monitoring devices may be overstated due to the variability in adherence. Results showed that physical activity tracking in women and in young adults have been understudied.
Deliberate Self-Harm in Psychiatric Outpatients Aged 14-35 Years in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION The main aim of the study was to identify the prevalence of deliberate self-harm (DSH) in a sample of youth outpatients attending the state psychiatric hospital in Singapore and to identify the sociodemographic and psychological/clinical risk factors associated with DSH. The secondary aim of the study was to examine if different forms of DSH had distinguishing risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 400 outpatients at the Institute of Mental Health completed a self-report survey comprising sociodemographic questions, the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Parental Bonding Instrument and the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale. Logistic regression models were used to test the associations. RESULTS The overall prevalence of DSH in our clinical population was 58.8%. Cutting/carving (25.4%) and hitting (20.4%) were the most common forms of DSH in the past 12 months. DSH acts were performed primarily for emotion regulation purposes. The risk factors for DSH in general were younger age group, female gender, abuse history and higher depression scores. Gender and age group were the factors that were differentially associated with cutting and hitting one's self. CONCLUSION There was a high prevalence of DSH in the psychiatric outpatient population. The risk factors identified in this study are consistent with those of international studies which point to their stability across cultures.
Mental Health Differences Between Older and Younger Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Veterans: Evidence of Resilience

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine health and identity differences between older (50+) and younger (< 50) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) veterans. Methods: Participants (N = 254) completed an internet survey assessing depression, anxiety, alcohol use, identity, minority stress, and outness. T tests and logistic regression were used to analyze results. Results: Older LGBT veterans reported less alcohol use (p < .01) than younger counterparts. No age differences in depression or anxiety were reported. Older participants reported LGBT identity as more central to their overall identity (p < .01) and having less minority stress (p < .05), than younger participants. Conclusions: Compared to younger LGBT veterans, older LGBT veterans appeared more resilient over stressors that can impact mental health. Overall older LGBT veterans experienced less alcohol use and reported less minority stress than younger veterans. LGBT identity was more central to older veterans’ overall identity than younger Veterans. Clinical Implications: LGBT veterans may experience stressors that can impact mental health, although older LGBT veterans show remarkable resilience. Clinicians should assess sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as veteran status, of patients in order to best evaluate their health risks and strengths.
Goal Orientation of university students and its relationship to Self – Efficacy and Intrinsic Motivation

This study aimed at identifying the goal orientation of students at the faculty of Educational Sciences in Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, and its relationship to their self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation. A random sample of 460 male and female students at the faculty of educational sciences was chosen. Three questionnaires on Goal orientation, Intrinsic motivation and Self–efficacy were administered to members of the sample during academic year 2010 / 2011. Results indicated that 72% of the students had a learning goal, 15.2% had a performance goal orientation, and 23.9% had a performance – avoidance goal orientation. In addition, results indicated that there is a relationship among learning goal, self – efficacy and intrinsic motivation. Also, results indicated that there is relationship among performance goal, self – efficacy, and intrinsic motivation.
Selection of the appropriate methodology for the deterministic seismic hazard assessment on the territory of the Republic of Serbia

This paper presents a discussion regarding the most common approaches to the deterministic seismic hazard analysis, as well as their relation with the probabilistic hazard analysis. Different methodologies for estimation of the strong earthquake ground motion at a site of interest on the territory of the Republic of Serbia are also discussed. When generation of the synthetic ground motion time histories on the territory of the Republic of Serbia is concerned, a method developed by Trifunac and his associates is suggested having in mind that this approach uses only those input parameters that can be easily and accurately defined while at the same time being able to model all properties of strong earthquake ground motion that are presently known as well as to consider the probabilistic nature of earthquake occurrence.
Time-Varying Price Discovery: Early Empirical Evidence

This paper investigates how quickly news is reflected in prices and the information shares for two of the great moneyed companies, the Bank of England and the East India Company, during the eighteenth century. These two English companies were cross-listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange and news between the capitals flowed mainly via the use of boats that transported mail. We examine in detail the historical context surrounding the defining events of the period, and use these as a guide to how the data should be analysed. We show that both trading venues contributed to price discovery, but the London venue was significantly more important for both stocks, although its information share gradually declined over time.
Familial clustering of bicuspid aortic valve and its relationship with aortic dilation in first-degree relatives

Objective Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of BAV in first-degree relatives (FDR) and the inheritance pattern according to different morphotypes and aortic dilation. Methods BAV probands were consecutively studied at eight tertiary referral centres. After sequential screening, FDR were included in the study. The BAV morphotype, aortic dilation and aortic phenotype were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. Results Seven hundred and twenty-four FDR of 256 BAV probands agreed to undergo family screening. The prevalence of BAV was 6.4% in FDR (9.2% in men, 3.5% in women, p=0.002). Aortic dilation was diagnosed in 9.6% of FRD with tricuspid aortic valves (TAV), with a root phenotype in 2.7% and tubular in 6.9% and more frequently in the presence of arterial hypertension (OR 4.48; CI 95% 2.51 to 7.99; p=0.0001) and valvular regurgitation (OR 5.87, CI 95% 1.37 to 25.16; p=0.025). The heritability (h2 ) of BAV was highly significant (0.47; p=0.002); however, no concordance was observed among valve morphotypes. Aortic dilation heritability was not significant. Conclusions The BAV prevalence rate in FDR was low (6.4%) but aortic dilation was observed in 9.6% of FDR with TAV. The heritability of BAV was high without concordance in valve morphotypes, and aortic dilation heritability was not observed. Patients with BAV should be made aware of its familial pattern.
Comminities of small mammals in six biotopes of northern Italy

Spatia relationships and microhabitat selection were studied in syntopic populations of small mammals. Four hundred three individuals of 7 species (Sore.x araneus, Sorex minutus, Crocidura suaveclenCrocidura leucodon, Clethrionomys glareolus, Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus musculus) were trapjed in six north Italian biotopes, between June 1988 and September 1989. The wood mouse wa; present in all biotopes and was, numerically, the dominant species; the bank vole was the second most abundant species. Habitat preferences were similar to those reported for northern Europe bu: the bank vole was also present in habitats other than ancient woodlands. Community diversity md richness were positively correlated with habitat structural diversity. The species selected rricro- habitats that were significantly different from those available; ground cover at arboreil aid grass level and litter structure were generally the most important variables. There were jignficant differences in microhabitat use among dominant species; the intensity of segregitioi was higher in mature woodland and alder grove than in the other biotopes, which may reflect their different management.
Raman Study on Doped Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

In the present study we report resonance Raman study on multiwalled carbon nanotubes treated with HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4. Acids are commonly used in purification procedures in order to remove catalyst particles from the as-produced material. However, it is known that acid treatments in multiwalled carbon nanotubes can induce a surface functionalisation and intercalation of the walls, modifying their electronic properties. Here, we present a comparative study between samples of multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with the most common acids used in the purification of carbon materials, and the influence of the acid treatment time on their vibronic properties. The samples were analysed via the Raman spectroscopy using the laser length of 785 nm. The presented data reveal the modification of the typical multiwalled carbon nanotubes Raman bands such as: disorder band (D band), the graphite band (G band), and the two-phonon second order Raman band (G′ band). The last one shows a broadening effect on its line shape and the appearance of an additional peak. All the treatments enhance the number of defects in the graphitic structure of multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
Regulation of eIF4F Translation Initiation Complex by the Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerase FKBP7 in Taxane-resistant Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Targeted therapies that use the signaling pathways involved in prostate cancer are required to overcome chemoresistance and improve treatment outcomes for men. Molecular chaperones play a key role in the regulation of protein homeostasis and are potential targets for overcoming chemoresistance. Experimental Design: We established 4 chemoresistant prostate cancer cell lines and used image-based high-content siRNA functional screening, based on gene-expression signature, to explore mechanisms of chemoresistance and identify new potential targets with potential roles in taxane resistance. The functional role of a new target was assessed by in vitro and in vivo silencing, and mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify its downstream effectors. Results: We identified FKBP7, a prolyl-peptidyl isomerase overexpressed in docetaxel-resistant and in cabazitaxel-resistant prostate cancer cells. This is the first study to characterize the function of human FKBP7 and explore its role in cancer. We discovered that FKBP7 was upregulated in human prostate cancers and its expression correlated with the recurrence observed in patients receiving docetaxel. FKBP7 silencing showed that FKBP7 is required to maintain the growth of chemoresistant cell lines and chemoresistant tumors in mice. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that FKBP7 interacts with eIF4G, a component of the eIF4F translation initiation complex, to mediate the survival of chemoresistant cells. Using small-molecule inhibitors of eIF4A, the RNA helicase component of eIF4F, we were able to kill docetaxel- and cabazitaxel-resistant cells. Conclusions: Targeting FKBP7 or the eIF4G-containing eIF4F translation initiation complex could be novel therapeutic strategies to eradicate taxane-resistant prostate cancer cells.