Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Least square conformal mapping with spring energy

Mapping the cortical surface into a canonical coordinate space is an important means to study the structure and functional of the brain. Levy et al. (2002) proposed a least square conformal maps method by representing conformal energy as the square sense of the Cauchy-Riemann equation. It obtains good results in both angular distortion and computation time, although it introduces certain metric and area distortion, especially when applied to the complex cortical surface. Recently, Ju et al. (2004) extended the least square method to spherical conformal map. To reduce the metric and area distortion while maintaining the conformal map and computation efficiency, we designed and added the spring energy to the least square conformal maps. Our results show that the least square conformal mapping with spring energy controls metric and area distortion effectively with computational efficiency. The least square conformal mapping with spring energy is also extended to spherical mapping
Service grouping and group notification in grid business process

Enterprises are becoming more collaborative, distributed, and heterogeneous with the advancement of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). As a result, business processes require integration with distributed heterogeneous services. Business process requires one or more services to fulfill the functionalities. Business processes are event-driven and change state frequently during the life cycle. Business process are running in parallel and interacting with multiple services, partners, and customers as per the requirements and policy. There is a need to aggregate information from multiple resources or services according to policy, to provide better query, search, and group notification. In this paper, we have proposed event-driven service-oriented grid architecture to achieve event-driven grouping and notifications for stateful services. We have proposed grid business process by evaluating different specifications related to grid and web services to capture the requirements of a dynamic business process. WS-ResourceFramework and WS-Notifications specifications are evaluated to build stateful services and to support state, transaction, and notification. WS-ServiceGroup specification is used to achieve aggregation of WS-Resources and services as well as group notification.
Prolactin and cortisol levels in various paroxysmal disorders in childhood.

The hormonal response of the anterior pituitary to various epileptic and nonepileptic events in children was studied. Postictal serum prolactin and cortisol levels were measured in 17 children with epilepsy, 23 with febrile seizures, and 10 with syncope or breath-holding spells. The levels were compared with those of 30 children with nonspecific fever, and 23 afebrile children served as control subjects. Significantly higher (P less than .01) prolactin levels (26.5 +/- 3.3 ng/mL, mean +/- SEM) were found in the epileptic group, compared with levels in children with febrile seizures (13.2 +/- 1.0 ng/mL), fever (11.2 +/- 0.9 ng/mL), syncope (7.3 +/- 0.9 ng/mL), and the control group (7.9 +/- 0.6 ng/mL). In contrast, serum cortisol levels were nonspecifically elevated in the epileptics and patients with febrile seizures or fever only. These findings suggest that elevated prolactin levels may be found after epileptic seizures and much less after febrile seizures, but not after breath-holding spells or syncopal events. Cortisol secretion appears to be nonselectively triggered by all stressful events, such as epileptic and febrile seizures, and fever. Elevated prolactin levels (greater than 15 ng/mL) associated with seizures may help in differentiating epileptic from febrile seizures or syncope.
Enabling relationship learning in intra-firm professional service teams

Purpose: This study focuses on relationship learning (RL) in intra-firm professional service teams (IPSTs). IPSTs refer to a particular form of knowledge-based service teams, consisting of people employed in the same company, but belonging to different departments, collaborating to solve problems and create value for their business clients (or customers). Moreover, the study explores three enabling factors that boost relational learning in IPSTs. Specifically, a firm’s market orientation (MO), a trusting team climate (TC) and leadership support are suggested as enabling factors for RL in IPSTs. The suggested enabling factors for RL in IPSTs were tested in a survey, in which 210 employees in consultancy service firms participated. The findings reveal that a firm’s MO and a trusting TC appear to play an imperative role in enabling RL in IPSTs. However, it is suggested that a combination of the three enabling factors collectively results in the capability to realise the full potential of RL in IPSTs. This study contributes to both deepen and extend our understanding of RL, which is a relatively new concept. Accordingly, it is a unique study that enriches our understanding of knowledge-based service firms where the ‘human factor’ of the individual team members seems to be an essential factor for both service offerings and service firm’s competitive advantage.
Firm default probabilities revisited

This article describes a tool to assess the creditworthiness of the Portuguese non-financial firms. In its design, the main goal is to find factors explaining the probability that any given firm will have a significant default episode vis-à-vis the banking system during the following year. Using information from the central credit register for period 2002–2015 and a comprehensive balance sheet data set for period 2005–2014, we develop a method to select explanatory variables and then estimate binary response models for ten strata of firms, defined in terms of size and sector of activity. We use this methodology for the classification of firms in terms of one-year probability of default consistent with typical values of existing credit rating systems, in particular the one used within the Eurosystem. We provide a brief characterisation of the Portuguese non-financial sector in terms of probabilities of default and transition between credit rating classes. (JEL: C25, G24, G32)
Sleep strategies of 12-hour shift nurses with emphasis on night sleep episodes.

OBJECTIVES Episodes of sleep during a nightshift are frequently reported in various types of jobs. This phenomenon has been seldom documented so far. This field study investigated individual differences in the sleep-wake behavior of nurses. METHODS A group of eight nurses working in an intensive care unit on a two 12-hour shift system kept a "sleep diary" for 1 month, recording main sleep periods and naps. They subjectively assessed sleepiness, sleep quality, and the need for sleep at various times of the day and night. Continuous actimetric measurements provided an evaluation of the rest-activity patterns and of the sleep parameters. RESULTS Half of the nurses chose to take naps in 75% of their nightshifts. No differences between the night-nappers and nonnight-nappers were found for either total sleep length or the temporal patterns of subjective sleepiness at night but, during nightwork, night-nappers needed sleep earlier than nonnight-nappers. They had long naps during a worknight and short daytime sleep, sometimes followed by a late afternoon nap. This strategy probably favored the maintenance of a diurnal orientation. Nonnight-nappers had long daytime sleep and took preventive naps to anticipate sleepiness during nightwork. However, their readjustment to diurnal life seemed more difficult than that of night-nappers. CONCLUSIONS Nurses use different sleep-wake strategies to cope with nightwork. These different strategies may be due to circadian influence although social factors cannot be totally excluded.
Reactivity of human T‐lymphocyte‐specific antibodies with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and spleen of Aotus azarae ssp. boliviensis (owl monkey)

Aotus monkeys offer one of the few models that can be used for the evaluation of the immunogenicity and efficacy of new vaccine candidates against the human malarias, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. However, the tools available for evaluation of the immune responses in these New World primates are still limited. In the present study, a previously selected set of monoclonal antibodies that were raised against human T cell determinants and were reactive with at least one other primate species was investigated for its reactivity with Aotus lymphocytes using FACS analysis, indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and immunohistochemistry. From a panel of 19 mAb, six were found to react consistently with Aotus lymphocytes using FACS analysis. Further evaluation of the mAb using IFA confirmed these findings. Analysis of the selected mAb on spleen sections of Aotus monkeys identified one anti‐CD4 and one anti‐CD8 mAb that can be used for immunohistochemical studies. The set of mAb identified in this study can be used for the detection of various T lymphocyte markers in peripheral blood and in tissues of Aotus monkeys. Together with data published by others, mAb are now identified for detection of six different markers of Aotus T lymphocytes. These mAb are very valuable for the characterisation of immune responses after vaccination and infection in the Aotus malaria models.
Genomic Approaches for Investigating Mechanisms of Genotoxicity

The current genetic toxicity testing battery enables an accurate and effective detection of genotoxicity associated with exposure to chemicals. However, the interpretation of the data in light of the relevant risk to humans is often difficult due to limited insight into underlying genotoxic mechanisms. Thus, the development of experimental approaches capable of differentiating genotoxic mechanisms is expected to facilitate risk assessment. Recent progress in science and technology has enabled the investigation of the stress response associated with chemical exposure at the genomic level. For instance, gene expression profile analysis, transcriptomics, was proposed as a tool for evaluating toxic mechanisms. In addition, the advancement in genetic tools has allowed the study of stress response on a functional level, functional genomics. This review will outline a number of recent developments in genomic analyses of genotoxic stress response and provide a perspective on their application in genetic toxicology.
Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Contaminated Dry Dog and Cat Food, 2006–2008

OBJECTIVE: Human Salmonella infections associated with dry pet food have not been previously reported. We investigated such an outbreak of Salmonella Schwarzengrund and primarily affecting young children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two multistate case-control studies were conducted to determine the source and mode of infections among case-patients with the outbreak strain. Study 1 evaluated household exposures to animals and pet foods, and study 2 examined risk factors for transmission among infant case-patients. Environmental investigations were conducted. RESULTS: Seventy-nine case-patients in 21 states were identified; 48% were children aged 2 years or younger. Case-households were significantly more likely than control households to report dog contact (matched odds ratio [mOR]: 3.6) and to have recently purchased manufacturer X brands of dry pet food (mOR: 6.9). Illness among infant case-patients was significantly associated with feeding pets in the kitchen (OR: 4.4). The outbreak strain was isolated from opened bags of dry dog food produced at plant X, fecal specimens from dogs that ate manufacturer X dry dog food, and an environmental sample and unopened bags of dog and cat foods from plant X. More than 23 000 tons of pet foods were recalled. After additional outbreak-linked illnesses were identified during 2008, the company recalled 105 brands of dry pet food and permanently closed plant X. CONCLUSIONS: Dry dog and cat foods manufactured at plant X were linked to human illness for a 3-year period. This outbreak highlights the importance of proper handling and storage of pet foods in the home to prevent human illness, especially among young children.
Religious Identification as a Moderator of Evolved Sexual Strategies of Men and Women

Buss and Schmitt (1993) found empirical support for their Sexual Strategies Theory hypothesis of evolved sex differences in mating attitudes. This study hypothesized that religiosity would moderate those sex differences. Specifically, it was predicted that men high and low in religiosity would differ in mating attitudes, but it was expected that there would be fewer differences between women high and low in religiosity because of evolved preferences for longer term, more committed relationships. In Study 1, 219 college students completed questionnaires that included a single-item indicator of religiosity and short-term and long-term mating desires. Religiosity moderated sex differences in some mating preferences. In Study 2, 234 college student participants (mean age, 19.1 years) completed measures from Study 1 plus a measure of three types of religiosity: intrinsic (religion as a valuable end in itself), extrinsic (religion as a means to an end), and quest (religion as a means of questioning and doubting; Revised Religious Life Inventory—Hills, Francis, & Robbins, 2005). Intrinsic religiosity, but not extrinsic or quest, moderated sex differences in mating attitudes, especially attitudes regarding number of sexual partners in the short term. These results provide evidence that intrinsic religiosity is an individual difference variable that qualifies the differences in mating strategies hypothesized in Sexual Strategies Theory.
Patterns of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programmes over time in the elderly

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to understand the relationship between need and help-seeking behaviour in older adults by examining the patterns of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programmes (FAP), i.e. the Food Stamp Program and home-delivered meals. Design Data from two longitudinal studies were used. The studies were designed to obtain nationally representative information on health, insurance coverage, financial status, family support systems, labour market status and retirement planning, every two years: the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 1996–2002) and Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD, 1995–2002). Setting USA. Subjects There were 7623 participants for HRS and 3378 for AHEAD. Results The older adults appeared to have persistent patterns between food insecurity and participation in FAP, especially in the Food Stamp Program. More persistently food-insecure older adults had higher participation in FAP (P < 0·001). Food-insecure older adults at one time were more likely to shift from non-participation to participation in FAP the next time than food-secure older adults (P < 0·001). Regardless of previous food insecurity status, previous participants in FAP were more likely to participate subsequently. Conclusions The relationship between need and help-seeking behaviour in older adults was found to follow a persistent positive pattern, determined by looking at the patterns of food insecurity and participation in FAP. Although food insecurity as a need is a good predictor of participation in FAP, it is not enough to fully predict participation in FAP. Help-seeking behaviour (i.e. previous programme participation) is also important in predicting participation in FAP.
Ethyl glucuronide--the direct ethanol metabolite on the threshold from science to routine use.

AIMS Current biological state markers remain suboptimal with regard to sensitivity and specificity for monitoring recent alcohol consumption in various settings. Furthermore, these biomarkers can be influenced by age, gender and a variety of substances and non-alcohol-associated diseases and do not cover fully the time axis for alcohol intake. Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is a non-volatile, water-soluble, stable, direct metabolite of ethanol that can be detected in various body fluids, tissues and hair. Shortly after the consumption even of small amounts of ethanol, EtG becomes positive. It can detect ethanol intake up to 80 hours after the complete elimination of alcohol from the body, covering a unique and important time spectrum for recent alcohol use. EtG seems to meet the need for a sensitive and specific marker to elucidate alcohol use not detected by standard testing. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, METHODS AND FINDINGS The literature was reviewed with a focus on possible diagnostic and therapeutic applications, currently available methods and future perspectives. To date, more than 4000 samples of body fluids, tissues and hair from approximately 1500 individuals have been assessed. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that EtG is a useful tool in numerous settings, including alcohol and drug treatment (to detect lapse/relapse and for motivational feedback), in safety sensitive work settings where use is dangerous or in other settings where alcohol use may be risky (e.g. such as driving, work-place, pregnancy or monitoring physicians or other professionals who are in recovery and working) or for resolving forensic questions. If the question of recent alcohol consumption has to be answered in a binary way (yes/no), such as for determining lapses. the use of EtG in urine is among the preferred tests. The use of this marker alone and complementary with other biological state markers and self-reports is expected to lead to significant improvement in treatment outcome, therapy efficacy and cost reduction.
A second isoform of the ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductase generated by an in-frame initiation of translation

Ferredoxin:NADP oxidoreductases (FNRs) constitute a family of flavoenzymes that catalyze the exchange of reducing equivalents between one-electron carriers and the two-electron-carrying NADP(H). The main role of FNRs in cyanobacteria and leaf plastids is to provide the NADPH for photoautotrophic metabolism. In root plastids, a distinct FNR isoform is found that has been postulated to function in the opposite direction, providing electrons for nitrogen assimilation at the expense of NADPH generated by heterotrophic metabolism. A multiple gene family encodes FNR isoenzymes in plants, whereas there is only one FNR gene (petH) in cyanobacteria. Nevertheless, we detected two FNR isoforms in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803. One of them (FNRS ≈34 kDa) is similar in size to the plastid FNR and specifically accumulates under heterotrophic conditions, whereas the other one (FNRL ≈46 kDa) contains an extra N-terminal domain that allows its association with the phycobilisome. Site-directed mutants allowed us to conclude that the smaller isoform, FNRS, is produced from an internal ribosome entry site within the petH ORF. Thus we have uncovered a mechanism by which two isoforms are produced from a single gene, which is, to our knowledge, novel in photosynthetic bacteria. Our results strongly suggest that FNRL is an NADP+ reductase, whereas FNRS is an NADPH oxidase.
Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Brazilian Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: A previously unrecognized high prevalence of celiac disease (CD) has been found by screening among European and North American patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM 1). The prevalence of CD among Brazilian children with DM1 is not known. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of CD in Brazilian children and adolescents with DM 1. Methods: One hundred and four children and adolescents with DM 1 (52 males and 52 females; age range 22 months - 19 years) and 105 age and gender-matched control participants were screened for CD using the IgA antiendomysial antibody test (IgA-EmA) and total serum IgA. A small bowel biopsy was performed in all patients with positive IgA-EmA. Results: Nine of 104 diabetic patients (8.7%) had a positive IgA-EmA. Biopsies were normal in four patients, two had partial or subtotal villous atrophy with elevated intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) counts, and three showed partial villous atrophy but with IEL counts under the maximun limit adopted (40 IEL/100 enterocytes). EmA-IgA positive patients had mild, non-specific gastrointestinal complaints including dyspepsia, abdominal pain, flatulence and constipation. All control participants had negative results for IgA-EmA. Conclusion: The prevalence of CD in a group of Brazilian pediatric DM 1 patients was at least 4.8%, a prevalence comparable to European and North American studies. The high prevalence of CD among DM 1 emphasizes the need for routine screening in all countries including Brazil.
When zero is greater than one: consumer misinterpretations of nutrition labels.

OBJECTIVE Front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labels are increasingly used by food manufacturers. A call to regulate the content and format of these labels resulted in recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for standardized FOP labels that clearly communicate packaged foods' healthfulness. It is currently unclear how consumers would interpret and use these proposed labels. This research addresses psychological factors affecting the efficacy of FOP label use. It was hypothesized that IOM's proposed 0- to 3-point rating scale would produce the zero-comparison effect, leading to more favorable evaluations than are warranted for the least healthful products (i.e., those earning zero nutritional points). METHODS In two studies (Study 1, n = 68; Study 2, n = 101), participants evaluated products containing FOP labels on the basis of IOM recommendations. Primary outcomes were perceived product healthfulness and purchase intentions. RESULTS Study 1 demonstrated that less-healthful products were rated by study participants to be equally healthful as more-healthful products. The relationship between FOP rating and purchase intentions was mediated by perceived healthfulness. Biases in product healthfulness ratings were exacerbated for consumers with higher (vs. lower) health concern. Study 2 demonstrated that by changing the rating scale from 0-3 to 1-4, consumers avoid the zero-comparison effect and accurately evaluate products' healthfulness. CONCLUSIONS This research has implications for theory and policy in the domains of nutrition labeling and consumer health. Specifically, FOP labels can help consumers identify healthful options, but products receiving zero nutritional points may be misidentified as healthful; a simple label modification can prevent this confusion.