Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating impact of air pollution on China’s inbound tourism industry: a spatial econometric approach

ABSTRACT Despite widespread concern about China’s air pollution crisis, very few studies have quantitatively explored its impact on China’s inbound tourism industry. From a spatial econometric perspective, this paper has quantified the direct, indirect and total effects of air pollution on international tourists visiting China, using panel data on 31 Chinese provinces during the period 2001–2013. The results confirm that air pollution has a significant direct negative effect on international tourists visiting China. There exists apparent spatial autocorrelation for provincial-level air pollution in China. Spatial Durbin model shows evidence that air pollution in the neighbouring provinces has a significant negative impact on international tourist arrivals in the local province. The spillover effect is even larger than the direct effect. When air pollution in the neighbouring provinces becomes serious, international tourists are unlikely to travel to the local province. The findings of this study have implications for local governments to strengthen inter-governmental environmental management to invigorate tourism market.
HIV-1 Vif-mediated ubiquitination/degradation of APOBEC3G involves four critical lysine residues in its C-terminal domain

During coevolution with the host, HIV-1 developed the ability to hijack the cellular ubiquitin/proteasome degradation pathway to counteract the antiviral activity of APOBEC3G (A3G), a host cytidine deaminase that can block HIV-1 replication. Abrogation of A3G function involves the HIV-1 Vif protein, which binds A3G and serves as an adapter molecule to recruit A3G to a Cullin5-based E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Structure-guided mutagenesis of A3G focused on the 14 most surface-exposed Lys residues allowed us to identify four Lys residues (Lys-297, 301, 303, and 334) that are required for Vif-mediated A3G ubiquitination and degradation. Substitution of Arg for these residues confers Vif resistance and restores A3G's antiviral activity in the presence of Vif. In our model, the critical four Lys residues cluster at the C terminus, opposite to the known N-terminal Vif-interaction region in the protein. Thus, spatial constraints imposed by the E3 ligase complex may be an important determinant in Vif-dependent A3G ubiquitination.
Combined therapy with deferiprone and desferrioxamine in thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Effective and convenient iron chelation remains one of the main targets of clinical management of thalassemia major. The combined treatment with desferrioxamine and deferiprone could have an increased chelation efficacy and sometimes allow drug doses and toxicity to be reduced and the number of days of desferrioxamine infusion to be decreased, improving compliance and quality of life. DESIGN AND METHODS We used combined therapy with desferrioxamine and deferiprone to treat 79 patients with severe iron overload (serum ferritin higher than 3000 ng/mL) who had low compliance with subcutaneous desferrioxamine. RESULTS Total therapy exposure was 201 patient-years. Three patients developed agranulocytosis and seven mild neutropenia. Other adverse effects were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased concentrations of liver transaminases and joint pain. The efficacy of combined therapy was evaluated in 64 patients treated for at least 12 months. Ferritin decreased from 5243+/-2345 to 3439+/-2446 ng/mL, p<0.001). Mean urinary iron excretion during combined therapy was double that with desferrioxamine or deferiprone monotherapy. In 20 patients receiving heart therapy at baseline, left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 48.6+/-9% to 57+/-6% (p=0.0001) over 12 to 57 months, without modifying the cardiac treatment. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS Continuous deferiprone treatment with intermittent administration of subcutaneous desferrioxamine is a practical and effective procedure to decrease severe iron overload in patients with thalassemia major. This study also shows that the combined therapy is associated with an improvement in heart function.
Energy efficient self organising load balanced clustering scheme for heterogeneous WSN

Clustering is one of the efficient techniques which not only help in protraction of lifetime of wireless sensor network but also make it scalable and robust. Subdivision of network into group of sensor nodes with a coordinator is called a cluster. Cluster members collect the physical data by sensing the environment and forward it to the coordinator which is generally termed as Cluster Head (CH). This cluster head aggregates the data and transmit it to the Base Station for further processing of data to meet the requirement of the application. In this paper we have proposed a novel self organising clustering scheme which considers the real time parameters for setting up the clusters for data collection. Unlike several proposed algorithm, this scheme reclusters the network only when CH fall below a threshold level. Repeated unnecessary clustering in every round depletes the energy of the network more quickly. We have introduced heterogeneity in the proposed work. By virtue of heterogeneity in terms of energy, lifetime of the network can be extended. An algorithm is functional if the area of interest is covered by active nodes. The period for which the network is functional is termed as persistent period in our paper. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme is comparatively more energy efficient, scalable & robust and has longer persistent period.
Clinical implications of increased use of MRI in TIA

Transient ischemic attack has been redefined as a tissue‐based diagnosis and MRI recommended as the preferred imaging modality. We aimed to investigate whether an increased use of MRI leads to a decrease in the proportion of TIA as compared to cerebral infarction. We also sought to see whether DWI‐positive patients with transient ischemic symptoms <24 h differ from DWI‐negative TIA patients in terms of performed diagnostic investigations and clinical characteristics.
Influence of ground and corona currents on dielectric behavior of small air gaps

This paper investigates the influence of grounding on the field distribution and on the dielectric behavior of small rod-plate and rod-rod air gaps. This effect can be attributed to the grounding of one electrode. In the different arrangements with one electrode grounded or with the electrodes symmetrically charged the experimental results of the corona and breakdown are recorded and compared to the simulation results of the field distribution. It is resulted that the grounding influences significantly the electric field distribution, the dc corona and the dc breakdown. The field is less inhomogeneous in grounded rod - plate air gaps and in rod-rod air gaps with symmetrically charged electrodes, and consequently the values of the corona onset and the breakdown voltage are higher. In longer air gaps the corona current influences the field distribution and consequently the dc breakdown. The effect of grounding on the breakdown is weakened when the dc polarity of the voltage is negative, otherwise it is enhanced. In air gaps with lengths > 3 cm (negative dc polarity) or >8 cm (positive dc polarity) it is overlapped by the effect of the corona current. Relations between the field strength, the corona current, the corona onset and the breakdown voltage arise. The principle of action-reaction is valid.
INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WOMEN - OWNED BUSINESSES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Recognising the indispensable role of women owned enterprises in general economic development, the government of Nigeria have offered support to the development of women owned enterprises through financial intermediary, infrastructures and policy measures. Despite of these indicators, the state of micro entrepreneurship has yet to reach a satisfactory level and women enterprises continue to lag behind that of their male counterparts. This study therefore investigated the influence of financial inclusion and social inclusion on the Performance of Women - Owned Businesses in Lagos State, Nigeria. The population of this study comprised all four thousand six thousand sixty three (4,663) women-owned Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) registered with SMEDAN while three hundred and fifty seven (357) were selected as a sample size for the study. The data collection instruments for the study were structured questionnaire and personal interview. Data were analyzed with the aid of Multiple Regression (Ordinary Least Square Estimation) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results showed that financial inclusion and social inclusion have positive and significant influence on women–owned businesses performance. Additionally, financial inclusion and social inclusion jointly contribute about 42.9% to the performance of women –owned businesses. Results also indicated that social inclusion (r = 0. 543**) is positively and significantly related with the financial inclusion. The therefore recommended that government should have a policy in place through its financial regulator to encourage financial institutions to diversify their branch networks in the country and government should also have policies and regulatory frameworks in place that will close the gender gap in financial inclusion and social inclusion.
Analysis of non‐radial interneuron migration dynamics and its disruption in Lis1+/− mice

Cell migration is an integral process in neural development. Analyses of radial cell migration (RCM) have revealed three modes of migration and specific defects in migration in various mouse mutants. In contrast, the dynamics of non‐radial cell migration (NRCM) are incompletely understood. To investigate the dynamics of NRCM, we utilized a slice culture assay coupled with time‐lapse videomicroscopy. This analysis revealed that non‐radially migrating cells have a complex pattern of extending and retracting one or multiple processes while the nucleus advances concurrently or independently. These data indicate that the process of interneuron migration is unique to that seen for any mode of RCM. Non‐radially migrating neurons moved for an average of 0.85 μm/min and paused for approximately 14% of the time observed. Given the novel morphology of NRCM, we hypothesized that specific aspects of migration would be defective with mutations in known cell migration genes, as described for RCM. This was tested by examining the dynamics of migration in the Lis1 mutant mouse; a well‐defined cell migration mutant with known defects in NRCM. In contrast to wild‐type cells, the rate of nuclear movement was significantly reduced in Lis1+/− interneurons, whereas the rate of active leading edge movement was similar. Morphologically, the leading process was significantly longer and the number of branches reduced in Lis1+/− mice. Together, these data indicate that the NRCM defect in Lis1+/− mice affects specific cellular processes. These data provide insight into NRCM and practical methods for future studies on the role(s) of specific genes in interneuron migration. J. Comp. Neurol. 496:847–858, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Basin‐scale phenology and effects of climate variability on global timing of initial seaward migration of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Migrations between different habitats are key events in the lives of many organisms. Such movements involve annually recurring travel over long distances usually triggered by seasonal changes in the environment. Often, the migration is associated with travel to or from reproduction areas to regions of growth. Young anadromous Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) emigrate from freshwater nursery areas during spring and early summer to feed and grow in the North Atlantic Ocean. The transition from the freshwater (‘parr’) stage to the migratory stage where they descend streams and enter salt water (‘smolt’) is characterized by morphological, physiological and behavioural changes where the timing of this parr‐smolt transition is cued by photoperiod and water temperature. Environmental conditions in the freshwater habitat control the downstream migration and contribute to within‐ and among‐river variation in migratory timing. Moreover, the timing of the freshwater emigration has likely evolved to meet environmental conditions in the ocean as these affect growth and survival of the post‐smolts. Using generalized additive mixed‐effects modelling, we analysed spatio‐temporal variations in the dates of downstream smolt migration in 67 rivers throughout the North Atlantic during the last five decades and found that migrations were earlier in populations in the east than the west. After accounting for this spatial effect, the initiation of the downstream migration among rivers was positively associated with freshwater temperatures, up to about 10 °C and levelling off at higher values, and with sea‐surface temperatures. Earlier migration occurred when river discharge levels were low but increasing. On average, the initiation of the smolt seaward migration has occurred 2.5 days earlier per decade throughout the basin of the North Atlantic. This shift in phenology matches changes in air, river, and ocean temperatures, suggesting that Atlantic salmon emigration is responding to the current global climate changes.
In vitro influence of Carisolv on shear bond strength of dentin bonding agents.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Carisolv on the shear bond strength (SBS) of hydrophilic adhesive systems in dentin. METHOD AND MATERIALS Two hundred bovine incisors were polished with 320- to 1,000-grit aluminum oxide paper and randomly divided into 10 groups (n = 20). The adhesive systems were used according to manufacturer's instructions, and a restorative resin composite (Definite) was inserted in a Teflon matrix and cured. The specimens were kept in humid storage for 7 days at 37 degrees C. The SBS tests were performed in an EMIC universal testing machine with a crosshead speed at 0.5 mm/min. The mean values (MPa +/- [SD]) were analyzed with analysis of variance and Dunnett and Tukey tests. RESULTS The results were expressed in decreasing values (MPa): G6 = 18.55 +/- 6.95; G3 = 17.55 +/- 5.73; G2 = 17.05 +/- 5.33; G8 = 16.95 +/- 7.13; G7 = 16.94 +/- 5.22; G4 = 16.31 +/- 3.38; G1 = 15.85 +/- 4.45; G9 = 14.21 +/- 5.87; G5 = 12.89 +/- 3.79; and G10 = 12.31 +/- 5.18. CONCLUSION Carisolv did not interfere in the adhesion to dentin, but its cleanser technique did interfere.
Effect of N-induced scattering centers on electron mobility in CBE grown GaAsN films

Low electron mobility causes the short diffusion length and high resistivity. To realize the tandem solar cells with high performance, the mobility must be increased. In this paper, the mechanisms that reduce electron mobility in GaAs1−xNx (0.0000<x<0.0115) were investigated from the dependence of Hall electron mobility on N composition, temperature and carrier concentration. The mobility was independent of impurity concentrations. There is a peak in the mobility as a function of temperature, such as GaAs. However, the temperature dependence changed to monotonic increase as N composition x increased to 0.0115. The increase of free carrier concentration caused improvement of the mobility at lower temperature. Hence, not ionized impurity scattering but N-related scattering was dominant scattering at low temperature. In addition, the contribution of N-related scattering became dominant comparison with alloy and phonon scattering in the higher N composition.
Structural Basis of Large-Scale Functional Connectivity in the Mouse

Translational neuroimaging requires approaches and techniques that can bridge between multiple different species and disease states. One candidate method that offers insights into the brain's functional connectivity (FC) is resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). In both humans and nonhuman primates, patterns of FC (often referred to as the functional connectome) have been related to the underlying structural connectivity (SC; also called the structural connectome). Given the recent rise in preclinical neuroimaging of mouse models, it is an important question whether the mouse functional connectome conforms to the underlying SC. Here, we compared FC derived from rs-fMRI in female mice with the underlying monosynaptic structural connectome as provided by the Allen Brain Connectivity Atlas. We show that FC between interhemispheric homotopic cortical and hippocampal areas, as well as in cortico-striatal pathways, emerges primarily via monosynaptic structural connections. In particular, we demonstrate that the striatum (STR) can be segregated according to differential rs-fMRI connectivity patterns that mirror monosynaptic connectivity with isocortex. In contrast, for certain subcortical networks, FC emerges along polysynaptic pathways as shown for left and right STR, which do not share direct anatomical connections, but high FC is putatively driven by a top-down cortical control. Finally, we show that FC involving cortico-thalamic pathways is limited, possibly confounded by the effect of anesthesia, small regional size, and tracer injection volume. These findings provide a critical foundation for using rs-fMRI connectivity as a translational tool to study complex brain circuitry interactions and their pathology due to neurological or psychiatric diseases across species. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT A comprehensive understanding of how the anatomical architecture of the brain, often referred to as the “connectome,” corresponds to its function is arguably one of the biggest challenges for understanding the brain and its pathologies. Here, we use the mouse as a model for comparing functional connectivity (FC) derived from resting-state fMRI with gold standard structural connectivity measures based on tracer injections. In particular, we demonstrate high correspondence between FC measurements of cortico-cortical and cortico-striatal regions and their anatomical underpinnings. This work provides a critical foundation for studying the pathology of these circuits across mouse models and human patients.
Inactivation of the Interoceptive Insula Disrupts Drug Craving and Malaise Induced by Lithium

Addiction profoundly alters motivational circuits so that drugs become powerful reinforcers of behavior. The interoceptive system continuously updates homeostatic and emotional information that are important elements in motivational decisions. We tested the idea that interoceptive information is essential in drug craving and in the behavioral signs of malaise. We inactivated the primary interoceptive cortex in amphetamine-experienced rats, which prevented the urge to seek amphetamine in a place preference task. Interoceptive insula inactivation also blunted the signs of malaise induced by acute lithium administration. Drug-seeking and malaise both induced Fos expression, a marker of neuronal activation, in the insula. We conclude that the insular cortex is a key structure in the perception of bodily needs that provides direction to motivated behaviors.
Fish consumption and myocardial infarction: a second prospective biomarker study from northern Sweden.

BACKGROUND A beneficial role of fish consumption on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported and is mostly ascribed to n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. However, fish also contains methylmercury, which may increase the risk of MI. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine how fish consumption and erythrocyte concentrations of mercury (Ery-Hg) and selenium (Ery-Se) are related to the risk of MI and whether n-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) in plasma phospholipids (P-EPA+DHA) are protective. DESIGN This was a case-control study nested within the northern Sweden cohort, in which data and samples were collected prospectively. The study included 431 cases with an MI after data and sample collection, including 81 sudden cardiac deaths (SCDs) and 499 matched controls. Another 69 female cases with controls from a breast cancer screening registry were included in sex-specific analyses. RESULTS Odds ratios for the third compared with the first tertile were 0.65 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.91) for Ery-Hg, 0.75 (95% CI: 0.53, 1.06) for Ery-Se, and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.54, 1.11) for P-EPA+DHA. Ery-Hg and P-EPA+DHA were intercorrelated (Spearman's R = 0.34). No association was seen for reported fish consumption. Multivariate modeling did not change these associations significantly. Sex-specific analyses showed no differences in risk associations. High concentrations of Ery-Se were associated with an increased risk of SCD. CONCLUSIONS The biomarker results indicate a protective effect of fish consumption. No harmful effect of mercury was indicated in this low-exposed population in whom Ery-Hg and P-EPA+DHA were intercorrelated.
Colon‐specific delivery of budesonide from microencapsulated cellulosic cores: evaluation of the efficacy against colonic inflammation in rats

Budesonide (BDS) is a potent corticosteroid that has important implications in the pharmaco‐therapy of inflammatory bowel disease, especially in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. BDS is available on the market in the form of enteric‐coated preparations. However these products, similar to other available site‐specific dosage forms, are not sufficiently selective to treat colonic inflammatory bowel disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a new microparticulate system containing BDS, to treat experimentally induced colitis in rats. This microparticulate system consisted of BDS‐containing hydrophobic cores, microencapsulated within an enteric polymer, which solubilizes at above pH 7, thus combining pH‐sensitive and controlled‐release properties. Colonic injury and inflammation were assessed by measuring colon/bodyweight ratio, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and by scoring macroscopic and histological damage in colitic rats. Rats were treated orally with BDS, included in the developed system, once a day for 4 days after the induction of inflammation. A BDS suspension and BDS‐containing enteric microparticles were included as control formulations in the experimental design. The administration of the new BDS delivery system significantly reduced the colon/bodyweight ratio compared with the administration of control formulations. Similarly, MPO activity and macroscopic and histological damage of the inflamed colonic segments decreased significantly when the BDS formulation was administered, compared with the results obtained after oral administration of the drug suspension. There were no significant differences, however, when the new treatment was compared with the control formulation consisting of simple enteric microparticles.
Late-Onset Pompe Disease With Left-Sided Bronchomalacia

Pompe disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by α-glucosidase deficiency. Lower airway involvement and management are rare in patients with late-onset Pompe disease. We describe the case of a 16-y-old girl with late-onset Pompe disease who presented with obvious progressive deterioration in respiratory function. Pulmonary hypertension was also apparent on echocardiography. She had been on enzyme replacement therapy and nighttime CPAP ventilation for several years. Flexible bronchoscopy was used for diagnosis and subsequent implantation of a bronchial airway stent. Following implantation of the stent, the patient's pulmonary function stabilized, and her pulmonary hypertension resolved. The patient continued on enzyme replacement therapy and nighttime CPAP ventilation. This case highlights that lower airway involvement may occur with late-onset Pompe disease and that flexible bronchoscopy can be an effective tool for both diagnosis and management of lower airway collapse in late-onset Pompe disease.