Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Pathophysiology Guided Assessment of T-Wave Alternans

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) causes more than 400,000 deaths per year in the United States alone, largely from ventricular arrhythmias [1]. T-wave alternans (TWA) is a promising ECG index that indicates risk for SCA from beat-to-beat alternations in the shape, amplitude, or timing of T waves. Decades of research now link TWA clinically with inducible [2–4] and spontaneous [5–7] ventricular arrhythmias, and with basic mechanisms leading to their initiation [8, 9]. This bench-to-bedside foundation makes TWA a very plausible predictor of susceptibility to SCA, and motivates the need to define optimal conditions for its detection that are tailored to its pathophysiology. TWA has become a prominent risk stratification method over the past 5 to 10 years, with recent approval for reimbursement, and the suggestion by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the inclusion of TWA analysis in the proposed national registry for SCA management [10].
A Novel Segmentation and Recognition Algorithm for Chinese Handwritten Address Character Strings

This paper presents a new method for segmenting and recognizing Chinese handwritten address character strings. First, a dissection algorithm is applied to over-segment string image into radical series so that the correct segmentation could be achieved by merging those radicals according to the correct merging path. Then, the method synthesizes layout analysis, isolated character classifier and bi-gram language model to find the best merging path and the best recognition result. The classifier used in this paper will give every isolated character image ten recognition candidates, each with corresponding recognition confidence. The parameter of bi-gram model is obtained from address database which contains more than one hundred thousand address items. In experiments on 946 mail images, the proposed method achieves correct rate of 87.2 percent
Intraocular pressure measurement in cynomolgus monkeys. Tono-Pen versus manometry.

PURPOSE In living cynomolgus monkey eyes, the authors compared manometrically set and measured intraocular pressure (IOP) with simultaneous IOP readings obtained with the Tono-Pen (TP), a handheld applanation tonometer based on the Mackay-Marg principle. METHODS In three pentobarbital-anesthetized cynomolgus monkeys, IOP was set and measured manometrically after anterior chamber cannulation through the peripheral cornea with a 26-gauge needle connected to a vertically adjustable reservoir and a pressure transducer. Intraocular pressure was raised in approximately 5 mm Hg steps from 5 mm Hg to 60 mm Hg and then lowered in 5 mm Hg steps to 5 mm Hg, with TP measurements taken at each increment and decrement in open and stopcock modes. RESULTS Linear regression analysis of TP on manometric readings for grouped data from all six eyes, with each data point representing the average of all the TP readings from one eye at each manometric pressure setting, showed a slope 0.692 +/- 0.016 and 0.683 +/- 0.023 (both significantly different from 1; P < 0.001), intercept 1.21 +/- 0.60 and 1.64 +/- 0.82 mm Hg (both significantly different from 0.0, P < 0.05), and correlation coefficient 0.981 and 0.96 in open stopcock and closed stopcock mode, respectively. There were no striking differences when the data were analyzed for individual eyes or animals, for open versus closed stopcock manometry, or for increasing versus decreasing manometric IOP. CONCLUSIONS The TP provides reproducible measurements of IOP in cynomolgus monkeys, with measurement accuracy dependent on the generation of an appropriate calibration curve.
Comprehensive analysis of HPV expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in laryngeal carcinoma remains controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of HPV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by determining presence of markers of viral infection. HPV DNA and E6*I mRNA status was determined by type‐specific E7 PCR bead‐based multiplex genotyping and RT‐PCR assays in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma biopsy samples. p16INK4a and COX‐2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Four cases out of 32 (13%) were HPV DNA+: HPV 11 (n = 1), HPV 31 (n = 3), HPV 59 (n = 1). One double infection: HPV 11 and HPV 31. p16INK4a was overexpressed in three cases (9%) and COX‐2 in 17 cases (53%). Two of four HPV DNA+ samples had E6*I mRNA for HPV 31 and overexpressed p16INK4a and COX‐2. HPV appears to play an active role in a small subset of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. p16INK4a can be used as a surrogate marker of transcriptionally active HPV infection; COX‐2 expression had no correlation with HPV DNA and/or RNA positivity. J. Med. Virol. 86:642–646, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sperm Binding to Oviductal Epithelial Cells in the Rat: Role of Sialic Acid Residues on the Epithelial Surface and Sialic Acid-Binding Sites on the Sperm Surface1

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the participation of carbohydrate residues in the adhesion of spermatozoa to the oviductal epithelium in the rat. We first examined, by lectin labeling, the distribution of glycoconjugates in rat oviducts obtained under various hormonal environments. Several classes of glycoconjugates were abundant in the epithelium, and the expression of some of these molecules varied differentially in ampulla and isthmus, along the estrous cycle and with estradiol and progesterone treatment. Proestrous rats were intraoviductally injected with lectins Dolichos biflorus, Erythrina cristagalli, Helix pomatia, Arachis hypogea, Ulex europaeus I, Triticum vulgaris, or Tritrichomonas mobilensis and were inseminated with 10–20 million epididymal spermatozoa in each uterine horn. Three hours later, the total number of spermatozoa present in the oviduct and the proportion adhering to the epithelium were determined. Intraoviductal administration of lectins did not affect the total number of spermatozoa recovered from the oviduct and only the sialic acid-binding lectin TML decreased the percentage of sperm cells adhering to the epithelium. The involvement of sialic acid in sperm-oviduct adhesion was further explored, inseminating spermatozoa preincubated with mannose, galactose, sialic acid, fucose, fetuin, or asialofetuin. Sialic acid and fetuin inhibited sperm-oviduct binding while other carbohydrates had no effect. Using TML lectin immunohistochemistry, we found that sialic acid-rich glycoconjugates are equally localized in the epithelium of ampulla and isthmus of proestrous rats. The electrophoretic pattern of sialic acid-rich glycoproteins of the epithelium showed 15 major protein bands, for which molecular mass ranged from 200 to 50 kDa with no difference between ampulla and isthmus or between estrous cycle stages. Binding sites for sialic acid-fluorescein isothiocyanate were demonstrated on the surface of rat spermatozoa, and biotinylated sialic acid recognized 11 plasma membrane proteins of sperm cells. These groups of sialic acid-rich glycoproteins in the oviductal epithelium and of sialic acid-binding proteins in the plasma membrane of sperm cells are good candidates for further studies to characterize the molecules responsible for sperm binding. We conclude that there are segment-specific changes of sugar residues present in the oviductal epithelium associated with different endocrine environments. Sperm-oviduct adhesion in the rat occurs by interaction of sialoglycoconjugates present in the epithelial cells with sialic acid-binding proteins on the sperm surface. This replicates the situation previously found in hamsters, disclosing for the first time that species-specificity in the sugar involved in sperm binding is not absolute.
The association between carcinoma of the pancreas and diabetes mellitus

CARCINOMA OF PANCREAS (all cases) AGE-GROUP ADVANCES in treatment depend both on a clearer understanding of the causation of disease and on earlier diagnosis. For many years it has been recognized that a disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism may be present in a few patients with carcinoma of the pancreas, a condition notorious for the advanced stage it has usually reached before a diagnosis is made. Towards the end of last century there were several French publications, recently reviewed by Romieu, Pages, and d'A1laines (1958), suggesting an aetiological relationship between diabetes and pancreatic carcinoma. Green, Baggenstoss, and Sprague (1958), Schlesinger, Schwartz, and Wagenvoort (1960)~ and Clark and Mitchell (1961) all considered that the frequency of coexistence of the two conditions was greater than could be accounted for by chance. On the other hand, Marble (1g34), from a study of IO,OOO diabetics, regarded any association as being purely fortuitous. Some of the publications came from special clinics, while in others the criteria used for diagnosing diabetes and carcinoma were not clearly defined. The present investigation was undertaken to study any possible relationship between the two diseases as they occur in a relatively closed community, the diagnosis in each case having to conform to strict criteria.
Design, implementation, and analysis methods for the National Woodland Owner Survey

The National Woodland Owner Survey (NWOS) is conducted by the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis program to increase our understanding of private forest-land owners in the United States. The information is intended to help policy makers, resource managers, and others interested in the forest resources of the United States better understand the social context of forests and formulate more informed opinions and decisions. Every year, a different set of approximately 6,500 private forest-land owners from across the country were asked to participate in the NWOS. This document describes the design, implementation, and processing of data for the NWOS from 2002 through 2006. For updates to this report and additional information visit: www.fs. fed.us/woodlandowners.
Charge Carrier Separation in Solar Cells

The selective transport of electrons and holes to the two terminals of a solar cell is often attributed to an electric field, although well-known physics states that they are driven by gradients of quasi-Fermi energies. However, in an illuminated semiconductor, these forces are not selective, and they drive both charge carriers toward both contacts. This paper shows that the necessary selectivity is achieved by differences in the conductivities of electrons and holes in two distinct regions of the device, which, for one charge carrier, allows transport to one contact and block transport to the other contact.
Glacial melt under a porous debris layer

Abstract In this paper we undertake a quantitative analysis of the dynamic process by which ice underneath a dry porous debris layer melts. We show that the incorporation of debris-layer airflow into a theoretical model of glacial melting can capture the empirically observed features of the so-called Østrem curve (a plot of the melt rate as a function of debris depth). Specifically, we show that the turning point in the Østrem curve can be caused by two distinct mechanisms: the increase in the proportion of ice that is debris-covered and/or a reduction in the evaporative heat flux as the debris layer thickens. This second effect causes an increased melt rate because the reduction in (latent) energy used for evaporation increases the amount of energy available for melting. Our model provides an explicit prediction for the melt rate and the temperature distribution within the debris layer, and provides insight into the relative importance of the two effects responsible for the maximum in the Østrem curve. We use the data of Nicholson and Benn (2006) to show that our model is consistent with existing empirical measurements.
Analyst Bias, Firm Characteristics, and Stock Returns in the Australian Stock Market

This study shows that (1) Australian analysts are optimistic in their forecasts and underreact to new information, (2) the continuous disclosure (CD) regime has a negative impact on forecast optimism and dispersion, (3) analyst forecast bias is associated with certain firm characteristics, (4) optimistic forecast bias is high for financially distressed firms, (5) forecast dispersion is not a proper measure of uncertainty, and (6) investors are unable to distinguish the predictable component of bias from the unpredictable component, though they are aware of the overall optimism in analysts’ forecasts and adjust for it.
A Review of Solutions for SDN-Exclusive Security Issues

Software Defined Networking is a paradigm still in its emergent stages in the realm of production-scale networks. Centralisation of network control introduces a new level of flexibility for network administrators and programmers. Security is a huge factor contributing to consumer resistance to implementation of SDN architecture. Without addressing the issues inherent from SDNs centralised nature, the benefits in performance and network configurative flexibility cannot be harnessed. This paper explores key threats posed to SDN environments and comparatively analyses some of the mechanisms proposed as mitigations against these threats – it also provides some insight into the future works which would enable a securer SDN architecture.
CYP71B15 (PAD3) Catalyzes the Final Step in Camalexin Biosynthesis1

Camalexin represents the main phytoalexin in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). The camalexin-deficient phytoalexin deficient 3 (pad3) mutant has been widely used to assess the biological role of camalexin, although the exact substrate of the cytochrome P450 enzyme 71B15 encoded by PAD3 remained elusive. 2-(Indol-3-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1,3-thiazole-4-carboxylic acid (dihydrocamalexic acid) was identified as likely intermediate in camalexin biosynthesis downstream of indole-3-acetaldoxime, as it accumulated in leaves of silver nitrate-induced pad3 mutant plants and it complemented the camalexin-deficient phenotype of a cyp79b2/cyp79b3 double-knockout mutant. Recombinant CYP71B15 heterologously expressed in yeast catalyzed the conversion of dihydrocamalexic acid to camalexin with preference of the (S)-enantiomer. Arabidopsis microsomes isolated from leaves of CYP71B15-overexpressing and induced wild-type plants were capable of the same reaction but not microsomes from induced leaves of pad3 mutants. In conclusion, CYP71B15 catalyzes the final step in camalexin biosynthesis.
Effect of platelet-rich plasma concentrations on the proliferation of periodontal cells: An in vitro study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the proliferation of undifferentiated periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. Materials and Methods: The undifferentiated PDL fibroblasts were obtained from two healthy human premolar teeth and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Cell wells were divided into five groups. Experimental groups received 0.1%, 5%, or 50% PRP; the positive and negative control groups were cultured in fetal bovine serum (FBS) 12% and in a medium without FBS 12%, respectively. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days. PDL cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide proliferation assay. Statistical analysis of the data was accomplished using repeated measure ANOVA and Tukey's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 5% PRP had the greatest effect on undifferentiated fibroblast proliferation, which was significant on the 3rd day. There was no significant difference between 0.1% PRP and positive control during the first 3 days. The group with 50% PRP presented significantly lower proliferation, compared to other experimental and control groups. Conclusions: It may be concluded that the growth-stimulating effect of PRP is dose dependent with the best results in low concentrations.
Stroke Bank: A High-Level Representation for Scene Character Recognition

Text information contained in scene images is very useful for image understanding. In this paper, we propose a high-level representation named stroke bank for scene character recognition. Inspired by the work of object bank, we train stroke detectors and use detectors' maximal output as features. Specifically, we collect training samples for stroke detectors based on labeled key points. We also propose to restrict classification areas of each stroke detector to particular local regions, which alleviates computation burden and retains discrimination power at the same time. Experiments on benchmark datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method and the results outperform state-of-the-art algorithms.
Is Board Composition Important? A Study of Listed Australian Companies

This paper examines the impact of board composition on corporate performance and executive remuneration in large Australian companies. In particular, we focus on the proportion of independent directors on the board. Whether corporate performance is assessed using accounting or share-price measures, our studies produce no consistent evidence that independent directors either add or destroy value. Similarly, the studies show no link between the proportion of independent directors on the board and the level or manner of remuneration of the CEO. We conclude that any benefits flowing from the introduction of prescriptive corporate governance requirements may well be outweighed by the compliance costs.
H-index in medicine is driven by original research

Aim To investigate the contribution of selected types of articles to h-indices of medical researchers. Methods We used the Web of Science to export the publication records of various members from 26 scientific medical societies (13 European, 13 North American) associated with 13 medical specialties. Those included were presidents (n = 26), heads of randomly chosen committees (n = 52), and randomly selected members of those committees (n = 52). Publications contributing to h-index were categorized as research articles, reviews, guidelines, meta-analyses, or other published work. Results Overall, 3259 items authored by 129 scholars were analyzed. The median h-index was 19.5. The median contribution of research articles to h-index was 84.4%. Researchers in the upper h-index tercile (≥28.5) had a larger share of research articles that contributed to h-index in comparison with those in the lower h-index tercile (≤12.5) (median 87.3% [1st-3rd quartile: 80.0%-93.1%] vs 80.0% [50.0%-88.9%], P = 0.015). We observed an analogous difference with regard to guidelines (1.1% [0%-3.7%] vs 0% [0%-0%], P = 0.007). Conclusions Original research drives h-indices in medicine. Although guidelines contribute to h-indices in medicine, their influence is low. The specific role of randomized controlled trials in building h-index in medicine remains to be assessed.
The Economies of Online Cooperation: Gifts and Public Goods in Cyberspace

Even a casual trip through cyberspace will turn up evidence of hostility, selfishness, and simple nonsense. Yet the wonder of the Internet is not that there is so much noise, but that there is any significant cooperation at all. Given that online interaction is relatively anonymous, that there is no central authority, and that it is difficult or impossible to impose monetary or physical sanctions on someone, it is striking that the Internet is not literally a war of all against all. For a student of social order, what needs to be explained is not the amount of conflict but the great amount of sharing and cooperation that does occur in online communities.
Genetics of glaucoma

Genetic and genomic studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have accelerated the discovery of genes contributing to glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness world-wide. Glaucoma can occur at all ages, with Mendelian inheritance typical for the rare early onset disease (before age 40) and complex inheritance evident in common adult-onset forms of disease. Recent studies have suggested possible therapeutic targets for some patients with early-onset glaucoma based on the molecular and cellular events caused by MYOC, OPTN and TBK1 mutations. Diagnostic genetic tests using early-onset glaucoma genes are also proving useful for pre-symptomatic disease detection and genetic counseling. Recent GWAS completed for three types of common adult-onset glaucoma have identified novel loci for POAG (primary-open-angle glaucoma) (ABCA1, AFAP1, GMDS, PMM2, TGFBR3, FNDC3B, ARHGEF12, GAS7, FOXC1, ATXN2, TXNRD2); PACG (primary angle-closure glaucoma (EPDR1, CHAT, GLIS3, FERMT2, DPM2-FAM102); and exfoliation syndrome (XFS) glaucoma (CACNA1A). In total sixteen genomic regions have been associated with POAG (including the normal tension glaucoma (NTG) subgroup), 8 with PACG and 2 with XFS. These studies are defining important biological pathways and processes that contribute to disease pathogenesis.
Conspecific density dependence and community structure: Insights from 11 years of monitoring in an old‐growth temperate forest in Northeast China

Abstract Forest community structure may be influenced by seedling density dependence, however, the effect is loosely coupled with population dynamics and diversity in the short term. In the long term the strength of conspecific density dependence may fluctuate over time because of seedling abundance, yet few long‐term studies exist. Based on 11 years of seedling census data and tree census data from a 25‐ha temperate forest plot in Northeast China, we used generalized linear mixed models to test the relative effects of local neighborhood density and abiotic factors on seedling density and seedling survival. Spatial point pattern analysis was used to determine if spatial patterns of saplings and juveniles, in relation to conspecific adults, were in accordance with patterns uncovered by conspecific negative density dependence at the seedling stage. Our long‐term results showed that seedling density was mainly positively affected by conspecific density, suggesting dispersal limitation of seedling development. The probability of seedling survival significantly decreased over 1 year with increasing conspecific density, indicating conspecific negative density dependence in seedling establishment. Although there was variation in conspecific negative density dependence at the seedling stage among species and across years, a dispersed pattern of conspecific saplings relative to conspecific adults at the local scale (<10 m) was observed in four of the 11 species examined. Overall, sapling spatial patterns were consistent with the impacts of conspecific density on seedling dynamics, which suggests that conspecific negative density dependence is persistent over the long term. From the long‐term perspective, conspecific density dependence is an important driver of species coexistence in temperate forests.