Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantification of myocardial fibrosis using noninvasive T2‐mapping magnetic resonance imaging: Preclinical models of aging and pressure overload

Noninvasive imaging of cardiac fibrosis is important for early diagnosis and intervention in chronic heart diseases. Here, we investigated whether noninvasive, contrast agent‐free MRI T2‐mapping can quantify myocardial fibrosis in preclinical models of aging and pressure overload. Myocardial fibrosis and remodeling were analyzed in two animal models: (i) aging (15‐month‐old male CF‐1 mice vs. young 6‐ to 8‐week‐old mice), and (ii) pressure overload (PO; by transverse aortic constriction in 4‐ to 5‐month‐old male C57BL/6 mice vs. sham‐operated for 14 days). In vivo T2‐mapping was performed by acquiring data during the isovolumic and early diastolic phases, with a modified respiratory and ECG‐triggered multiecho TurboRARE sequence on a 7‐T MRI. Cine MRI provided cardiac morphology and function. A quantitative segmentation method was developed to analyze the in vivo T2‐maps of hearts at midventricle, apex, and basal regions. The cardiac fibrosis area was analyzed ex vivo by picro sirius red (PSR) staining. Both aged and pressure‐overloaded hearts developed significant myocardial contractile dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. The aged mice had two phenotypes, fibrotic and mild‐fibrotic. Notably, the aged fibrotic subgroup and the PO mice showed a marked decrease in T2 relaxation times (25.3 ± 0.6 in aged vs. 29.9 ± 0.7 ms in young mice, p = 0.002; and 24.3 ± 1.7 in PO vs. 28.7 ± 0.7 ms in shams, p = 0.05). However, no significant difference in T2 was detected between the aged mild‐fibrotic subgroup and the young mice. Accordingly, an inverse correlation between myocardial fibrosis percentage (FP) and T2 relaxation time was derived (R2 = 0.98): T2 (ms) = 30.45 – 1.05 × FP. Thus, these results demonstrate a statistical agreement between T2‐map–quantified fibrosis and PSR staining in two different clinically relevant animal models. In conclusion, T2‐mapping MRI is a promising noninvasive contrast agent‐free quantitative technique to characterize myocardial fibrosis.
Cladribine therapy for advanced and indolent systemic mastocytosis: Mayo Clinic experience in 42 consecutive cases

We describe our single institution experience with cladribine therapy in 42 patients with systemic mastocytosis (SM): 22 advanced (adv‐SM; median age 65 years, 68% males) and 20 indolent/smouldering SM (ISM/SSM; median age 56 years, 45% males); subcategories included eight aggressive, 13 associated with another haematological neoplasm, one mast cell leukaemia, 17 ISM and three SSM. Overall/major response rates were 77%/45% for adv‐SM and 70%/60% for ISM/SSM, and median (range) duration of response 10 (4–75) and 46 (4–140) months respectively. A >50% reduction in bone marrow mast cell burden and serum tryptase level was documented in 63% and 67% of patients with adv‐SM and 50% and 46% with ISM/SSM respectively. The presence of KIT proto‐oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT)D816V predicted response in adv‐SM: 17 (90%) of 19 with and none of three without the mutation responded (P < 0·01). Treatment‐emergent adverse events were mostly limited to transient cytopenias: Grade 3/4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or lymphopenia occurred in 27%, 27% and 27% of patients with adv‐SM, and 5%, 5% and 30% with ISM/SSM respectively. The present study provides practical information that might be considered when making treatment choices between cladribine and newer KIT‐targeted therapies and identifies the absence of KITD816V as a potential marker of cladribine resistance in advanced SM; the latter observation needs confirmation in a larger study.
Interfirm Networks in the Japanese Electronics Industry

List of tables List of figures Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. The Organization of Production: Theoretical considerations on networks and innovation 3. 'Pyramidal' Production Networks in the Japanese Electronics Industry 4. The Japanese Electronics Industry in the Context of Domestic and Global challenges 5. Pyramids under Pressure - Some evidence on Aggregate trends in Network Arrangements 6. Overseas Production of low-end Consumer Products 7. Personal Computers 8. Digital Cameras 9. Conclusion Bibliography
To Explain or to Predict: Important Aspect to Consider Also in Orthopaedics: Response

1. Akpinar B, Lin LJ, Bloom DA, Youm T. Hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement: 1-year outcomes predict 5-year outcomes. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49(1):104-111. 2. Domb BG, Chen SL, Go CC, et al. Predicctors of clinical outcomes after hip arthroscopy: 5-year follow-up analysis of 1038 patients. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49(1):112-120. 3. Edwards K, Leyland KM, Sanchez-Santos MT, et al. Differences between race and gender in measures of hip morphology: a population-based comparative study. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2020;28(2): 189-200. 4. Karhade AV, Schwab JH. CORR synthesis: when should we be skeptical of clinical prediction models? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2020; 478(12):2722-2728. 5. Novais EN, Shefelbine SJ, Kienle K-P, et al. Body mass index affects proximal femoral but not acetabular morphology in adolescents without hip pathology. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2018;100(1):66-74. 6. Shmueli G. To explain or to predict? Stat Sci. 2010;25(3):289-310. 7. Westreich D, Greenland S. The Table 2 fallacy: presenting and interpreting confounder and modifier coefficients. Am J Epidemiol. 2013;177(4):292-298.
Association of tumor mutational burden with genomic alterations in Chinese urothelial carcinoma

The tumor mutational burden (TMB) calculated by whole‐exome sequencing (WES) is a promising biomarker for the response to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICIs) in solid tumors. However, WES is not feasible in the routine clinical setting. In addition, the characteristics of the TMB in Chinese urothelial carcinoma (UC) are unclear. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the reliability of an Acornmed 808 panel and analyze the characteristics of the TMB in Chinese UC. An Acornmed 808 panel was designed and virtually validated using UC data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). Comprehensive analysis of sequencing and clinical data was performed to explore the characteristics of the TMB for 143 Chinese UC patients. Compared to the TMB calculated with random 808‐, 500‐, and 250‐gene panels, the TMB calculated with the Acornmed 808 panel was closer to that calculated by WES. There were marked disparities in the mutational landscape and TMB between Chinese and TCGA UC data. The TMB was negatively associated with copy number variation (CNV). In contrast, the TMB was positive correlation with numbers of mutated DDR genes. Exposure to aristolochic acid signature was observed only in the TMB‐high groups. The Acornmed 808 panel is a clinically practical method to assess the TMB. The TMB was associated with the DDR gene status and CNV counts and might be a biomarker for further stratification of UC patients. The study suggested that patients with high TMB may have a unique carcinogenic mechanism.
Zika Virus Infection in the Ovary Induces a Continuously Elevated Progesterone Level and Compromises Conception in Interferon Alpha/Beta Receptor-Deficient Mice

Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus, is primarily transmitted by mosquito bites. But it can also be transmitted vertically and sexually. ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) belongs to mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Unlike other members in the family, ZIKV can be sexually transmitted, and the female genital tracts are susceptible to ZIKV. However, the impact of ZIKV infection on nonpregnant female reproductive health is not understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of ZIKV infection on the ovary by using nonpregnant female interferon α/β receptor-deficient (Ifnar1−/−) mice. The results showed that the ovary supported ZIKV replication, and the granulosa and theca cells of antral follicles were susceptible. ZIKV replication in situ significantly reduced the numbers of antral follicles, aggravated follicular atresia, and disrupted folliculogenesis. Notably, ZIKV replication in the ovary caused disordered ovarian steroidogenesis manifested by decreased expression of key enzymes linked to sex hormone synthesis, including the cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) and aromatase (CYP19A1). Further, we observed that ZIKV infection disrupted the estrous cycle and thus prolonged the time to conceive. More importantly, although ZIKV RNA could not be detected at 3 months postinfection, damaged ovarian structure and dysfunction were also observed. Taken together, our study demonstrates that ZIKV infection in nonpregnant female mice cause ovarian damage and dysfunction, even long after ZIKV clearance. These data provide important information to understand the effects of ZIKV infection in female reproductive tissues and basic evidence for further studies. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus, is primarily transmitted by mosquito bites. But it can also be transmitted vertically and sexually. Although ZIKV-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly have drawn great attention, there have been few studies on the potential effects of ZIKV on the genital tract of nonpregnant females. This study investigated the effects of ZIKV on the ovaries in mice. We found that ZIKV replicated in the ovary and the granulosa and theca cells of antral follicles were susceptible. ZIKV replication in situ significantly damaged ovarian structure and function and disrupted folliculogenesis. Notably, ZIKV infection further disrupted the estrous cycle and prolonged the time to conceive in mice by causing disordered ovarian steroidogenesis. These effects were observed in both the acute phase and the recovery phase after viral elimination. Overall, the new findings provide important additions to make out the potential adverse impacts of ZIKV on reproductive health in females.
Soccernomics: Why Transfers Fail, Why Spain Rule the World and Other Curious Football Phenomena Explained

At last, football has its answer to Freakonomics, The Tipping Point and The Undercover Economist. Why do England lose? " "Why do Germany & Brazil Win? " "How have Spain conquered the World? " "Penalties - what are they good for? " "What is the price on achieving success and the true cost of failure? " These are questions every football fan has asked. Soccernomics (previously published as Why England Lose) answers them. Written with an economist's brain and a football writer's skill, it applies high-powered analytical tools to everyday football topics. Soccernomics isn't in the first place about money. It's about looking at data in new ways. It's about revealing counterintuitive truths about football. It explains all manner of things about the game which newspapers just can't see. It all adds up to a new way of looking at football, beyond cliches about "The Magic of the FA Cup", "England's Shock Defeat" and "Newcastle's New South American Star". No training in economics is needed to read Soccernomics but the reader will come out of it with a better understanding not just of football, but of how economists think and what they know.
Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of novel Malaysian chicken astrovirus isolates

ABSTRACT Chicken astrovirus (CAstV) has for over a decade been associated with runting stunting syndrome, severe kidney disease and visceral gout, and white chick syndrome. However, knowledge of the molecular characteristics and pathogenicity of the virus in day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks is scarce. This study focused on the characterization of near-complete genome of three Malaysian CAstV isolates following virus propagation in SPF embryonated chicken eggs and pathogenicity in day-old SPF chicks. The three isolates demonstrated unique features including a point mutation in their intergenic regions and an additional stem-loop II-like motif (s2m) in ORF-2. Pairwise sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis of the ORF-2 amino acid sequence of the three isolates revealed an identity share of 86–91% with group B CAstVs while forming a new subgroup in addition to the known four subgroups (Bi, Bii, Biii and Biv) that exhibit high identity of between 95% and 100% within the subgroups. In the pathogenicity study, birds in the infected and exposed sentinel groups exhibited lethargy and diarrhoea 3 days post-inoculation (dpi) that declined by 6 dpi, and 20% growth retardation by 9 dpi. Mild lymphocytic aggregates in the duodenum, tubular degeneration and interstitial nephritis were observed in the intestines and kidneys, respectively, in both groups. In addition, the mean virus copy numbers of the cloacal swabs were log10 13.23 at 3 dpi and log10 9.04 at 6 dpi for the infected and exposed sentinels, respectively. The study suggests that the Malaysian isolates should be assigned to a new subgroup, Bv within group B CAstV. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS A single run of NGS protocol is capable of generating a near-complete genome sequence of CAstV. The Malaysian CAstV isolates cluster together and exhibit 86–91% identity with published group B CAstVs. The Malaysian CAstVs encode an additional stem-loop II-like motif (s2m) in ORF-2. The isolates are pathogenic to day-old SPF chicks with lesions mainly in the intestine and kidneys.
Three-dimensional optical coherence tomography imaging of the optic nerve head

Background: the primary site of injury in glaucoma is likely to be at the lamina cribrosa (LC), deep within the optic nerve head (ONH). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) in glaucoma has, to date, focused on the detection of nerve fibre loss. Spectral domain OCT (SDOCT) has improved speed and axial resolution, allowing acquisition of three-dimensional ONH volumes and may capture targets deep within the ONH. This thesis explores the capabilities and potential of deep SDOCT imaging in the monkey ONH. Plan of research: an investigation was conducted into the detection of key landmarks that would be necessary for future quantification strategies. In particular, detection of the neural canal opening (NCO) was assessed and how the NCO relates to what is clinically identified as the disc margin. The next phase involved clarifying the anatomical and histological basis of ONH structures observed within SDCOT volumes, by comparison with histological sections and disc photographs. Finally, quantification strategies for novel parameters based on deep targets were developed and used to detect chronic longitudinal changes in experimental glaucoma and acute changes following IOP manipulation. Results: SDOCT reliably detects the NCO, which can be used as an anchoring structure for reference planes. Usually the NCO equates to the disc margin but disc margin architecture can be complex and highly variable. SDOCT captures the prelaminar tissue and anterior LC surface. Prelaminar thinning and posterior LC displacement were both detected longitudinally in experimental glaucoma. Prelaminar thinning was observed with acute IOP elevation; posterior LC movement was rare. Significance: deep ONH structures, including the LC, are realistic targets for clinical imaging. These imaging targets may be useful in the detection of glaucoma progression and in the verification of ex-vivo models of ONH biomechanical behaviour.
Skilled independent control of individual motor units via a non-invasive neuromuscular–machine interface

Objective. Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) have the potential to augment human functions and restore independence in people with disabilities, yet a compromise between non-invasiveness and performance limits their relevance. Approach. Here, we hypothesized that a non-invasive neuromuscular–machine interface providing real-time neurofeedback of individual motor units within a muscle could enable independent motor unit control to an extent suitable for high-performance BMI applications. Main results. Over 6 days of training, eight participants progressively learned to skillfully and independently control three biceps brachii motor units to complete a 2D center-out task. We show that neurofeedback enabled motor unit activity that largely violated recruitment constraints observed during ramp-and-hold isometric contractions thought to limit individual motor unit controllability. Finally, participants demonstrated the suitability of individual motor units for powering general applications through a spelling task. Significance. These results illustrate the flexibility of the sensorimotor system and highlight individual motor units as a promising source of control for BMI applications.
Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Pancreatitis: plasmapheresis or conservative management?

Introduction Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HIAP) may result in severe morbidity and mortality. The most effective management strategy is unknown. While plasmapheresis is often performed, it is possible that a conservative approach which includes fasting, intravenous fluids and high-dose insulin, may be successful. Objectives To compare the 28 day mortality and morbidity parameters among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) due to HIAP when treated conservatively, as compared to patients who were treated with plasmapheresis. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was performed, including all patients at least 18 years of age who were admitted to the ICU between the years 2010 to 2020 with diagnosis of HIAP. Patients underwent plasmapheresis or were managed conservatively. Collected data included patient demographics, chronic illness and medications, hospital and ICU admission times, 28-day mortality, need for ventilation, number of ventilation days, need for inotropic support, daily triglyceride levels, APACHE II score, lactate on admission, need for dialysis, antibiotic treatment, surgical or percutaneous intervention. Results The study included 29 patients. Twenty two patients were treated conservatively and 7 patients with plasmapheresis. There were no significant statistical differences between the groups regarding demographic parameters, chronic disease and medications. Furthermore, on ICU admission and during the subsequent 4 days APACHE score, serum lactate and triglyceride levels were similar between the groups. There was no significant difference in mortality. However, plasmapheresis was associated with greater morbidity (longer admission times, need for ventilation and number of ventilation days, need for inotropic support and dialysis, and invasive surgical intervention). Finally, when compared to conservative management, the rate of serum triglyceride decrease was not improved following plasmapheresis. Conclusion Efficacy of conservative treatment in lowering the serum triglyceride level in HIAP is similar to plasmapheresis. Due to the small patient cohort further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Managing the transition to hydrogen and fuel cells vehicles: insights from agent-based and evolutionary models

Supply security and environmental concerns associated with oil call for an introduction of hydrogen as a transport fuel. To date, scenario studies of infrastructure build-up and sales of fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are driven by cost estimates and technological feasibility assumptions, indicating that there is a "chicken and egg problem": Car producers do not offer FCVs as long as there are no hydrogen filling stations, and infrastructure will not be set up, unless there is a significant number of FCVs on the road. This diffusion barrier is often used as an argument for a major (public) infrastructure program, neglecting the fact that the automobile market is highly competitive and car producers, consumers, and filling station operators form an interdependent dynamic system, where taxes influence technology choice. In this paper, an agent-based model is used that captures the main interdependencies to simulate possible diffusion paths of FCVs. The results suggest that a tax on conventional cars can successfully promote diffusion even without a major infrastructure program. However, consumers and individual producers are affected differently by the tax, indicating that differently strong resistance towards such a policy can be anticipated. Moreover, there is evidence that some producers might benefit from cooperation with filling station operators to generate a faster build-up of infrastructure. JEL classification: O33, D11, D21, L92
Introduction to Applied Geophysics: Exploring the Shallow Subsurface

Offering a chapter on each of the most common methods of exploration, the text explains in detail how each method is performed and discusses that method's geologic, engineering, and environmental applications. In addition to ample examples, illustrations, and applications throughout, each chapter concludes with a problem set. The text is also accompanied by the Field Geophysics Software Suite, an innovative CD-ROM that allows students to experiment with refraction and reflection seismology, gravity, magnetics, electrical resistivity, and ground-penetrating radar methods of exploration.
Providing Reliable Route Guidance: Phase II

The overarching goal of the project is to enhance travel reliability of highway users by providing them with reliable route guidance produced from newly developed routing algorithms that are validated and implemented with real traffic data. To these ends, the project further develops the reliable routing algorithms, tests the idea of using the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus data to estimate travel times on arterial and local roads, and conducts a survey designed to understand travelers’ reaction and attitude to travel reliability and their opinions about reliable route guidance products.
Schools Must Speak for Themselves: The Case for School Self-Evaluation

1. Why schools must speak for themselves 2. Hunt the unicorn: the search for the effective school 3. How the framework was developed - the 1996 study 4. Exploring the themes 5. The good teacher 6. Inspection priorities: are they yours? 7. What happened next 8. What happens in other countries? 9. A framework for self-evaluation 10. Making it work in your school 11. Using the framework 12. Summary and recommendations Appendices
Workplace Basics Training Manual

PrefaceThe Authors Workplace Basics Advisory Panel and Skills Network Part One: Setting Standards for Competency at Work 1. The Economic Impact of Basic Skills 2. The Skills Employers Want Part Two: The Foundation: Learning How to Learn 3. Learning to Learn: Strategies for Acquiring Skills Part Three: Basic Competency Skills: Reading, Writing and Computation 4. Reading for the New Workplace 5. Writing with Impact 6. Computation in a Technological Workplace Part Four: Communication Skills: Speaking and Listening Effectively 7. Oral Communication Skills 8. Principles of Good Listening Part Five: Adaptability Skills: Solving Problems and Thinking Creatively 9. Resourcefulness 10. Creative Thinking: New Ideas for Old Problems Part Six: Developmental Skills: Managing Personal and Professional Growth 11. Self--Esteem: Confidence Leads to Competence 12. Motivation and Goal Setting: Developing a Personal Game Plan 13. Career Development: Planning for Today and Tomorrow Part Seven: Group Effectiveness Skills: Working With Others 14. Interpersonal Skills 15. Teamwork 16. Negotiation Part Eight: Influencing Skills: Making A Difference 17. Understanding Organizational Culture 18. Sharing Leadership Part Nine: A Blueprint for Success 19. Guidelines for Establishing an Effective Workplace Basics Program