Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Network Analysis on Predicting Mean Diffusivity Change at Group Level in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

The two most common types of temporal lobe epilepsy are medial temporal sclerosis (TLE-MTS) epilepsy and MRI-normal temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE-no). TLE-MTS is specified by its stereotyped focus and spread pattern of neuronal damage, with pronounced neuronal loss in the hippocampus. TLE-no exhibits normal-appearing hippocampus and more widespread neuronal loss. In both cases, neuronal loss spread appears to be constrained by the white matter connections. Both varieties of epilepsy reveal pathological abnormalities in increased mean diffusivity (MD). We model MD distribution as a simple consequence of the propagation of neuronal damage. By applying this model on the structural brain connectivity network of healthy subjects, we can predict at group level the MD gray matter change in the epilepsy cohorts relative to a control group. Diffusion tensor imaging images were acquired from 10 patients with TLE-MTS, 11 patients with TLE-no, and 35 healthy subjects. Statistical validation at the group level suggests high correlation with measured neuronal loss (R = 0.56 for the TLE-MTS group and R = 0.364 for the TLE-no group). The results of this exploratory work pave the way for potential future clinical application of the proposed model on individual patients, including predicting neuronal loss spread, identification of seizure onset zones, and helping in surgical planning.
Impact of Endogenous Intronic Retroviruses on Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Diversity and Stability

ABSTRACT The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) represents a multigene family that is known to display allelic and gene copy number variations. Primate species such as humans, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), and rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) show DRB region configuration polymorphism at the population level, meaning that the number and content of DRB loci may vary per haplotype. Introns of primate DRB alleles differ significantly in length due to insertions of transposable elements as long endogenous retrovirus (ERV) and human ERV (HERV) sequences in the DRB2, DRB6, and DRB7 pseudogenes. Although the integration of intronic HERVs resulted sooner or later in the inactivation of the targeted genes, the fixation of these endogenous retroviral segments over long time spans seems to have provided evolutionary advantage. Intronic HERVs may have integrated in a sense or an antisense manner. On the one hand, antisense-oriented retroelements such as HERV-K14I, observed in intron 2 of the DRB7 genes in humans and chimpanzees, seem to promote stability, as configurations/alleles containing these hits have experienced strong conservative selection during primate evolution. On the other hand, the HERVK3I present in intron 1 of all DRB2 and/or DRB6 alleles tested so far integrated in a sense orientation. The data suggest that multigenic regions in particular may benefit from sense introgressions by HERVs, as these elements seem to promote and maintain the generation of diversity, whereas these types of integrations may be lethal in monogenic systems, since they are known to influence transcript regulation negatively.
A Study Employees' Intention to Stay in Kedah State Development Corporation, Kedah, Malaysia

The main objective of this study is to examine the factors to influence employees’ retention intention in Kedah State Development Corporation (KSDC). The five factors that to measure employees’ retention intention were compensation, work-life balance, organizational commitment, career opportunity and supervisor support. Data were gathered through questionnaire survey of employees at KSDC Company (n=92). Correlation and regression analysis were used of examine the relationship between the five factors and employees’ retention intention. The results indicated that compensation, work-life balance, organizational commitment, career opportunity and supervisor support were positively correlated with employees’ intention to stay in the KSDC Company. The multiple regression results suggest that compensation was the most important factor in influencing employees’ retention intention. The findings were discussed and recommendations for further research were also addressed.
Cultivating Evolving Region Trajectory Datasets

We present a novel and configurable synthetic data generator for evolving region trajectories that emulates certain characteristics of a given input dataset, such as the spatial position, velocity, lifespan, and geometry shape and size. This tool aims to facilitate faster prototyping and evaluation of new spatiotemporal data mining algorithms that operate on a specific type of trajectory data, of which there may be only a limited quantity readily available. We demonstrate through experiments and visualizations that the salient characteristics of a generated dataset are sufficiently similar to those of the source dataset.
Determinants of R&D Decisions of Firms in Developing Countries the Case of Turkey

Accessing and using technological knowledge and know-how is a bitter reality and a precondition for sustainable economic growth in Developing Countries (DCs). Developing a solid base for technology requires substantial amount of investment in research and development (R&D) and, unfortunately, most governments in DCs do not have sufficient financial resources to engage in R&D. Therefore, they must find ways to provide incentives to firms in an effort to increase their R&D expenditures. This, in turn, requires identification of factors that impact on R&D decisions of firms. This study will investigate sector and firm-level factors that influence R&D investment decisions of firms in the Turkish manufacturing industry. The relationship between a number of factors and R&D investment decisions of firms will be analyzed using a probit model and cross-sectional data for 5974 firms in the Turkish manufacturing sector in the year 1995. Given that only a handful studies investigate this issue for the Turkish economy, we expect findings of our econometric analysis to be valuable for the literature in DCs as well as for policy makers in DCs.
Recommendation of new items based on indexing techniques

The amount of information in the World Wide Web is increasing far more quickly than our ability to process. Recommender systems apply knowledge discovery techniques to help people find what they really want. These techniques include collaborative filtering (CF), association rules discovery and Bayesian networks, etc. Unfortunately all of these approaches have an important drawback: items or pages which being added to a site recently cannot be found. This is generally referred to as the "new item problem". We introduce a general framework for solving this problem and present a single index structure x-features-tree for using heuristic information retrieval technique to find the right items for the right users.
Saliency Region and Motion Characteristics Combined Video Quality Assessment

In order to accurately evaluate the video quality and make it consistent with the subjective evaluation result, a saliency region and motion characteristics combined video quality assessment is proposed in this paper. This method is based on traditional SSIM and improves its assessment performance. According to the relationship between human visual attention and video’s region of saliency, frame saliency is weighted by spatial saliency and temporal motion characteristics, in which the spatial saliency is extracted by spectrum analysis and the temporal one got by motion visual attention model. This saliency is weighted by SSIM index for single frame quality assessment. Finally, based on HVS characteristics and motion characteristics, the entire video quality SMW-SSIM can be got by weighting single-frame quality. Experiment results prove that this method is faster, more convenient and accurate than other SSIM-based assessments.
Distinct Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)-associated Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) Mutants Exhibit Different Cytokine-Receptor Requirements and JAK Inhibitor Specificities*

Background: JAK3, a tyrosine kinase associated to cytokine receptors, is frequently mutated in leukemia. Results: JAK3L857P induces constitutive signaling independently of cytokine receptors and JAK1, in contrast to other JAK mutants. Conclusion: Different JAK mutants signal through distinct mechanisms and show different sensitivity to JAK1- or JAK3-specific inhibitors. Significance: Depending on the JAK residue mutated, patients will require different treatments. JAK1 and JAK3 are recurrently mutated in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These tyrosine kinases associate with heterodimeric cytokine receptors such as IL-7 receptor or IL-9 receptor, in which JAK1 is appended to the specific chain, and JAK3 is appended to the common gamma chain. Here, we studied the role of these receptor complexes in mediating the oncogenic activity of JAK3 mutants. Although JAK3V674A and the majority of other JAK3 mutants needed to bind to a functional cytokine receptor complex to constitutively activate STAT5, JAK3L857P was unexpectedly found to not depend on such receptor complexes for its activity, which was induced without receptor or JAK1 co-expression. Introducing a mutation in the FERM domain that abolished JAK-receptor interaction did not affect JAK3L857P activity, whereas it inhibited the other receptor-dependent mutants. The same cytokine receptor independence as for JAK3L857P was observed for homologous Leu857 mutations of JAK1 and JAK2 and for JAK3L875H. This different cytokine receptor requirement correlated with different functional properties in vivo and with distinct sensitivity to JAK inhibitors. Transduction of murine hematopoietic cells with JAK3V674A led homogenously to lymphoblastic leukemias in BALB/c mice. In contrast, transduction with JAK3L857P induced various types of lymphoid and myeloid leukemias. Moreover, ruxolitinib, which preferentially blocks JAK1 and JAK2, abolished the proliferation of cells transformed by the receptor-dependent JAK3V674A, yet proved much less potent on cells expressing JAK3L857P. These particular cells were, in contrast, more sensitive to JAK3-specific inhibitors. Altogether, our results showed that different JAK3 mutations induce constitutive activation through distinct mechanisms, pointing to specific therapeutic perspectives.
Luxury designer handbag or counterfeit? An investigation into the antecedents influencing women’s purchasing behaviour of luxury designer and counterfeit brands

The drive and appeal of luxury designer products has fuelled consumer desire for luxury designer brands and their counterfeit versions. Some women value luxury designer handbags just the way men value their cars. The luxury designer handbag market has witnessed a surge of counterfeit handbag versions. The study focused on women in London, which has been ranked at number one in relation to demand levels of fashion handbags. Several antecedents were invest igated for the purpose of this research, which are as follows:  Social consumption factors which incorporates an investigation into brand meaning and social meaning;  Attitudinal factors;  Individual factors which looks at the BLI (brand luxury index) and materialism; and  Post consumption emotions; Several research gaps were identified: firstly, there are no studies available on investigating identical antecedents in both luxury designer and counterfeit commodities, or even to a specific product category. Secondly, a number of researchers have examined consumers‘ evaluative criteria in clothing, yet few have focused on the mentioned antecedents as part of the evaluative criteria of luxury designer handbags and counterfeit handbag versions. The investigation was carried out via quantitative data collection and was crossanalysed. The highlighted antecedents are important domains in the discipline of consumer choice behaviour. The research included two phases; a pilot survey study which pre-tested the acknowledged scales and a main survey incorporating the most important adapted constructs influencing consumer choice behaviours. The main analysis was based on data collected from a sample of 353 respondents in London. The conceptual model is unique in its specifications presenting a new behaviour orientated model which highlights integral factors in consumer behaviour. The research identified contemporary associations and discrepancies among women in London. The result of this research provides general support in understanding consumer decision-making and offers a comprehensive understanding of the effect of consumer evaluation and attitudes towards luxury designer handbags and counterfeit handbag versions. The differences and similarities across the antecedents are used to propose strategies to luxury designer companies thereby improving their marketing activities and achieving a competitive edge.
MicroRNA expression in induced sputum of smokers and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RATIONALE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive inflammation in the airways and lungs combined with disturbed homeostatic functions of pulmonary cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have the ability to regulate these processes by interfering with gene transcription and translation. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify miRNA expression in induced sputum and examined whether the expression of miRNAs differed between patients with COPD and subjects without airflow limitation. METHODS Expression of 627 miRNAs was evaluated in induced sputum supernatant of 32 subjects by stem-loop reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in an independent replication cohort of 41 subjects. Enrichment of miRNA target genes was identified by in silico analysis. Protein expression of target genes was determined by ELISA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Thirty-four miRNAs were differentially expressed between never-smokers and current smokers without airflow limitation in the screening cohort. Eight miRNAs were expressed at a significantly lower level in current-smoking patients with COPD compared with never-smokers without airflow limitation. Reduced expression of let-7c and miR-125b in patients with COPD compared with healthy subjects was confirmed in the validation cohort. Target genes of let-7c were significantly enriched in the sputum of patients with severe COPD. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFR-II, implicated in COPD pathogenesis and a predicted target gene of let-7c) was inversely correlated with the sputum levels of let-7c . CONCLUSIONS let-7c is significantly reduced in the sputum of currently smoking patients with COPD and is associated with increased expression of TNFR-II.
A Conditional Regression-Tree Analysis for Predicting Portfolio at Risk in Profit Microfinance Institutions

This paper predicts the distribution of portfolio at risk in 135 profit microfinance institutions across different countries using global existing advanced surveys and regression-tree modeling. A large number of regression-trees were developed using selected pairs of financial predictor variables, selected pairs of social variables and selected pairs of governance variables. The most influencing predictor variables in the built financial/social/governance trees were involved in the construction of the best un-pruned regression portfolio tree model. The later tree explained 89% of the internal variability in portfolio at risk survey data, and combined profit margin (85%), return on assets (82%), return on equity (80%), firm size (60%), insurance (57%), percent of women borrowers (55%), regulation (49%), poverty level (47%), lending (44%), and target business market (43%). The preferred regression portfolio tree model is relatively simple, quick, and practical, therefore providing a tool to facilitate the implementation of decision-making plans for increasing MFI performance.
A new control structure for grid-connected LCL PV inverters with zero steady-state error and selective harmonic compensation

The PI current control of a single-phase inverter has well known drawbacks: steady-state magnitude and phase error and limited disturbance rejection capability. When the current controlled inverter is connected to the grid, the phase error results in a power factor decrement and the limited disturbance rejection capability leads to the need of grid feed-forward compensation. However the imperfect compensation action of the feed-forward control results in high harmonic distortion of the current and consequently noncompliance with international standards. In this paper a new control strategy aimed to mitigate these problems is proposed. Stationary-frame generalized integrators are used to control the fundamental current and to compensate the grid harmonics providing disturbance rejection capability without the need of feed-forward grid compensation. Moreover the use of a grid LCL-filter is investigated with the proposed controller. The current control strategy has been experimentally tested with success on a 3 kW PV inverter.
Coordinate regulation of NAD(P)H:Quinone oxidoreductase and glutathione‐S‐transferases in primary cultures of rat neurons and glia: Role of the antioxidant/electrophile responsive element

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (QR) and glutathione‐S‐transferases (GSTs) are among the enzymes believed to protect an organism against oxidative stress. To test if redox‐cycling compounds regulate the expression of these enzymes in cells of neural origin, primary cultures of rat cerebellar neurons and glia were treated with tert‐butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) and hydroquinone (HQ). Basal levels of endogenous QR and GST activity were significantly greater in glia than neurons; and QR, GSTP1, and A3 were increased in glial but not neuronal cultures by treatment with tBHQ and HQ. A possible role for protein kinase C (PKC) in the tBHQ‐mediated increase in QR and GST was evaluated by activating PKC with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate or inhibiting PKC with bisindolylmaleimide I. PKC was not involved in maintaining basal expression or mediating the increased expression of GST or QR by tBHQ. Transcriptional activation of QR and rGSTP1 by tBHQ could be mediated through a common responsive element present in the 5′‐flanking region of both genes, the antioxidant/electrophile responsive element (ARE/EpRE). Transient transfection of the glial cultures with rGSTP1‐ or rQR1‐ARE/EpRE‐luciferase reporter constructs demonstrated that tBHQ transcriptionally activates the ARE/EpRE. Thus, the increased expression of genes regulated by the ARE/EpRE in cells of the central nervous system may provide protection against oxidative stress. GLIA 25:131–142, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two Types of Planning in Neighborhoods

This paper distinguishes between &dquo;subarea planning&dquo; in which central planning agencies deconcentrate facilities or functions to subareas, and &dquo;neighborhood planning&dquo; in which community residents and organizations develop plans and programs for themselves This distinction is overdue and not trivial, for little of the growing discussion of neighborhoods carefully discriminates among alternative meanings Yet each type of planning has different ends, and much of what passes today as neighborhood planning is actually subarea planning in disguise. This paper draws on a review of research and practice on planning in neighborhoods concerned with housing rehabilitation, economic development, physical improvement, and social services It analyzes each type of planning, its objectives and methods, major participants and obstacles, and impacts and factors influencing practice It concludes that these are distinct movements important to separate, each motivated by distinct ends and values, each implying distinct roles for planners, planning, and planning education and research
The hexosamine content of the serum globulins in normal and pathological sera.

Considerable interest has been focused upon the glycoproteins present in serum. The hexoses and hexosamines associated with serum proteins have been found to be elevated non-specifically in a variety of pathologic processes (1-9). The seromucoid, a protein fraction particularly rich in carbohydrate, studied extensively by Winzler (2), also is increased in similar disease states (2, 10-15). The amount of carbohydrate in the alpha globulin fraction has been found to be elevated in tuberculosis (16), gout (4), rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever (17), whereas the carbohydrate in the gamma globulin fraction has been reported to be increased in lupus erythematosus (5, 17). The present study was undertaken to characterize further the alterations which occur in one of the carbohydrate components, hexosamine, in electrophoretically separated serum protein fractions and in seromucoid in a variety of disease processes, with particular emphasis on the rheumatic diseases, and following the administration of anti-inflammatory hormones.
Long-term renal and overall survival of critically ill patients with acute renal injury who received continuous renal replacement therapy

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with the increased short-term mortality of critically ill patients on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The aim of this research was to evaluate the association of kidney function at discharge with the long-term renal and overall survival of critically ill patients with AKI who were on CRRT in an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: We retrospectively collected data for critically ill patients with AKI who were admitted to ICU on CRRT at a tertiary metropolitan hospital in China between 2008 and 2013. The patients were followed up to their death or to 30 September 2016 by telephone. Results: A total of 403 patients were enrolled in this study. The 1-, 3- and 5-year patient survival rates were 64.3 ± 2.4, 55.8 ± 2.5 and 46.3 ± 2.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age, sepsis, decreased renal perfusion (including volume contraction, congestive heart failure, hypotension and cardiac arrest), preexisting kidney disease, Apache II score, Saps II score, vasopressors and eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge were independent factors for worse long-term patient survival. And age, preexisting kidney disease, Apache II score, mechanical ventilation (MV) and eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 at discharge were also associated with worse renal survival. Conclusions: This study showed that impaired kidney function at discharge was shown to be an important risk factor affecting the long-term renal survival rates of critically ill patients with AKI. An eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 was an independent risk factor for decreased overall survival and renal survival.