Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of fMRI paradigms assessing visuospatial processing: Robustness and reproducibility

The development of brain imaging techniques, in particular functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), made it possible to non-invasively study the hemispheric lateralization of cognitive brain functions in large cohorts. Comprehensive models of hemispheric lateralization are, however, still missing and should not only account for the hemispheric specialization of individual brain functions, but also for the interactions among different lateralized cognitive processes (e.g., language and visuospatial processing). This calls for robust and reliable paradigms to study hemispheric lateralization for various cognitive functions. While numerous reliable imaging paradigms have been developed for language, which represents the most prominent left-lateralized brain function, the reliability of imaging paradigms investigating typically right-lateralized brain functions, such as visuospatial processing, has received comparatively less attention. In the present study, we aimed to establish an fMRI paradigm that robustly and reliably identifies right-hemispheric activation evoked by visuospatial processing in individual subjects. In a first study, we therefore compared three frequently used paradigms for assessing visuospatial processing and evaluated their utility to robustly detect right-lateralized brain activity on a single-subject level. In a second study, we then assessed the test-retest reliability of the so-called Landmark task–the paradigm that yielded the most robust results in study 1. At the single-voxel level, we found poor reliability of the brain activation underlying visuospatial attention. This suggests that poor signal-to-noise ratios can become a limiting factor for test-retest reliability. This represents a common detriment of fMRI paradigms investigating visuospatial attention in general and therefore highlights the need for careful considerations of both the possibilities and limitations of the respective fMRI paradigm–in particular, when being interested in effects at the single-voxel level. Notably, however, when focusing on the reliability of measures of hemispheric lateralization (which was the main goal of study 2), we show that hemispheric dominance (quantified by the lateralization index, LI, with |LI| >0.4) of the evoked activation could be robustly determined in more than 62% and, if considering only two categories (i.e., left, right), in more than 93% of our subjects. Furthermore, the reliability of the lateralization strength (LI) was “fair” to “good”. In conclusion, our results suggest that the degree of right-hemispheric dominance during visuospatial processing can be reliably determined using the Landmark task, both at the group and single-subject level, while at the same time stressing the need for future refinements of experimental paradigms and more sophisticated fMRI data acquisition techniques.
Geopolitical risk and tourism demand in emerging economies

In this article, we investigate the impact of geopolitical risk (GPR) on international tourism demand in emerging economies. We have found that impact of GPR is not homogeneous for every country in our sample; for example, some countries are affected heavily by GPR and others are mostly immune to GPR shocks. In general, for countries that have attractive tourism destinations, the impact of GPR is minimal, indicating that if international tourists desperately want to go a destination, they do not take GPR seriously. In addition, the tsunami impact of GPR is not the same for all affected countries. For some countries, the GPR shocks have an impact within 2 to 3 months of its ‘first hit’, while for other countries, the impact is felt over longer periods.
Intelligent Optimal Control of Wind Power Generating System by a Complemented Linear Quadratic Gaussian Approach

As wind turbines continue to grow in size and flexibility and are deployed in more hostile environments, the need to develop advanced control schemes will be essential to deliver the lowest possible energy costs. A sophisticated control strategy is presented to compensate for the complicated effects of a stochastic operating environment and nonlinearities inherent in wind turbine generator (WTG) dynamics that cause parametric uncertainties. In low to medium winds the objective is to follow wind speed variations with the target of optimizing aerodynamic efficiency. At above-rated wind speeds, the controller's purpose is to add damping to the drive train while the pitch control mechanism ensures the maximum power constraint is respected, thereby preventing rotor overspeed. Simulations based on modeling the wind speed as a stochastic process, and the WTG as a multimass model with a soft shaft linking the turbine with the asynchronous generator, show the efficacy of the proposed paradigm in meeting the control objectives.
Convolutional neural network for clinical narrative categorization

Stacked or sequential convolutional layers in a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) have shown state-of-the-art results in Image and Pattern Recognition. Recently, CNN's have shown promising results in Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks. Using a CNN with concurrent convolutional layers, we conduct text categorization on a clinical narrative dataset with imbalance classes. Clinical narratives are written in natural language, documenting the clinical encounter as observed from the clinician along with the process of care. For this research, we experiment with various CNN architectures with a focus on the embedding layer, the first layer in an NLP-based CNN. The input to the embedding layer is the document matrix and the length is typically determined by a maximum document length. This may not be the best option in the case of highly imbalanced classes. Using simple data analysis, we obtain an optimal document length for the document matrix in the embedding layer of the CNN. Comparing the results from our previous published research on classifying clinical narratives, this CNN architecture provides a significant improvement in the F1-Score to our previous ensemble-based approach incorporating multiple methods.
RNA Interference-Mediated Silencing of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Catalytic Subunit Attenuates Growth of Human Ovarian Cancer Cells in vitroand in vivo

Objective: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway plays a critical role in ovarian cancer cell survival and proliferation. The aim of this study was to determine whether the suppression of the PI3K catalytic subunit p110αinhibits the growth of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Methods: The short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knock down the expression of p110α in SKOV3 human ovarian cancer cells. The effects of shRNA on cell viability and apoptosis in vitro were assessed using the MTT assay and flow-cytometric analysis. Furthermore, the growth inhibition capacity of shRNA on ovarian carcinoma xenografts was tested in nude mice. Tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis were measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen, TUNEL and CD31 immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results: Using sequence-specific shRNA, we have silenced the expression of p110α in SKOV3 cells. shRNA-mediated knockdown of p110α correlated in vitro with decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of p110α significantly delayed the growth of ovarian carcinoma xenografts, and ultimately resulted in decreased cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis as well as a reduction in microvessel density. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that shRNA-directed targeting of p110αraises the potential of its application in human ovarian cancer therapy.
Effect of Several Different Pollens on the Bio-Ecological Parameters of the Predatory Mite Typhlodromus athenas Swirski and Ragusa (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

ABSTRACT The development, survivorship, and reproduction of the predacious mite Typhlodromus athenas Swirski and Ragusa were studied in the laboratory by rearing the predator on nine different plant pollens [almond (Prunus amygdalis Batsch), apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), cherry (Prunus avium L.), pear (Pyrus communis L.), plum (Prunus domestica L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), olive (Olea europaea L.), Typha sp. ], and pollen collected from bee hives. All experiments were conducted in environmental chambers at 20 ± 1°C, 65% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Survival during immature development ranged from 81.1 to 96.0%. The shortest mean developmental time from egg to adult with respect to the range of pollen species was recorded for females and males fed on almond pollen (10.76 ± 0.18 and 10.45 ± 0.21 d, respectively), while the longest was on beehive pollen (26.97 ± 0.23 and 24.00 ± 0.25 d for females and males, respectively). Female longevity varied from 51.63 ± 5.52 d (olive pollen) to 102.81 ± 6.60 d (pear pollen), while fecundity ranged from 5.33 ± 2.35 eggs per female (beehive pollen) to 26.43 ± 1.73 eggs per female (almond pollen). The diet consisting of almond pollen resulted in the highest intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm ) (1.00d-1) and pollen collected from bee hives resulted in the lowest (0.013d-1). These results showed that various pollen could favor the development of T. athenas, and also support the view that alternative food resources may play an important role in the field for sustaining and increasing the predator's population.
Robust Adaptive Controller for a Tractor–Trailer Mobile Robot

A tractor-trailer wheeled robot (TTWR) is a kind of modular robotic system that consists of a tractor template attached with a single or multiple trailers, and hence it is a nonlinear and underactuated system subjected to nonholonomic constraints. Tracking control of such a complicated system is a challenging problem, and that is the focus of this paper. To this end, first dynamics model of a TTWR is developed. Next, feasible reference trajectories are generated to define a trajectory tracking problem. Then, a Lyapunov kinematic control law is elaborated to stabilize tracking errors. Subsequently, a feedback linearizing dynamic controller (FLDC) is designed to generate actuator torques. In a wheeled mobile robot (WMR), like most of real engineering applications, it is impossible to obtain an exact dynamics model due to various unknown, or unpredictable and irregular features. Therefore, the robustness of controllers to overcome uncertainties and external disturbances is necessary. So, a robust adaptive feedback linearizing dynamic controller (RAFLDC) is proposed to control the system using estimated upper-bounds of uncertainties. The stability of the control algorithm is verified using the Lyapunov method. Robustness and effectiveness of the proposed controller, and comparison of results for RAFLDC and FLDC algorithms, is investigated using both simulation studies and experimental implementations, and obtained results will be discussed.
From the Classics to New Tunes: A Neoclassical View on Sharing Economy and Innovative Marketplaces

Operations management has the tradition of coming from and going back to real‐life applications. It deals with the management of the process of matching supply with demand. The emerging business process in a sharing economy or an innovative marketplace calls for active management at the operational level. We take a neoclassical perspective by drawing inspiration from the classic models in operations management and economics. We aim at building connections and identifying differences between those traditional models and the new applications in sharing economy and innovative marketplaces. We also point out potential future research directions.
A randomized, controlled trial of 1 week of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on quality of life.

BACKGROUND This study examines the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on quality of life (QOL)in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS Thirty-nine patients with sleep apnea were studied. Health-related quality of life was measured (HRQL) with the use of the Medical Outcomes Survey (MOS) instrument, before and after patients were randomized to receive either 1 week of CPAP or placebo-CPAP (CPAP administered at ineffective pressure). RESULTS CPAP was not found to have a specific effect on QOL as compared with placebo-CPAP. However, several aspects of HRQL improved in both groups over time in this study. Time effects were found in the following subscales of the MOS: satisfaction with physical functioning; effects of pain; pain severity; cognitive functioning; mental health index I; psychological well-being I; depression/behavioral-emotional control; anxiety I; psychological distress I; positive affect II; mental health index II; psychological distress II; anxiety II; psychological well-being II; mental health index III; role limitations due to emotional problems; and physical/physiologic functioning. CONCLUSIONS CPAP treatment does appear to improve several aspects of HRQL. However, this improvement may reflect a nonspecific response (ie, placebo) because comparable improvements were observed in both the active treatment group and the placebo treatment group. Additional study with placebo-CPAP designs is warranted.
Carbohydrate nutrition and risk of adiposity-related cancers: results from the Framingham Offspring cohort (1991–2013)

Abstract Higher carbohydrate intake, glycaemic index (GI), and glycaemic load (GL) are hypothesised to increase cancer risk through metabolic dysregulation of the glucose-insulin axis and adiposity-related mechanisms, but epidemiological evidence is inconsistent. This prospective cohort study investigates carbohydrate quantity and quality in relation to risk of adiposity-related cancers, which represent the most commonly diagnosed preventable cancers in the USA. In exploratory analyses, associations with three site-specific cancers: breast, prostate and colorectal cancers were also examined. The study sample consisted of 3184 adults from the Framingham Offspring cohort. Dietary data were collected in 1991–1995 using a FFQ along with lifestyle and medical information. From 1991 to 2013, 565 incident adiposity-related cancers, including 124 breast, 157 prostate and sixty-eight colorectal cancers, were identified. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the role of carbohydrate nutrition in cancer risk. GI and GL were not associated with risk of adiposity-related cancers or any of the site-specific cancers. Total carbohydrate intake was not associated with risk of adiposity-related cancers combined or prostate and colorectal cancers. However, carbohydrate consumption in the highest v. lowest quintile was associated with 41 % lower breast cancer risk (hazard ratio (HR) 0·59; 95 % CI 0·36, 0·97). High-, medium- and low-GI foods were not associated with risk of adiposity-related cancers or prostate and colorectal cancers. In exploratory analyses, low-GI foods, were associated with 49 % lower breast cancer risk (HR 0·51; 95 % CI 0·32, 0·83). In this cohort of Caucasian American adults, associations between carbohydrate nutrition and cancer varied by cancer site. Healthier low-GI carbohydrate foods may prevent adiposity-related cancers among women, but these findings require confirmation in a larger sample.
Correlates of the stages of change for physical activity in a population survey.

OBJECTIVES We sought to identify variables associated with being in a particular stage of change for physical activity-a measure of behavioral intention to engage in regular physical activity. Understanding behavioral intentions can be useful in explaining why individuals are physically inactive or active. METHODS Data from the Rhode Island 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to evaluate predictors of stage of change for physical activity. There were 3454 observations in the data set, representing a weighted population of 742636 people. Estimates were obtained from polytomous multiple logistic models. RESULTS Being a woman, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and older than 55 years of age were associated with being in precontemplation and contemplation stages of change rather than maintenance. Self-perceived health status and rarely feeling healthy or full of energy were strongly predictive of stage of change. Having a health limitation was a dichotomous predictor, predicting being in action and precontemplation stages. CONCLUSIONS Several sociodemographic and health variables were associated with varying patterns of stages of change for physical activity. The complexity of individual intentions for physical activity provides evidence for the potential existence of mediating, effect-modifying, and confounding variables that differ depending on individual characteristics.
Oxygen Vacancies in CrO2: The Influences to Half Metallicity and the Formation Mode

The electronic structures of chromium dioxide (CrO2) with different concentrations and distributions of oxygen vacancy were investigated by first-principle calculations based on density functional theory. It was found that even at fairly high vacancy concentration, the half metallicity of CrO2 keeps intact as long as oxygen vacancies do not pair in the same octahedron; when two vacancies appear in one octahedron, the half metallic nature of CrO2 may be severely weakened or completely destroyed even at much lower vacancy concentration depending on the vacancy-pair configuration. Our results suggest that the half metallicity of CrO2 is more sensitive to the relative positions of oxygen vacancies than to the vacancy concentration. By investigating the position dependence of the formation energy, the formation and the spreading mode of oxygen vacancies were discussed. The results show that once an oxygen vacancy forms, the next oxygen vacancy tends to appear in the equatorial plane of the same octahedron to reduce Cr4+ to Cr3+. This kind of pairing nature indicates that the oxygen vacancies may tend to spread in a planar mode along the [00l] direction.
Melatonin concentrations in serum and tissues of porcine gastrointestinal tract and their relationship to the intake and passage of food

Abstract: Melatonin concentrations were determined in serum and 10 segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of 48 pigs (100 kg weight). The animals were fasted for 30 hr and then sacrificed 0, 1,2, 5, 10, and 20 hr after refeeding. Peak amount of gastric digesta (2,428 g) and ileum digesta (850 g) were observed 1 hr and 5 hr, after refeeding, respectively. Conversely, colon content reached a minimal weight (726 g) at 2 hr after refeeding. Serum levels of melatonin increased from 3.4 pg/ml to 15.5 pg/ ml (peak 5 hr after refeeding). Melatonin levels in GIT tissues before refeeding varied from 23.8 pg/g (stomach‐fundus) to 62.1 pg/g (rectum). Increasingly higher levels of melatonin were detected in the distal segments of the GIT. Higher melatonin levels after refeeding were observed in most GIT tissues except the rectum. In most tissues, peak melatonin values were detected 5 hr after refeeding. A significant change in weight of digesta across time (P<0.05) was detected in the stomach, ileum, and cecum. Similar changes in melatonin levels across time were found in most tissues except the esophagus, stomach (cardia and pylorus), and rectum. Adjacent GIT tissues exhibited similar (P<0.05) melatonin levels. The GIT melatonin levels correlated best with the variation of digesta weight in the ileum. In addition, the increase of serum melatonin levels correlated best with the increase of GIT melatonin levels in the distal part of the GIT. Our results suggest that melatonin produced in the ileum, cecum, and colon may contribute significantly to the short‐term increase of serum melatonin levels observed after refeeding.
Effect of lidocaine spray in pain management during office-based endometrial sampling: A randomised placebo-controlled trial

Office-based endometrial sampling is the most frequently performed gynaecological procedure. The procedure is usually associated with pain and discomfort. Several anaesthetic and analgesic techniques (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, paracervical block, misoprostol and topical anaesthetics) are used for pain management during endometrial sampling. There is no comprehensive study using lidocaine in spray form; we sought to investigate the analgesic efficacy of 10% lidocaine spray in patients undergoing office-based endometrial biopsy. We conducted a prospective, randomised (lidocaine spray (n = 60) and placebo (n = 60), respectively), double-blind study. The mean pain score during procedure was 3.51 ± 1.51 in the lidocaine spray group and 5.11 ± 1.66 in the placebo group. Lidocaine spray treatment significantly lowered the pain scores compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Lidocaine spray can be accepted as a non-invasive, easy to apply and more comfortable anaesthetic method for office-based endometrial sampling.
SMALL ACIDIC PROTEIN1 Acts with RUB Modification Components, the COP9 Signalosome, and AXR1 to Regulate Growth and Development of Arabidopsis1[C][W][OA]

Previously, a dysfunction of the SMALL ACIDIC PROTEIN1 (SMAP1) gene was identified as the cause of the anti-auxin resistant1 (aar1) mutant of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). SMAP1 is involved in the response pathway of synthetic auxin, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and functions upstream of the auxin/indole-3-acetic acid protein degradation step in auxin signaling. However, the exact mechanism by which SMAP1 functions in auxin signaling remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that SMAP1 is required for normal plant growth and development and the root response to indole-3-acetic acid or methyl jasmonate in the auxin resistant1 (axr1) mutation background. Deletion analysis and green fluorescent protein/glutathione S-transferase pull-down assays showed that SMAP1 physically interacts with the CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC9 SIGNALOSOME (CSN) via the SMAP1 F/D region. The extremely dwarf phenotype of the aar1-1 csn5a-1 double mutant confirms the functional role of SMAP1 in plant growth and development under limiting CSN functionality. Our findings suggest that SMAP1 is involved in the auxin response and possibly in other cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase-regulated signaling processes via its interaction with components associated with RELATED TO UBIQUITIN modification.