Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Proteinuria with Podocyte Foot Process Effacement in IgA Nephropathy: An Ultrastructural Study

Abstract Background: Proteinuria is an uncommon clinical manifestation of IgA nephropathy and is usually seen in cases with severe lesions like endocapillary proliferation. However, it is occasionally seen even with cases with mild glomerular manifestations and may even be of nephrotic range. Predictor: Podocyte foot process effacement. Outcome: Severity of proteinuria. Measurements: Podocyte foot process effacement was measured. Morphometric analysis was performed on transmission electron microscope images using a computerized digital photomicrograph system (BioWizard 4.2 Image analysis software, New Delhi, India). Proteinuria was measured quantitatively assigned into five grades. Results: It was found that as the extent of proteinuria increased, the effacement ratio also increased, and this was most significant between “no” proteinuria and the rest of the categories. Conclusion: Nephrotic presentation in IgA nephropathy is a known phenomenon and in certain cases may show near normal glomerular morphology with severe foot process effacement on EM being the only significant finding to explain the proteinuria. Proteinuria in these cases shows a significant correlation with degree of foot process effacement. Renal biopsy is important in these cases because they are known to have a better prognosis and are usually steroid responsive.
A Comparison Of GDP Growth Of European Countries During 2008-2012 From The Regional And Other Perspectives / Porównanie Wzrostu Pkb W Okresie 2008-2012 W Krajach Europejskich Z Regionalnej I Innej Perspektywy

Abstract The aim of the article is to compare the total real GDP growth of European countries from the 3rd quarter of 2008 with the 3rd quarter of 2012, the period characterized by a predominant economic stagnation or economic recession in the majority of examined European countries. The countries are divided into groups based on the following grounds: whether they are geographically close to the economic center (Germany) or peripheral, whether they are in the eurozone or not, whether they are (new) EU members or ‘old’ ones, etc. The main findings from the comparisons are as follows: 1. European countries close to the economic center (Germany and its neighbours) experienced, on average, positive economic growth during examined period, while countries from European periphery on average experienced negative economic growth during the same period. This difference was found statistically significant at the α = 0.01 level. 2. Differences between eurozone and non-eurozone, old and new EU members, and between more and less populated countries were found statistically insignificant. 3. European regions with the most negative real total GDP growth included the Baltics, the Balkans, Southern Europe (Italy, Portugal) and Iceland. The most successful countries with the most positive real total GDP growth were central European countries (Poland, Slovakia, Germany, Switzerland, Austria) and those in northern Europe (Sweden and Norway). Celem artykułu jest porównanie całkowitego wzrostu realnego PKB w krajach europejskich od III kwartału 2008 roku do III kwartału 2012 roku, w okresie charakteryzującym się przewagą stagnacji i recesji gospodarczej, która miała miejsce w większości badanych krajów europejskich. Kraje zostały podzielone na grupy na podstawie następujących kryteriów: geograficzna bliskość lub peryferyjność w stosunku do centrum gospodarczego (Niemcy), członkostwo w strefie euro lub jego brak, członkostwo w UE (z podziałem na kraje starej i nowej Unii) lub jego brak. Główne wnioski z porównania są następujące: 1. Kraje europejskie blisko centrum gospodarczego (Niemcy i sąsiedzi) zanotowały dodatni wzrost gospodarczy w badanym, okresie podczas gdy w tym samym okresie kraje europejskiej peryferii wzrostu gospodarczego osiągnęły wzrost ujemny (średnio). Różnica ta była statystycznie znacząca na poziomie α = 0,01. 2. Różnice pomiędzy krajami w i poza strefą euro, różnice między starymi i nowymi członkami UE oraz różnice między bardziej i mniej zaludnionymi krajami UE nie były statystycznie znaczące. 3. Europejskie regiony z najwyższym ujemnym wzrostem realnego wzrostu PKB obejmują kraje bałtyckie, Bałkany, Europę Południową (Włochy, Portugalię) i Islandię. Najwyższy dodatni wzrost PKB osiągnęły kraje Europy Środkowej (Polska, Słowacja, Niemcy, Austria), Zachodniej (Szwajcaria) i Północnej (Szwecja, Norwegia).
Investigating the protein corona of novel nanovehicles in model biological fluids

Although the behavior of nanomedicines is well characterized, understanding of the difference between the synthetic and biological identity of nanoparticles (NPs) is limited. To expand our knowledge base, we probe the stability of NPs and protein corona formation in increasingly in vivo-like conditions. The protein corona consists of various proteins at different relative abundances, rapidly forming when NPs are exposed to protein-rich environments. We begin our investigation through the synthesis and conjugation of 11.2 nm, citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Coating AuNPs with low fouling polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or poly-EK (PEK), increases the biocompatibility, biodistribution, and physiological halflife of AuNPs. We evaluate the protein corona formation in the presence of two types of polymer coatings: methoxy-terminated PEG (MPEG) and PEK. Using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Zeta-potential, we first monitor size, charge, and monodispersity to confirm functionalization. Second, incubating each AuNP model with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme under various conditions confirms that proteins adsorb to our models and that their adsorption changes the surface chemistry of the NPs. Finally, protein corona formation in complex media is evaluated by incubating the AuNPs models with increasingly concentrated pooled human serum. Through purification, digestion, and analysis via HPLC/MS-MS, UV-Vis, DLS, we determine the types and amount of protein that form the corona. In addition, by studying corona formation around MPEGand PEKconjugated maleimide polystyrene magnetic beads, we isolate the role that the gold nanoparticle and stealth coating may each play. The stability of the AuNPs in human serum is also analyzed through ICP-OES. This study aims to inform nanomedicine design and provide insight into biological identity of NPs.
Opportunity Knocks: Perceptions of Fairness in Employee Benefits

This article considers potential conflicts between the principles of equity, equality and need in perceptions of fairness regarding employee benefits, based on self-interest bias, and makes specific predictions regarding perceptions of distributive justice in specific benefit plans. It includes predictions regarding perceptions of procedural justice. A survey of 497 employees in seven Canadian organizations tested the predictions. Findings indicate that need is still an important criterion for assessing distributive justice in employee benefits, although the survey also found evidence of self-interest bias. Perceptions of procedural justice were found to be significantly higher in plans with extensive communication and employee participation in plan design. Organizations that take a proactive approach to understanding how employees determine their perceptions of procedural and distributive justice in employee benefits, and design a benefit plan accordingly, can potentially increase employees’ perceptions of justice regarding employee benefits and reap associated benefits including improved employee retention, enhanced ability to hire and increased benefit satisfaction.
Array sensor: Monitoring using wireless signals

We introduce our proposed indoor monitoring system using wireless signals, referred to as array sensor. The proposed system exploits an antenna array on the receiver side and decomposes received signals into eigenvectors and eigenvalues. The proposed system can classify several states and activities, such as intrusion, walking, and falling. We explain the fundamental principle of the proposed system and show some experimental results.
Unfolding Novel Mechanisms of Polyphenol Flavonoids for Better Glycaemic Control: Targeting Pancreatic Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (IAPP)

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from defective insulin secretion, insulin resistance, or both. The impact of over-nutrition and reduced physical activity, evidenced by the exponential rise in obesity and the prevalence of T2D, strongly supports the implementation of lifestyle modification programs. Accordingly, an increased consumption of fruits and plant-derived foods has been advocated, as their intake is inversely correlated with T2D prevalence; this has been attributed, in part, to their contained polyphenolic compounds. Over the last decade, a body of work has focussed on establishing the mechanisms by which polyphenolic compounds exert beneficial effects to limit carbohydrate digestion, enhance insulin-mediated glucose uptake, down-regulate hepatic gluconeogenesis and decrease oxidative stress; the latter anti-oxidative property being the most documented. Novel effects on the inhibition of glucocorticoid action and the suppression of amylin misfolding and aggregation have been identified more recently. Amyloid fibrils form from spontaneously misfolded amylin, depositing in islet cells to elicit apoptosis, beta cell degeneration and decrease insulin secretion, with amyloidosis affecting up to 80% of pancreatic islet cells in T2D. Therefore, intervening with polyphenolic compounds offers a novel approach to suppressing risk or progression to T2D. This review gives an update on the emerging mechanisms related to dietary polyphenol intake for the maintenance of glycaemic control and the prevention of T2D.
Parameters design of inverter for the ORC waste heat power generation system

In this paper some measures are taken to effectively weaken the harmonics in the inverter output voltage of low temperature waste heat power generation system with Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), and to improve the dynamic performance of the system. Firstly, this paper detailed analyzed the harmonic characteristics of bipolar sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) method. Then the two order low-pass filter at output side is designed, and the reasonable parameters are selected to filter the high-order harmonics. The double closed loop is designed through measuring the voltage and capacitance current feedback to eliminate the system oscillation induced by sudden loading. Secondly, the theoretical analysis results are verified, through the simulation of the whole system. The system loop Bode diagram is plotted to verify the stability and dynamic performance of the system. At last, a 14 kW three-phase-four-line prototype inverter is built. The experiment results confirmed that the inverter have good regulating performance, small overshoot, fast adjustment speed, when suddenly adding load. It can meet the actual demand of generator system of industry waste heat.
Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime: An Introduction

From the Publisher: This book fully defines computer-related crime and the legal issues involved in its investigation. It provides a framework for the development of a computer crime unit. This book is the only comprehensive examination of computer-related crime and its investigation on the market. It includes an exhaustive discussion of legal and social issues, fully defines computer crime, and provides specific examples of criminal activities involving computers, while discussing the phenomenon in the context of the criminal justice system. Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime provides a comprehensive analysis of current case law, constitutional challenges, and government legislation. For computer crime investigators, police chiefs, sheriffs, district attorneys, public defenders, and defense attorneys.
Improvement of Socioeconomic Conditions and the Distribution of ConsumptionExpenditures : A Case Study of India's Poverty Decline over Two Decades

This paper examines how living standards in India have improved over two decades, focusing on the distribution of household-level consumption expenditures. The analysis is conducted using the DiNardo-Fortin-Lemieux (DFL) semi-parametric decomposition method. This method offers two desirable features, which enable us to avoid the traditional pitfalls of (semi-)macro-level poverty analysis. The estimation results indicate that regional heterogeneity in poverty decline is very large, and different regional factors contribute to the poverty decline at different stage of development. From 1983 to 1993/94, regional education (measured by literacy rate) is the main engine of the poverty decline. It accounts for 85% of the total poverty decline in this period. During the following 10 years, the labor market condition has a significant role in reducing poverty. Especially, wage and employment growth in the non-agricultural sector is the key to the improvement of living standards. In addition, agricultural wage employment is still important to reduce poverty in rural areas.
Identification of Chronic Active Multiple Sclerosis Lesions on 3T MRI

MR imaging–pathologic studies have reported that paramagnetic rims on 7T susceptibility-based MR imaging identify, in vivo, a subset of MS lesions with compartmentalized inflammation at the lesion edge and associated remyelination failure. High-resolution T2* and phase MR imaging were collected in 20 patients with MS at 3T and 7T. Phase rims were seen in 34 lesions at 7T and in 36 lesions at 3T by consensus. Inter- and intra-rater reliability were “substantial/good” both at 3T and 7T analysis. Nearly all 7T paramagnetic rims can also be seen at 3T. Imaging at 3T opens the possibility of implementing paramagnetic rims as an outcome measure. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging–pathologic studies have reported that paramagnetic rims on 7T susceptibility-based MR imaging identify, in vivo, the subset of MS lesions with compartmentalized inflammation at the lesion edge and associated remyelination failure. Here, we assessed the reliability of detecting these rims on high-resolution 3T phase images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution T2* and phase MR imaging was collected in 20 patients with MS at 3T (3D segmented EPI, 0.65 mm3) and 7T (2D gradient-echo, 0.2 × 0.2 × 1 mm) MR imaging. In each case, 5 discrete chronic (nonenhancing) MS lesions were selected on T2 FLAIR images for rim evaluation. Five raters experienced in MS imaging contributed to the rim assessment, of whom 3 worked independently on 3T data, and 2, on 7T data. Consensus agreement was reached for both 3T and 7T rim evaluations. Discrepancies between 3T and 7T were discussed, and consensus was reached. RESULTS: Phase rims were seen in 34 lesions at 7T and in 36 lesions at 3T by consensus. Inter- and intrarater reliability were “substantial/good” both at 3T and 7T analysis (Cohen κ, >0.71). Based on consensus agreement, the reliability of rim visualization at 3T versus 7T was 0.78 (κ) with a pair-wise agreement of 90%. More lesions were judged to be false-positive or false-negative at 3T than at 7T. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all 7T paramagnetic rims can also be seen at 3T. Imaging at 3T opens the possibility of implementing paramagnetic rims as an outcome measure in multicenter, MR imaging–based clinical trials aimed at treating perilesional persistent inflammation and its potential effects on remyelination.
The role of top managers' human and social capital in business model innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to conceptualize the business model from a value network perspective and to investigate how top managers' individual characteristics contribute to business model innovation.Design/methodology/approach – On the basis of upper echelons theory and contingency theory, this study empirically examines the micro‐macro link between top managers' human and social capital and firm business model innovation.Findings – Using survey data collected from 146 Chinese firms, the findings indicate that both top managers' managerial and entrepreneurial skills and managerial ties significantly lead to business model innovation. Furthermore, the interaction between entrepreneurial skills and managerial ties enhances, yet the interaction between managerial skills and managerial ties inhibits business model innovation.Originality/value – By proposing a value network‐based definition for the business model, this study provides additional insights into the current debate on the definition an.
Experiences with Shared Resources for Research and Education in Speech and Language Processing

Resource barriers can prevent capable researchers from participating in the speech and language community and can make it difﬁcult to support learning and participation in our ﬁeld at a wide variety of institutions. Sharing resources, whether software, processed data, experimental methodologies or virtual machines, can reduce the barrier to entry and potentially broaden participation in speech and language research and improve workforce development. As an introduction to the special session on Sharing Research and Education Resources for Understanding Speech Processing, we outline current trends and requirements for expanding participation in speech processing research. A qualitative research approach was used. Faculty at a variety of institutions have been interviewed and have participated in reﬂection writing about needs, tools, challenges, and successes. Themes from reﬂections were generated using a grounded theory approach and were used to code interviews for related evidence. This paper describes the educational and research challenges experienced by faculty as users of resources, rather than the details of speciﬁc resources provided. The goal is to engage in a stronger dialog between users and providers so that needs and resources are better aligned. A case study of a shared resource used at several universities highlights this dialog.
Text entry on smart glasses

This paper presents a comparative pilot usability study of Dasher and an on-screen keyboard on a head-mounted display. Interaction logging data was captured along with subjective responses (via the SUS questionnaire). The results indicate that there is a strong need to develop text entry systems for smart glasses rather to simply adopt those that are already available. However, both approaches are useful when there is a need to enter private or sensitive data.
Using scattered data interpolation for radiosity reconstruction

The authors present an analysis of the impacts of different interpolation methods on the reconstruction of the radiosity function across a patch. Two groups of methods are compared: one group based on regular grids and the other based on adaptive patch subdivisions. They handle points on adaptive subdivisions as scattered data points which opens the field of scattered data interpolation. Visual and numerical results are presented.
Using Bluetooth Low Energy in smartphones to map social networks

Social networks have an important role in an individual's health, with the propagation of health-related features through a network, and correlations between network structures and symptomatology. Using Bluetooth-enabled smartphones to measure social connectivity is an alternative to traditional paper-based data collection; however studies employing this technology have been restricted to limited sets of homogenous handsets. We investigated the feasibility of using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, present on users' own smartphones, to measure social connectivity. A custom application was designed for Android and iOS handsets. The app was configured to simultaneously broadcast via BLE and perform periodic discovery scans for other nearby devices. The app was installed on two Android handsets and two iOS handsets, and each combination of devices was tested in the foreground, background and locked states. Connectivity was successfully measured in all test cases, except between two iOS devices when both were in a locked state with their screens off. As smartphones are in a locked state for the majority of a day, this severely limits the ability to measure social connectivity on users' own smartphones. It is not currently feasible to use Bluetooth Low Energy to map social networks, due to the inability of iOS devices to detect another iOS device when both are in a locked state. While the technology was successfully implemented on Android devices, this represents a smaller market share of partially or fully compatible devices.
Who are minimum and sub‐minimum wage workers?

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive portrait of who earns the minimum wage, in terms of the characteristics of the individual that are most important in determining this outcome. Design/methodology/approach - This study uses individual data from the Annual Income Supplements of the New Zealand (NZ) Household Labour Force Surveys between June 1997 and June 2004. This unit record data allows isolation of workers earning the minimum wage or close to it. A more sophisticated quantitative analysis is also carried out, where the probability of earning at or below the minimum wage is modelled to estimate what individual characteristics are most significant in determining minimum wage status. Findings - One of the key findings was that individual characteristics (such as age) are much more important than household circumstance or industry affiliations, in terms of the probability of earning minimum wage. Originality/value - NZ has substantially increased minimum wages for teenagers and adults since 2000. For example, since the youth minimum was introduced in March 1994, it had increased by 52 per cent in real terms by 2004. Consequently, recent NZ experience offers a rare opportunity to isolate who earns the minimum wage and which subgroups are more likely to be potentially impacted by a rising minimum.
An Optimal Choice Dictionary

A choice dictionary is a data structure that can be initialized with a parameter $n\in\{1,2,\ldots\}$ and subsequently maintains an initially empty subset $S$ of $\{1,\ldots,n\}$ under insertion, deletion, membership queries and an operation 'choice' that returns an arbitrary element of $S$. The choice dictionary is fundamental in space-efficient computing and has numerous applications. The best previous choice dictionary can be initialized with $n$ and a second parameter $t\in\{1,2,\ldots\}$ in constant time and subsequently executes all operations in $O(t)$ time and occupies $n+O(n({t/w})^t+\log n)$ bits on a word RAM with a word length of $w=\Omega(\log n)$ bits. We describe a new choice dictionary that, following a constant-time initialization, executes all operations in constant time and, in addition to the space needed to store $n$, occupies only $n+1$ bits, which is shown to be optimal if $w=o(n)$. Allowed $\lceil\log_2(n+1)\rceil$ bits of additional space, the new data structure also supports iteration over the set $S$ in constant time per element.