Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diet, Morphology, and Interspecific Killing in Carnivora

Interspecific killing is a key determinant of the abundances and distributions of carnivores, their prey, and nonprey community members. Similarity of body size has been proposed to lead competitors to seek similar prey, which increases the likelihood of interference encounters, including lethal ones. We explored the influence of body size, diet, predatory habits, and taxonomic relatedness on interspecific killing. The frequency of attacks depends on differences in body size: at small and large differences, attacks are less likely to occur; at intermediate differences, killing interactions are frequent and related to diet overlap. Further, the importance of interspecific killing as a mortality factor in the victim population increases with an increase in body size differences between killers and victims. Carnivores highly adapted to kill vertebrate prey are more prone to killing interactions, usually with animals of similar predatory habits. Family‐level taxonomy influences killing interactions; carnivores tend to interact more with species in the same family than with species in different families. We conclude that although resource exploitation (diet), predatory habits, and taxonomy are influential in predisposing carnivores to attack each other, relative body size of the participants is overwhelmingly important. We discuss the implications of interspecific killing for body size and the dynamics of geographic ranges.
Clinical utility of microarray-based gene expression profiling in the diagnosis and subclassification of leukemia: report from the International Microarray Innovations in Leukemia Study Group.

PURPOSE The Microarray Innovations in Leukemia study assessed the clinical utility of gene expression profiling as a single test to subtype leukemias into conventional categories of myeloid and lymphoid malignancies. METHODS The investigation was performed in 11 laboratories across three continents and included 3,334 patients. An exploratory retrospective stage I study was designed for biomarker discovery and generated whole-genome expression profiles from 2,143 patients with leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes. The gene expression profiling-based diagnostic accuracy was further validated in a prospective second study stage of an independent cohort of 1,191 patients. RESULTS On the basis of 2,096 samples, the stage I study achieved 92.2% classification accuracy for all 18 distinct classes investigated (median specificity of 99.7%). In a second cohort of 1,152 prospectively collected patients, a classification scheme reached 95.6% median sensitivity and 99.8% median specificity for 14 standard subtypes of acute leukemia (eight acute lymphoblastic leukemia and six acute myeloid leukemia classes, n = 693). In 29 (57%) of 51 discrepant cases, the microarray results had outperformed routine diagnostic methods. CONCLUSION Gene expression profiling is a robust technology for the diagnosis of hematologic malignancies with high accuracy. It may complement current diagnostic algorithms and could offer a reliable platform for patients who lack access to today's state-of-the-art diagnostic work-up. Our comprehensive gene expression data set will be submitted to the public domain to foster research focusing on the molecular understanding of leukemias.
Does an Imitation Strategy Promote Long-Term Firm Growth in a Dynamic Environment? A Meta-Analysis

The increasing number of successful latecomer enterprises has led to a growing research interest in the area, but there is a lack of consensus in academic circles on the relationship between imitation strategy and firm growth. While some enterprises achieved sustainable growth based on an imitation strategy, others withdrew from the market soon after their initial market entry. In this context, this meta-analysis synthesizes empirical findings including 23 independent samples (N = 66,110) to obtain evidence and explore the extent to which an imitation strategy affects firm growth. Moreover, by further examining the moderating effects of industry conditions, country-specific factors, and performance time horizons, this research also aims to address a complementary research question: in which context is imitation strategy more beneficial for the firm growth? We found that an imitation strategy is more effective in promoting firm growth in low-tech industries than in high-tech industries and in non-OECD countries than in OECD countries. It fosters the short-term performance rather than the long-term performance of a firm. Our research findings are meaningful for enterprises to choose an appropriate imitation strategy according to their unique attributes, enabling sustainable growth in a dynamic environment.
Chitinase determinants of Vibrio vulnificus: gene cloning and applications of a chitinase probe

To initiate study of the genetic control of chitinolytic activity in vibrios, the chitobiase gene was isolated by cloning chromosomal DNA prepared from Vibrio vulnificus. Chimeric plasmids were constructed from Sau3A I partial digests of chromosomal DNA by ligating 5 to 15-kilobase fragments into the BamHI site, i.e., in the Tcr gene, of pBR322 (Amr Tcr). The resulting plasmids were transformed into Escherichia coli DH1. Chitobiase activity of the insert-bearing clones was detected by using a chromogenic substrate, p-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-beta, D-glucosaminide, and confirmed by the appearance of a fluorescent end product from the hydrolysis of 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta,D-N-N'-diacetylchitobiose. Endochitinase activity was demonstrated by liberation of water-soluble products produced by the degradation of [3H]chitin. Transformation of E. coli Y10R (lacY) with plasmids from chitinase-positive clones restored the lactose-positive phenotype, suggesting the presence of a permease associated with chitinase activity. Physical mapping of plasmids containing the chitinase determinants indicate that transcription of these genes in E. coli may be initiated at a V. vulnificus promoter.
Circadian Influences on Chemotherapy Efficacy in a Mouse Model of Brain Metastases of Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy is more effective in the treatment of peripheral tumors than brain metastases, likely reflecting the reduced ability of chemotherapy to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-tumor barrier at efficacious concentrations. Recent studies demonstrate circadian regulation of the BBB. Thus, we predicted that optimally timed chemotherapy would increase anti-tumor efficacy in a model of brain metastases of breast cancer (BMBC). First, we characterized novel daily alterations in BBB permeability to a commonly used chemotherapeutic, 14C-paclitaxel, within BMBC following injections given at four time points across the day. Peak and trough 14C-paclitaxel concentrations within BMBC occurred during the mid-dark phase and at the beginning of the light phase, respectively. Notably, chemotherapy injections during the dark phase increased cell death within BMBC and delayed onset of neurological symptoms relative to injections during the light phase. These data provide strong evidence for the beneficial effects of chrono-chemotherapy for the treatment of BMBC.
The guinea pig as a model for metabolic programming of adiposity.

BACKGROUND The human infant accumulates body fat during intrauterine life. The guinea pig shares this characteristic and is born with similar adiposity; thus, it may be a relevant model to study obesity programming. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate guinea pig adipose tissue (AT) development and the effect of a maternal high-fat diet on the offspring's body composition. DESIGN In experiment 1, adipogenesis dynamics were evaluated at 3, 10, 21, and 136 d in epididymal and retroperitoneal AT with the use of (2)H(2)O labeling. In experiment 2, dams received a control or high-fat diet from mating to 21 d after delivery. The offspring received a high-fat diet from 22 to 105 d; adiposity was measured at 2, 21, 54, and 97 d. RESULTS The fractional proliferation rate (FPR) of cells in epididymal AT was 25.2% of cells synthesized in 5 d at 3 d of age and decreased over time (P < 0.001). Age had no effect on retroperitoneal FPR (P = 0.179). In both depots, the fractional synthesis rate (FSR) of palmitate decreased extensively from day 3 to day 10, increasing by day 21 and declining by day 136 (P < 0.001). The FSR of triglycerides decreased with age (P < 0.001). A maternal high-fat diet increased the offspring's adiposity at 2 d and 21 d (P < 0.05) but had no effect on body composition later in life. CONCLUSIONS Adipogenesis in the guinea pig is very active during early life and was altered by a maternal high-fat diet; thus, it is an adequate model for intrauterine fat deposition. However, there were no effects of maternal diet later in life.
Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) in Alzheimer's Disease: Reliability, Validity, and Ordinality

Evaluation of changes in functional performance and activities of daily living skills is an essential aspect of the assessment of elderly individuals with chronic illness. Although functional decrement is a central aspect of Alzheimer's disease (AD), many measures currently utilized to assess these changes have limitations. Empirical and systematic examination of the functional changes occurring in patients with AD has resulted in the development of an assessment measure termed Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) that allows for the specific evaluation of these changes throughout the entire course of AD. In this paper the results of three separate investigations regarding the reliability, validity, and progressive ordinality of FAST are described. The results indicate that FAST is a reliable and valid assessment technique for evaluating functional deterioration in AD patients throughout the entire course of the illness. Moreover, the results suggest that the FAST elucidates a characteristic pattern of progressive, ordinal, and functional decline in AD. Because the elements of functional capacity incorporated in FAST are relatively universal and readily ascertainable, as well as characteristic of the course of AD, FAST can serve as a strong diagnostic and differential diagnostic aid for clinicians. The sensitivity of FAST to the entire course of AD, even in its most severe stages, may be indicative of the potential value of this instrument for further investigation of the temporal longitudinal course of AD, and of the relationships between clinical pathology and neuropathology throughout the entire longitudinal course of AD.
Caveolin-1 Is a Negative Regulator of Caveolae-mediated Endocytosis to the Endoplasmic Reticulum*

Caveolae are flask-shaped invaginations at the plasma membrane that constitute a subclass of detergent-resistant membrane domains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids and that express caveolin, a caveolar coat protein. Autocrine motility factor receptor (AMF-R) is stably localized to caveolae, and the cholesterol extracting reagent, methyl-β-cyclodextrin, inhibits its internalization to the endoplasmic reticulum implicating caveolae in this distinct receptor-mediated endocytic pathway. Curiously, the rate of methyl-β-cyclodextrin-sensitive endocytosis of AMF-R to the endoplasmic reticulum is increased in ras- andabl-transformed NIH-3T3 cells that express significantly reduced levels of caveolin and few caveolae. Overexpression of the dynamin K44A dominant negative mutant via an adenovirus expression system induces caveolar invaginations sensitive to methyl-β-cyclodextrin extraction in the transformed cells without increasing caveolin expression. Dynamin K44A expression further inhibits AMF-R-mediated endocytosis to the endoplasmic reticulum in untransformed and transformed NIH-3T3 cells. Adenoviral expression of caveolin-1 also induces caveolae in the transformed NIH-3T3 cells and reduces AMF-R-mediated endocytosis to the endoplasmic reticulum to levels observed in untransformed NIH-3T3 cells. Cholesterol-rich detergent-resistant membrane domains or glycolipid rafts therefore invaginate independently of caveolin-1 expression to form endocytosis-competent caveolar vesicles via rapid dynamin-dependent detachment from the plasma membrane. Caveolin-1 stabilizes the plasma membrane association of caveolae and thereby acts as a negative regulator of the caveolae-mediated endocytosis of AMF-R to the endoplasmic reticulum.
Assessment of hemostaseologic alterations induced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy using point-of-care analyzers.

BACKGROUND Exposure to hyperbaric conditions influences the coagulation system. Thromboembolic events and disseminated intravascular coagulation were observed. OBJECTIVES To detect the effects of a hyperbaric environment on the human coagulation system using the point-of-care coagulation analyzers Multiplate and ROTEM. PATIENTS/METHODS 20 patients were included. Each received 90 minutes of oxygen intermittently at 2.4 atmospheres absolute, as per the TS 240-90 wound-healing protocol. Blood samples were taken before and after hyperbaric exposure and ROTEM, Multiplate and standard laboratory assays were subsequently performed. RESULTS ROTEM showed a significant increase of the maximum clot firmness (EXTEM MCF; p < 0.05) and the thromboelastometric platelet component of the clot firmness (MCF(EXTEM) - MCF(FIBTEM); p < 0.01). Multiplate showed a platelet activation mediated by thrombin (AU TRAP-test; p < 0.05) and by arachidonic acid (AUC ASPI-test; p < 0.01). Standard laboratory assays revealed a lower activated partial thromboplastin time (p < 0.05) and a higher leukocyte count (p < 0.05). No further changes were detected. A t-test was performed after testing if data followed normal distribution. CONCLUSIONS ROTEM and Multiplate were able to detect an activation of platelets after HBO2 therapy via thrombin and arachidonic acid pathways. Previously reported fibrinolysis could not be confirmed.
Age-associated gait changes in the elderly: pathological or physiological?

AIM To examine the role of disease-related factors and age-related physiological changes in affecting gait speed and stride length in the elderly. SUBJECTS 925 men and 890 women aged 70 years and above who were ambulant, recruited by random sampling stratified according to age and sex, from all recipients of Old Age and Disability Allowance in Hong Kong. DESIGN Gait was assessed by measuring the time taken and the number of steps required to complete a 16-foot walk. Information on health and functional status, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms was collected, and anthropometric indices obtained. Factors affecting walking speed and stride were examined in the overall population and also after excluding those with physical disability or diseases. RESULTS Results were analyzed separately for men and women since mean walking speed was slower in women, who also took a larger number of steps. Age, coexisting disease, leg or back pain, poor vision, low level of physical activity, functional and cognitive impairment, high depressive symptom score, and anthropometric indices were all negatively associated with walking speed. Fallers also had slower speed. After excluding those with diseases or physical impairment, multivariate analysis showed that the only factors affecting speed were age in men, and age, height, and level of physical activity in women. Age and height were factors associated with stride length in men, and height only for women. CONCLUSION Both disease-related factors as well as age-related physiological changes contribute to the decline in walking speed and stride length.
Rapid Detection of Acute Kidney Injury by Plasma and Urinary Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin After Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is associated with a significant risk of postoperative renal dysfunction. We studied the utility of a novel biomarker in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods and Results: Blood and urine were obtained from 50 patients undergoing CPB-requiring surgery. Patients were divided into group A (n = 41) with normal creatinine pre-bypass and post-bypass and group B (n = 9) who developed an increase in serum creatinine of >0.5 mg/dL within the first 48 hours post CPB. Plasma and urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was determined at baseline and 2 hours after CPB. Plasma levels of NGAL were higher in patients who developed AKI [214 ± 16.7 ng/mL (95% CI 176.9-252.9)] compared with those who did not [149.5 ± 13.5 ng/mL (95% CI 122.1-175.7); P = 0.035]. Two hours after CPB, there was a significant increase (P = 0.0003) in NGAL levels, greater in those patients who developed AKI [476.1 ± 41.1 ng/mL (95% CI 380.6-571.6); P = 0.0003] compared with those who did not [278.4 ± 22 ng/mL (95% CI 233.9-323.0)]. In the AKI group, urinary NGAL increased from 7.13 ± 2.30 ng/mL (95% CI 2.5-11.8) to 2924 ± 786 ng/mL (95% CI 1110-4739). In the non-AKI group, there was an increase from 1.6 ± 0.6 (95% CI 0.3-3.0) to 749 ± 179 ng/mL (95% CI 386-1113). The post-CPB levels of urinary NGAL were significantly different in the AKI group (P < 0.0001) such that a suitable threshold for use as a diagnostic test could be determined. Receiver operating characteristics were determined for plasma and urinary NGAL with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 and 0.96, respectively. For a threshold of 433 ng/mmol creatinine, the test had 90% sensitivity and 78% specificity for the detection of post-CPB renal dysfunction. Conclusions: Measurement of this novel biomarker in the urine or plasma of patients in the first hours after CPB is predictive of subsequent renal injury. Although the AUC for plasma NGAL seemed inferior to urine, even an AUC of 0.8 as reported compares very favorably to that for other “outstanding” biomarkers (eg, AUCs in the 0.7 range for troponin).
Fatigue recognition in E-learning based on eye tracking and detection

A learning fatigue recognition method based on eye tracking and detection is proposed when E-learners regular appeared physical or psychological fatigue state. An inner eye corner filter was used to locate the positions of inner eye corner accurately. The eye was tracked in real time by detecting the inner eye corner. Open eye template could be created online and dynamically updated. The opening or shutting of eyes could be recognized using correlation with an online open eye template. Experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can locate the positions of inner eye corner with an accuracy rate of more than 98%. An accuracy rate of 97.5% in blink detection is obtained using the proposed method at a processing rate of 50 fields per second.
A Comprehensive Analytical Mathematic Model for Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machines Incorporating Structural and Saturation Saliencies

We introduce a new method to model permanent-magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs) with saliencies due to the salient structure and magnetic saturation. We define two parameters to indicate these saliencies, i.e., the structural saliency ratio and the saturation saliency ratio . To verify the nonlinear model, we tested a real PMSM and numerically simulated it. The nonlinear inductance matrix is deduced and expressed by a nonlinear function regressed from the experimental data. The simulation and experimental results agree well with each other.
Acid‐suppressive medication use in acute stroke and hospital‐acquired pneumonia

Pneumonia is a morbid complication of stroke, but evidence‐based strategies for its prevention are lacking. Acid‐suppressive medications have been associated with increased risk for nosocomial pneumonia in hospitalized patients. It is unclear whether these results can be extrapolated to stroke patients, where other factors strongly modulate pneumonia risk. We investigated the association between acid‐suppressive medication and hospital‐acquired pneumonia in patients with acute stroke.
Nano-scale evaluation of electrical tree initiation in silica/epoxy nano-composite thin film

Many researchers have attempted use of nanocomposite (NC) materials for insulation systems at various places. A number of studies on the propagation of electrical trees have been reported, but it has not yet been clarified how the electrical tree occurs inside the NC material. In order to evaluate the origin of an electrical tree, it is important to clarify the breakdown mechanism at nano-scale. In this paper, silica/epoxy-resin NC was spin-coated on a silicon substrate and characterized by thin film analyses. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicates uniform dispersion of silica fillers in the NC film. The time-to-breakdown of the NC film, which is measured using micro-electrical probe system, is improved as the silica density increases. Furthermore, we succeeded in the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) observation of the NC film. Leakage sites appeared in the STM images, which were induced by the electric stress application with the STM tip. These approaches will invoke a deep understanding of the role of nano-fillers in the insulation resistance and the breakdown mechanism of NC materials.
Advanced Camera Image Cropping Approach for CNN-Based End-to-End Controls on Sustainable Computing

Recent research on deep learning has been applied to a diversity of fields. In particular, numerous studies have been conducted on self-driving vehicles using end-to-end approaches based on images captured by a single camera. End-to-end controls learn the output vectors of output devices directly from the input vectors of available input devices. In other words, an end-to-end approach learns not by analyzing the meaning of input vectors, but by extracting optimal output vectors based on input vectors. Generally, when end-to-end control is applied to self-driving vehicles, the steering wheel and pedals are controlled autonomously by learning from the images captured by a camera. However, high-resolution images captured from a car cannot be directly used as inputs to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) owing to memory limitations; the image size needs to be efficiently reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to extract features from captured images automatically and to generate input images by merging the parts of the images that contain the extracted features. This paper proposes a learning method for end-to-end control that generates input images for CNNs by extracting road parts from input images, identifying the edges of the extracted road parts, and merging the parts of the images that contain the detected edges. In addition, a CNN model for end-to-end control is introduced. Experiments involving the Open Racing Car Simulator (TORCS), a sustainable computing environment for cars, confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method for self-driving by comparing the accumulated difference in the angle of the steering wheel in the images generated by it with those of resized images containing the entire captured area and cropped images containing only a part of the captured area. The results showed that the proposed method reduced the accumulated difference by 0.839% and 0.850% compared to those yielded by the resized images and cropped images, respectively.