Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Fate Mapping: Theoretical and Experimental Studies Applied to the Development of Mouse Fibroblasts

Mutations are an inevitable consequence of cell division. Similarly to how DNA sequence differences allow inferring evolutionary relationships between organisms, we and others have recently demonstrated how somatic mutations may be exploited for phylogenetically reconstructing lineages of individual cells during development in multicellular organisms. However, a problem with such “phylogenetic fate maps” is that they cannot be verified experimentally; distinguishing actual lineages within clonal populations requires direct observation of cell growth, as was used to construct the fate map of Caenorhabditis elegans, but is not possible in higher organisms. Here we employ computer simulation of mitotic cell division to determine how factors such as the quantity of cells, mutation rate, and the number of examined marker sequences contribute to fidelity of phylogenetic fate maps and to explore statistical methods for assessing accuracy. To experimentally evaluate these factors, as well as for the purpose of investigating the developmental origins of connective tissue, we have produced a lineage map of fibroblasts harvested from various organs of an adult mouse. Statistical analysis demonstrates that the inferred relationships between cells in the phylogenetic fate map reflect biological information regarding the origin of fibroblasts and is suggestive of cell migration during mesenchymal development.
Improved rotor current control of wind turbine driven doubly fed induction generators during network unbalance

This paper investigates an improved control and operation of a DFIG system under unbalanced network conditions. A new rotor current control strategy is presented, which consists of a main controller and an auxiliary compensator. The main controller is constructed in the same way as the conventional vector control design without involving sequential-component separation in order to guarantee system stability and high dynamic response. While the auxiliary controller is specially designed to control the negative sequence current taking into account the impact of the main controller on negative sequence components. Experimental results on a 1.5-kW DFIG prototype are provided and compared with those of conventional vector control and dual PI current control schemes to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy during steady-state and transient conditions when the network voltage is unbalanced.
Thematic review series: Systems Biology Approaches to Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disorders. Approaches to lipid metabolism gene identification and characterization in the postgenomic era Published, JLR Papers in Press, July 11, 2006.

The availability of genomic resources has already had a tremendous impact on biomedical research. In this review, we describe how whole genome sequence and high-throughput functional genomics projects have facilitated the identification and characterization of important genes in lipid metabolism and disease. We review key approaches and lipid genes identified in the first years of this century and discuss how genomic resources are likely to streamline gene identification and functional characterization in the future.
Host anomaly detection performance analysis based on system call of neuro-fuzzy using Soundex algorithm and N-gram technique

To improve the anomaly intrusion detection system using system calls, this study focuses on neuro-fuzzy learning using the Soundex algorithm which is designed to change feature selection and variable length data into a fixed length learning pattern. That is, by changing variable length sequential system call data into a fixed length behavior pattern using the Soundex algorithm, this study conducted backpropagation neural networks with fuzzy membership function. The neuro-fuzzy and N-gram techniques are applied for anomaly intrusion detection of system calls using sendmail data of UNM to demonstrate its performance.
Evaluating the Challenges of IGAD-Led Peace Process of South Sudan

The purpose of study is to evaluate the challenges of IGAD-led peace process of South Sudan. Its objective is to evaluate and assess the challenges surrounding the South Sudan peace process mediated by the IGAD-led team. To address these objectives, the researcher employed qualitative research design to make use of its advantage in gaining detailed information about the issue, to examine reflections, understandings and knowledge of negotiators and refugees by offering an in-depth understanding of a particular problem and challenges. South Sudan became an independent state from the Sudan in July 9, 2011, following an internationally monitored referendum, which was held on 9 January. However, almost after three years of independence, the world newest state backslide into the horrific civil war on 15, December 2013, due to the power rivalry within SPLM/A. The war resulted in the massive loss of human life and property destruction. Consequently, the regional organization, IGAD swiftly launched the peace process on Saturday 4th January 2014, in order to halt the crisis in South Sudan. Nevertheless, the peace process faced enormous internal and external challenges during the peace talk and also at present the Joint Monitoring and Evolution Commission (JMEC) is facing impediment in the implementation process. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommends the concerned bodies such as the IGAD, AU, IGAD-Plus and UN should exert pressure on both warring parties so as to speed up the implementation process of Peace Agreement because the South Sudanese are suffering by intense security problems and food crisis associated with the conflict up until now. Besides, the international community should keep out, those who are uncompromising and create impediment to the implementation of the peace accord, from the rank of Transitional Government of National Unity (TGONU). Because the evidences indicate that both belligerent parties leaders are not portrayed their political will and good faith to implement the Peace Concord.
Organ boundary determination algorithm for detecting internal bleeding

The purpose of this paper is to propose an organ boundary determination method for detecting internal bleeding. Focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) is important for patients who are sent into shock by internal bleeding. However, the FAST has a low sensitivity, approximately 42.7 %. This study aims, therefore, to construct an automatic internal bleeding detection robotic system on the basis of ultrasound (US) image processing to improve the sensitivity. We developed method for determining algorithms of organ boundaries by low-brightness set analysis, and we detected internal bleeding by the proposed method. Experimental results based on clinical US images of internal bleeding between Liver and Kidney showed that proposed algorithms had a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 95.7%.
Imitation Improves Language Comprehension

Humans imitate each other during social interaction. This imitative behavior streamlines social interaction and aids in learning to replicate actions. However, the effect of imitation on action comprehension is unclear. This study investigated whether vocal imitation of an unfamiliar accent improved spoken-language comprehension. Following a pretraining accent comprehension test, participants were assigned to one of six groups. The baseline group received no training, but participants in the other five groups listened to accented sentences, listened to and repeated accented sentences in their own accent, listened to and transcribed accented sentences, listened to and imitated accented sentences, or listened to and imitated accented sentences without being able to hear their own vocalizations. Posttraining measures showed that accent comprehension was most improved for participants who imitated the speaker’s accent. These results show that imitation may aid in streamlining interaction by improving spoken-language comprehension under adverse listening conditions.
Oral versus Short-Term Intratympanic Prednisolone Therapy for Idiopathic Sudden Hearing Loss

Objectives: To assess the therapeutic effectiveness of an intratympanic (IT) steroid protocol compared to a systemic steroid protocol. Methods: A total of 265 consecutive patients presenting unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss were divided into 2 groups. One group comprised 131 patients enrolled between May 2009 and May 2010, and the other consisted of 134 patients enrolled between June 2010 and June 2011; a total of 48 patients were excluded among the 2 groups. The first group received oral prednisone for 8 days in tapering doses; the second group had IT prednisolone at a dose of 62.5 mg/ml once a day for 3 consecutive days. Audiological examinations were performed at study entry and 30 days after the beginning of therapy. Mean pure tone audiometry (PTA) of both groups and hearing outcomes following the criteria of Furuhashi et al. [Clin Otolaryngol 2002;27:458-463] and Siegel [Otolaryngol Clin North Am 1975;8:467-473] were investigated. Results: The strong efficacy of steroid therapy was evident in both groups, observing both PTA and hearing threshold improvement. The evaluation of the hearing outcomes shows a significantly better result for the short-term IT protocol; this result is ascribable to two types of audiometric curves: down- and up-sloping. Conclusion: The results show a significant efficacy of both steroid therapeutic approaches. There was no significant difference in PTA improvement between the 2 study groups; the short-term IT protocol led to better results in the evaluation of the hearing outcomes (following the criteria of Siegel and Furuhashi et al.) for up- and down-sloping audiometric curves.
Optical properties of plasmon-resonant bare and silica-coated nanostars used for cell imaging

Abstract. We synthesized and characterized gold nanostars and their silica-coated derivatives with 7- to 50-nm shell thicknesses as contrast agents for optical imaging. The scattering and absorption coefficients of the nanoparticles (NPs) were estimated by means of collimated transmittance and diffuse reflectance/transmittance analyses. The contrasting properties of the nanostructures were studied in optical coherence tomography glass capillary imaging. The silica-coated nanostars with the thickest shell have higher scattering ability in comparison with bare nanostars. Viability assays confirmed weak in vitro toxicity of nanostructures at up to ∼200-μg/mL concentrations. We showed real-time visualization of nanostars in both agarose and cultured cells by analyzing the backscattering signal using a conventional laser confocal microscope. The signal intensity detected from the silica-coated NPs was almost 1.5 times higher in comparison with bare nanostars. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that conventional laser confocal microscopy was applied in combined scattering and transmitted light modes to detect the backscattered signal of gold nanostars, which is useful for direct monitoring of the uptake, translocation, and accumulation of NPs in living cells.
On the Interest Rate Sensitivity of REITs: Evidence from Twenty Years of Daily Data

Executive Summary. In this study, we evaluate interest rate sensitivity for equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) using a multi-factor asset pricing model estimated with daily data. We utilize yield changes and, as an alternative, bond betas, to measure REITs' sensitivity to interest rate shifts.We find that the degree of interest rate sensitivity varies over time, has switched direction, and that any “pure” effect is often subsumed in equity REITs beta against stocks. Despite recent high sensitivity, we conclude that there is no long-run predictive rule that applies to how equity REIT returns respond to movements in interest rates.
What determines financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of financial inclusion (FI) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses the World Bank country-level data from 20 SSA countries for the year 2014. Findings - The empirical findings in this study indicate that illiteracy is the major hindrance to FI in SSA. The findings provide useful information to government agencies and international development organisations. Also, the findings can help accelerate and strengthen FI strategies among SSA countries. Research limitations/implications - Some countries were excluded from the final analysis due to lack of data. Practical implications - In the last two decades, there has been renewed interest in fighting financial exclusion in Africa. Therefore, this study provide evidence which clearly shows that enhancing literacy levels in a country can immensely contribute towards building the financially inclusive societies in the SSA region. Originality/value - To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to empirically test the determinants of FI in SSA using the World Bank FI data set. Furthermore, this is the first attempt to estimate the determinants of FI with a combined data of SSA countries.
Cell proliferation in human tumour xenografts: measurement using antibody labelling against bromodeoxyuridine and Ki‐67

Abstract. Cell proliferation was investigated in human tumour xenografts using bromodeoxyuridine (BrdUrd) labelling, evaluated either by flow cytometry or in tissue sections, and also using the proliferation marker Ki‐67. BrdUrd labelling was found to increase when cryostat tumour sections were digested with an enzymic solution. This yielded a labelling index up to four times higher than that obtained using the flow cytorneter. Ki‐67 indices were found to be higher than those reported for human tumour biopsies, as may be expected due to the enhanced growth rate of the xenografts. Significant heterogeneity was observed in the results for cervix, breast and bladder tumours, and the results of the three methods were poorly correlated. However, three of the four tumour types showed that the tumour with the lowest Ki‐67 index also had the longest potential doubling time. Since the measurement of Ki‐67 index was found technically easier to perform, and also adequately reflects relative tumour cell proliferation, it is preferred over the other techniques.
Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Culture—The Influence of Health Care Leaders in Sweden

Research in physiotherapy has increased rapidly over the last decade, yet studies have shown that many practice decisions continue to be based on knowledge obtained during initial physiotherapy education and/or personal experience, rather than findings from research. Both barriers and facilitators to achieving a more evidence-based practice (EBP) in physiotherapy have been identified. Leadership is a facilitator that has been recognized to have an important influence on the implementation of EBP in various settings. Our aim was to explore how physiotherapy leaders in Sweden influence the culture for implementation of evidence-based physiotherapy practice. Nine interviews with managers of physiotherapy clinics were conducted in various settings in Sweden. Data were analysed using qualitative analysis and a framework developed by Schein (Schein, 2010). Organizational Culture and Leadership (4th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass) was applied. The framework identifies a number of mechanisms by which leaders can influence the culture of an organization and/or groups within an organization. The mechanisms of paying attention to, measuring and controlling on a regular basis as well as deliberate role modelling, teaching and coaching did have some relevance. However, EBP issues seemed to depend on committed individuals, often younger physiotherapists, who were interested in research. Overall, there was limited relevance for most of the embedding mechanisms. The findings suggest that physiotherapy leaders in Sweden contribute to a modest degree to establishing a culture conducive to implementation of an evidence-based physiotherapy practice.
Group Decision Making Methodology Based on the Atanassov's Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set Generalized OWA Operator

The aim of this paper is to develop a new methodology for solving group decision making problems in which preference comparisons between alternatives are expressed with Atanassov's intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) preference relations. In this methodology, the generalized ordered weighted averaging (GOWA) operator is extended to develop the Atanassov's IF set (IFS) generalized ordered weighted averaging (IFSGOWA) operator, which can aggregate vague or imprecise information expressed with the Atanassov's IFSs. The Atanassov's IFSGOWA operator based methodology is further developed to solve group decision making problems with Atanassov's IF preference relations. A real example of the agroecological region assessment problem is used to illustrate the implementation and applicability of the proposed methodology. It is also shown that the obtained decision results could be affected by the choice of the parameter lambda and the nature of the weights.
Role of lactadherin in the clearance of phosphatidylserine‐expressing red blood cells

BACKGROUND: In red blood cells (RBCs) anionic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine, are present in the inner leaflet of the membrane bilayer. Exposure of phosphatidylserine occurs during senescence and during long‐term storage of RBCs and is considered as the tag for removal from the circulation by macrophages. Lactadherin is a phosphatidylserine‐binding glycoprotein secreted by macrophages that promotes the engulfment of phosphatidylserine‐expressing apoptotic lymphocytes. This study investigates the role of lactadherin in the phagocytosis of phosphatidylserine‐expressing RBCs.
Hyperbaric oxygen attenuation of lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury involves heme oxygenase‐1

Background: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) attenuates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced acute lung injury. This beneficial effect of HBO involves inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and subsequent nitric oxide (NO) biosynthesis. We sought to investigate the role of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) on this HBO inhibition of iNOS induction and acute lung injury in septic rat lungs.
The Impact of First Year Seminar Courses Career Development Component on the Career Decision Making Process of Undecided College Students

Ward, Rashica Lenice. M.A. Department of Leadership Studies in Education and Organizations, Wright State University, 2014. The Impact of First Year Seminar Courses Career Development Component on the Career Decision Making Process of Undecided College Students. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a career development component in a first year seminar course on the dysfunctional career thoughts of undecided first year college students, as measured by the Career Thoughts Inventory (CTI). The intent was to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in students exposed to the career development component in First Year Seminar courses as compared to students who were not by comparing the means of their CTI total scores. Also, for those students who were exposed to career development in a first year seminar course the study aimed to determine if there were statistically significant differences in the means of the CTI total scores based on gender. The t-test analysis from the data of the primary research question did not determine significant differences in the means of the CTI total scores of students who were exposed to the career development component and students who were not. Analysis from the data of the sub-research question did not determine significant differences in the means of CTI total scores of students exposed to the career development component by gender. Limitations as well as recommendations for future research included securing a larger sample and examining the construct scales within the CTI total score as opposed to only examining the total CTI score.
Non‐invasive prenatal screening for trisomy 21: Consumers' perspectives

Non‐invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) has the potential to dramatically increase the prenatal detection rate of Down syndrome because of improvements in safety and accuracy over existing tests. There is concern that NIPS could lead to more negative attitudes towards Down syndrome and less support for individuals with Down syndrome. To assess the impact of NIPS on support for prenatal testing, decision‐making about testing, and beliefs or attitudes about Down syndrome, we performed an Internet‐based experiment using adults (N = 1,789) recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants were randomly assigned to read a mock news article about NIPS, a mock news article about amniocentesis, or no article. The content in the two articles varied only in their descriptions of the test characteristics. Participants then answered questions about their support for testing, hypothetical testing decision, and beliefs and attitudes about Down syndrome. Reading the mock NIPS news article predicted increased hypothetical test uptake. In addition, the NIPS article group also agreed more strongly that pregnant women, in general, should utilize prenatal testing. We also found that the more strongly participants supported prenatal testing for pregnant women, the less favorable their attitudes towards individuals with Down syndrome; providing some evidence that NIPS may indirectly result in more negative perceptions of individuals with this diagnosis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic Logic Circuits Using a-IGZO TFTs

Previously reported thin-film transistor (TFT) digital logic gates are mostly static circuits. If the static logic circuits are implemented using either nMOS or pMOS technologies alone, unlike CMOS technologies, the circuits consume high power because of the steady-state current, and take large circuit area. In this paper, the dynamic logic circuits using n-type a-IGZO TFTs are proposed to resolve the power and circuit area issues. The dynamic logic circuits such as inverters and nand gates are fabricated in an amorphous indium–gallium–zinc–oxide TFT technology, and traditional static logic circuits are also implemented with the same technology for comparison purposes. The measurement results show that the proposed dynamic logic circuit consumes no steady-state current, and the circuit area is reduced by 93.1%.
My Hair Is Not Like Yours: Workplace Hair Grooming Policies for African American Women as Racial Stereotyping in Violation Of title VII

This article argues that workplace discrimination based on hair grooming policies disproportionately impacts African American women. The article seeks to establish that natural hair is an immutable characteristic, as is all hair, made mutable by social policies that impose an "acceptable" standard of beauty that was never meant to include or reflect black women. Often placed under workplace or other institutional grooming policies, the article posits that these policies are no more than a continuation of race-based policies that reflect unlawful stereotyping under Title VII and should be eliminated. Lastly, the article proposes a set of questions that test the imposition of such policies and urge the protection from employment discrimination of women who wear their hair in its natural state.