Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased epicardial fat thickness in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory arthritis. Known risk factors, along with inflammation and autoimmunity, contribute to the development of coronary artery disease in RA patients. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a strong risk factor for coronary artery disease. The present study aimed to compare EAT thickness in RA patients with a healthy control group. Methods: The study included 31 RA patients (female: 25, male: 6; mean age: 52.74 ± 11.30) and 33 healthy individuals (female: 29, male: 4; mean age: 48.55 ± 9.27) as the control group. Patients with cardiovascular disease and other comorbid diseases were not included. The EAT thickness of patient and control groups was measured using transthoracic echocardiography. Demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of all the subjects were recorded. The EAT thickness, demographic, clinical and laboratory findings of RA patients were compared with those of control group. Results: The epicardial fat thickness was significantly higher in the patient group than the control group (0.68 ± 0.16 cm; 0.40 ± 0.11 cm, respectively, p 0.05). There was no correlation between epicardial fat thickness and age, gender, body mass index, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in the patient group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed a significant increase in the EAT thickness in RA patients compared to healthy control subjects, which is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis.
N-SiCN/P-Silicon Heterojunction With Porous Silicon Buffer Layer for Low-Cost and High-Temperature Ultraviolet (UV) Detecting Applications

In this paper, we study of n-SiCN/p-PS/p-silicon heterojunction with porous silicon (PS) buffer layer for low-cost and high-temperature ultraviolet (UV) detecting applications in details. The electrochemical anodization and rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition were applied sequentially to form the PS layer and the cubic crystalline n-SiCN film on the top of p-(100) silicon substrate. The PS layer has a high resistivity to suppress the dark current, and provides sponge-like structure to limit strain and cracks development after the post growth cooling. Thus, favors nucleation to result in a better single-crystal SiCN film. Consequently, the developed optical sensing device has a high photo/dark current ratio of 85.4 under room temperature (25degC), with and without irradiation of and 254 nm UV light with 0.5 mW/cm2 optical power. At 200degC the ratio is still equal to 7.42, which are better than the reported ZnO on GaAs substrate or beta-SiC on Si substrate UV detectors without porous treatment.
ATP1A3 mutations

Rapid-onset dystonia-parkinsonism (RDP) occurs in children older than 18 months of age, teens, and adults, and alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) occurs in children younger than 18 months. They appear to be different diseases, but both are caused by mutations in ATP1A3.1–4 ATP1A3 encodes the α subunit of the Na+/K+-ATPase that is partially responsible for maintaining the electrical gradient in neurons. Motor symptoms, particularly dystonia, are obvious in both RDP and AHC, but RDP is predominantly fixed and AHC is known for its episodic and fluctuating course. There is now a broader phenotypic spectrum of RDP than originally described in 1993,5,6 including psychosis,7 new phenotypes in children,8 and late onset.9 The nonmotor phenotypes of both RDP (cognitive and psychiatric) and AHC (developmental delay, cognitive, and behavioral)10,11 suggest that ATP1A3 mutations may play a role in other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Mutations causing RDP or AHC cause symptoms such as dystonia, parkinsonism, epilepsy (including status epilepticus), hemiplegic episodes, abnormal ocular movements, developmental delay, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and gait disorders in ages ranging from newborns to 87 years. It is likely that there will be a broad continuum of patients found, and even a role for the gene in polygenic disorders.
Developing a Stock Price Model Using Investment Valuation Ratios for the Financial Industry Of the Philippine Stock Market

The stock market has been a very prominent subject for individuals who want to secure investments on a certain portion of a company called a stock. Thus, financial scholars and analysts give a great deal of emphasis to the study of the stock market, particularly stock price prediction. In this regard, the field has witnessed a considerable growth in financial models that help represent this market. Moreover, investment valuation ratios, commonly known as financial ratios, were shown to be a promising tool in this kind of prediction for stock market. However, there is a lack of research in the market behavior of emerging markets. In this study, with supporting financial theories used in prominent studies of the stock market, an analysis on earnings per share (EPS), price to earnings Ratio (P/E Ratio), dividend yield (DY), and price per book value ratio (P/B Ratio) were used as possible empirical predictors of the stock price. This study develops a stock price model for companies in the financial industry of the Philippine stock market. Six years of data from thirteen (13) companies in the Philippines were analyzed through a multiple linear regression using financial ratios. The regression resulted to a stock price model with the given financial ratios as the variables affecting the changes in stock price. Moreover, the model was found to be statistically significant at a 95% confidence level. In addition to this, EPS and P/E ratio was found to be the most powerful variables in the model in terms of explanatory power.
Association of sinking organic matter with various types of mineral ballast in the deep sea: Implications for the rain ratio

We compiled and standardized sediment trap data below 1000 m depth from 52 locations around the globe to infer the implications of the Armstrong et al. [2002] “ballast” model to the ratio of organic carbon to calcium carbonate in the deep sea (the rain ratio). We distinguished three forms of mineral ballast: calcium carbonate, opal, and lithogenic material. We concur with Armstrong et al. [2002] that organic carbon sinking fluxes correlate tightly with mineral fluxes. Based on the correlations seen in the trap data, we conclude that most of the organic carbon rain in the deep sea is carried by calcium carbonate, because it is denser than opal and more abundant than terrigenous material. This analysis explains the constancy of the organic carbon to calcium carbonate rain ratio in the deep sea today, and argues against large changes in the mean value of this ratio in the past. However, sediment trap data show variability in the ratio in areas of high relative calcium carbonate export (mass CaCO3/mass ratio > 0.4), unexplainable by the model, leaving open the possibility of regional variations in the rain ratio in the past.
Measuring value drivers of e-business - An empirical study

This study examines how e-business initiatives are able to create value, from a shareholder value perspective, through four value drivers: efficiency, complementarity, lock-in and novelty. For this purpose, a theoretical framework that links these four value drivers of e-business to the shareholder value approach is built; more specifically, to the four financial value drivers of shareholder value (acceleration, enhancement and reduction in the risk of cash flows as well as augmentation of the long term value of the business). In practice, the objective of the framework is to examine a chain of linkages that connect value drivers of e-business to financial value drivers of shareholder value and consequently to a set of metrics assessing financial outcomes of firms. Then, empirical evidence is introduced to verify the validity of the previously designed framework The data used in this study were collected through a web-based questionnaire targeted to the upper management in Finnish companies representing the media industry. The survey was sent to 319 decision makers, of which 70 completed the questionnaire resulting in a response rate of 22%. The data were analyzed using two multivariate data analysis techniques: confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings of this study suggest that e-business initiatives have an effect in the shareholder value of firms both in the short and the long term. In particular, e-business initiatives show a robust effect on shareholder value by accelerating cash flows and augmenting the long term value of the business. Based on these findings, managers should carefully examine the potential of the internet as a strategic element when it comes to strengthening bonds with customers, reinforcing the value of the brand and reducing information asymmetries with stakeholders. In order to get the benefits of online presence, managers should consider how to align e-business initiatives of their firms to their strategic objectives. From a theoretical perspective, the present study contributes to the existent knowledge in the field of e-business and strategic marketing in two ways. First, this study is the first attempt to empirically examine the value creation process in the context of e-business from a shareholder value perspective. Second, this study provides a valid and reliable scale development for the value drivers of e-business and the financial value drivers of shareholder value. In sum, this study responds to recent requests from academics to demonstrate the impact of marketing activities, in this case related to e-business, in terms of shareholder value; hence contributing to a marketingfinance conciliation.
Development and Validation of the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Direct PCR Amplification Kit: A Multiplex Assay for the Direct Amplification of Single‐Source Samples *,†

Abstract: The AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® Direct PCR Amplification Kit is a new short tandem repeat multiplex assay optimized to allow the direct amplification of single‐source blood and buccal samples on FTA® card without the need for sample purification and quantification. This multiplex assay has been validated according to the FBI/National Standards and SWGDAM guidelines. Validation results revealed that slight variations in primer concentration, master mix component concentration, and thermal cycling parameters did not affect the performance of the chemistry. The assay’s sensitivity was demonstrated by amplifying known amounts of white blood cells spotted onto FTA® cards, and the assay’s specificity was verified by establishing minimal cross‐reactivity with nonhuman DNA. No effect on the age of the sample stored on the FTA® substrate was observed and full concordance was established in the population study. These findings of the validation study support the use of the Identifiler® Direct Kit for forensic standards and database samples genotyping.
Bioinformatics opportunities for health sciences librarians and information professionals.

Universities and medical research institutions are hard at work training researchers in bioinformatics, a multidisciplinary field comprising molecular biology, genetics, mathematics, and computer science. Bioinformatics specialists with undergraduate and graduate degrees find their skills are in high demand in a range of research and development environments, including universities, teaching hospitals, and the industrial sector, including pharmaceutical, vaccine, and biotechnology companies. Researchers in bioinformatics currently receive strong support from library and informational professionals in geographic areas where biotechnology corporations are established. However, stronger support and collaboration will be necessary as the field matures. Health information professionals and science librarians with backgrounds and aptitudes in biological, chemical, and computer sciences; genomics; proteomics; and data analysis are ideal candidates for professional involvement and specialization in bioinformatics. Professional librarians seeking to contribute their talents to the field of bioinformatics must also expand their depth of knowledge in the biological and computer sciences. Additionally, interested librarians need to systematically evaluate and expand traditional roles and services to include the new resources and tools that are emerging worldwide. The aim of this brief communication is to assist health sciences librarians with finding training programs and to give examples of how some libraries are currently expanding services to support bioinformatics research. The authors have identified six key areas of responsibility where information professionals can expand beyond traditional roles to meet the information needs of bioinformatics researchers. These core areas include communication, collection development, knowledge management, education and training, writing or publishing, and intranet systems development.
Correlation of forced oscillation technique in preschool children with cystic fibrosis with pulmonary inflammation

Background: Lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) is established in early childhood with recurrent bacterial infections and inflammation. Using spirometry, the effect of this early lung damage cannot be measured until a child is 6 years of age when some irreversible lung damage may already have occurred. Techniques for measurement of lung function in infants and young children include raised volume rapid thoracic compression (RVRTC) and low frequency forced oscillation (LFFOT). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammation and infection on a population of infants and young children with CF and to determine whether lung function in this population (measured by LFFOT) is affected by early lung disease. Methods: Lung function was measured by LFFOT in 24 children undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on 27 occasions as part of an annual programme while still under general anaesthesia. Following lung function testing, three aliquots of saline were instilled into the right middle or lower lobe. The first aliquot retrieved was processed for the detection of microbes, and the remaining aliquots were pooled to assess inflammatory markers (cytology, IL-8, NE, LTB4). Results: Inflammation (percentage and number of neutrophils) was significantly higher in children with infections (p<0.001, p = 0.04, respectively), but not in those with symptoms. Several markers of inflammation significantly correlated with LFFOT parameters (R, G, and η). Conclusion: Infections and inflammation are established before symptoms are apparent. Inflammation is correlated with measures of parenchymal changes in lung function measured by LFFOT.
Prognostic value, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein as a marker for major cardiac events in asymptomatic individuals: A health technology assessment report

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)-screening in addition to traditional risk factor screening in apparently healthy persons as a means of preventing coronary artery disease. Methods and Results: The systematic review was performed according to internationally recognized methods. Seven studies on risk prediction, one clinical decision-analytic modeling study, and three decision-analytic cost-effectiveness studies were included. The adjusted relative risk of high hs-CRP-level ranged from 0.7 to 2.47 (p < .05 in four of seven studies). Adding hs-CRP to the prediction models increased the areas under the curve by 0.00 to 0.027. Based on the clinical decision analysis, both individuals with elevated hs-CRP-levels and those with hyperlipidemia have a similar gain in life expectancy following statin therapy. One high-quality economic modeling study suggests favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for persons with elevated hs-CRP and higher risk. However, many model parameters were based on limited evidence. Conclusions: Adding hs-CRP to traditional risk factors improves risk prediction, but the clinical relevance and cost-effectiveness of this improvement remain unclear.
Profiting from Technological Capabilities: Technology Commercialization Strategy in a Dynamic Context

This paper analyzes the technology commercialization strategy of an innovating firm when the incumbent firms possess specialized commercialization capabilities. The predominant framework says that if the innovation is protected by a tight appropriability regime the optimal strategy is to license the innovation to an incumbent firm. Using a game-theoretic model of the technology commercialization process, this paper shows that if the innovating firm has specialized technological capabilities and the ability to learn from its experience in the commercialization process, its optimal strategy may-under certain conditions-be to commercialize alone or to pursue a hybrid whereby it licenses the innovation but retains the rights to participate in the commercialization process. The paper then uses the conditions derived from the model to explain the pattern of technology commercialization arrangements pursued by biotech firms attempting to commercialize 1590 identifiable products in the pharmaceutical industry between 1978 and 2008. The results show that a firm is significantly more likely to use the hybrid strategy when there are more firms competing to license the innovation, when there is a higher probability of commercializing a subsequent product in the same product field in future, and when it is in a stronger financial position.
CS 772 A COURSE PROJECT A survey of Zero Shot Learning

There are around 30,000 human-distinguishable basic object classes and many more fine grained ones. A major barrier to progress in visual recognition is thus collecting training data for many classes. To counter this problem, a technique known as Zero Shot Learning has recently been introduced through which one is able to detect classes which were not part of the training set. In this project, we have tried to survey a variety of techniques within this area, describing their algorithm, strengths and weaknesses.
A compact, wide-FOV optical design for head-mounted displays

We present a new optical design for head-mounted displays (HMD) which has an exceptionally wide field of view (FOV). It can cover even the full human FOV. It is based on seamless lenses and screens curved around the eyes. The proof-of-concept prototypes are promising, and one of them far exceeds the human FOV, although the effective FOV is limited by the anatomy of the human head. The presented optical design has advantages such as compactness, light weight, low cost and super-wide FOV with high resolution. Even though this is still work-in-progress and display functionality is not yet implemented, it suggests a feasible way to significantly expand the FOV of HMDs.
Epithelial influences on skeletogenesis in the mandible of the embryonic chick

Intact mandibular processes and the enzymatically separated mesenchymal and epithelial components of the mandible from embryonic chicks of 2.5‐ to 5‐day incubation (Hamburger and Hamilton, '51: stages 16‐25) were grown individually, either in organ culture or as grafts to the chorioallantoic membranes of host embryos. The differentiation of cultured and grafted intact mandibular processes was histologically normal, but the time of histodifferentiation differed from that in vivo. The histodifferentiation of cultured and grafted mandibular mesenchyme grown isolated from its epithelium depended upon the age of the embryo from which the mesenchyme had been obtained. Intramembranous ossification producing membrane bones of the mandible occurred in mesenchyme isolated from 4.5‐ to 5‐day embryos (HH 24–25), but did not occur in mesenchyme isolated from younger embryos. Cartilage (Meckel's) and subperichondrial bone in the articular process of Meckel's cartilage differentiated in mesenchyme isolated from embryos of all age groups tested (HH 16–25). Mandibular mesenchyme, therefore, requires the presence of epithelium until 4.5 days of incubation if the membrane bones of the mandible are to differentiate; if epithelial influences are required for Meckel's cartilage and subperichondrial bone formation, they are not required beyond 2.5 days of incubation. Mandibular epithelium isolated from its mesenchyme became layers of squamous cells in culture; but when grafted onto the chorioallantoic membrane, the epithelium became underlain by host fibroblasts and differentiated into a stratified squamous epithelium. Mandibular epithelium, therefore, is capable of differentiation in the presence of foreign fibroblasts derived from the chorioallantoic membrane.
Sustainable Supply Chain: An Institutional Perspective

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is an evolving discipline, for which many theories are being proposed. It is dependent on other disciplines, of which organizational theories are of tremendous importance. One such theory that has great relevance to SSCM is Institutional Theory. The purpose of this study is to develop a model that relates the enablers of SSCM to Institutional Theory. This is achieved in three steps: First, SSCM enablers were identified through a literature review. These internal enablers go through certain external challenges when supply chain players practice Sustainability. Second, an attempt is made to explain these challenges from the perspective of Institutional Theory. The role of Institutional Isomorphism in regulating and creating a direction for achieving the sustainability goal is identified. Finally, a theoretical model is developed to describe the link between supply chain players, institutional isomorphism, and the support and participation of the top management in creating an enabling environment for legitimization of sustainable supply chain.
Spin-labeled hemoglobin crystals.

In the present paper we describe the results of a preliminary study of the paramagnetic resonance of spin-labeled crystals of horse oxyhemoglobin (HbO2). The central purpose of this work is to show that it is possible to obtain strong anisotropic paramagnetic resonance spectra from spin-labeled single crystals of proteins, and to show that structural information can be obtained from such spectra.
Social Photo Tagging Recommendation Using Community-Based Group Associations

In the social network, living photos occupy a large portion of web contents. For sharing a photo with the people appearing in that, users have to manually tag the people with their names, and the social network system links the photo to the people immediately. However, tagging the photos manually is a time-consuming task while people take thousands of photos in their daily life. Therefore, more and more researchers put their eyes on how to recommend tags for a photo. In this paper, our goal is to recommend tags for a query photo with one tagged face. We fuse the results of face recognition and the user's relationships obtained from social contexts. In addition, the Community-Based Group Associations, called CBGA, is proposed to discover the group associations among users through the community detection. Finally, the experimental evaluations show that the performance of photo tagging recommendation is improved by combining the face recognition and social relationship. Furthermore, the proposed framework achieves the high quality for social photo tagging recommendation.