Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive SSVEP-Based BCI System With Frequency and Pulse Duty-Cycle Stimuli Tuning Design

This study aims to design a steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) based brain-computer interface (BCI) system with only three electrodes. It is known that low frequency flickering induces more intensive SSVEP, but might cause users feel uncomfortable and easily tired. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel middle/high frequency flickering stimulus. However, users show different SSVEP responses when gazing at the same stimuli. It is improper to design fixed frequency flickering stimuli for all users. This study firstly proposes a strategy to adjust the stimuli frequency for each user that could cause better SSVEP. Moreover, to further enhance the SSVEP, this study incorporates flickering duty-cycle for stimuli design, which has been discussed less for SSVEP-based BCI systems. The proposed system consists of two modes, flicker frequency/duty-cycle selection mode and application mode. The flicker frequency/duty-cycle selection mode obtains two best frequencies between 24 and 36 Hz with their related optimal duty-cycle. Then the system goes into the application mode to control the devices. A new fact that has been found is that the optimal flicker frequency and duty-cycle do not vary with time. It means once the optical flicker frequency and duty-cycle is determined the first time, flicker frequency/duty-cycle selection mode does not need to operate the next time. Furthermore, the phase coding technology is used to extend the one command/one frequency to multi command/one frequency. Experimental results show the proposed system has good performance with average accuracy 95% and average command transfer interval 4.4925 s per command.
Minimum cost flow problem formulation for the static vehicle allocation problem with stochastic lane demand in truckload strategic planning

ABSTRACT This paper studies the complex strategic planning problem faced by truckload (TL) companies related to finding the allocation of vehicles serving lanes with stochastic demand within their networks. Lanes are origin–destination pairs associated with volumes of TLs per unit of time that follow discrete probability distributions. Finding strategic vehicle allocations that anticipate demand variability is critical because unrealized demands increase repositioning costs and reduce perceived revenues. The allocation problem is formulated as a two-stage stochastic program. The paper proposes a novel procedure based on network transformations that formulate the complex stochastic problem as a minimum cost-flow problem (MCFP), which can be efficiently solved with classic MCFP algorithms. Numerical experiments demonstrate the computational efficiencies of the method (instances with 1404 nodes and 98,904 arcs solved in 20.74 seconds) and reinforce the necessity of incorporating stochastic effects to avoid overestimation from deterministic approaches.
First Order Hyperpolarizabilities, NPA and Fukui Functions of Cyclohexanone by Density Functional Theory Method

The molecular structure of cyclohexanone was calculated by the B3LYP density functional model with 6311++G(d,p) basis set by Gaussian program. The results from natural bond orbital analysis have been analyzed in terms of the hybridization of atoms and the electronic structure of the title molecule. The formation of hydrogen bond was investigated using natural bond orbital calculation. The electron density based local reactivity descriptors such as Fukui functions were calculated. The dipole moment (μ) and polarizability (α), anisotropy polarizability (∆α) and rst order hyperpolarizability (βtot) of the molecule have been reported. Thermodynamic properties of the title compound were calculated at di erent temperatures.
Management of Necrotizing Pancreatitis: Flexible Approach Depending on Intra-Operative Assessment of Necrosis

Abstract Introduction: The surgical management of necrotizing pancreatitis (NP) has changed over the years. Material and methods: Among 144 patients, 12.5% (n = 18) were treated conservatively and 87.5% (n = 126) underwent surgery. The choice of operative method depended on the intra-operative assessment of consistency and on the extent of necrosis. A group of 126 patients underwent necrosectomy, followed by laparostomy with open packing in 80% (n = 101) cases, drainage in 14% (n = 18) and continuous closed lavage in 6% (n = 7). Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 42.8% (n = 54) of the patients who underwent the surgery. Hospital mortality rate over all patients was 18% and 20.6% (n = 26) in the group of patients who underwent the surgery. Mean hospital stay was 61 ±36 days. Patients managed conservatively (n = 18) were discharged without surgical intervention. In this group no complications or deaths were observed. Conclusion: Using the three different surgical techniques in the management of NP, depending on intra-operative assessment of necrosis, showed promising results. A flexible approach targeted at a single patient and tailored to the clinical course and intra-operative situation should be considered in the treatment of NP.
Sarcomere Mutation-Specific Expression Patterns in Human Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background—Heterozygous mutations in sarcomere genes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are proposed to exert their effect through gain of function for missense mutations or loss of function for truncating mutations. However, allelic expression from individual mutations has not been sufficiently characterized to support this exclusive distinction in human HCM. Methods and Results—Sarcomere transcript and protein levels were analyzed in septal myectomy and transplant specimens from 46 genotyped HCM patients with or without sarcomere gene mutations and 10 control hearts. For truncating mutations in MYBPC3, the average ratio of mutant:wild-type transcripts was ≈1:5, in contrast to ≈1:1 for all sarcomere missense mutations, confirming that nonsense transcripts are uniquely unstable. However, total MYBPC3 mRNA was significantly increased by 9-fold in HCM samples with MYBPC3 mutations compared with control hearts and with HCM samples without sarcomere gene mutations. Full-length MYBPC3 protein content was not different between MYBPC3 mutant HCM and control samples, and no truncated proteins were detected. By absolute quantification of abundance with multiple reaction monitoring, stoichiometric ratios of mutant sarcomere proteins relative to wild type were strikingly variable in a mutation-specific manner, with the fraction of mutant protein ranging from 30% to 84%. Conclusions—These results challenge the concept that haploinsufficiency is a unifying mechanism for HCM caused by MYBPC3 truncating mutations. The range of allelic imbalance for several missense sarcomere mutations suggests that certain mutant proteins may be more or less stable or incorporate more or less efficiently into the sarcomere than wild-type proteins. These mutation-specific properties may distinctly influence disease phenotypes.
Bad Deeds for Good Friends: Maintaining Independence and Objectivity in the Workplace

In this dissertation, I investigate how and when close relationships interfere with obligations to remain objective in the workplace. First, I suggest that breakdowns in objectivity can be explained by a psychological mechanism known as “psychological closeness”—that is, feeling attached and connected to another person or people. I build upon this argument by suggesting that certain individuals are more susceptible to the negative effects of psychological closeness than others. Specifically, I argue that those who define and view themselves in terms of their close relationships—otherwise known as high “relational-interdependent self-construal (RSC)”—are most vulnerable to objectivity failures that help psychologically close others. I investigated the relationships among RSC, psychological closeness, and failures to remain objective across four experimental studies. In Study 1, I tested whether psychological closeness to another person led to objectivity failures using a laboratory experiment in which interactions between individuals who knew each other well (i.e., were psychologically close) were compared to interactions between individuals who did not know each other well (i.e., were not psychologically close). Results showed that individuals were more likely to commit objectivity failures to help another person when they were high (vs. low) in psychological closeness to that person. As hypothesized, this effect was stronger for individuals high (vs. low) in RSC. In Study 2, I sought to replicate the findings from Study 1 and build upon its limitations by testing whether experimentally manipulated psychological closeness predicted objectivity failures. Evidence was found for this relationship; however, the results failed to provide support for the moderating role of RSC. Lastly, in Studies 3 and 4, I continued to explore RSC and its relation to the theoretical model in two online experiments. In Study 4, I also tested a potential
Serum chitotriosidase activity in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is considered to be an inflammatory disease in which the initial process is augmented infiltration of monocytes into the vessel wall and their subsequent differentiation from macrophages into lipid-laden foam cells. Chitotriosidase is one of the most quantitative proteins secreted by activated macrophages, so the aim of this study was to investigate the association of the level of serum chitotriosidase activity with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 200 subjects undergoing coronary angiography were divided into 4 subgroups according to the number of diseased vessels and their serum chitotriosidase activity levels were measured. Serum chitotriosidase activity in patients with CAD was significantly higher than in normal control subjects (p<0.001). Serum chitotriosidase activity was also significantly associated with the extent of CAD as defined by the number of stenosed vessels (p<0.001). CONCLUSION Serum chitotriosidase activity can be considered a strong inflammatory marker of CAD. Moreover, plasma chitotriosidase activity may be also regarded as a quantitative indicator of disease extent, as well as being a marker of disease presence.
Post-treatment effect of isoniazid preventive therapy on tuberculosis incidence in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy

Background:In HIV-uninfected individuals, isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) has been associated with long-term protection against tuberculosis (TB). For HIV-infected/antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive individuals, high TB rates have been observed following completion of IPT, consistent with a lack of ‘cure’ of infection. Recent trial data of IPT among HIV-infected individuals on ART in Khayelitsha, South Africa, have suggested that the effect of IPT persisted following completion of IPT. Methods:Using mathematical modelling, we explored if this increased duration of protection may be due to an increased curative ability of IPT when given in combination with ART. The model was used to estimate the annual risk of infection and proportion of individuals whose latent infection was ‘cured’ by IPT, defined such that they must be reinfected to be at risk of disease. Results:The estimated annual risk of infection was 4.0% (2.6–5.8) and the estimated proportion of individuals whose latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was cured following IPT was 35.4% (2.4–76.4), higher than that previously estimated for HIV-infected/ART-naive individuals. Our results suggest that IPT can cure latent M. tuberculosis infection in approximately one-third of HIV-infected individuals on ART and therefore provide protection beyond the period of treatment. Conclusion:Among HIV-infected individuals on ART in low incidence settings, 12 months of IPT may provide additional long-term benefit. Among HIV-infected individuals on ART in high incidence settings, the durability of this protection will be limited because of continued risk of reinfection, and continuous preventive therapy together with improved infection control efforts will be required to provide long-term protection against TB.
Errors in MET estimates of physical activities using 3.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) as the baseline oxygen consumption.

PURPOSE To compare intensity misclassification and activity MET values using measured RMR (measMET) compared with 3.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) (standMET) and corrected METs [corrMET = mean standMET x (3.5 / Harris-Benedict RMR)] in subgroups. METHODS RMR was measured for 252 subjects following a 4-hr fast and before completion of 11 activities. VO2 was measured during activity using indirect calorimetry (n = 2555 activities). Subjects were classified by BMI category (normal-weight or overweight/obese), sex, age (decade 20, 30, 40, or 50 y), and fitness quintiles (low to high). Activities were classified into low, moderate, and vigorous intensity categories. RESULTS The (mean +/- SD) measMET was 6.1 +/- 2.64 METs. StandMET [mean (95% CI)] was (0.51(0.42, 0.59) METs) less than measMET. CorrMET was not statistically different from measMET (-0.02 (-0.11, 0.06) METs). 12.2% of the activities were misclassified using standMETs compared with an 8.6% misclassification rate for METs based on predicted RMR (P < .0001). StandMET differences and misclassification rates were highest for low fit, overweight, and older individuals while there were no differences when corrMETs were used. CONCLUSION Using 3.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1) to calculate activity METs causes higher misclassification of activities and inaccurate point estimates of METs than a corrected baseline which considers individual height, weight, and age. These errors disproportionally impact subgroups of the population with the lowest activity levels.
Fast 3D imaging using variable‐density spiral trajectories with applications to limb perfusion

Variable‐density k‐space sampling using a stack‐of‐spirals trajectory is proposed for ultra fast 3D imaging. Since most of the energy of an image is concentrated near the k‐space origin, a variable‐density k‐space sampling method can be used to reduce the sampling density in the outer portion of k‐space. This significantly reduces scan time while introducing only minor aliasing artifacts from the low‐energy, high‐spatial‐frequency components. A stack‐of‐spirals trajectory allows control over the density variations in both the kx–ky plane and the kz direction while fast k‐space coverage is provided by spiral trajectories in the kx–ky plane. A variable‐density stack‐of‐spirals trajectory consists of variable‐density spirals in each kx–ky plane that are located in varying density in the kz direction. Phantom experiments demonstrate that reasonable image quality is preserved with approximately half the scan time. This technique was then applied to first‐pass perfusion imaging of the lower extremities which demands very rapid volume coverage. Using a variable‐density stack‐of‐spirals trajectory, 3D images were acquired at a temporal resolution of 2.8 sec over a large volume with a 2.5 × 2.5 × 8 mm3 spatial resolution. These images were used to resolve the time‐course of muscle intensity following contrast injection. Magn Reson Med 50:1276–1285, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetics of abdominal aortic aneurysm

Purpose of review Family history is a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), suggesting that genetic factors play an important role in AAA development, growth and rupture. Identification of these factors could improve understanding of the AAA pathogenesis and be useful to identify at risk individuals. Recent findings Many approaches are used to examine genetic determinants of AAA, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and DNA linkage studies. Two recent GWAS have identified genetic markers associated with an increased risk of AAA located within the genes for DAB2 interacting protein (DAB2IP) and low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). In addition, a marker on 9p21 associated with other vascular diseases is also strongly associated with AAA. The exact means by which these genes currently control AAA risk is not clear; however, in support of these findings, mice with vascular smooth muscle cell deficiency of Lrp1 are prone to aneurysm development. Further current work is concentrated on other molecular mechanisms relevant in AAA pathogenesis, including noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs. Summary Current studies assessing genetic mechanisms for AAA have significant potential to identify novel mechanisms involved in AAA pathogenesis of high relevance to better clinical management of the disease.
Cloning and characterization of the Bombyx mori ecdysone oxidase.

The physiological titer of molting hormones in insects depends on relative activities of synthesis and degradation pathways. Ecdysone oxidase (EO) is a key enzyme in the inactivation of ecdysteroid. However, there are only a few reports on ecdysteroid inactivation and its enzymes in silkworm. In this study, we cloned and characterized the Bombyx mori EO (BmEO). The BmEO cDNA contains an ORF of 1,695 bp and the deduced protein sequence contains 564 amino acid residues. The deduced protein sequence contains two functional domains of glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase in N-terminal and C-terminal. Comparing the expression levels of BmEO in different tissues, high transcription was mainly present in hemocytes. Reduced expression of this enzyme is expected to lead to pathological accumulation of ecdysone in the hemolymph of silkworm larvae or pupae. Our data show that RNA inference of BmEO transcripts resulted in the accumulation of ecdysteroid and death of larvae or pupae. We infer that EO is a crucial element in the physiology of insect development.
Epigenetic control of skin differentiation genes by phytocannabinoids

Endocannabinoid signalling has been shown to have a role in the control of epidermal physiology, whereby anandamide is able to regulate the expression of skin differentiation genes through DNA methylation. Here, we investigated the possible epigenetic regulation of these genes by several phytocannabinoids, plant‐derived cannabinoids that have the potential to be novel therapeutics for various human diseases.
Expression of the B cell repertoire in lpr mice; abnormal expansion of a few VHJ558 germ‐line genes

Analysis of the VH gene repertoire of the J558 family was done in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated resting cells and in vivo activated cells derived from C51B1/6‐lpr mice (IghCb). Using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) based on digestion with the restriction enzyme Pst l, the expression of the subfamilies of the J558 family of VH genes could be determined. The J558 subfamily repertoire of resting B cells of the lpr mice was similar to that of the normal mice, while the J558 repertoire of the in vivo‐activated cells was altered: analysis and sequencing of the IgM‐expressed J558 repertoire of a sick female mouse showed that 50% of the J558 genes were represented by a single VH gene rearrangement, showing that its expansion was monoclonal. Furthermore, this same rearrangement made up to 90% of the J558 repertoire in the IgG2a+ population, showing that it had been preferentially selected, expanded and switched. However, compared with its IgM counterpart, it showed no evidence of somatic hypermutation.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin and Compression Stockings in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Neurosurgery

Summary Perioperative anticoagulant prophylaxis for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in neurosurgical patients has not gained wide acceptance due to the fear of intracranial bleeding. Physical methods give a worthwhile reduction of postoperative VTE but there still remains a substantial residual incidence. In other clinical indications, low molecular weight heparins have proven to be effective for prophylaxis of VTE when administered postoperatively, with the advantage of no bleeding enhancement during surgery. Therefore, we performed a multicentre, randomized, double-blind trial in neurosurgical patients to investigate the efficacy and safety of adding a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), nadroparin, initiated postoperatively, to graduated compression stockings in the prevention of VTE. Deep-vein thrombosis was detected by mandatory venography. Bleeding was determined according to pre-defined objective criteria for major and minor episodes. An adequate bilateral venogram was obtained in 166 of 241 LMWH patients (68.9%) and 179 of 244 control patients (73.4%). A total of 31 of 166 LMWH patients (18.7%) and 47 of 179 control patients (26.3%) had VTE up to Day 10 postoperatively (p = 0.047). The relative risk reduction (RRR) was 28.9%. The rates for proximal deep-vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism were 6.9% and 11.5% for the two groups, respectively (RRR: 40.2%; p = 0.065). Secondary analyses involved all VTE up to day 56 post-surgery which was detected in 33 patients of 241 in the LMWH group (13.7%) and 51 of 244 control patients (20.9%; RRR 34.5%; p = 0.018). The corresponding percentages for proximal deep-vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism were 5.8% and 10.2% for the two groups, respectively, giving a RRR of 43.3%; p = 0.036. Major bleeding complications, during the treatment period, occurred in six low molecular weight heparin treated patients (2.5%) and in two control patients (0.8%); p = 0.087. A higher mortality was observed in the low molecular weight heparin group over the 56-day follow-up period (22 versus 10; p = 0.026). However, none of these deaths was judged by a blinded adjudication committee to be related to the study drug. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the low molecular weight heparin, nadroparin, added to graduated compression stockings results in a clinically significant decrease in VTE without inducing any significant increase of major bleeding.
Implementation of a neural network based airspeed estimator applicable to an EH101 helicopter

This paper reports on the development of a novel neural network (NN) based airspeed estimator, and focuses on system design. In particular, a novelty detector, capable of preventing the system from producing an erroneous output during conditions in which it is known that a NN model will be extrapolating, is included within the design. A simulation model of a single main rotor helicopter was used to add a level of robustness to the design, which could not be gained from flight data alone. dSPACE, a rapid-prototyping tool, was used to simulate the system in real-time, and allowed an assessment of whether the airspeed system could be incorporated within an EH101's management system.
The Trehalose Pathway Regulates Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Content through Hexokinase 2 and cAMP in Saccharomyces cerevisiae*

In yeast, trehalose is synthesized by a multimeric enzymatic complex: TPS1 encodes trehalose 6-phosphate synthase, which belongs to a complex that is composed of at least three other subunits, including trehalose 6-phosphate phosphatase Tps2 and the redundant regulatory subunits Tps3 and Tsl1. The product of the TPS1 gene plays an essential role in the control of the glycolytic pathway by restricting the influx of glucose into glycolysis. In this paper, we investigated whether the trehalose synthesis pathway could be involved in the control of the other energy-generating pathway: oxidative phosphorylation. We show that the different mutants of the trehalose synthesis pathway (tps1Δ, tps2Δ, and tps1,2Δ) exhibit modulation in the amount of respiratory chains, in terms of cytochrome content and maximal respiratory activity. Furthermore, these variations in mitochondrial enzymatic content are positively linked to the intracellular concentration in cAMP that is modulated by Tps1p through hexokinase2. This is the first time that a pathway involved in sugar storage, i.e. trehalose, is shown to regulate the mitochondrial enzymatic content.