Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective parity RARE imaging

This work describes a novel method for rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE)/fast spin‐echo (FSE) imaging that removes the constraint of compliance with the Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill (CPMG) condition. In a multiecho sequence, echoes with either odd or even parities are acquired. The refocusing angles are chosen using a recursive algorithm, so that the signal amplitude satisfies a predetermined modulation function. In the examples given in this article an exponential decay to a plateau is used. At each echo the echo parity that gives the desired signal amplitude for the minimum refocusing angle is selected. It is further shown that in the presence of an initial magnetization having an arbitrary phase distribution, the complex conjugate of the signal of one echo parity has to be taken and its k‐space coordinates reversed. T 2* ‐weighted images are presented and initial applications to diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and functional imaging shown. Magn Reson Med 58:643–649, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interpersonal Sensitivity as a Mediator Between Cumulative Childhood Traumatic Events and Adult Sexual Disturbance

ABSTRACT Previous research has shown that cumulative childhood traumatic events are stronger predictors of sexual disturbances than childhood sexual abuse. Additional factors are likely to influence this relationship. Whereas socio-interpersonal factors such as interpersonal sensitivity have repeatedly been shown to be salutogenic in the aftermath of traumatic events, the specific underlying mechanisms are little understood. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between cumulative childhood traumatic events and adult sexual disturbances (i.e., the avoidance of sexual contacts, disruptive sexual behavior, poor sexual boundaries, decreased regulation of sexual impulses) and to investigate the role of interpersonal sensitivity as a potential mediator. The sample comprised 100 adult psychiatric in-patients. As expected, cumulative childhood traumatic events were found to be strong predictors of sexual disturbances, with interpersonal sensitivity partially mediating this relationship.
Comprehensive serotyping and epidemiology of human adenovirus isolated from the respiratory tract of Korean children over 17 consecutive years (1991–2007)

Among the 53 serotypes of human adenoviruses (HAdVs), identified to date, only a limited number have been associated with human respiratory infections. The epidemiology of each of the serotypes differs depending on the location and/or time of surveillance. This study was performed to elucidate the epidemiology of HAdV respiratory infections by comprehensive serotyping of the HAdVs isolated from the respiratory tract of Korean children. HAdVs isolated from respiratory specimens of Korean children over 17 consecutive years (1991–2007) were typed by the neutralization test or molecular methods, including two‐sets of multiplex PCR assays, and/or sequence analysis of the hexon gene. From January 1991 through December 2007, a total of 741 isolates were obtained from nasal aspirates of children hospitalized or requiring medical treatment in the emergency room. All isolates were type‐determined successfully and 13 different serotypes were identified, which included HAdV serotypes 1–8, 11, 19, 34, 37, and 41. HAdV‐3 (n = 285, 37.7%) and HAdV‐7 (n = 181, 23.9%) were the predominant serotypes; HAdV‐8, ‐11, ‐19, ‐34, ‐37, and ‐41 were not usually associated with respiratory diseases. HAdV‐3 was present both during outbreaks and in sporadic cases. HAdV‐7 emerged in a very large outbreak, followed by smaller outbreaks. HAdV‐1, ‐2, ‐4, ‐5, and ‐6 were isolated sporadically throughout the study period. In conclusion, a total of 13 different serotypes of HAdV were detected among Korean children with respiratory tract infections. HAdV‐3 and HAdV‐7 were the most common serotypes, and they were associated with HAdV outbreaks. J. Med. Virol. 82:624–631, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convenient construction of recA deletion derivatives of Escherichia coli

Two Escherichia coli K-12 Hfr strains have been constructed which transfer a recA deletion, which is highly linked to a Tn10 insertion conferring tetracycline resistance, early during conjugation. These strains transfer the recA deletion in opposite directions with different origins of transfer, allowing for preservation of desirable recipient strain markers either clockwise or counterclockwise of recA.
Ethnicity-related polymorphisms and haplotypes in the human ABCB1 gene.

INTRODUCTION The human multidrug resistance gene ATP-binding cassette B1 (ABCB1) codes for P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an important membrane-bound efflux transporter known to confer anticancer drug resistance as well as affect the pharmacokinetics of many drugs and xenobiotics. A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified throughout the ABCB1 gene that may have an effect on P-gp expression levels and function. Haplotype as well as genotype analysis of SNPs is becoming increasingly important in identifying genetic variants underlying susceptibility to human disease. Three SNPs, 1236C-->T, 2677G-->T and 3435C-->T, have been repeatedly shown to predict changes in the function of P-gp. The frequencies with which these polymorphisms exist in a population have also been shown to be ethnically related. METHODS In this study, 95 individuals representative of the entire ethnic make-up of the USA were compared with 101 individuals from an Ashkenazi-Jewish population. These individuals were analyzed by genomic sequencing and polymerase chain reaction, using restriction fragment length polymorphisms, to calculate their genotype frequencies. RESULTS A total of 25 SNPs were located in the exons of the ABCB1 gene. All of the polymorphisms identified were in parts of the ABCB1 gene product predicted to be intracellular, and 16 appear to be novel as compared with those listed by the National Center for Biotechnological Information. Frequencies of the 1236C-->T and 2677G-->T/A/C SNPs were similar for the US and Ashkenazi populations (64.2 and 60.4%, respectively for 1236C-->T [chi2: 0.30; p < or = 1]; 55.8 and 64.4%, respectively for 2677G-->T/A/C [chi2: 1.49; p < or = 1]), but were different for 3435C-->T (24.2% for the US population and 69.3% for the Ashkenazi population [chi2: 39.927; p < or = 0.001]). The 1236T/ 2677T/3435T haplotype occurred in 23.6% (standard error: 0.013) of the Ashkenazi population. CONCLUSION The SNP at location 3435C-->T plays a significant role in the ABCB1 gene. The haplotype and genotype analysis from these data may be used as a basis for studies on the relationship between ABCB1 genotypes and drug efficacy, drug toxicity, disease susceptibility or other phenotypes.
Alpha-fetoprotein concanavalin A-binding variants in the diagnosis of neural tube defects and other communicating fetal abnormalities.

We have extended our initial observations (Smith et al., 1979) on th use of determining the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concanavalin A-binding variant patterns in amniotic fluid for the detection of certain fetal malformations. We report here our complete series of amniotic fluids between 14 and 36 weeks of gestation from 52 normal pregnancies and 28 abnormal pregnancies including anencephaly, open spina bifida, Turner's syndrome, omphalocele, osteogenesis imperfecta congenita, meningomyelocele, meningocele, spinal cysts, spontaneous abortion and fetal death. The percentage of the total amniotic fluid AFP which was not reactive with concanavalin A was significantly lower in the presence of a communicating fetal abnormality (mean = 4.8%, P less than 0.001), one in which the fetal/amniotic fluid barrier is defective, than in the presence of a normal fetus (mean = 24.7%) (or of a noncommunicating fetal abnormality. We applied the concanavalin A-binding assay to two of the above amniotic fluids from pregnancies in progress and correctly classified the gestations as abnormal. Our results indicate that measurement of the percentage of concanavalin A-non-reactive amniotic fluid AFP is a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of a communicating fetal abnormality, especially when the elevation of amniotic fluid AFP concentration is equivocal (between 2 and 5 S.D. above the mean), when gestational aging is uncertain or when the total amniotic fluid AFP concentration and ultrasonographic data are inconsistent.
A New Distribution Sensitive Secure Sketch and a Comparison Between Approaches to Typo-Tolerant Authentication

Motivated by typo correction in password authentication, we investigate cryptographic error-correction of secrets in settings where the distribution of secrets is a priori (approximately) known. We refer to this as the distribution-sensitive setting. We design a new secure sketch called the layer-hiding hash (LHH) that offers the best security to date. Roughly speaking, we show that LHH saves an additional logH0(W ) bits of entropy compared to the recent layered sketch construction due to Fuller, Reyzin, and Smith (FRS). Here H0(W ) is the size of the support of the distribution W . When supports are large, as with passwords, our new construction offers a substantial security improvement. We provide two new constructions of typo-tolerant password-based authentication schemes. The first combines a LHH or FRS sketch with a standard slow-to-compute hash function, and the second avoids secure sketches entirely, correcting typos instead by checking all nearby passwords. Unlike the previous such brute-force-checking construction, due to Chatterjee et al., our new construction uses a hash function whose runtime is proportional to the popularity of the password (forcing a longer hashing time on more popular, lower entropy passwords). We refer to this as popularity-proportional hashing (PPH). We then introduce a framework for comparing different typo-tolerant authentication approaches. We show that PPH always offers a better time / security trade-off than the LHH and FRS constructions, and for certain distributions outperforms the Chatterjee et al. construction. Elsewhere, this latter construction offers the best trade-off. In aggregate our results suggest that the best known secure sketches are still inferior to simpler brute-force based approaches.
Needling revision of failed filtering blebs after trabeculectomy: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE To determine the efficacy and safety of needling revision of failed filtering blebs. METHODS We reviewed retrospectively 26 eyes that had undergone needling revision for a failed trabeculectomy. The needling revisions were performed either with adjunctive use of Mitomycin C, 5-Fluorouracil or without antimetabolites. The procedure was usually performed as a clinic procedure, using a 27-gauge needle. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 14.5 +/- 11.3 months (range 6.0-48.0 months). Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased from 28.8 +/- 6.8 mmHg (range 19.0-40.0 mmHg) to 15.3 +/- 5.2 mmHg (range 7.0-35.0 mmHg). Twelve eyes (46.2%) achieved success, defined as IOP < or = 18 mmHg without medication; 11 eyes (42.3%) achieved qualified success, defined as IOP < or = 18 mmHg with antiglaucomatous medication, and three of 26 eyes (11.5%) were classified as failures. The success rate after the initial needling was 64% at 6 months and the same after 1 year and 2 years. The success rate after one or more needlings was 96% at 6 months and 77% at 1 year and 2 years. Complications developed in six of the 26 eyes (23.1%). These involved transient corneal epithelial defects in three eyes (11.5%), temporary conjunctival wound leak in two eyes (7.7%), and development of bullous keratopathy in one high risk eye (3.8%). CONCLUSION Our results are comparable to the results of other studies. Needling revision appears to be a useful tool in the management of glaucoma.
Analysis of Expression Profile of Mammalian Cell Entry (mce) Operons of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT The sequencing of the complete genome of M. tuberculosis H37Rv has resulted in the recognition of four mce operons in its genome by in silico analysis. In an attempt to understand the significance of the redundancy of mce operons, we analyzed the expression profile of mce operons after different periods of growth in culture as well as during in vivo infection. Our results strongly suggest that mce1 is expressed as a polycistronic message. In culture from day 8 to day 12, expression of only mce1 was observed, but as the cultures progress towards stationary phase the expression profile of mce operons was altered; the transcripts of the mce1 operon were barely detected while those of the mce4 operon were prominent. In an analysis of the expression of mce operons in tubercle material collected from infected animal tissues, we detected the expression of mce1, -3 and -4. Our results imply that mce operons other than mce1 are also expressed during infection and that it is necessary to examine their role in pathogenesis.
Dislocation by the m-AAA Protease Increases the Threshold Hydrophobicity for Retention of Transmembrane Helices in the Inner Membrane of Yeast Mitochondria*

Background: The m-AAA protease dislocates transmembrane segments from the mitochondrial inner membrane. Results: The presence of the m-AAA protease increases the hydrophobicity required for a transmembrane segment to remain in the membrane. Conclusion: The hydrophobicity thresholds for transmembrane segment retention in the mitochondrial inner membrane differ with or without the m-AAA protease. Significance: Retention of a transmembrane domain in the inner membrane depends on recognition by the m-AAA protease. Sorting of mitochondrial inner membrane proteins is a complex process in which translocons and proteases function in a concerted way. Many inner membrane proteins insert into the membrane via the TIM23 translocon, and some are then further acted upon by the mitochondrial m-AAA protease, a molecular motor capable of dislocating proteins from the inner membrane. This raises the possibility that the threshold hydrophobicity for the retention of transmembrane segments in the inner membrane is different depending on whether they belong to membrane proteins that are m-AAA protease substrates or not. Here, using model transmembrane segments engineered into m-AAA protease-dependent proteins, we show that the threshold hydrophobicity for membrane retention measured in yeast cells in the absence of a functional m-AAA protease is markedly lower than that measured in its presence. Whether a given hydrophobic segment in a mitochondrial inner membrane protein will ultimately form a transmembrane helix may therefore depend on whether or not it will be exposed to the pulling force exerted by the m-AAA protease during biogenesis.
Actigraphy-based sleep estimation in adolescents and adults: a comparison with polysomnography using two scoring algorithms

Objectives Actigraphy is widely used to estimate sleep–wake time, despite limited information regarding the comparability of different devices and algorithms. We compared estimates of sleep–wake times determined by two wrist actigraphs (GT3X+ versus Actiwatch Spectrum [AWS]) to in-home polysomnography (PSG), using two algorithms (Sadeh and Cole–Kripke) for the GT3X+ recordings. Subjects and methods Participants included a sample of 35 healthy volunteers (13 school children and 22 adults, 46% male) from Boston, MA, USA. Twenty-two adults wore the GT3X+ and AWS simultaneously for at least five consecutive days and nights. In addition, actigraphy and PSG were concurrently measured in 12 of these adults and another 13 children over a single night. We used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), epoch-by-epoch comparisons, paired t-tests, and Bland–Altman plots to determine the level of agreement between actigraphy and PSG, and differences between devices and algorithms. Results Each actigraph showed comparable accuracy (0.81–0.86) for sleep–wake estimation compared to PSG. When analyzing data from the GT3X+, the Cole–Kripke algorithm was more sensitive (0.88–0.96) to detect sleep, but less specific (0.35–0.64) to detect wake than the Sadeh algorithm (sensitivity: 0.82–0.91, specificity: 0.47–0.68). Total sleep time measured using the GT3X+ with both algorithms was similar to that obtained by PSG (ICC=0.64–0.88). In contrast, agreement between the GT3X+ and PSG wake after sleep onset was poor (ICC=0.00–0.10). In adults, the GT3X+ using the Cole–Kripke algorithm provided data comparable to the AWS (mean bias=3.7±19.7 minutes for total sleep time and 8.0±14.2 minutes for wake after sleep onset). Conclusion The two actigraphs provided comparable and accurate data compared to PSG, although both poorly identified wake episodes (i.e., had low specificity). Use of actigraphy scoring algorithm influenced the mean bias and level of agreement in sleep–wake times estimates. The GT3X+, when analyzed by the Cole–Kripke, but not the Sadeh algorithm, provided comparable data to the AWS.
Local matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene knockdown in balloon‐injured rabbit carotid arteries using nonviral‐small interfering RNA transfection

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery is a promising approach for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 over‐expression in the arterial wall has been implicated in restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention, as well as in spontaneous atherosclerotic plaque rupture. We hypothesized that in vivo local delivery of siRNA targeted at MMP2 (MMP2‐siRNA) in the balloon‐injured carotid artery of hypercholesterolemic rabbits may lead to inhibition of MMP2 expression.
A Theoretical Framework for Value Creation: A Multidimensional Strategy/Model for Improving Social Economic Performance

Abstract The tenets shaping Western civilization’s notion of managing economic resources and for political economy indicate that there is a dichotomy between the value in exchange and value in use economic value theories (e.g., that the two are incommensurate at the very least as in Aristotle or that there is even a discrepancy between the two as in Adam Smith). However, recent developments in value creation call for a reconceptualization of the value theory—in terms of how it applies to subjective values, organizational behaviour and economic activity. This article argues that although there is much literature announcing a pendulum shift towards value in use, there is a lack of an adequate explanation of how to resolve the long-standing discrepancy in the value theories. In addition, the literature heralding the new value concept is inadequate in explicating it in terms most useful to practitioner—how it can be applied as a theoretical model for improving performance. This article adds to the body of literature heralding the new value concept and its potential for improving organizational and social economic performances by explaining the factors connected with the value creation concept that make it an effective multidimensional strategy for integrating the economic resources of society to create increased benefit for all stakeholders plus by explaining how the value creation concept can be developed into an integrative theoretical business strategy and/or model.
High frequency core coefficient for transformer size selection

Transformer design is critical as the demands on power converter efficiency and power density increase. Initial transformer core shape and size selection can be challenging, in many cases necessitating multiple elaborate design iterations to find a suitable core. A number of core constants have been proposed in the past to assist with initial core selection, however, most of them do not consider high frequency losses in transformer cores which are becoming increasingly important. The Kgfe transformer design method is adapted in this paper to consider high frequency copper losses in transformer designs with bi-directional excitation and two windings. The presented expressions can be used to quickly determine the minimum achievable power losses for a given core size, material and wire diameter.
Vector ARMA estimation: a reliable subspace approach

A parameter estimation method for finite-dimensional multivariate linear stochastic systems, which is guaranteed to produce valid models approximating the true underlying system in a computational time of a polynomial order in the system dimension, is presented. This is achieved by combining the main features of certain stochastic subspace identification techniques with sound matrix Schur restabilizing procedures and multivariate covariance fitting, both of which are formulated as linear matrix inequality problems. All aspects of the identification method are discussed, with an emphasis on the two issues mentioned above, and examples of the overall performance are provided for two different systems.
Discrete-time sliding mode speed observer for induction machine drives

This paper addresses the rotor speed estimation problem of induction machine drives. A scheme based on discrete-time formulation of the Sliding Mode Observer is proposed and analyzed. The method is suitable to close-loop sensorless control of induction machines. The stability analysis and parameter convergence of the proposed method is presented. Simulation and experimental results based on DSP platform (TMS320F2812) demonstrate the good performance of the proposed sensorless control scheme.
Superior Disembedding Performance in Childhood Predicts Adolescent Severity of Repetitive Behaviors: A Seven Years Follow‐Up of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Previous research suggests that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a detail‐focused cognitive style. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to investigate whether this detail‐focused cognitive style in childhood predicted a higher symptom severity of repetitive and restrictive behaviors and interests (RRBI) in adolescence. The Childhood Embedded Figures Test (CEFT) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) were administered in 87 children with ASD at the age of 6–12 years old (T1), and the ADOS was readministered 7 years later when the participants were 12–19 years old (T2). Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate whether accuracy and reaction time in the complex versus simple CEFT condition and performance in the complex condition predicted T2 ADOS RRBI calibrated severity scores (CSS), while taking into consideration relevant covariates and ADOS RRBI CSS at T1. The CEFT performance (accuracy in the complex condition divided by the time needed) significantly predicted higher ADOS RRBI CSS at T2 (ΔR2 = 15%). This finding further supports the detail‐focused cognitive style in individuals with ASD, and shows that it is also predictive of future RRBI symptoms over time. Autism Res 2016, 9: 282–291. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal structures of the X-domains of a Group-1 and a Group-3 coronavirus reveal that ADP-ribose-binding may not be a conserved property

The polyproteins of coronaviruses are cleaved by viral proteases into at least 15 nonstructural proteins (Nsps). Consisting of five domains, Nsp3 is the largest of these (180–210 kDa). Among these domains, the so‐called X‐domain is believed to act as ADP‐ribose‐1″‐phosphate phosphatase or to bind poly(ADP‐ribose). However, here we show that the X‐domain of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (strain Beaudette), a Group‐3 coronavirus, fails to bind ADP‐ribose. This is explained on the basis of the crystal structure of the protein, determined at two different pH values. For comparison, we also describe the crystal structure of the homologous X‐domain from Human Coronavirus 229E, a Group‐1 coronavirus, which does bind ADP‐ribose.