Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Habitat Vulnerability to Hazardous Air Pollutants in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Long term protection and maintenance of ecological communities and populations must consider the effect of atmospheric pollutants in addition to stressors that occur on the ground. We describe a technique for identifying species ranges and ecosystems across the landscape where there could be potential effects from air toxics releases. We modified the ranking equations for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from the Chemical Scoring and Ranking Assessment Model (SCRAM) to come up with a weighted relative toxicity value. The model combines toxicity rankings from SCRAM, chemical ambient air concentration data from the Assessment System for Population Exposure Nationwide model, and species richness data from the Southeast Gap Analysis Project. The final output was a 30-m pixel grid of potential vulnerability to HAP exposures. We found that the model, in general, resulted in a circular pattern around major urban areas with vulnerability decreasing with distance from the urban center. Those areas having high acreage of federal, state, and locally protected lands were also highlighted by the models added weight for species richness. Since the final toxicity maps were in a raster format the data can be aggregated into any number of assessment units for use by multiple levels of decision makers including federal and state entities who want to compare relative toxicity exposures across a region and local groups who want to evaluate the vulnerability of lands under their management.
Interaction Studies of Resolvin E1 Analog (RX-10045) with Efflux Transporters.

PURPOSE Screening interactions of a resolvin E1 analog (RX-10045) with efflux transporters (P-glycoprotein [P-gp], multidrug resistance-associated protein [MRP2], and breast cancer-resistant protein [BCRP]). METHODS Madin-Darby canine kidney cells transfected with P-gp, MRP2, and BCRP genes were selected for this study. [3H]-Digoxin, [3H]-vinblastine and [3H]-abacavir were selected as model substrates for P-gp, MRP2, and BCRP. Uptake and permeability studies across cell monolayer in both apical to basal (AP-BL) and BL-AP of these substrates were conducted in the presence of specific efflux pump inhibitors and RX-10045. Cell viability studies were conducted with increasing concentrations of RX-10045. RESULTS Uptake studies showed a higher accumulation in the presence of inhibitors (GF120918 and ketoconazole for P-gp; MK571 for MRP2; and β-estradiol for BCRP) as well as RX-10045. Similarly, dose-dependent inhibition studies demonstrated higher accumulation of various substrates ([3H]-digoxin, [3H]-vinblastine, and [3H]-abacavir) in the presence of RX-10045. IC50 values of dose-dependent inhibition of RX-10045 for P-gp, MRP2, and BCRP were 239±11.2, 291±79.2, and 300±42 μM, respectively. Cell viability assay indicated no apparent toxicity up to 350 μM concentration. Enhanced permeability for model substrates was observed in the presence of RX-10045. Uptake studies in human corneal epithelial cells suggest that RX-10045 is a strong inhibitor of organic cation transporter-1 (OCT-1). CONCLUSIONS In summary, the resolvin analog (RX-10045) was identified as a substrate/inhibitor for efflux transporters (MRP2 and BCRP). Also, RX-10045 appears to be a strong inhibitor/substrate of OCT-1. Novel formulation strategies such as nanoparticles, nanomicelles, and liposomes for circumventing efflux barriers and delivering higher drug concentrations leading to a higher therapeutic efficacy may be employed.
Structure of Intracellular Mature Vaccinia Virus Visualized by In Situ Atomic Force Microscopy

ABSTRACT Vaccinia virus, the basis of the smallpox vaccine, is one of the largest viruses to replicate in humans. We have used in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to directly visualize fully hydrated, intact intracellular mature vaccinia virus (IMV) virions and chemical and enzymatic treatment products thereof. The latter included virion cores, core-enveloping coats, and core substructures. The isolated coats appeared to be composed of a highly cross-linked protein array. AFM imaging of core substructures indicated association of the linear viral DNA genome with a segmented protein sheath forming an extended ∼16-nm-diameter filament with helical surface topography; enclosure of this filament within a 30- to 40-nm-diameter tubule which also shows helical topography; and enclosure of the folded, condensed 30- to 40-nm-diameter tubule within the core by a wall covered with peg-like projections. Proteins observed attached to the 30- to 40-nm-diameter tubules may mediate folding and/or compaction of the tubules and/or represent vestiges of the core wall and/or pegs. An accessory “satellite domain” was observed protruding from the intact core. This corresponded in size to isolated 70- to 100-nm-diameter particles that were imaged independently and might represent detached accessory domains. AFM imaging of intact virions indicated that IMV underwent a reversible shrinkage upon dehydration (as much as 2.2- to 2.5-fold in the height dimension), accompanied by topological and topographical changes, including protrusion of the satellite domain. As shown here, the chemical and enzymatic dissection of large, asymmetrical virus particles in combination with in situ AFM provides an informative complement to other structure determination techniques.
One-week omeprazole treatment in the diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux are common, and currently available methods for diagnosing reflux disease are expensive and uncomfortable for the patient. The diagnostic value of a treatment test with omeprazole is unclear. METHODS Patients with dyspepsia including heartburn admitted for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were studied in a prospective, randomized, double-blind Scandinavian multicentre study. Before entry 188 patients were enrolled, and 160 were randomized to 1-week treatment with 20 mg omeprazole twice daily or placebo. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was defined as reflux oesophagitis Savary-Miller grades II-III at endoscopy or pH < 4 exceeding 4% of the total time at 24-h oesophageal pH-monitoring and was found in 135 patients. The treatment test was considered positive when the patient's symptoms improved during the treatment week compared with the pretreatment day. RESULTS The sensitivity in diagnosing reflux disease was 71-81% with omeprazole as a diagnostic test, compared with 36-47% for placebo during treatment days 3-7. The specificity was similar for the two treatment arms during the first days of the study. During the end of the week a larger proportion of the patients with normal endoscopy and pH test responded to omeprazole treatment, giving omeprazole lower specificity than placebo. The investigators' overall evaluation of whether the patient was a responder to the test had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 55% in the omeprazole-treated patients. The corresponding figures in the placebo group were 17% and 92%, respectively. CONCLUSION One week of omeprazole treatment is a simple diagnostic test with a fairly high sensitivity. The specificity is poor owing to the placebo effect and to the lack of a gold standard in diagnosing reflux disease.
Integration of the ISO 9001 QMS with the company’s IT business system

Our research highlights an issue of raising the effectiveness of the implemented ISO 9001 quality management system (QMS) in a company and the internal support to it. The paper analyses the ISO 9001:2015 requirements and the commonly available information technology (IT) support. Based on this analysis, literature review and some preliminary empirical research on the interest of consultants, auditors and other practitioners in IT support to ISO 9001 QMS, the paper suggests the integration of the QMS and internal IT system of the company. The use of IT in QMS as a support to its better performance is not required in ISO 9001:2015. Furthermore, it is not clearly suggested, encouraged and commonly practiced, however, proper software solutions exist. They are available, affordable and broadly implemented in the companies. This way ISO 9001 QMS would become better integrated into everyday business, better understood and accepted in the company. It also prevents splitting QMS from operation management system and boosting double work and bureaucracy. As suggested in the paper, more research, encouragement, professional guidance and raised interest in this field are needed and expected. The research on it in the literature is only partial and rare.
Can a shift in the purchase of local foods by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients impact the local economy?

Abstract In recent years, several initiatives have sought to encourage redemption of food assistance benefits at direct-to-consumer (DTC) market venues such as community supported agriculture programs and farmers’ markets in the USA, with the dual goal of increasing access to healthy foods for low-income families and sales of locally-grown foods for farmers. Proponents of these interventions assert that these programs have a positive impact on local economies yet there is limited evidence to validate this argument. This research project used a customized input-output model to simulate potential economic impacts of programs and policies that enable Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to shift purchases from traditional food retailers to DTC venues in four states. Two different scenarios were explored: (1) increased outreach to low-income consumers and (2) financial support for using SNAP benefits at DTC market channels. We found a positive, though modest, economic impact at the state level under both scenarios when accounting for (a) business losses in the food retail and wholesale sectors, (b) a shift in acreage from commodity to specialty crops and (c) the cost to taxpayers. Since most of the increased economic activity would be in the produce farming sector, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for this sector along with potential policy implications.
The International Journal of Biostatistics The Analysis of Bivariate Truncated Data Using the Clayton Copula Model

In individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), distributions of quantitative HIV RNA measurements may be highly left-censored due to values falling below assay detection limits (DL). It is of the interest to find the relationship between plasma and semen viral loads. To address this type of problem, we developed an empirical goodness-of-fit test to check the Clayton model assumption for bivariate truncated data. We also used truncated tau to estimate the dependence parameter in the Clayton model for this type of data. It turns out that the proposed methodology works for both truncated and fixed left censored bivariate data. The proposed test procedure is demonstrated using an HIV data set, and statistical inference is drawn based on corresponding test result.
Sports operations management: examining the relationship between environmental uncertainty and quality management orientation

ABSTRACT Research question: The outcome of a sporting competition is uncertain and one of the key reasons for the sustained popularity of spectator sport. Whilst unique and exciting, this context poses challenges for the management of the sporting experience as there is no control over the outcome of the competition; a disappointing result on-field may translate to a disappointing overall experience for the spectators. We wish to understand if and how quality management practices can be used in off-field operations to mitigate on-field uncertainty, and thus have greater control over spectator perception of the sporting experience. Research methods: A multi-country survey of operations managers of sporting stadia in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand was conducted. We operationalize environmental uncertainty as spectator co-creation and enforced collaboration, and assess quality management orientation from both a customer and process perspective. Linear regression is used for data analysis. Results and Findings: Surprisingly, we find that environmental uncertainty does not encourage the orientation of quality management practices towards the customer. Instead, we find a greater application of process focus. In considering sporting fans as passive customers rather than active co-creators of value, quality management practices seem to have skewed towards process rather than person. Implications: Customer satisfaction appears as secondary to process performance in the sample of stadia examined. This is in contrast to studies that have encouraged a focus on the customer in contexts of environmental uncertainty. We suggest a renewed focus on the customer for the longevity of sporting stadia.
Dynamic dual decomposition for distributed control

We show how dynamic price mechanisms can be used for decomposition and distributed optimization of feedback systems. A classical method to handle large scale optimization problems is dual decomposition, where the coupling between sub-problems is relaxed using Lagrange multipliers. These variables can be interpreted as prices in a market mechanism serving to achieve mutual agreement between solutions of the sub-problems. In this paper, the same idea is used for decomposition of feedback systems, with dynamics in both decision variables and prices. We show how the prices can be used for a decentralized test, to verify that the global feedback system stays within a prespecified distance from optimality.
Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐testicular function in end‐stage non‐alcoholic liver disease before and after liver transplantation

OBJECTIVE Gonadal dysfunction is common in chronic liver disease, but most of the previous studies have been restricted to men with alcohol‐Induced liver disease. We have evaluated hypothalamic‐pituitary‐testicular function In patients with end‐stage non‐alcoholic liver disease before and at 6 and 12 months after hepatic transplantation.
Modelling the spatial variation of human population density using Taylor’s power law, Italy, 1971–2011

ABSTRACT Taylor’s power law (Tpl) is applied to the human population density of Italian regions and provinces for the period 1971–2011. Three different weighting systems are used to estimate Tpl at the national and subnational levels in which seemingly unrelated regression models are adopted. The following results were found: Tpl is suitable for human populations and sensitive to the adopted weighting system; Tpl’s slope is positive and, at a subnational level, has an inverse behaviour with respect to the spatial variability of the weighting variables; and Tpl’s slope can be viewed as an indicator of a population’s spatial distribution homogeneity.
Peripheral vascular disease evaluated with reduced-dose gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography.

PURPOSE To demonstrate the utility of low-dose gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of two consecutive anatomic areas for assessment of peripheral vascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen patients underwent gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography for evaluation of lower extremity peripheral vascular disease after conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA). MR angiography was performed with three-dimensional coronal gradient-echo acquisitions before and during administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Two separate, contiguous areas were studied with separate doses of 0.075 and 0.1 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine. MR angiography findings were compared with DSA findings; DSA was the standard of reference. Treatment options were determined first with MR angiograms and then with DSA images. RESULTS For distinguishing greater than 50% stenosis from 50% or less stenosis, gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography yielded a sensitivity of 97%, a specificity of 96%, and an accuracy of 97%. In 146 (97%) of 150 anatomic segments, there was essential or total agreement on treatments determined with MR angiography and DSA. In two cases (one case of vascular stent placement and one case of surgical anastomosis), extent of disease was overestimated with MR angiography. The MR study of one infrapopliteal area was insufficient for evaluation. CONCLUSION Accurate gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography of multiple peripheral vascular areas of the lower extremities can be performed in most patients with less than 0.2 mmol/kg contrast material.
Lack of hippocalcin causes impairment in Ras/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase cascade via a Raf‐mediated activation process

Hippocalcin (Hpca) is a member of the neuronal calcium sensor protein family and is highly expressed in hippocampal neurons. Hpca‐deficient (Hpca–/–) mice display a defect in cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) activation associated with impaired spatial and associative memory. Here we examine the involvement of Hpca in the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) cascade leading to CREB activation, because application of PD98059, a broad ERK cascade inhibitor, has resulted in similar levels of CREB activation in Hpca–/– hippocampus. N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐ and KCl‐induced phosphorylation of ERK was significantly attenuated in Hpca–/– hippocampal slices, as was ionomycin‐induced phosphorylation of ERK, whereas forskolin and 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) stimulation yielded indistinguishable levels of ERK phosphorylation in both wild‐type and Hpca–/– slices. In an in vitro reconstitution assay system, recombinant Hpca affected neither Raf‐1 protein kinase activity with recombinant MEK‐1 as a substrate nor MEK‐1 kinase activity with ERK2 as a substrate. Activation of Ras by NMDA and KCl stimulation of hippocampal slices showed no obvious changes between the two genotypes; however, phosphorylation of Raf‐1 was significantly lower in Hpca–/– slices. These results suggest that Hpca plays an important role in the activation of Raf conducted by Ras. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unraveling the economic performance of the CEEC countries. The role of exports and global value chains

In this study we assess the importance of exports and global value chains (GVC) participation for economic growth. Using novel methods and an extensive dataset, we decompose GDP growth in the Central and Eastern European (CEEC) countries to show that in a large part of the period of transition and integration with the EU, exports have played a predominant role in shaping economic growth. We also show that exports have been the major factor driving the convergence of the CEEC countries with their advanced counterparts. We employ panel methods to analyze the determinants of growth of exported value added and show that the major growth drivers in the analyzed period of 1995-2014 are GVC participation, imports of technology and capital deepening.
Test signal generation for the calibration of analog front-end circuits in biopotential measurement applications

A test signal generator to calibrate analog front-ends for biopotential measurements is presented. The integrated signal generator enables detection of the input impedance at the front-end instrumentation amplifier based on current injection and amplitude detection. It can generate picoampere currents while ensuring a high output impedance of 2. 9GΩ up to 100Hz. The test signal generator was designed and simulated in 0. 13μm CMOS technology and it consists of a temperature-compensated relaxation oscillator, a frequency divider, a limiter, and an operational transconductance amplifier.
Motivational Factors Influencing Women's Decisions to Pursue Upper-Level Administrative Positions at Land Grant Institutions

Much of the research on women advancing in higher education has been focused on the external barriers and how to break down the barriers. This study acknowledged that external barriers existed, but determined that a new approach needed to be explored for implementing new initiatives geared toward advancing women to upper-level administrative positions (e.g., president, vice-president or provost). Using the elements of Bandura's Model of Reciprocal Determination, specifically self-efficacy, personal behavior, environment, and the interaction of all three, this qualitative study examined women in upper-level administrative positions and investigated what influential factors were responsible for motivating them to this achievement
Link-Adaptive Mapper Designs for Space-Shift-Keying-Modulated MIMO Systems

This work focuses on the design and analysis of link-adaptive bits-to-antenna-indexes mapping for closed-loop space-shift keying (SSK)-modulated multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. With the aim of achieving a lower bit error rate (BER), optimal mappers are designed under different transmission conditions. Assuming that perfect channel state information (CSI) is available at the transceivers, an original binary switch algorithm (OBSA) is proposed. For the case in which there is no CSI at the transmitter and the feedback channel is bandwidth limited, a restricted binary switch algorithm (RBSA)-based mapping design is proposed. Both of the proposed algorithms can bring considerable performance gains but are of high computational complexity if there are a large number of transmit antennas. To overcome this, algorithms with reduced computational complexity are proposed and investigated, which are named partial OBSA and partial RBSA. The performance improvement brought by all of the proposed mapping schemes in terms of BER performance enhancement and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gain in a high-SNR regime is theoretically given. Simulations are done to validate the theoretical analysis, and results show that the proposed schemes can improve BER performance considerably in a wide range of SNR regimes. In addition, all of the proposed mapping schemes can cowork with those existing transmit processing techniques and bring additional performance gain without incurring any extra cost on physical components (e.g., additional phase shifters or power amplifiers). All these make the proposed mapping schemes promising choices for the link-adaptive design of closed-loop SSK MIMO systems.
Neural Correlates of Early Sound Encoding and their Relationship to Speech-in-Noise Perception

Speech-in-noise (SIN) perception is a complex cognitive skill that affects social, vocational, and educational activities. Poor SIN ability particularly affects young and elderly populations, yet varies considerably even among healthy young adults with normal hearing. Although SIN skills are known to be influenced by top-down processes that can selectively enhance lower-level sound representations, the complementary role of feed-forward mechanisms and their relationship to musical training is poorly understood. Using a paradigm that minimizes the main top-down factors that have been implicated in SIN performance such as working memory, we aimed to better understand how robust encoding of periodicity in the auditory system (as measured by the frequency-following response) contributes to SIN perception. Using magnetoencephalograpy, we found that the strength of encoding at the fundamental frequency in the brainstem, thalamus, and cortex is correlated with SIN accuracy. The amplitude of the slower cortical P2 wave was previously also shown to be related to SIN accuracy and FFR strength; we use MEG source localization to show that the P2 wave originates in a temporal region anterior to that of the cortical FFR. We also confirm that the observed enhancements were related to the extent and timing of musicianship. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that basic feed-forward sound encoding affects SIN perception by providing better information to later processing stages, and that modifying this process may be one mechanism through which musical training might enhance the auditory networks that subserve both musical and language functions.