Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Quantification of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Images With Adaptive Inclusion of an Irreversible Component

Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) is a sensitive imaging technique to assess tissue vascularity and it can be particularly useful in early detection and grading of arthritis. In a recent study we have shown that a Gamma-variate can accurately quantify synovial perfusion and it is flexible enough to describe many heterogeneous patterns. However, in some cases the heterogeneity of the kinetics can be such that even the Gamma model does not properly describe the curve, with a high number of outliers. In this work we apply to CEUS data the single compartment recirculation model (SCR) which takes explicitly into account the trapping of the microbubbles contrast agent by adding to the single Gamma-variate model its integral. The SCR model, originally proposed for dynamic-susceptibility magnetic resonance imaging, is solved here at pixel level within a Bayesian framework using Variational Bayes (VB). We also include the automatic relevant determination (ARD) algorithm to automatically infer the model complexity (SCR vs. Gamma model) from the data. We demonstrate that the inclusion of trapping best describes the CEUS patterns in 50% of the pixels, with the other 50% best fitted by a single Gamma. Such results highlight the necessity of the use ARD, to automatically exclude the irreversible component where not supported by the data. VB with ARD returns precise estimates in the majority of the kinetics (88% of total percentage of pixels) in a limited computational time (on average, 3.6 min per subject). Moreover, the impact of the additional trapping component has been evaluated for the differentiation of rheumatoid and non-rheumatoid patients, by means of a support vector machine classifier with backward feature selection. The results show that the trapping parameter is always present in the selected feature set, and improves the classification.
A quantitative analysis of the activation and inactivation kinetics of HERG expressed in Xenopus oocytes

1 The human etherà‐go‐go‐related gene (HERG) encodes a K+o channel that is believed to be the basis of the delayed rectified current, IKr, in cardiac muscle. We studied HERG expressed in Xenopus oocytes using a two‐electrode and cut‐open oocyte clamp technique with [K+]o of 2 and 98 mm. 2 The time course of activation of the channel was measured using an envelope of tails protocol and demonstrated that activation of the heterologously expressed HERG current (IHERG) was sigmoidal in onset. At least three closed states were required to reproduce the sigmoid time course. 3 The voltage dependence of the activation process and its saturation at positive voltages suggested the existence of at least one relatively voltage‐insensitive step. A three closed state activation model with a single voltage‐insensitive intermediate closed state was able to reproduce the time and voltage dependence of activation, deactivation and steady‐state activation. Activation was insensitive to changes in [K+]o. 4 Both inactivation and recovery time constants increased with a change of [K+]o from 2 to 98 mm. Steady‐state inactivation shifted by ∼30 mV in the depolarized direction with a change from 2 to 98 mm K*o 5 Simulations showed that modulation of inactivation is a minimal component of the increase of this current by [K+]o, and that a large increase in total conductance must also occur.
Co-saliency detection via partially absorbing random walk

Co-saliency detection aims at finding the common salient objects in multiple images. In this paper, we introduce a new co-saliency detection model, which includes two main parts: co-salient seed selection using the inter-object recurrence cues from multiple images and saliency label propagation using partially absorbing random walk. With the guidance of co-salient seeds, salient objects are individually detected from each image through a semi-supervised label propagation process. Experimental results on two benchmark databases demonstrate that the proposed method achieves good performance.
Progesterone effects on the discriminative stimulus, subjective and performance effects of triazolam in healthy, premenopausal women

There is accumulating evidence that sex plays a critical role in drug abuse. Female sex hormones have been shown to affect central nervous system function and modulate the effects of drugs of abuse. For example, &ggr;-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor function is positively modulated by progesterone metabolites. There is evidence from preclinical in-vitro and in-vivo studies as well as some clinical research suggesting that progesterone and its metabolites may enhance the behavioral effects of benzodiazepines, which also serve as positive modulators of GABAA receptors. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the independent and combined discriminative stimulus, subjective and psychomotor effects of progesterone and triazolam in healthy adult premenopausal women. Oral micronized progesterone (100 mg), triazolam (0.06, 0.12 and 0.25 mg/70 kg) and placebo were administered to healthy, premenopausal women (n=9) under conditions of low circulating sex hormones. Triazolam alone functioned as a discriminative stimulus and produced prototypical sedative-like effects (e.g., performance impairment, enhanced reports of sedative effects). Progesterone alone produced sedative-like effects on several subjective and performance measures, and the dose combination effects of progesterone and triazolam on several subjective measures of drug effect were similar to the summation of the two drug effects in isolation. Progesterone did not substitute for or modify the discriminative stimulus effects of triazolam. These results suggest that the parent hormone, progesterone, and triazolam have discordant neuropharmacological mechanisms of action. Additional research is necessary to determine the degree to which neurosteroids influence sex differences in benzodiazepine use and abuse.
Skill biased technological changes: Case of the MENA Region

Our work treats the relationship between inequality and technological changes. Specifically, we focus on the transmission mechanisms by which technological innovations affect the inequality in access to employment. The objective of this article is to determine the effects of the diffusion of innovations on the demand for skilled and non-skilled labor. It is focuses on the concept of technological bias and the role of inequality between skilled and unskilled workers. The empirical validation of this work is based on the technique of dynamic Panel. An estimate by the method of Arellano and Bond seems more relevant. Actually, there is a positive relationship between innovations and the demand for skilled labor but a negative relationship for unskilled labor. This result is confirmed in our sample of countries.
Approximation of wiring delay in MOSFET LSI

Two approximation methods for wiring delay in MOS LSI are studied. One is analytical and the other is a lumped circuit approximation. The basic model for wiring is a distributed CR line with a drive MOSFET at one end and a capacitive load at the other end. Simple approximated formulas for the delay and the step response of this model are obtained. Approximation of a distributed CR line by lumped Rs and C's combination, which is very useful when incorporated in circuit simulation programs, is also investigated. The widely used L ladder circuit model is found to be a poor approximation, while /spl pi/ and T ladder circuit models give satisfactory results. The simplest circuits that approximate the interconnection line within a given tolerant error are tabulated under various drive and load conditions.
Modeling and Analysis of the Reliability of      Digital Networked Control Systems   Considering Networked Degradations

Digital networked control systems are of growing importance in safety-critical systems and perform indispensable function in most complex systems today. Networked degradations such as transmission delay and packet dropout cause such systems to fail to satisfy performance requirements, and eventually affect the overall reliability. It is necessary to get a model to verify and evaluate the system reliability in early design phase, prior to its implementation. However, existing probabilistic models only provide partial descriptions of such coupled networks and control system. In this paper, a new stochastic model represented by linear discrete-time approach is proposed, considering data packet transmissions in both channels: controller-to-actuator and sensor-to-controller. Different from pervious works, the historical behaviors of networked degradations are modeled by multistate Markov chains with uncertainties, releasing the assumption that faults of all periods are independent of each other. The concept of domain requirements for such systems is considered here, contributing to the integration of control and reliability engineering. Methodologies for quantitatively assessing the reliability of the single- and sequential-control goal are derived from the Monte Carlo method. An example of an industrial heat exchanger digital networked control system is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the model and method.
Relation of electromyography‐induced pain to type of recording electrodes

Pain is an important consideration in the performance of needle electromyography (EMG). Prior investigations have suggested that pain is greater with a concentric needle electrode (CNE) than monopolar needle electrode (MNE). This prospective randomized study tested this hypothesis using improved methodology and disposable rather than reusable needle electrodes. Ninety consecutive outpatients were enrolled and randomized to CNE (diameter = 0.46 mm) or MNE (diameter = 0.41 mm) arms. Subjects underwent a standardized 4 limb‐muscle needle EMG protocol during which pretest and posttest verbal analog pain scale (0–10) measures were obtained. As anticipated, EMG‐induced pain was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than pre‐EMG baseline pain. However, analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences in pain ratings between the CNE and MNE arms. Among other factors analyzed, only gender significantly influenced EMG‐induced pain, with females reporting higher levels than males. Thus, pain is not an important selection criterion for type of disposable needle electrode. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 24: 417–420, 2001
Energy-Efficient and Fair Power Allocation Approach for NOMA in Ultra-Dense Heterogeneous Networks

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is considered as a promising candidate for fifth-generation mobile communication systems due to its high spectral efficiency (SE). Many earlier works focused on the power allocation for NOMA to achieve the sum rate maximization. However, the energy efficiency (EE) optimization problem in NOMA systems has not been well studied. In this paper, the EE of a two-tier downlink ultra-dense heterogeneous network (HetNet) with NOMA is studied. The goal is to maximize the EE subject to the constraint of allocated powers for users. To achieve this goal, an optimization problem is formulated which aims to find out the optimal number of users. In order to solve the optimization problem, a fair power allocation approach is proposed. Simulation results show that NOMA has a superior EE performance in comparison with orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA). Moreover, the fairness of the proposed fair power allocation (FPA) approach exceeds the conventional fractional transmit power allocation (FTPA) approach. At the same time, the optimal number of users can be found out by simulations.
Localized Sympathectomy Reduces Mechanical Hypersensitivity by Restoring Normal Immune Homeostasis in Rat Models of Inflammatory Pain

Some forms of chronic pain are maintained or enhanced by activity in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), but attempts to model this have yielded conflicting findings. The SNS has both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects on immunity, confounding the interpretation of experiments using global sympathectomy methods. We performed a “microsympathectomy” by cutting the ipsilateral gray rami where they entered the spinal nerves near the L4 and L5 DRG. This led to profound sustained reductions in pain behaviors induced by local DRG inflammation (a rat model of low back pain) and by a peripheral paw inflammation model. Effects of microsympathectomy were evident within one day, making it unlikely that blocking sympathetic sprouting in the local DRGs or hindpaw was the sole mechanism. Prior microsympathectomy greatly reduced hyperexcitability of sensory neurons induced by local DRG inflammation observed 4 d later. Microsympathectomy reduced local inflammation and macrophage density in the affected tissues (as indicated by paw swelling and histochemical staining). Cytokine profiling in locally inflamed DRG showed increases in pro-inflammatory Type 1 cytokines and decreases in the Type 2 cytokines present at baseline, changes that were mitigated by microsympathectomy. Microsympathectomy was also effective in reducing established pain behaviors in the local DRG inflammation model. We conclude that the effect of sympathetic fibers in the L4/L5 gray rami in these models is pro-inflammatory. This raises the possibility that therapeutic interventions targeting gray rami might be useful in some chronic inflammatory pain conditions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sympathetic blockade is used for many pain conditions, but preclinical studies show both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects. The sympathetic nervous system also has both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects on immune tissues and cells. We examined effects of a very localized sympathectomy. By cutting the gray rami to the spinal nerves near the lumbar sensory ganglia, we avoided widespread sympathetic denervation. This procedure profoundly reduced mechanical pain behaviors induced by a back pain model and a model of peripheral inflammatory pain. One possible mechanism was reduction of inflammation in the sympathetically denervated regions. This raises the possibility that therapeutic interventions targeting gray rami might be useful in some inflammatory conditions.
The children of Fairbridge: insights for child welfare practice

The Prince of Wales Fairbridge Farm School was a residential child care center located near the town of Duncan, British Columbia. This program was in operation from 1935 to 1951 and was home to 329 British children who immigrated to become its residents. The author's father was one ofFairbridge's residents, which gives this thesis a personal component. Past residents of Fairbridge have formed the Fairbridge Canada Association. Through this association, they keep in contact with each other through semiannual reunions at the old Fairbridge site and a quarterly newsletter. The existence of this association, coupled with stories the author grew up hearing from her father, suggested that Fairbridge was a unique and successful residential child care center. This is in sharp contrast to the negative connotations that are often associated with residential child care programs. The aim of this research was to explore the Fairbridge Program and to assess the extent to which its practices can be used as guides for current child welfare initiatives. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores 'the experiences of individuals, who as children, resided at Fairbridge'. The data came from in-depth conversations or self-recordings of eight former residents of Fairbridge. To put this topic into context. the literature review looks at the development of child welfare in relation to political changes regarding residential child care. The Fairbridge program, from its conception to its closing, is also reviewed. The experiences of participants are presented in summative themes. which are illustrated in a visual model. These themes give insights into considerations when raising children in a residential child care environment. Three important summative themes are attachment, self-identity and well being. These illuminated the importance of consistency in residence and house mates when in residential care and give insights to the role adults can play in the lives of children being raised without family.
Contribution of Calcium Influx in Mediating Glucose-Stimulated Oxygen Consumption in Pancreatic Islets

In brain, muscle, and pancreatic islets, depolarization induces an increase in respiration, which is dependent on calcium influx. The goal of this study was to assess the quantitative significance of this effect in islets relative to glucose-stimulated ATP turnover, to examine the molecular mechanism mediating the changes, and to investigate the functional implications with respect to insulin secretion. Glucose (3–20 mmol/l) increased steady-state levels of cytochrome c reduction (32–66%) in isolated rat islets, reflecting an increased production of NADH, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) by 0.32 nmol/min/100 islets. Glucose-stimulated OCR was inhibited 30% by inhibitors of calcium influx (diazoxide or nimodipine), whereas a protein synthesis inhibitor (emetine) decreased it by only 24%. None of the inhibitors affected cytochrome c reduction, suggesting that calcium’s effect on steady-state OCR is mediated by changes in ATP usage rather than the rate of NADH generation. 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine increased insulin secretion but had little effect on OCR, indicating that the processes of movement and exocytosis of secretory granules do not significantly contribute to ATP turnover. At 20 mmol/l glucose, a blocker of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) had little effect on OCR despite a large increase in cytosolic calcium, further supporting the notion that influx of calcium, not bulk cytosolic calcium, is associated with the increase in ATP turnover. The glucose dose response of calcium influx–dependent OCR showed a remarkable correlation with insulin secretion, suggesting that the process mediating the effect of calcium on ATP turnover has a role in the amplification pathway of insulin secretion.
Pollution Modelling and Multiple-Output Production*

The Memorandum was originally published as Finn R. Forsund, “Pollution Modelling and Multiple-Output Production Theory” Discussion Paper #D- 37/1998, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Agricultural University of Oslo. The materials balance principle points to the crucial role of material inputs in generating residuals in production processes. Pollution modelling must be of a multi-output nature. The most flexible transformation function in outputs and inputs used in textbooks is too general to make sense in pollution modelling. Specifying bads as if they are inputs, although defendable on a macro Level, hides explicit considerations of various modification activities. A complete taxonomy of inputs as to the impact on both residuals and marketed Products as joint outputs, is derived, based on factorially determined multi-output Production, thus providing information for choice of policy instruments.
XAP5 CIRCADIAN TIMEKEEPER Regulates Ethylene Responses in Aerial Tissues of Arabidopsis1[W][OA]

The phytohormone ethylene differentially regulates plant architecture and growth in both a light- and nutrient-dependent fashion. The modulation of plant development by ethylene in response to both external and internal signals can also generate tissue-specific differential responses. Here, we report that XAP5 CIRCADIAN TIMEKEEPER (XCT) is involved in blue light-dependent ethylene responses in the aerial tissues of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings. XCT was first identified as a circadian clock mutant with a short free-running period. The xct mutation also causes sugar-specific hypocotyl growth defects, in which mutants are short in blue light when grown on a sucrose-rich medium but tall when grown on sucrose-deficient medium. Our data suggest that the hypocotyl defects in blue light are not directly caused by defects in clock or light signaling but rather by enhanced ethylene responses. In blue light, xct mutants have a more active ethylene response pathway and exhibit growth phenotypes similar to the constitutive ethylene signaling mutant constitutive triple response1 (ctr1). xct mutants also have reduced ethylene emission, analogous to plants that have lost CTR1 function. Genetic analysis suggests that XCT negatively regulates ethylene responses downstream of ETHYLENE-INSENSITIVE3 in aerial tissues. However, XCT is not required for all ethylene-mediated processes, such as the inhibition of root growth. Thus, XCT acts downstream of a major transcriptional regulator in an organ-specific manner, playing an environment-dependent role in the regulation of plant growth.
The investment paradox: why attractive new ventures exhibit relatively poor investment potential

Abstract This paper provides insights into the way in which angel investors evaluate the investment potential of new ventures. Previous research has identified a broad array of different investment criteria that are thought to directly influence whether an investment opportunity is perceived as attractive by angel investors. This study contributes to this stream of research by identifying what is referred to as the investment paradox which occurs when the basic and fundamental investment criteria associated with a new venture are positively evaluated, yet the venture is simultaneously evaluated as exhibiting relatively poor investment potential. A model in which the relationship between fundamental investment criteria and overall investment potential is moderated by fit-based technology development criteria is proposed as an explanation for this apparent paradox. This model is tested with a large sample of investment proposals evaluated by angel investors using multi-level modeling. The results support the proposed moderated model of angel investor evaluation criteria. These results have clear and important implications for entrepreneurs, angel investors, public policy, and future research focused on angel investors’ evaluations of investment opportunities.