Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Site of the ischemic penumbra as a predictor of potential for recovery of functions

Background and Purpose: Diffusion–perfusion mismatch has been used to estimate salvageable tissue and predict potential for recovery in acute stroke. Location of the salvageable tissue may be as important as volume or percentage in predicting potential for recovery of specific functions. Impaired naming, a common and disabling deficit after left hemisphere stroke, is often associated with tissue dysfunction of left Brodmann area (BA) 37, posterior inferior temporal cortex. We tested the hypothesis that the presence of diffusion–perfusion mismatch within left BA 37 predicts probability and extent of short-term improvement of naming. Methods: One hundred five patients with acute left hemisphere ischemic stroke had diffusion-weighted imaging, perfusion-weighted imaging, a test of picture naming, and other language tests at admission and 2 to 4 days later. Linear regression was used to determine whether diffusion–perfusion mismatch in any BA in language cortex, total volume of mismatch, or diffusion or perfusion abnormality predicted degree of improvement in naming by days 3 to 5. Results: The presence of >20% diffusion–perfusion mismatch in left BA 37 and total volumes of diffusion and perfusion abnormality at day 1 each independently predicted degree of improvement in naming. Mismatch in this area did not predict the degree of improvement in other language tests or the NIH Stroke Scale in this study. Conclusions/Relevance: Diffusion–perfusion mismatch in left Brodmann area 37 was strongly associated with acute improvement in naming, independently of volume or percentage of total mismatch or diffusion or perfusion abnormality. These data indicate that mismatch in a particular area is a marker of salvageable tissue and an important predictor of potential for recovery of functions that depend on that area. Location of mismatch before treatment may help to predict potential benefits of reperfusion. GLOSSARY: ADC = apparent diffusion coefficient; BA = Brodmann area; DWI = diffusion-weighted imaging; NIHSS = NIH Stroke Scale; PWI = perfusion-weighted imaging; TE = echo time; TR = repetition time; TTP = time to peak.
Nascent geographies of austerity : understanding the implications of a (re)new(ed) Welfare-to-Work discourse

Following the 2008/9 global financial crisis and ensuing economic uncertainty, the roll out of austerity politics has seen significant welfare retrenchment and a recalibration of the state-citizen relationship which can arguably be characterised by a process of punitive Neoliberalism. Nevertheless, the impacts of austerity politics are proving to be geographically uneven: spatially, there is significant evidence that the northern and western parts of Britain, particularly towns and cities therein, are especially prone to the punitive impacts of neoliberal austerity politics, while socially, some parts of society (e.g. the young, the disabled) find themselves exposed to the worst effects of austerity. Conducted under the period of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat UK Coalition Government (2010-2015) this thesis starts by considering the degree to which punitive austerity policies are economically necessary or driven by political ideology. Alongside this it determines whether austerity politics is a (re)new(ed) approach to welfare provision and the state-citizen relationship. The empirical parts of the thesis examine the tactics and strategies utilised by those conducting (the state), implementing (welfare providers and employers), and recipients (people and employees) of welfare-to-work policies, before considering what adaptations, innovations, co-operation, resistance and coping strategies are being employed by these stakeholders in response to austerity politics. In the final part, I argue that whilst many of the neoliberalised policies devised by the Coalition Government have been a renewal and reinvention of those already in place, this is part of a broader trend which is marked by the emergence of a more punitive Neoliberalism associated with a work-first welfare regime.
Protection Against Malaria by Intravenous Immunization with a Nonreplicating Sporozoite Vaccine

Malaria Sporozoite Vaccine Each year, hundreds of millions of people are infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the mosquito-borne parasite that causes malaria. A preventative vaccine is greatly needed. Seder et al. (p. 1359, published online 8 August; see the Perspective by Good) now report the results from a phase I clinical trial where subjects were immunized intravenously with a whole, attenuated sporozoite vaccine. Three of 9 subjects who received four doses and zero of 6 subjects who received five doses of the vaccine went on to develop malaria after controlled malaria infection. Both antibody titers and cellular immune responses correlated positively with the dose of vaccine received, suggesting that both arms of the adaptive immune response may have participated in the observed protection. Intravenous immunization with an attenuated whole malaria sporozoite vaccine protected volunteers in a phase I clinical trial. [Also see Perspective by Good] Consistent, high-level, vaccine-induced protection against human malaria has only been achieved by inoculation of Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoites (SPZ) by mosquito bites. We report that the PfSPZ Vaccine—composed of attenuated, aseptic, purified, cryopreserved PfSPZ—was safe and wel-tolerated when administered four to six times intravenously (IV) to 40 adults. Zero of six subjects receiving five doses and three of nine subjects receiving four doses of 1.35 × 105 PfSPZ Vaccine and five of six nonvaccinated controls developed malaria after controlled human malaria infection (P = 0.015 in the five-dose group and P = 0.028 for overall, both versus controls). PfSPZ-specific antibody and T cell responses were dose-dependent. These data indicate that there is a dose-dependent immunological threshold for establishing high-level protection against malaria that can be achieved with IV administration of a vaccine that is safe and meets regulatory standards.
HMGB1 down‐regulation mediates terameprocol vascular anti‐proliferative effect in experimental pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease with a poor prognosis. Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) play a crucial role in PAH pathophysiology, displaying a hyperproliferative, and apoptotic‐resistant phenotype. In the present study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic role of terameprocol (TMP), an inhibitor of cellular proliferation and promoter of apoptosis, in a well‐established pre‐clinical model of PAH induced by monocrotaline (MCT) and studied the biological pathways modulated by TMP in PASMCs. Wistar rats injected with MCT or saline (SHAM group) were treated with TMP or vehicle. On day 21 after injection, we assessed bi‐ventricular hemodynamics and cardiac and pulmonary morphometry. The effects of TMP on PASMCs were studied in a primary culture isolated from SHAM and MCT‐treated rats, using an iTRAQ‐based proteomic approach to investigate the molecular pathways modulated by this drug. In vivo, TMP significantly reduced pulmonary and cardiac remodeling and improved cardiac function in PAH. In vitro, TMP inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of PASMCs. A total of 65 proteins were differentially expressed in PASMCs from MCT rats treated with TMP, some of which involved in the modulation of transforming growth factor beta pathway and DNA transcription. Anti‐proliferative effect of TMP seems to be explained, at least in part, by the down‐regulation of the transcription factor HMGB1. Our findings support the beneficial role of TMP in PAH and suggest that it may be an effective therapeutic option to be considered in the clinical management of PAH.
Detection of Progesterone Receptor Transcript in Human Spermatozoa

Abstract The present study, to our knowledge, is the first to demonstrate presence of progesterone receptor (PR) transcript in human spermatozoa. The study shows the presence of low copy number PR mRNA in mature human spermatozoa. The PR transcript in spermatozoa was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the hormone binding domain and the DNA binding domain of the conventional uterine PR. Further, the cDNA sequence of the partial PR transcript from spermatozoa was found to be identical to the region spanning nucleotides 2694 to 3230 of the conventional PR full-length cDNA sequence. This study also indirectly suggests that the PR protein indeed is an intrinsic sperm protein and is not acquired through proteinaceous secretions of accessory reproductive organs.
PMSM stator winding faults modelling and measurement

This paper is focused on stator winding faults of the internal permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM). Comparison of IPMSM faulty model and real IPMSM motor is presented in this paper. Measurements were done on micro-controller based control platform with IPMSM connected to dynamometer test bench. This control platform is also described. Recorded speed control transient responses were successfully compared with signals from the model during inter-turn stator winding fault and open phase stator winding fault.
Using Problem‐Based Case Studies to Learn About Knowledge Translation Interventions: An Inside Perspective

&NA; Knowledge translation (KT) interventions can facilitate the successful implementation of best practices by engaging and actively involving various stakeholders in the change process. However, for novices, the design of KT interventions can be overwhelming. In this article, we describe our experience as participants in a problem‐based case study on planning a KT intervention and reflect on the use of problem‐based learning (PBL) to develop knowledge and skills relevant to the KT process. Participants were six fellows and two faculty members attending the 2009 Canadian Institutes of Health Research KT Summer Institute. Participants received a case study asking them to develop a KT intervention with the goal of implementing a stroke response protocol for hospital inpatients. The group was given 5 hours spread over 2 days to complete the learning task. As the members of the small group reflected on their experience with the case study, 4 themes emerged: (1) balancing engaging stakeholders with moving forward; (2) exploring the research gaps and role of the Knowledge‐to‐Action Framework; (3) investigating methodological approaches for KT research; and (4) experiencing a supportive training environment. Participation in the problem‐based case study allowed participants to expand their individual understanding of KT, while fostering the learning experiences of other group members. In a supportive learning environment, participants were able to identify influential stakeholders for the stroke response protocol implementation, discuss potential barriers by stakeholder group, and consider effective KT interventions. Future training initiatives focusing on strengthening KT capacity and knowledge should consider using small‐group problem‐based case study to facilitate learning.
Nutrition counseling impacts serum albumin levels.

OBJECTIVE To determine the difference in the rate of change of serum albumin levels between protein-energy malnourished patients who receive intensive dietary counseling and patients who receive a special oral liquid nutritional supplement (Nepro; Ross Products, Division Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH). DESIGN Participants with serum albumin values < or =3.5 g/dL (bromocresol green) or 3.2 g/dL (bromocresol purple) and a Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA) Malnutrition score < or =23.5 were randomized to the supplement group (Nepro) or the nonsupplement group with intensive dietary counseling. PATIENTS Forty-one hemodialysis patients 18 years and older who had been on dialysis for at least 6 months. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly assigned to supplement (26) or nonsupplement (14) groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Albumin levels. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED Analysis of variance and chi2 tests, linear regression. RESULTS After adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics, the rate of change in serum albumin level was significantly greater among patients randomized to dietary counseling alone than among those who received oral supplements. These preliminary results suggest that intensive nutritional counseling may be of greater benefit than nutritional supplements alone in the management of protein-energy malnutrition in patients on hemodialysis. These preliminary findings should be confirmed by a larger full-scale trial.
A study of the electromagnetic environment in the vicinity of high-voltage lines

The analysis presented in this paper is divided into two main parts. The first part concerns the experimental study of the profile of the electric field and magnetic field generated by the high voltage line transmission at ground level (0 m). While the second part is a simulation study of the profile of the electric field and the magnetic field at different levels above the ground, from 0 m to the level close to the line conductors (20 m above the ground) with the module of electrostatic and magneto-static software COMSOL multi-physics.
Household Food Insecurity is Associated With Greater Growth in Body Mass Index Among Female Children from Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal association between household food security status and growth in body mass index (BMI) in a sample of U.S. children from kindergarten through eighth grade. In kindergarten, females in food insecure households had an average BMI that was 1.12% less (95% confidence interval [CI], −1.89, −0.34) than females in food secure households. Between kindergarten and eighth grade, females in food insecure households increased their BMI growth by 2.87% (95% CI, 1.27, 4.49) compared to females in food secure households. This growth resulted in a BMI in eighth grade that was 1.72% higher (95% CI, 0.34, 3.12) among females in food insecure households compared to those in food secure households. No significant differences were found for BMI growth in males based on household food security status. Household food insecurity is significantly associated with BMI growth in female children.
Polyprotein Processing Protease of African Swine Fever Virus: Purification and Biochemical Characterization

ABSTRACT The purified recombinant African swine fever virus polyprotein processing protease cleaves the two GG-X sites in polyprotein pp62 with the same efficiency. Cleavage at the site that is first recognized in vivo is not a requisite for cleavage at the second site, suggesting the existence of mechanisms that control the ordered processing of the polyprotein during infection.
Extended quasi‐likelihood with fractional polynomials in the frame of the accelerated failure time model

The accelerated failure time model is frequently used in survival analysis because of its direct physical interpretation. Semiparametric inference methods have been extensively investigated for this model. However, the accelerated failure time model and the existing inference methods assume homogeneity of the survival data after taking log‐transformation. This assumption is not always appropriate because heterogeneous data are often encountered in practice. In dealing with this heterogeneity, Yu, Yu, and Liu proposed a parametric quasi‐likelihood method by assuming a known variance function, which may not be realistic for real data. In this paper, we extend the parametric quasi‐likelihood method to semiparametric via relaxing its assumption and approximating the unknown variance function by using fractional polynomials approach. Simulations show that this novel extension performs superior to other methods in statistical properties of unbiasedness, efficiency, and correct coverage probability in finite samples. An application to real data set in primary biliary cirrhosis demonstrates the applicability of this new methodology. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How sympatric is speciation in the Howea palms of Lord Howe Island?

The two species of the palm genus Howea (Arecaceae) from Lord Howe Island, a minute volcanic island in the Tasman Sea, are now regarded as one of the most compelling examples of sympatric speciation, although this view is still disputed by some authors. Population genetic and ecological data are necessary to provide a more coherent and comprehensive understanding of this emerging model system. Here, we analyse data on abundance, juvenile recruitment, pollination mode and genetic variation and structure in both species. We find that Howea forsteriana is less abundant than Howea belmoreana. The genetic data based on amplified fragment length polymorphisms markers indicate similar levels of variation in the two species, despite the estimated census population size of H. belmoreana being three times larger than that of H. forsteriana. Genetic structure within species is low although some weak isolation by distance is detectable. Gene flow between species appears to be extremely limited and restricted to early‐generation hybrids – only three admixed individuals, classified as F2s or first generation backcrosses to a parental species, were found among sampled palms. We conclude that speciation in Howea was indeed sympatric, although under certain strict definitions it may be called parapatric.
LTE femtocell system through amplify-and-forward over cable links

The conventional femtocell architecture with Home Node B's (HNBs) backhauled through xDSL connections can be modeled as a multi-user two-hop decode-and-forward (DF) relay network. The coding/decoding policy is separately optimized over both the air and the cable links. Even if this strategy is well know to be the optimal one in the single-user case, in a multi-user environment the maximum benefits arise from users' cooperation. Here we propose to trade the DF scheme for the benefits of centralized multi-cell processing through the adoption of amplify-and-forward (AF) devices in place of the HNBs, resorting to the Wireless over Cable (WoC) architecture for femtocells. WoC is based on the relay of wireless signals over the cable infrastructure through a bidirectional (analog) amplify-and-forward device that translates the bandwidth of the radio signals to comply with the specifications of the wired links (and vice-versa). The resulting multi-user two-hop AF relay network benefits from the co-location of baseband processing and radio resource management that are carried out simultaneously for multiple femtocells in a centralized fashion. This paper compares the two femtocell architectures for LTE protocol when copper twisted pairs are the available wired links. System-specific power constraints over the air and cable interfaces are explicitly enforced through static and optimized power allocation strategies. The centralized processing of WoC architecture is shown to be a promising solution for throughput enhancement in realistic dense-urban femtocell scenarios.
Review article: updates in the pathogenesis and therapy of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is frequently linked to high‐dose chemotherapy/total‐body irradiation in recipients of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, long‐term use of azathioprine after organ transplantation and other chemotherapeutic agents. The incidence of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome varies from 0% to 70%, and is decreasing.
Endovascular Treatment of a “Blister-like” Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery

Backgound: “Blister-like” aneurysms of the supraclinoid internal carotid artery have recently been recognized as having unique pathological and clinical features. Little is known regarding their optimal treatment modality. Methods: We report a case of a “blister-like” aneurysm of the internal carotid artery treated with Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) embolization. Case Report: A 55-year-old man presented with a Hunt & Hess grade II subarachnoid hemorrhage. Computed tomography revealed diffuse subarachnoid blood. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a broad-based bulge on the medial wall of the right distal internal carotid artery. The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent a right pterional craniotomy and wrapping of this unclippable aneurysm. On postoperative day 11, he developed signs of vasospasm, and repeat angiography showed remarkable growth of the aneurysm. The aneurysm was believed to be amenable to endovascular therapy and was treated by GDC embolization. The patient recovered well and remained neurologically intact on follow-up examinations. Repeat cerebral angiography was performed three and nine months following his initial presentation and revealed a significant aneurysm neck remnant. This neck remnant was treated by repeat GDC embolization 13 months following his subarachnoid hemorrhage. Conclusion: “Blister-like” aneurysms of the internal carotid artery are important to recognize and are difficult to manage using traditional surgical approaches. Early repeated cerebral angiography is indicated and, where appropriate, endovascular therapy should be considered in the management of these patients.
Human Capital Versus Income Variations: Are They Linked in OECD Countries?

Abstract Purpose: The theory of endogenous growth suggests a number of relations between income inequality and human capital. However, empirical evidence in this field is scarce. Therefore, in this paper we aim to demonstrate the existence of interdependencies between income inequality and human capital across OECD countries. Methodology: We present findings of the endogenous growth theory on the mechanisms linking inequality with human capital. Subsequently, we attempt to verify these links empirically using the regression function estimated by means of the generalized method of moments (GMM). The empirical analysis is based on panel data from 1995-2010. Findings: The results of the study reveal the existence of a negative relationship between income inequality and health indicators (infant mortality and maternal mortality). However, we did not reach an authoritative conclusion about the relationship between income inequality and quantitative indicators of educational achievement. Research limitations: Research is limited to the sample of OECD countries. Interdependencies between income inequality and human capital could be captured more clearly using a broader sample. Originality: This paper presents one of few studies testing the relation between human capital and income inequality. The use of high-quality empirical data on inequality (SWIID data) and the generalized method of moments made it possible to contribute new arguments to the discussion of empirical analyses of these economic categories.
Strategy of minimum product differentiation under heterogeneity

To analyze how agglomerative demand effect strategy of product differentiation, a two stage Hotelling duopoly game was modeled to study firms optimal strategy of price locations competition with customersselective purchase and heterogeneous distribution. If the demand is sufficient, the result that two firms choose the strategy of minimum product differentiation to maximize their expected profits is induced.
Innovation in Banking Business Models Exploring the Emergent Customer Role in Social Networks

In this paper we present the preliminary results of the study on possible future banking business models in the presence of social networks. We use grounded theory and scenarios in uncertainty to propose them. This paper is the result of a two-year project among academic institutions in Spain and USA, Banco Sabadell the 5th bank in Spain, and IBM (Banking Sector and Research).