Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
3D morphometric analysis of the arterial switch operation using in vivo MRI data

The arterial switch operation (ASO) is widely used nowadays as the surgical strategy of choice to repair transposition of the great arteries (TGA). Residual morphological and geometrical abnormalities of the aorta, pulmonary arteries and coronary arteries, however, have not been fully studied in a three‐dimensional (3D) domain. These morphometric complications might have implications on long‐term outcomes of ASO patients, hence the need to explore them in detail and study them with reference to healthy controls of comparable age and body surface area. These anatomical characteristics were examined using 3D patient‐specific anatomical models reconstructed from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images of 20 ASO patients (mean age 14.4 ± 2.4 years, 16 males and 4 females) compared with healthy controls (mean age 15.2 ± 2.0 years, 17 males and 3 females). It was found that the aorta, pulmonary arteries and re‐implanted coronary arteries of ASO patients were significantly different morphologically and geometrically to those of healthy controls. In particular, the aortic root was dilated, with abnormal 3D angulation and additional acute angulation of the curvature of the aortic arch in the ASO group compared with controls. This could theoretically impinge on aortic flow profiles and physiological stresses, which can act as a primer for the development of early atherosclerotic disease in the ASO population. Clin. Anat. 27:1212–1222, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Range-assignment for broadcasting in mobile ad-hoc networks

Disclaimer This document contains a student thesis (bachelor's or master's), as authored by a student at Eindhoven University of Technology. Student theses are made available in the TU/e repository upon obtaining the required degree. The grade received is not published on the document as presented in the repository. The required complexity or quality of research of student theses may vary by program, and the required minimum study period may vary in duration.
New Applications of Mass Spectrometry in Lipid Analysis*

Mass spectrometry has emerged as a powerful tool for the analysis of all lipids. Lipidomic analysis of biological systems using various approaches is now possible with a quantitative measurement of hundreds of lipid molecular species. Although availability of reference and internal standards lags behind the field, approaches using stable isotope-labeled derivative tagging permit precise determination of specific phospholipids in an experimental series. The use of reactivity of ozone has enabled assessment of double bond positions in fatty acyl groups even when species remain in complex lipid mixtures. Rapid scanning tandem mass spectrometers are capable of quantitative analysis of hundreds of targeted lipids at high sensitivity in a single on-line chromatographic separation. Imaging mass spectrometry of lipids in tissues has opened new insights into the distribution of lipid molecular species with promising application to study pathophysiological events and diseases.
Maturity and Conceptual Dimensions of Supply Chain Management: Establishing a Structural Model

Researches focused on Supply Chain Management â€“ SCM â€“ have increased in relevance since 1990â€™s due to its potential to generate opportunities of adding value to the companies and gaining competitive advantage on todayâ€™s global market. However, there are still lacks in the literature about the dimensions that promote the maturity and success of SCM and a deeper understanding of their relations. Considering that such knowledge can only be fully achieved through a model that aggregates all known dimensions of the SCM maturity, the present paper brings up thought a systematic literature review the proposal of a framework showing the relationship between Supply Chain Management Maturity and Supply Chain Management Concept. The main contribution of this paper is to present a better understanding of SCM maturity dimensions and SCM concept dimensions proposed on the literature and then show its relations. This framework can also support future field researches aiming to better understand the phenomenon of this relationship and provide a deeper view in terms of SCM theory and application.
Realized Matrix Converter PWM Strategy for Hybrid Drive System

Matrix converters have attracted an amount of interest over the past 25 years already, but they find time after time once again new utilisation. The presented paper deals with the recent concept of hybrid and power splitting traction drive systems. Special attention is paid to electric power splitting. In the investigated system a traction induction motor is employed. The matrix converter realised on the base of new progressive semiconductor elements is used to treat the electrically transmitted part of the whole drive energy. This solution is advantageous with regard to the reactive component reduction. The special digital control system consisting of two personal computers is used for the realised test bed. T he matrix converter IGBTs are controlled by means of the designed indirect pulse width modulation method.
On the Topography of Electron Momentum Densities of Linear Molecules

Abstract A topographical study of the electron momentum density (EMD) of some linear molecules is presented with special emphasis on the bond-directionality principle. A new approach to the bond-directionality (BD) principle has been proposed. This is based on the analysis of curvatures of critical points at p = 0 and elsewhere on the bonding axis. The linear molecules are classified into three broad categories: those which fully obey or disobey the BD principle as well as those which satisfy it only partly. The Laplacian of the EMD at p = 0 has been associated with the quality of the wavefunction via the electron density in the tail region. Also, the similarity in the critical structure of both the EMD and the spherically averaged EMD at the origin is brought out.
"GOING THE DISTANCE SO OUR FOOD DOESN'T HAVE TO": CASE STUDIES OF CREATIVE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AT CANADIAN AND UK UNIVERSITIES

This dissertation explores three efforts to develop sustainable local food systems at public universities in Canada and the UK. One is a partnership between the Canadian non-profit, Local Food Plus (LFP), and the University of Toronto (U of T). The other two are partnerships between the UK non-profit, the Soil Association (SA), and two British universities – Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the University of the Arts London (UAL). In all three cases studies, a formal certification program to support the transition to more sustainable local food systems was a central feature. The author of this dissertation was the founder and president of Local Food Plus for almost a decade, and brings a perspective informed by both theory and practice. The theoretical framework is a prominent tool of Sustainability Transition Theory, known as the multi-level perspective (MLP). The MLP is a model for conceptualizing the process of sustainability transitions, using the notions of niche, regime and landscape. By applying the MLP to sustainability transition in the food system, this dissertation suggests a number of ways in which the MLP can be strengthened, modified and refined. The dissertation also makes an empirical contribution to documenting and understanding sustainability transition in institutional food practices through analysis of 67 detailed semi-structured interviews conducted with food sector practitioners. These interviews focus on the operationalization of sustainability transitions. The dissertation argues that sustainability transition in foodservice is inherently disruptive to the existing regime, and requires on-going mobilization. As well, the research indicates that human agency is essential. This dissertation argues that operationalization deserves to be both problematized and theorized.
Trust and Technology in B2B E-Commerce: Practices and Strategies for Assurance

Muneesh Kumar is a Professor, at Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi (India). His responsibilities include teaching banking and information systems related courses to students of Masters in Finance and Control (MFC) programme and supervising research. He has published several articles in international journals and presented papers in several international conferences. He has also authored three books and co-edited three books. He is associated with the several expert committees appointed by Government of India such as expert committee for IT projects of India Post and Market Participation Committee of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Muneesh Kumar (University of Delhi, India) and Mamta Sareen (University of Delhi, India)
Frequency stability measurements of 1.5 μm erbium lasers locked to acetylene absorption lines

We report on the absolute frequency stabilization of Yb-Er:glass lasers against different acetylene absorption lines in the 1.5 /spl mu/m spectral region. An external frequency modulation technique was adopted to independently stabilize two diode-pumped erbium microlasers against the P(15) rovibrational line at 1534.099 nm. A long-term frequency stability below 10/sup -9/ (200 kHz) was measured on both the closed-loop error signal and on the beat note frequency. From the beat signal analysis, a 1 ms laser linewidth of 50 kHz was observed. The Allan standard deviation of the beat frequency was below 10/sup -10/ for integration times between 10 ms and 1 s and as low as 4/spl times/10/sup -11/ around 0.1 s.
Reverse Robin Hood. A Swedish Assessment of the Distress Puzzle

This research adopts some of the most well-known models to predict financial distress to be able to investigate whether firms with higher probability to default and thereby incorporating more risk do provide investors with a higher return in the Swedish market. We create portfolios sorted on the predicted probability of the financial distress and subsequently perform a portfolio analysis to investigate the risk return relationship. Our results show that portfolios consisting of the more financially distressed firms consistently underperform the more stable firms, which results in a financial distress puzzle within the Swedish market.
Religious Involvement and Seroprevalence of Six Infectious Diseases in US Adults

Objective: In the United States, religious practice is inversely associated with several chronic conditions, but no reports show whether it is inversely associated with prevalence of positive serology for infections. Methods: Data on a multiethnic, national sample included 11,507 persons aged 17 years and over with complete data on frequency of attendance at religious services (FARS) and serologic testing for six pathogens. Results: Even after controlling for multiple confounders, persons attending religious services weekly (19.8%) or more (19.6%) were less likely to be seropositive for herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2) than those attending less frequently (23.7%) or never (25.1%, P = 0.001). Analyses revealed the association to be partially accounted for by reduced risky sexual behavior and illegal drug use among frequent attenders. No associations were found with three enteric pathogens. Conclusion: Infection with HSV-2 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) was inversely associated with FARS, independent of multiple confounders.
Feasibility randomised controlled trial of Recovery-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Older Adults with bipolar disorder (RfCBT-OA): study protocol

Introduction Bipolar disorder is a severe and chronic mental health problem that persists into older adulthood. The number of people living with this condition is set to rise as the UK experiences a rapid ageing of its population. To date, there has been very little research or service development with respect to psychological therapies for this group of people. Methods and analysis A parallel two-arm randomised controlled trial comparing a 14-session, 6-month Recovery-focused Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Older Adults with bipolar disorder (RfCBT-OA) plus treatment as usual (TAU) versus TAU alone. Participants will be recruited in the North-West of England via primary and secondary mental health services and through self-referral. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of RfCBT-OA; therefore, a formal power calculation is not appropriate. It has been estimated that randomising 25 participants per group will be sufficient to be able to reliably determine the primary feasibility outcomes (eg, recruitment and retention rates), in line with recommendations for sample sizes for feasibility/pilot trials. Participants in both arms will complete assessments at baseline and then every 3 months, over the 12-month follow-up period. We will gain an estimate of the likely effect size of RfCBT-OA on a range of clinical outcomes and estimate parameters needed to determine the appropriate sample size for a definitive, larger trial to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of RfCBT-OA. Data analysis is discussed further in the Analysis section in the main paper. Ethics and dissemination This protocol was approved by the UK National Health Service (NHS) Ethics Committee process (REC ref: 15/NW/0330). The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, national and international conference presentations and local, participating NHS trusts. Trial registration number ISRCTN13875321; Pre-results.
The CREB/CRE transcriptional pathway: protection against oxidative stress‐mediated neuronal cell death

Formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is a precipitating event in an array of neuropathological conditions. In response to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, transcriptionally dependent mechanisms drive the up‐regulation of ROS scavenging proteins which, in turn, limit the extent of brain damage. Here, we employed a transgenic approach in which cAMP‐response element binding protein (CREB)‐mediated transcription is repressed (via A‐CREB) to examine the contribution of the CREB/cAMP response element pathway to neuroprotection and its potential role in limiting ROS toxicity. Using the pilocarpine‐evoked repetitive seizure model, we detected a marked enhancement of cell death in A‐CREB transgenic mice. Paralleling this, there was a dramatic increase in tyrosine nitration (a marker of reactive species formation) in A‐CREB transgenic mice. In addition, inducible expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α was diminished in A‐CREB transgenic mice, as was activity of complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Finally, the neuroprotective effect of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) against ROS‐mediated cell death was abrogated by disruption of CREB‐mediated transcription. Together, these data both extend our understanding of CREB functionality and provide in vivo validation for a model in which CREB functions as a pivotal upstream integrator of neuroprotective signaling against ROS‐mediated cell death.
DNA excision repair.

In nucleotide excision repair DNA damage is removed through incision of the damaged strand on both sides of the lesion, followed by repair synthesis, which fills the gap using the intact strand as a template, and finally ligation. In prokaryotes the damaged base is removed in a 12-13 nucleotide (nt)-long oligomer; in eukaryotes including humans the damage is excised in a 24-32 nt-long fragment. Excision in Escherichia coli is accomplished by three proteins designated UvrA, UvrB, and UvrC. In humans, by contrast, 16 polypeptides including seven xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) proteins, the trimeric replication protein A [RPA, human single-stranded DNA binding protein (HSSB)], and the multisubunit (7-10) general transcription factor TFIIH are required for the dual incisions. Transcribed strands are specifically targeted for excision repair by a transcription-repair coupling factor both in E. coli and in humans. In humans, excision repair is an important defense mechanism against the two major carcinogens, sunlight and cigarette smoke. Individuals defective in excision repair exhibit a high incidence of cancer while individuals with a defect in coupling transcription to repair suffer from neurological and skeletal abnormalities.
Phase I/II randomized trial of intrahepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin and chemoembolization with cisplatin and polyvinyl sponge in patients with ocular melanoma metastatic to the liver

Ocular melanoma has a unique metastatic predilection for the liver and is refractory to most forms of therapy. The dual blood supply of the liver with differential perfusion of metastatic lesions and normal hepatocytes by the hepatic artery and portal vein, respectively, has led to the evaluation of intrahepatic chemotherapy and chemoembolization in this disease. Despite suggestion of efficacy in phase II trials, this therapy has not been systematically evaluated. We conducted a randomized phase I/II trial evaluating escalating doses of intrahepatic chemotherapy with cisplatin with or without polyvinyl sponge (PVS) in 19 patients with ocular melanoma and liver metastases. The cisplatin dose was initiated at 100 mg/m2 and was increased in 25% increments. Patients were randomized to receive cisplatin alone or cisplatin plus PVS. Seven patients were treated with intrahepatic cisplatin at 100 mg/m2: four with PVS, and three without. The dose was escalated to 125 mg/m2 with or without PVS in the remaining 12 patients. The maximum tolerated dose for intra-hepatic cisplatin was determined to be 125 mg/m2 with or without PVS. The overall response rate was 16%. Dose-limiting toxicities included renal, hepatic and haematological effects. This therapy produces a modest response rate in patients with ocular melanoma and liver metastases.
Improving Fault Injection of Soft Errors Using Program Dependencies

Research has shown that modern micro-architectures are vulnerable to soft errors, i.e., temporary errors caused by voltage spikes produced by cosmic radiation. Soft-error impact is usually evaluated using fault injection, a black-box testing approach similar to mutation testing. In this paper, we complement an existing evaluation of a prototype brake-by-wire controller, developed by Volvo Technology, with static-analysis techniques to improve test effectiveness. The fault-injection tests are both time- and data-intensive, which renders their qualitative and quantitative assessment difficult. We devise a prototype visualization tool, which groups experiments by injection point and provides an overview of both instruction and fault coverage, and the ability to detect patterns and anomalies. We use the program-dependence graph to identify experiments with a priori known outcome, and implement a static analysis to reduce the test volume. The existing pre-injection heuristic is extended with liveness analysis to enable an unbiased fault-to-failure probability.
Effect of Higher Mean Arterial Pressure with Norepinephrine on Tissue Oxygenation and Perfusion in Patients of Septic Shock

The current survival sepsis guideline proposes the use of vasopressors and fluid resuscitation to maintain the mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥ 65 mmHg. Titrating catecholamine infusion to achieve higher MAP has been demonstrated to improve tissue oxygenation, microcirculation, renal function and overall outcome of the patient in some studies and literature on actual hemodynamic goals is scarce. AIM: To study the influence of two MAP on tissue oxygenation and perfusion parameters in patients of septic shock on norepinephrine infusion. SUBJECT AND MATERIALS: Forty adult patients with the diagnosis of septic shock were enrolled. In all patients norepinephrine was titrated to first stabilize the MAP at 65 ± 5 mmHg (Set I), followed by MAP of 85 ± 5 mmHg (Set II). Heart rate (HR), Central venous oxygen saturation (SCVO2), Transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (PtcO2) by TCM 400/TINA (using miniature Clark electrode), Arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2), PtO2/PaO2 ratio, Urine output and Serum Base deficit were recorded in each Set after 2 hrs of stabilization. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen PtcO2 (p tO2/PaO2 (p < 0.0001), ScvO2 (p < 0.0001), urine output (p < 0.006) on increasing the MAP from 65mmHg to 85mmHg. Serum base deficit also improved (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Higher MAP with norepinephrine is associated with better perfusion, oxygenation parameters in patients with established septic shock. These findings suggest that there is improvement in tissue oxygenation parameters using escalating doses of norepinephrine to achieve higher MAP without inherent adverse effect
The Resilience of Governance Networks: Wildlife Health Management in Canada

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . iii TABLE OF CONTENTS . iv LIST OF TABLES . vi LIST OF FIGURES . vii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS . viii CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 The Problem . 4 1.2 The Network . 5 1.2.1. Authority and Reporting Structure . 8 1.3 Methodology . 10 1.3.1 Data Sources . 12 CHAPTER 2: NETWORKS . 14 2.1 The Concept . 14 2.2. Governance networks . 15 2.3 How do governance networks address the failings of traditional governance? 19 2.4 Governance network limitations . 20 2.5 Evaluating governance networks . 22 2.5. 1 Network failure . 23 2.6 Improving network activities . 24 CHAPTER 3: RESILIENCE AND A NETWORK RESILIENCE MODEL . 26 3.1 Resilience as Positive Adjustment . 27 3.2 Governance network resilience . 28 3.2.1 Slack in Resources . 29 3.2.2 Adaptive Capacity . 31 3.2.3 Situation Awareness . 32 CHAPTER 4: THE CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE INTER-AGENCY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE . 34 4.1 The Disease . 34 4.2 The Network in Action . 35 4.3 Network Resilience . 44
Alteration of the Trifoliin A-Binding Capsule of Rhizobium trifolii 0403 by Enzymes Released from Clover Roots

The effect of white clover root exudate on capsules of Rhizobium trifolii 0403 was examined. The clover lectin trifoliin A was detected in root exudate of two clover varieties by indirect immunofluorescence with antibody against this lectin purified from clover seed. Trifoliin A bound uniformly to encapsulated, heat-fixed cells during 1 h of incubation with root exudate. After 4 to 8 h of incubation, trifoliin A was only bound to one pole of the cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the capsule itself was altered. The disorganization of the acidic polymers of the capsule began in the equatorial center of the rod-shaped cell and then progressed toward the poles at unequal rates. Trifoliin A could no longer be detected on heat-fixed cells after 12 h of incubation with root exudate. However, trifoliin A was detected in situ on one pole of cells grown for 4 days in the clover root environment of Fahraeus slide cultures. Inhibition studies with the hapten 2-deoxy-d-glucose showed that trifoliin A in root exudate had a higher affinity for one of the cell poles. Immunoelectrophoresis was used to monitor the alteration of the extracellular polysaccharides from R. trifolii 0403 by concentrated root exudate. These polysaccharides were converted into products which eventually lost their ability to immunoprecipitate with homologous antibody. This progressive loss of antigenic reactivity proceeded more rapidly with root exudate from seedlings grown under nitrogen-free conditions than with root exudate from plants grown with 15 mM KNO3. The root exudate, depleted of trifoliin A by immunoaffinity chromatography, was still able to alter the capsule of R. trifolii 0403. Reconstitution experiments showed that the substance(s) in root exudate which induced this alteration of the capsule was of a high molecular weight, heat labile, trypsin sensitive, and antigenically unrelated to trifoliin A. A variety of glycosidase activities were also detected in the fraction depleted of trifoliin A. These results suggest that enzymes in clover root exudate alter the trifoliin A-binding capsule in a way which would favor polar attachment of R. trifolii to clover root hairs.