Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Correctional Model of Population Development Equation

The problem of population development has always been the key problem of restricting the development of our country. In order to increase the prediction accuracy, we analyze the exponential model, logistic model and continuous model. Also, the improved discrete population development model is provided to control the quantity and improve the quality of population.
Pharmacokinetic Studies of 68Ga-Labeled Bombesin (68Ga-BZH3) and F-18 FDG PET in Patients With Recurrent Gliomas and Comparison to Grading: Preliminary Results

Purpose: Dynamic PET studies with a 68Ga-Bombesin analog, the 68Ga-BZH3, were performed in patients with highly suspected recurrent gliomas to investigate the effect of the receptor scintigraphy on tumor grading. Furthermore, dynamic F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) studies were performed for comparison. Methods: The study consisted of 15 patients with histologically confirmed recurrent gliomas. Dynamic PET scans using 68Ga-BZH3 and FDG were obtained on 2 different days within 1 week. Multivariate analysis was used for the evaluation of the kinetic data. Standardized uptake values were calculated and a compartment (2-tissue) as well as a noncompartment model was used for data evaluation of both tracers. Results: The evaluation includes 6 patients with a WHO II, 6 patients with a WHO III, and 3 patients with a WHO IV recurrent gliomas. Of the 15 patients, 10 patients demonstrated an increased 68Ga-BZH3 uptake visually, 3 of them with a WHO II, 4 with a WHO III, and 3 with a WHO IV tumor. Of the 15 patients, 6 patients revealed an enhanced FDG metabolism visually, 3 of them with a WHO II, and 3 with a WHO III. None of the 3 patients with WHO IV tumor demonstrated an enhanced FDG-uptake. Discriminant analysis based on a combination of FDG influx and binding potential of 68Ga-BZH3 best discriminated between low- and high-grade gliomas with a correct classification rate of 100%. Conclusions: 68Ga-BZH3 seems to be helpful in patients with recurrent gliomas for the differentiation between low- and high-grade gliomas. Overall, the quantitative evaluation was superior to the visual analysis and the parameters of the 68Ga-BZH3 kinetics were more helpful than those of FDG for the differentiation between low- and high-grade gliomas.
Regional variations in normal brain shown by quantitative magnetization transfer imaging

A quantitative magnetization transfer imaging (qMTI) study, based on a two‐pool model of magnetization transfer, was performed on seven normal subjects to determine, on a regional basis, normal values for the pool sizes, exchange, and relaxation parameters that characterize the MT phenomenon. Regions were identified on high‐resolution anatomical scans using a combination of manual and automatic methods. Only voxels identified as pure tissue at the resolution of the quantitative scans were considered for analysis. While no left/right differences were observed, significant differences were found among white‐matter regions and gray‐matter regions. These regional differences were compared with existing cytoarchitectural data. In addition, the pattern and magnitude of the regional differences observed in white matter was found to be different from that reported previously for an alternative putative MRI measure of myelination, the 10–50‐ms T2 component described as myelin water. Magn Reson Med 51:299–303, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The NanI and NanJ Sialidases of Clostridium perfringens Are Not Essential for Virulence

ABSTRACT The essential toxin in Clostridium perfringens-mediated gas gangrene or clostridial myonecrosis is alpha-toxin, although other toxins and extracellular enzymes may also be involved. In many bacterial pathogens extracellular sialidases are important virulence factors, and it has been suggested that sialidases may play a role in gas gangrene. C. perfringens strains have combinations of three different sialidase genes, two of which, nanI and nanJ, encode secreted sialidases. The nanI and nanJ genes were insertionally inactivated by homologous recombination in derivatives of sequenced strain 13 and were shown to encode two functional secreted sialidases, NanI and NanJ. Analysis of these derivatives showed that NanI was the major sialidase in this organism. Mutation of nanI resulted in loss of most of the secreted sialidase activity, and the residual activity was eliminated by subsequent mutation of the nanJ gene. Only a slight reduction in the total sialidase activity was observed in a nanJ mutant. Cytotoxicity assays using the B16 melanoma cell line showed that supernatants containing NanI or overexpressing NanJ enhanced alpha-toxin-mediated cytotoxicity. Finally, the ability of nanI, nanJ, and nanIJ mutants to cause disease was assessed in a mouse myonecrosis model. No attenuation of virulence was observed for any of these strains, providing evidence that neither the NanI sialidase nor the NanJ sialidase is essential for virulence.
Reactive collision avoidance using B-spline representation: Application for mobile robot navigation

Obstacle detection, representation and avoidance are crucial tasks for indoor and outdoor mobile robot navigation. A suitable representation of obstacles can improve the performance of obstacle avoidance. The objective of this paper is to develop a smooth representation of obstacles sensed by 2-D laser range finder in real time in unknown environments. The proposed method relies on line fitting methods while introduces a criterion to extract convex chain of an obstacle boundary. A cubic B-spline curve is then used to approximate the convexity of the obstacle boundary. We apply the proposed method to build a reactive collision avoidance task. The proposed method is validated with both simulation and experimental results of a mobile robot navigation task.
Activation of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channels by nitric oxide.

BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a mediator of "second-window" ischemic preconditioning, and mitochondrial ATP-dependent K(+) (mitoK(ATP)) channels are the likely effectors. The links between NO and mitoK(ATP) channels are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We measured mitochondrial redox potential as an index of mitoK(ATP) channel opening in rabbit ventricular myocytes. The NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP, 0.1 to 1 mmol/L) oxidized the mitochondrial matrix dose-dependently without activating sarcolemmal K(ATP) channels. SNAP-induced oxidation was blocked by the selective mitoK(ATP) channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate and by the NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4', 5,5'-tetramethylimidazole-1-oxyl-3-oxide. SNAP-induced mitochondrial oxidation was detectable either by photomultiplier tube recordings of flavoprotein fluorescence or by confocal imaging. SNAP also enhanced the oxidative effects of diazoxide when both agents were applied together. Exposure to 1 mmol/L 8Br-cGMP failed to mimic the effects of SNAP. CONCLUSIONS NO directly activates mitoK(ATP) channels and potentiates the ability of diazoxide to open these channels. These results provide novel mechanistic links between NO-induced cardioprotection and mitoK(ATP) channels.
Effects of Higher EITC Payments on Children’s Health, Quality of Home Environment, and Noncognitive Skills

In 1993, the benefit levels of the earned income tax credit (EITC) were changed significantly based on the number of children in the household. Exploiting this policy change and employing a difference-in-differences plus mother fixed effects framework, we find significantly improved home environment quality for children of unmarried mothers, regardless of their race/ethnicity, and lowered probabilities of having accidents and improved mother-rated health for children of married white mothers. Children of unmarried black and Hispanic mothers also had better mother-rated health. Our results provide new evidence of positive spillover effects of the 1993 EITC expansion and therefore have important policy implications.
A specific adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (DDA) and a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor (H-89) block the action of equine growth hormone on in vitro maturation of equine oocytes

Summary The objectives of this study were firstly to determine whether the stimulatory function of equine growth hormone (eGH) on equine oocyte maturation in vitro is mediated via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP); and secondly if the addition of eGH in vitro influences oocyte nuclear maturation and if this effect is removed when GH inhibitors are added to the culture. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were recovered from follicles <25 mm in diameter and randomly allocated as follows: (i) control (no additives); and (ii) 400 ng/ml of eGH. A specific inhibitor against cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (H-89; 10−9, 10−11 or 10−15 M concentration) and a specific adenylate cyclase inhibitor, 2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine (DDA; 10−8, 10−10 or 10−14 M concentration) were used to observe whether they could block the eGH effect. After 30 h of in vitro maturation at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 in air, oocytes were stained with 10 μg/ml of Hoechst to evaluate nuclear status. More mature oocytes (P < 0.05) were detected when COCs were incubated with eGH (29 of 84; 34.5%) than in the control group (18 of 82; 21.9%). The H-89 inhibitor used at a concentration of 10−9 M (4 of 29; 13.8%) decreased (P < 0.05) the number of oocytes reaching nuclear maturation when compared with eGH (11 of 29; 38%). The DDA inhibitor at a concentration of 10−8 M (2 of 27; 7.4%) also reduced (P < 0.05) the number of oocytes reaching maturity when compared with the eGH group (9 of 30; 30%). Results from the present study show that H-89 and DDA can be used in vitro to block the eGH effect on equine oocyte maturation.
In vivo characterization of structural changes after topical application of glucocorticoids in healthy human skin

Abstract. Topical glucocorticoids (GC) are known to induce changes in human skin with the potential to develop skin atrophy. Here, atrophogenic effects and subsequent structural changes in the skin after topical application of GC were investigated in vivo. Sixteen healthy volunteers were topically treated daily on the forearms with clobetasol propionate, betamethasone dipropionate, and the petrolatum vehicle for 4 weeks. All treated skin areas and a nontreated control area were examined by ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, confocal laser scanning microscopy, multiphoton tomography (MPT), and resonance Raman spectroscopy at baseline 1 day after last application and 1 week after last application. Investigated parameters included stratum corneum thickness, epidermal, and full skin thickness, keratinocyte size and density, keratinocyte nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio, skin surface classification, relative collagen and elastin signal intensity, second-harmonic generation-to-autofluorescence aging index of dermis (SAAID), and the antioxidant status of the skin. A reduction in epidermal and dermal skin thickness was observed in GC treated as well as in vehicle-treated and untreated skin areas on the volar forearm. MPT analysis showed an increased epidermal cell density and reduced cell size and nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and a significant increase of SAAID after GC treatment indicating a restructuring or compression of collagen fibers clinically being observed as atrophic changes.
For Debate: Consensus Injury Definitions in Team Sports Should Focus on Missed Playing Time

Objective: To compare the most commonly used and proposed injury definitions for surveillance systems in team sports and attempt to assess their suitability for consensus definitions in terms of reliability and functionality. Data Sources: The PubMed and SportDiscus databases were searched for papers on team sports that discussed consensus definitions or compared various definitions of injury. Data Synthesis: A continuum between the most broad “tissue damage” definition and the most narrow “match time loss only” definition was developed. Results: A “match time loss only” injury definition can be reliably and accurately applied but only captures a small percentage of the total pool of all “tissue damage” injuries. There are some inherent biases in using a match time loss only definition (late season matches, matches with unequal breaks between games), but these are clearly visible. All other definitions improve the volume of data captured but suffer serious theoretical and/or practical flaws with respect to accuracy and reliability. No study using a broad definition has demonstrated good reliability to date (eg, using 2 independent recorders at the same team). Conclusion: A “match time loss only” injury definition is the most accurate and reliable of those commonly used in team sports. Other injury definitions are broader and may be more appropriate for individual team and specific injury studies. However, a match time loss definition is the most accurate and reliable tool for comparing injury rates at different teams and between different seasons within teams. Hence, we recommend this as the basis for the injury definition in a consensus statement.
The Strongest Correlates of PTSD for Firefighters: Number, Recency, Frequency, or Perceived Threat of Traumatic Events?

Firefighters experience a wide range of traumatic events while on duty and are at risk to develop psychopathology and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to cognitive models, the person's interpretation of the traumatic event is responsible for the development of PTSD rather than the traumatic event itself. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the contribution of perceived threat to explain PTSD symptoms in Portuguese firefighters, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. A sample of 397 firefighters completed self-report measures of exposure to traumatic events, psychopathology, and PTSD. Perceived threat explained unique variance in PTSD symptoms, R(2) = . 40, ΔR(2) = . 02, F(10, 367) = 24.55, p < . 001, Cohen's f(2) =. 03, after adjusting for psychopathology, number, recency, and frequency of the events, and other potential confounding variables. The association between psychopathology and PTSD was also moderated by perceived threat, R(2) = . 43, ΔR(2) = . 03, F(11, 366) = 25.33, p < . 001, Cohen's f(2) =. 05. Firefighters may benefit from interventions that focus on perceived threat to prevent PTSD symptoms.
Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Responses to an ERP Implementation: A Dual Perspective of Technology Acceptance and Organisational Change

Past studies have drawn on the technology acceptance literature in an attempt to predict users’ behavioural intentions to use a new ERP system. However, few researchers have considered the connections between technology acceptance and organisational change research; and very little ERP research has focused on explanations of user readiness, openness to change and resistance intentions from an organizational change perspective. This paper proposes a model that integrates the perspectives of the organisational change and technology acceptance literatures to define the cognitive, affective, individual and workplace related factors that underpin various behavioural intentions of users during an ERP implementation. The effects of the change management process on cognitions, affects and behavioural intentions are also explored. The context for the study is a South African university undergoing an ERP re-implementation.
Identification and distribution of COPD phenotypes in clinical practice according to Spanish COPD Guidelines: the FENEPOC study

Background The Spanish Guidelines for COPD (GesEPOC) describe four clinical phenotypes: non-exacerbator (NE), asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACO), frequent exacerbator with emphysema (EE), and exacerbator with chronic bronchitis (ECB). The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of COPD phenotypes, their clinical characteristics, and the availability of diagnostic tools to classify COPD phenotypes in clinical practice. Materials and methods This study was an epidemiological, cross-sectional, and multi-centered study. Patients ≥40 years old with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity ratio of <0.7 and who were smokers or former smokers (with at least 10 pack-years) were included. The availability of diagnostic tools to classify COPD phenotypes was assessed by an ad hoc questionnaire. Results A total of 647 patients (294 primary care [PC], 353 pulmonology centers) were included. Most patients were male (80.8%), with a mean age (SD) of 68.2 (9.2) years, mean post-bronchodilator FEV1 was 53.2% (18.9%) and they suffered a mean of 2.2 (2.1) exacerbations in the last year. NE was the most frequent phenotype (47.5%) found, followed by ECB (29.1%), EE (17.0%), and ACO (6.5%). Significant differences between the four phenotypes were found regarding age; sex; body mass index; FEV1; body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity (BODE)/body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea and exacerbations (BODEx) index; modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale; respiratory symptoms; comorbidi-ties; hospitalizations; and exacerbations in the last year. Physicians considered that >80% of the diagnostic tools needed to classify COPD phenotypes were available, with the exception of computed tomography (26.9%) and carbon monoxide transfer test (13.5%) in PC, and sputum eosinophilia count in PC and pulmonology centers (40.4% and 49.4%, respectively). Conclusion In Spanish clinical practice, almost half of the patients with COPD presented with NE phenotype. The prevalence of ACO according to the Spanish consensus definition was very low. In general, physicians indicated that they had the necessary tools for diagnosing COPD phenotypes.
Operation action recognition using wearable devices with inertial sensors

The recognition of the operations are important for the factories management. In the paper, we propose an operation action recognition method based on two wearable devices containing inertial sensors. A mobile solution that leverages wristbands to capture the motions of operations is comfortable for workers. We first design the features based on the physical parameters of operation actions. To systematically preprocess the data, the features which consist of spectral entropy, the sum of acceleration, angular rate and angle are extracted. Support Vector Machine is used to recognize the operations. Four different operation actions of different persons are implemented in the experiments. The results indicate that the proposed method can recognition operation actions with high accuracy.
Meeting the software engineering challenges of adaptive mobile applications

A critical factor for the commercial success of mobile and task-specific devices is the fast turnaround time of software development. However, developing software for mobile devices is especially hard since applications need to be aware of and adapt to changing resources such as bandwidth and battery. In this paper we validate that the idea of stub generation can successfully address the complexity introduced by resource adaptation. Our approach is based on factoring generic resource-adaptation mechanisms out of the applications and into operating system extensions. Rather than having to deal with system-specific details, an application writer provides a high-level description of the adaptation needs for each application. The generation of code stubs bridges such high-level descriptions to the adaptation mechanisms specific to each platform. We validated this approach against three representative applications: a video streaming application, a natural language translator and an augmented reality application. In all three cases, the effort for the application writer was reduced by orders of magnitude. The cost of writing the operating system extensions and the stub generator is amortized over the many applications that can share the generic resource-adaptation mechanisms.
Two-photon mapping of neural circuits.

INTRODUCTION For the study of neural circuits, it would be ideal to be able to discern in a living preparation the interconnections among neurons. Working toward that aim, we have developed a method, using two-photon uncaging of glutamate in brain slices, by which we can detect neurons that are presynaptic to any particular cell. The method, described here, has single-cell resolution and can be applied systematically and quickly to test entire populations of neurons, making it possible to perform online functional analysis of connectivity.
Integrated optical components utilizing long-range surface plasmon polaritons

New optical waveguide technology for integrated optics, based on propagation of long-range surface plasmon polaritons (LR-SPPs) along metal stripes embedded in dielectric, is presented. Guiding and routing of electromagnetic radiation along nanometer-thin and micrometer-wide gold stripes embedded in polymer via excitation of LR-SPPs is investigated in the wavelength range of 1250-1650 nm. LR-SPP guiding properties, such as the propagation loss and mode-field diameter, are investigated for different stripe widths and thicknesses. A propagation loss of /spl sim/6 dB/cm, a coupling loss of /spl sim/0.5 dB (per facet), and a bend loss of /spl sim/5 dB for a bend radius of 15 mm are evaluated for 15-nm-thick and 8-/spl mu/m-wide stripes at the wavelength of 1550 nm. LR-SPP-based 3-dB power Y-splitters, multimode interference waveguides, and directional couplers are demonstrated and investigated. At 1570 nm, coupling lengths of 1.9 and 0.8 mm are found for directional couplers with, respectively, 4- and 0-/spl mu/m-separated waveguides formed by 15-nm-thick and 8-/spl mu/m-wide gold stripes. LR-SPP-based waveguides and waveguide components are modeled using the effective-refractive-index method, and good agreement with experimental results is obtained.
CLUES: A web-based land use expert system for the Western Cape

In this research, a web-based spatial decision support system (SDSS) was developed to demonstrate how the Internet can be used to deliver low-cost, user-friendly and interactive land use decision support to a wide audience. Although the resulting Cape Land Use Expert System (CLUES) was specifically developed to perform land suitability analysis in the Western Cape, the technology can also be applied to other regions and modified for other applications. CLUES consists of five components: a land unit database (LUD), knowledge base, inference engine, web map service (WMS) and graphical user interface (GUI). The LUD consists of polygons (land units) and attributes (land properties), while the knowledge base stores each user's land use requirement rules. These rules are used by the inference engine to rate the suitability of each land unit in the LUD. The result is then mapped by the WMS and presented to the users as suitability maps. Users can direct the entire analysis through a user-friendly GUI. The development and demonstration of CLUES exposed several advantages and limitations of current web technology and has demonstrated that the Internet offers great opportunities for the deployment of land use suitability information to a wide audience.