Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Trimester-specific changes in maternal thyroid hormone, thyrotropin, and thyroglobulin concentrations during gestation: trends and associations across trimesters in iodine sufficiency.

OBJECTIVES To describe the interrelationships of thyroid functions based on trimester-specific concentrations in healthy, iodine-sufficient pregnant women across trimesters, and postpartum. METHODS Circulating total 3,5,3'- triidothyronine (T(3)) and thyroxine (T(4)) concentrations were determined simultaneously using liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Free thyroxine (FT(4)), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroglobulin (Tg) were measured using immunoassay techniques. Linear mixed effects models and correlations were calculated to determine trends and associations, respectively, in concentrations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Trimester-specific T(3), FT(4), TSH, and Tg concentrations were significantly different between the first and third trimesters (all p < 0.05); second and third trimester values were not significantly different for FT(4), TSH, and Tg (all p > 0.25) although T3 was significantly higher in the third, relative to the second trimester. T(4) was not significantly different at any trimester (all p > 0.80). With two exceptions, analyte concentrations tended not to be correlated at each trimester and at 1-year postpartum. One exception was that T(3) and T(4) tended to be associated (all p < 0.05) at all time points except the third trimester (rho = 0.239, p > 0.05). T(4) and FT(4) concentrations tended to correlate positively during pregnancy (rho 0.361-0.382, all p < 0.05) but not postpartum (rho = 0.179, p > 0.05). Trends suggest that trimester-specific measurements of T(3), FT(4), Tg, and possibly TSH are warranted.
User Satisfaction with Information Technology Service Delivery: A Social Capital Perspective

Existing research has long considered service quality as a primary determinant of user satisfaction with information technology (IT) service delivery. In response to the knowledge-intensive and collaborative nature of IT service delivery in the contemporary business context, we advance the theoretical understanding of user satisfaction by re-conceptualizing IT service delivery as a bilateral, relational process between the IT staff and users. Based on this reconceptualization, we draw on social capital theory to examine the antecedents of user satisfaction with IT service delivery. Specifically, we posit that two major dimensions of social capital, i.e., cognitive capital and relational capital, not only positively affect user satisfaction but also strengthen the established relationship between service quality and user satisfaction. Furthermore, we propose that the effect of the other dimension of social capital---structural capital---on user satisfaction is fully mediated through cognitive capital and relational capital. A field study of 159 users in four financial companies provides general empirical support for our hypotheses. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Educational data science in massive open online courses

The current massive open online course (MOOC) euphoria is revolutionizing online education. Despite its expediency, there is considerable skepticism over various concerns. In order to resolve some of these problems, educational data science (EDS) has been used with success. MOOCs provide a wealth of information about the way in which a large number of learners interact with educational platforms and engage with the courses offered. This extensive amount of data provided by MOOCs concerning students' usage information is a gold mine for EDS. This paper aims to provide the reader with a complete and comprehensive review of the existing literature that helps us understand the application of EDS in MOOCs. The main works in this area are described and grouped by task or issue to be solved, along with the techniques used. WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov 2017, 7:e1187. doi: 10.1002/widm.1187
Experimental observations on the sex ratio of adult Schistosoma mansoni, with comments on the natural male bias

The sex ratio of adult worms has been observed biased towards males in Schistosoma mansoni under natural conditions. The origin of this bias is unknown. This paper determines whether males are more infective than females under controlled experimental bisexual conditions, and hence if the sex ratio is male-biased as a consequence of this. The male and female cercarial infectivities in uni- and bisexual vertebrate host infections using a range of controlled cercarial sex ratios were studied. The results showed that, in experimental unisexual infections, male cercariae were more infective than females, and that in experimental bisexual infections, male cercarial infectivity was similar to that of female, irrespective of cercarial sex ratio. Furthermore, cumulative male and female cercarial infectivity was maximal when sex ratio was equilibrated. The unbiased sex ratios obtained in our experimental bisexual infections are discussed in terms of behavioural and/or biochemical male–female interaction. Alternative explanations of the natural biased sex ratio are proposed.
B Cell Linker Protein (BLNK) Is a Selective Target of Repression by PAX5-PML Protein in the Differentiation Block That Leads to the Development of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia*

PAX5 is a transcription factor that is required for the development and maintenance of B cells. Promyelocytic leukemia (PML) is a tumor suppressor and proapoptotic factor. The fusion gene PAX5-PML has been identified in acute lymphoblastic leukemia with chromosomal translocation t(9;15)(p13;q24). We have reported previously that PAX5-PML dominant-negatively inhibited PAX5 transcriptional activity and impaired PML function by disrupting PML nuclear bodies (NBs). Here we demonstrated the leukemogenicity of PAX5-PML by introducing it into normal mouse pro-B cells. Arrest of differentiation was observed in PAX5-PML-introduced pro-B cells, resulting in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia after a long latency in mice. Among the transactivation targets of PAX5, B cell linker protein (BLNK) was repressed selectively in leukemia cells, and enforced BLNK expression abrogated the differentiation block and survival induced by PAX5-PML, indicating the importance of BLNK repression for the formation of preleukemic state. We also showed that PML NBs were intact in leukemia cells and attributed this to the low expression of PAX5-PML, indicating that the disruption of PML NBs was not required for the PAX5-PML-induced onset of leukemia. These results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of leukemia by PAX5 mutations.
Epstein-Barr virus latent infection membrane protein alters the human B-lymphocyte phenotype: deletion of the amino terminus abolishes activity

A latent infection membrane protein (LMP) encoded by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome in latently infected, growth-transformed lymphocytes alters the phenotype of a human EBV-negative B-lymphoma cell line (Louckes) when introduced by gene transfer. These LMP-expressing cells exhibit increased homotypic adhesion due to increased expression of the adhesion molecules LFA-1 and ICAM-1. Increased homotypic adhesion could foster B-cell growth by facilitating autocrine growth factor effects. LFA-3 expression is also induced. The induction of LFA-3 and ICAM-1 results in increased heterotypic adhesion to T lymphocytes. This could result in more effective T-cell immune surveillance. Since LMP is expressed in EBV-transformed lymphocytes and has been demonstrated to transform rodent fibroblasts in vitro, a wide range of possible effects on B-lymphoma cell growth were assayed. In the Louckes B-lymphoma cell line, EBV LMP causes increased cell size, acid production, plasma membrane ruffling, and villous projections. Although cell proliferation rate was not greatly affected, the steady-state intracellular free calcium level, transforming growth factor beta responsiveness, and expression of the lymphocyte activation markers (CD23 and transferrin receptor) were increased. Thus, LMP appears to be a mediator of EBV effects on B-cell transformation. In transfected lymphoma cells, LMP localizes to patches at the cell periphery and associates with the cytoskeleton as it does in EBV-transformed B lymphocytes or in rodent fibroblasts. A partially deleted form of LMP (D1LMP) does not aggregate in patches or associate with the cytoskeleton and had little effect on B-cell growth. Thus, cytoskeletal association may be integral to LMP activity.
Reconstruction of the Traumatized Leg: Use of Distally Based Free Flaps

Microvascular tree-tissue transfer is often employed to achieve limb salvage in traumatic leg wounds. Previous experience has shown that one cause of flap failure is placement of the microvascular anastomoses within the zone of injury and subsequent thrombosis. This observation has prompted surgeons to perform anastomoses on the proximal uninjured recipient vessels. However, access to the vessels distal to the injury site is often technically easier. An assessment was made of 23 free flaps used for leg reconstruction to evaluate the success of performing microvascular anastomoses distal to the zone of injury. Twenty-one flaps with distal anastomoses were successful (91 percent). Distally based free-flap reconstruction provides an acceptable alternative to the commonly employed proximal approach. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 93: 1021, 1994.)
Serum prostate-specific antigen in a community-based population of healthy Japanese men: lower values than for similarly aged white men.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the age-specific reference ranges for serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration generated for white men are applicable to other races. PATIENTS AND METHODS Three-hundred and thirty-five healthy Japanese men, aged 40-79 years, residing in the small fishing village of Shimamaki-mura, Japan, agreed to enter this prospective, community-based study. All underwent a detailed clinical evaluation that included a serum PSA determination, a digital rectal examination and a transrectal ultrasound. Two-hundred and eighty-six (85%) completed the prostatic evaluation and had no evidence of prostate cancer by any one of the three diagnostic tests; these men formed the study population on which all analyses were performed. RESULTS The serum PSA concentration correlated directly with patient age (r = 0.33; P < 0.001) and prostatic volume (r = 0.57; P < 0.001). PSA density (PSAD) also was directly proportional to age (r = 0.30; P < 0.001). Adjusting for age, the serum PSA concentration was lower for Japanese men than for white men (P < 0.001). Thus, the recommended age-specific reference ranges (95th percentile) for serum PSA for Japanese were lower as well: 0.0-2.0 ng/mL for 40-49 years; 0.0-3.0 ng/mL for 50-59 years; 0.0-4.0 ng/mL for 60-69 years; and 0.0-5.0 ng/mL for 70-79 years. Based on transrectal ultrasound-volume determinations, the lower serum PSA concentrations in Japanese men are due in large part to their smaller prostate glands as compared with white men (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the earlier observations that serum PSA, prostatic volume and PSAD are age-dependent. However, because of physiological differences among the two races, partly due to the size of the prostate gland, the age-specific reference ranges for serum PSA are lower for Japanese men than for white men. Because of these racial differences, it is now crucial to conduct a similar investigation among black men.
Hierarchical watermarking for protection of DSP filter cores

A hierarchical watermarking approach is developed that incorporates an ownership identification directly into the design development process. This approach offers a high degree of tamper resistance and provides easy, noninvasive copy detection. We present two FIR digital filter cores, one watermarked at the algorithm level and the second at the algorithm and architecture levels. A unique ownership signature (watermark) is placed at each level. At the algorithm level, the watermark is embedded in the filter coefficients during the development of the transfer function. At the architecture level, we use circuit transformations to watermark the design. Experimental results show approximately 7% area overhead of the algorithm-level watermarked design over a non-watermarked design. The cost of area for the design watermarked at both the algorithm and architecture levels is less than 40%.
Multi-Group Signature Scheme for Simultaneous Verification by Neighbor Services

We focus on the construction of the digital signature scheme for local broadcast, which allows the devices with limited resources to securely transmit broadcast message. A multi-group authentication scheme that enables a node to authenticate its membership in multi verifiers by the sum of the secret keys has been proposed for limited resources. This paper presents a transformation which converts a multi-group authentication into a multi-group signature scheme. We show that the multi-group signature scheme converted by our transformation is existentially unforgeable against chosen message attacks (EUF-CMA secure) in the random oracle model if the multi-group authentication scheme is secure against impersonation under passive attacks (IMP-PA secure). In the multi-group signature scheme, a sender can sign a message by the secret keys which multiple certification authorities issue and the signature can validate the authenticity and integrity of the message to multiple verifiers. As a specific configuration example, we show the example in which the multi-group signature scheme by converting an error correcting code-based multi-group authentication scheme. key words: internet of things, local broadcast, digital signature, fiatshamir transform, low energy
Characterization of dental pathologies using digital panoramic X-ray images based on texture analysis

Dental caries and the cysts of jaws are frequently occurring pathologies encountered in a dental practice. Imaging of these dental anomalies is done with radiographic examination. Panoramic radiography/ Orthopantomography (OPG) is a common modality to screen patients with an advantage of ease of imaging and reduced exposure to patients. The panoramic images obtained with this equipment are exploited by noise embedded during its acquisition making the detection of this dental caries difficult. Detection and characterization of dental caries and various other maxilla-facial pathologies can be achieved by the application of computer aided image processing algorithms applied on dental panoramic images. This paper presents two distinct image processing algorithms for detection of dental anomalies. The first part of this paper presents a novel approach for detection of dental caries using hybridized negative transformation. The second part of paper presents, statistical texture analysis for the dental images containing cysts along with dental caries. The texture analysis is used when the objects to be segmented based on texture content rather than intensities. The texture of panoramic image is characterized by Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). The texture features obtained from the GLCM are energy, entropy, homogeneity, contrast and correlation. These texture features can be used to find texture boundaries to obtain segmentation about the region of cysts. Results obtained by both the methods were satisfactory correlating with the diagnosis made by the maxillofacial radiologists.
Effects of Hyperbaric Exposure with High Oxygen Concentration on the Physical Activity of Developing Rats

The effects of hyperbaric exposure with high oxygen concentration on the physical activity of developing male rats were investigated. Five-week-old male rats were exposed to an atmospheric pressure of 1.25 with an oxygen concentration of 36.0% for 12 h (7.00–19.00 h) and exercised voluntarily for 12 h (19.00–7.00 h) daily for 8 weeks. The voluntary running activities were compared with those in age-matched rats without hyperbaric exposure. In addition, the properties of the soleus and plantaris muscle fibers and their spinal motoneurons were examined. The voluntary running activities of rats with or without hyperbaric exposure increased during development. However, the mean voluntary running activities were higher in rats with hyperbaric exposure (7,104 m/day) than in those without hyperbaric exposure (4,932 m/day). The oxidative capacities of the soleus and plantaris muscle fibers and their spinal motoneurons increased following hyperbaric exposure. It is suggested that adaptations of neuromuscular units to hyperbaric exposure with high oxygen concentration enhance the metabolism, and thus, the function of neuromuscular units is promoted.
Shaping professionalism in pre-clinical medical students: Professionalism and the practice of medicine

Background: Increasing emphasis is placed on teaching and assessment of professionalism in the continuum of medical education. Consistent and longitudinal instruction and assessment are crucial factors that learners need in order to internalize the tenets of professionalism. Aim: We aimed to develop a novel longitudinal course in professionalism spanning the first 2 years in a medical curriculum. Methods: This is a description of the process undertaken over the past 7 years to develop and implement a professionalism curriculum. We used the conceptual framework of constructivism, principles of adult learning, experiential learning and reflective practice to integrate learning with experience. We included student input in session development. Faculty mentors serve as role models to guide, assist and counsel students. Assessment of learners is accomplished using self, peer and mentor evaluation, and a student portfolio. Program evaluation is by course and faculty evaluation. Results: Students are given a final grade of pass or fail, together with a brief narrative. Course evaluations were positive. A survey questionnaire showed that more than 60% of the students reported gaining skills related to course goals. Conclusions: A longitudinal curriculum for the pre-clinical years was successfully launched. Plans are under way to expand this into the clinical years.
Relationship of the American Heart Association's Impact Goals (Life's Simple 7) With Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease: Results From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Cohort Study

Background As part of its 2020 Impact Goals, the American Heart Association developed the Life's Simple 7 metric for cardiovascular health promotion. The relationship between the Life's Simple 7 metric and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown. Methods and Results We estimated the association between Life's Simple 7 and incident CKD in 14 832 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study participants. Ideal levels of Life's Simple 7 health factors were the following: nonsmoker or quit >1 year ago; body mass index <25 kg/m2; ≥150 minutes/week of physical activity; healthy dietary pattern (high in fruits and vegetables, fish, and fiber‐rich whole grains; low in sodium and sugar‐sweetened beverages); total cholesterol <200 mg/dL; blood pressure <120/80 mm Hg; and fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL. At baseline, mean age was 54 years, 55% were women, and 26% were African American. There were 2743 incident CKD cases over a median follow‐up of 22 years. Smoking, body mass index, physical activity, blood pressure, and blood glucose were associated with CKD risk (all P<0.01), but diet and blood cholesterol were not. CKD risk was inversely related to the number of ideal health factors (P‐trend<0.001). A model containing the Life's Simple 7 health factors was more predictive of CKD risk than the base model including only age, sex, race, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (Life's Simple 7 health factors area under the ROC curve: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.72, 0.74 versus base model area under the ROC curve: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.69; P<0.001). Conclusions The AHA's Life's Simple 7 metric, developed to measure and promote cardiovascular health, predicts a lower risk of CKD.
A hardware Trojan embedded in the Inverse Widlar reference generator

Architectural vulnerabilities in basic analog circuits that can be exploited to embed analog hardware Trojans are identified. Challenges of detecting the presence of analog hardware Trojans are discussed. An example is presented of a simple widely used reference generator that incorporates an embedded analog hardware Trojan that requires no extra circuit components, no area overhead, and that leaves no signature in the power bus. An implementation of this reference generator in a 0. 13μm CMOS process with a 1.2V voltage supply is described along with simulation results.
Cooperative Uplink of Two Mobile Stations with Network Coding Based on the WiMax LDPC Code

We consider the uplink of two mobile stations with the help of one common relay. Recently, joint network-channel coding based on LDPC codes was proposed for this setup where the channel codes at the mobile stations and the network code at the relay form one distributed LDPC code. This approach allows to gain diversity with a higher rate compared to a relay system without network coding. We propose a practical joint network-channel code that follows the structure of the WiMax IEEE 802.16e LDPC code, and that benefits from efficient linear time encoding and reduced storage requirements. We show how to use a modified high girth code at the relay that allows to gain diversity. Further, we compare two decoding methods of the distributed code at the destination. Simulation results for an example with noisy block fading channels against reference systems demonstrate the advantage of the proposed design.
A method for the automatic indexing of colour images for effective image retrieval

Abstract The authors propose a new colour-based indexing method for image databases. This method, integrating different approaches for describing colour information, can be more satisfactory than standard techniques in fields such as textiles, ceramics, and paintings, when the user would like to retrieve from the database those images that actually resemble the query image selected in their colour distribution characteristics. Experimental trials on a database of complex antique textile images are reported and compared with human perceptual judgments, using an innovative procedure for estimating retrieval effectiveness.
On the Consensus of Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Systems: a Decoupling Approach

This article deals with consensus algorithms for heterogeneous multi-agent systems (MAS). A control strategy based on a consensus algorithm which is decoupled from the original systems is proposed. Consequently, its major advantage remains in the separation of the stability analysis of each subsystem and the distributed control algorithm. Through the paper, it is shown that our method allows using classical distributed consensus algorithms such as simple integrator consensus (with or without delay) and distributed consensus filter algorithms. Finally, some simulations supporting our theoretical results are presented, where the efficiency of the method is tested for completely arbitrary models.