Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Volatilities and Correlations for Chinese Stock Markets

In this paper, GARCH, EGARCH and GJR models are used to fit the volatilities of stock returns for two markets in China, namely, the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) in both the developing and the developed stages. We also compare the performance of the volatilities and the leverage effects both across and within the two markets. Furthermore, we use VAR model to detect the correlation between the targeted markets based on impulse response and variance decomposition analyses. The experimental results indicate that the markets are less volatile and positively skewed in the developing phase while these are more volatile and negatively skewed in the developed phase. Another finding is that one standard-deviation innovation impulses die out after 7 days in the targeted markets and the impact of the SSE on the SZSE is stronger than that of the SZSE on the SSE.
Structural plumage colour and parasites in satin bowerbirds Ptilonorhynchus violaceus: implications for sexual selection

We investigated whether variation in structural plumage coloration in satin bowerbirds, Ptilonorhynchus violaceus, could reveal the intensity of infection from parasites, as predicted from models of parasite-mediated sexual selection (PMSS). To do this, we captured adult male, female, and juvenile male satin bowerbirds in Queensland, Australia, and objectively measured individual plumage reflectance from four body regions using a spectrometer. We quantified both ectoparasite load and the intensity of infection from blood parasites. In iridescent blue adult males, plumage reflectance is unimodal, with a single peak in the ultraviolet, while in greenish females and juveniles, plumage reflectance is bimodal, with peaks in both the ultraviolet and green portions of the spectrum. In adult males, the intensity of infection from blood parasites was best predicted by plumage brightness (total reflectance), with brighter males having fewer parasites. Similarly, juvenile males exhibiting greater UV chroma (proportion of reflectance in the UV) had fewer blood parasites. Our findings support a key prediction of PMSS models and provide the first evidence that a structural colour ornament can signal the intensity of infection from blood parasites.
Quantification of the Impact of Partition Coefficient Prediction Methods on Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model Output Using a Standardized Tissue Composition

Tissue:plasma partition coefficients are key parameters in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models, yet the coefficients are challenging to measure in vivo. Several mechanistic-based equations have been developed to predict partition coefficients using tissue composition information and the compound’s physicochemical properties, but it is not clear which, if any, of the methods is most appropriate under given circumstances. Complicating the evaluation, each prediction method was developed, and is typically employed, using a different set of tissue composition information, thereby making a controlled comparison impossible. This study proposed a standardized tissue composition for humans that can be used as a common input for each of the five frequently used prediction methods. These methods were implemented in R and were used to predict partition coefficients for 11 drugs, classified as strong bases, weak bases, acids, neutrals, and zwitterions. PBPK models developed in R (mrgsolve) for each drug and each set of partition coefficient predictions were compared with respective observed plasma concentration data. Percent root mean square error and half-life percent error were used to evaluate the accuracy of the PBPK model predictions using each partition coefficient method as summarized by strong bases, weak bases, acids, neutrals, and zwitterions characterization. The analysis indicated that no partition coefficient method consistently yielded the most accurate PBPK model predictions. As such, PBPK model predictions using all partition coefficient methods should be considered during drug development. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Several mechanistic-based methods exist to predict tissue:plasma partition coefficients critical to PBPK modeling. Controlled comparisons are confounded by the use of different tissue composition values for each method; a standardized tissue composition was proposed. Resulting assessments indicated that no method was consistently superior; therefore, sensitivity of PBPK predictions to each method may be warranted prior to model optimization.
An unexpected visitor and a sword play: a randomized controlled trial of collective narrative therapy groups for primary carers of people with schizophrenia

Abstract Background Most family carer support programs focus on supporting carers with caregiving-related knowledge and skills to help their family members who suffer from schizophrenia in their recovery process while carers’ inner resources and preferred identities are less emphasized in the existing studies. Aims The present study uses collective narrative therapy groups (CNTG) to promote the inner strengths and agency of family carers and help them to explore their preferred identities while caring for family members with schizophrenia. Method To ensure an evidence-based intervention, 89 Chinese family carers of people with schizophrenia took part in this three-wave longitudinal program evaluation study using a randomized controlled trial design. Results Compared with the control group, family carers in CNTG reported better family relationships, a lesser caregiving burden, and more perceived inner resources. Repeated one-way ANOVA revealed that CNTG improved family relationships, the caregiving burden, the level of hope and inner resources in the posttest, and a statistically significantly better mental health condition in the follow-up. Conclusion This study shows that collective narrative psychotherapy is effective in supporting family carers of people with schizophrenia in Hong Kong. Based on the research findings, we discuss the strengths of the program and its implications for practitioners.
Rev Gaúcha Enferm

Objective: To verify if structural aspects, previous use of digital technologies, and ways of studying by classroom attendance students interfere with motivation in the use of these technologies in online courses. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out with 713 university students, from May to September 2015, with the use of an evaluation scale for motivational factors regarding the integration of information and communication technologies in education. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the data was carried out. Results: Desire to attend online courses interfered with four of the five scale factors. Having a space for studying and the way students reported learning better interfered with intrinsic motivation (p=0.006 and p=0.017, respectively). Conclusion: Predisposition to attend online courses, having an appropriate space to study, and reconciling studies with the use of other websites were positive elements for motivation of students in online courses.
Genetic Diversity in Four Populations of Nguni (Zulu) Sheep Assessed by Microsatellite Analysis

Zulu sheep are found mainly in the rural KwaZulu-Natal province and the numbers are declining due to indiscriminate inbreeding. There is thus a need for phenotypic and genetic characterisation as a first phase for planning conservation strategies. Zulu sheep populations sampled were from Makhathini research station (MS) (n=33), University of Zululand (UZ) (n=21), a community at KwaMthethwa (KM) (n=32) and from Msinga (EM) (n=33). One European breed Appenninica (AP) was used as out group. Microsatellite analysis using 29 microsatellite loci was used in this study. Among the Zulu sheep, the mean number of alleles per locus was the lowest (3.86) in UZ and the highest (6.24) was realised in EM. The mean values of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.57 and 0.61, respectively. Neighbour-joining tree showed two main Zulu sheep clusters: the UZ, KM and MS sheep populations clustered together and the second cluster included only representatives from the EM population. The STRUCTURE analysis showed that KM, AP and EM were founded in separate clusters, whereas UZ and MS clustered together. The study demonstrated that there was a common origin of the population from the research stations (MS and UZ populations). It also demonstrated that the EM had a different history for the other three populations. This work suggests that exchange of rams could be useful in reducing inbreeding when considering conservation breeding programmes.
Recognition of Spanish Vowels through Imagined Speech by using Spectral Analysis and SVM

Recent works have been studied the possibility of develop a communication system based on EEG signals as a tool for information transmission in people with disabilities. In this work the results of acquiring and analyzing EEG signals related to the communication process in the human being are presented, all this with the aim to identify two vowels of the Spanish language by using imagined speech. In ﬁrst place, the acquisition of EEG signals through BCI devices was performed, the next step was the treatment of the signals with DSP techniques such as ﬁltering, and the Blackman-Tukey transform, also a dimensionality reduction method known as Symbolic Aggregate Approximation was used for training the Support Vector Machines. The developed algorithm is able to classify and recognize the signals from the thinking of two vowels with an accuracy of 85.29% using six of the fourteen BCI’s sensors that measure the Brodmann areas related with the language process
Sociodemographic Representativeness in a Nationwide Web-Based Survey of the View of Men on Involvement in Health Care Decision-Making: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

Background Being able to generalize research findings to a broader population outside of the study sample is an important goal in surveys on the internet. We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional, web-based survey with vignettes illustrating different levels of patient involvement to investigate men’s preferences regarding participation in health care decision-making. Following randomization into vignette variants, we distributed the survey among men aged 45 to 70 years through the state-authorized digital mailbox provided by the Danish authorities for secure communication with citizens. Objective This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic representativeness of our sample of men obtained in a nationwide web-based survey using the digital mailbox. Methods Response rate estimates were established, and comparisons were made between responders and nonresponders in terms of age profiles (eg, average age) and municipality-level information on sociodemographic characteristics. Results Among 22,288 men invited during two waves, a total of 6756 (30.31%) participants responded to the survey. In adjusted analyses, responders’ characteristics mostly resembled those of nonresponders. Response rates, however, were significantly higher in older men (odds ratio [OR] 2.83 for responses among those aged 65-70 years compared with those aged 45-49 years, 95% CI 2.58-3.11; P<.001) and in rural areas (OR 1.10 compared with urban areas, 95% CI 1.03-1.18; P=.005). Furthermore, response rates appeared lower in areas with a higher tax base (OR 0.89 in the highest tertile, 95% CI 0.81-0.98; P=.02). Conclusions Overall, the general population of men aged 45 to 70 years was represented very well by the responders to our web-based survey. However, the imbalances identified highlight the importance of supplementing survey findings with studies of the representativeness of other characteristics of the sample like trait and preference features, so that proper statistical corrections can be made in upcoming analyses of survey responses whenever needed.
Response of Home-Use Adaptive Pressure Modes to Simulated Transient Hypoventilation

BACKGROUND: Adaptive servoventilation (ASV) is a recently developed ventilation mode designed to stabilize ventilation in patients with central sleep apnea and Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Alternatively, modes aiming to maintain average ventilation over several breaths, such as average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) and intelligent volume-assured pressure support (iVAPS), could be efficient during ventilation instability by reducing central events. These modes are available on a variety of devices. This bench evaluation studied the response of these different modes and devices to simulated transient hypoventilation events. METHODS: Three home ventilation devices operating in ASV modes (AirCurve S10 VAuto, ResMed; DreamStation autoSV, Philips; Prisma CR, Löwenstein) and 2 ventilators with the AVAPS mode (DreamStation BiPAP, Philips; Lumis iVAPS, ResMed) were evaluated during transient central hypopnea/hypoventilation simulations characterized by a constant breathing frequency of 15 breaths/min and a progressive decrease of tidal volume (VT) from 500 mL to 50 mL, in 18, 12, 9, and 6 breaths, respectively, followed by a progressive return to the baseline at the same rate. RESULTS: The AirCurve S10 VAuto reacted to a VT decrease between 80% and 50% of baseline VT. DreamStation BiPAP and Prisma CR reacted when VT decreased to between 60% and 30% of baseline VT, whereas the AVAPS response to hypopnea occurred during the crescendo phase of hypopnea/hypoventilation VT. The iVAPS response was between that of the AirCurve S10 VAuto and the other ASV devices. Among the ASV devices, the minimum VT was higher with AirCurve S10 VAuto, followed by the Prisma CR and the DreamStation BiPAP. Minimum VT was not influenced by AVAPS and was improved by iVAPS without outperforming the AirCurve S10 VAuto. Maximum VT was increased by iVAPS, whereas ASV devices did not induce a significant VT overshoot. CONCLUSIONS: ASV devices improved central hypopnea/hypoventilation events without inducing hyperpnea events and therefore were better adapted than AVAPS and iVAPS devices, with notable differences in their responses to hypoventilation events.
Fibril Formation by Triblock Copolymers of Silklike β-Sheet Polypeptides and Poly(ethylene glycol)

A series of ABA triblock copolymers consisting of a central β-sheet polypeptide block and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) end blocks were constructed in order to investigate the effect of PEG chain length on assembly behavior. The polypeptide block, consisting of tandem repeats of -(AG)3EG- (A = alanine, G = glycine, and E = glutamic acid), was prepared by E. coli expression and subsequently conjugated via two flanking cysteine residues to maleimide-functionalized PEGs of various chain length. Infrared spectroscopy showed that no major effect of PEG chain length on polypeptide folding occurred. With atomic force microscopy a fibrillar microstructure was observed for all conjugates, with fibrillar heights of ∼2 nm. Only at the highest molecular weight of PEG (5000 g/mol) could an influence on assembly be noticed by the appearance of shorter fibers when compared to the hybrid block copolymers containing the lower molecular weight PEG chains. It can be concluded that this class of peptide-based materials is well.
A modified negative pressure wound therapy for the treatment of refractory wounds

Abstract Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is an important therapy for the management of refractory wounds. The aim of this retrospective preliminary study was to introduce a modified NPWT (m-NPWT) and compared the efficacy of it with conventional NPWT (c-NPWT) in the management of refractory wounds. A total of 127 patients with refractory wounds receiving the NPWT from January 2010 to October 2017 in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The demographics and clinical data were collected from medical records and compared between m-NPWT group and c-NPWT group. There were 65 patients in c-NPWT group and 62 patients in m-NPWT group. No significant difference was observed between 2 groups in antimicrobial use (P = .51), hospitalization time (P = .24), wound-healing rate (P = .44) or complication rate (P = .59). However, patients in m-NPWT group had shorter wound-healing time (24.82 vs 27.66 days, P < .01), less debridement times (1.23 vs 2.08, P < .01), less total cost (3743.93 vs 6344.33 yuan, P < .01) and higher satisfaction rate (56/62 vs 44/65, P = .02) compared to those in c-NPWT group. The m-NPWT technique was an efficient and safe alternative therapy for refractory wounds.
Bone homing of mesenchymal stem cells by ectopic α4 integrin expression

The pluripotent nature of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) widens their potential for tissue regeneration and as vehicles for cell therapy in molecular medicine. Although the MSC are relatively easier to obtain and propagate in culture, a major impediment remains in their engraftment to target tissues on autologous transfer. We report here that transient, ectopic expression of α4 integrin (CD49d) on MSC greatly increases bone homing in an immunocompetent mouse model. Heterodimerization of the α4 integrin with endogenous β1 integrin (CD29) was confirmed to influence this targeting. In addition to retaining their stem cell property, the engrafted MSC were also found to form osteoblasts and osteocytes in the growth plate of recipient mouse limb bones (femur/tibia) in vivo. These findings provide evidence for a novel strategy to achieve bone homing of genetically engineered MSC, which may broadly benefit in targeted therapies for osteopenic bone defects and cancer bone metastasis. — Kumar, S. , Ponnazhagan, S. Bone homing of mesenchymal stem cells by ectopic α4 integrin expression. FASEB J. 21, 3917–3927 (2007)
In Situ Raman Characterization of SOFC Materials in Operational Conditions: A Doped Ceria Study

The particular operational conditions of electrochemical cells make the simultaneous characterization of both structural and transport properties challenging. The rapidity and flexibility of the acquisition of Raman spectra places this technique as a good candidate to measure operating properties and changes. Raman spectroscopy has been applied to well-known lanthanide ceria materials and the structural dependence on the dopant has been extracted. The evolution of Pr-doped ceria with temperature has been recorded by means of a commercial cell showing a clear increment in oxygen vacancies concentration. To elucidate the changes undergone by the electrolyte or membrane material in cell operation, the detailed construction of a homemade Raman cell is reported. The cell can be electrified, sealed and different gases can be fed into the cell chambers, so that the material behavior in the reaction surface and species evolved can be tracked. The results show that the Raman technique is a feasible and rather simple experimental option for operating characterization of solid-state electrochemical cell materials, although the treatment of the extracted data is not straightforward.
Obtaining PET/CT images from non-attenuation corrected PET images in a single PET system using Wasserstein generative adversarial networks

Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging plays an indispensable role in early disease detection and postoperative patient staging diagnosis. However, PET imaging requires not only additional computed tomography (CT) imaging to provide detailed anatomical information but also attenuation correction (AC) maps calculated from CT images for precise PET quantification, which inevitably demands that patients undergo additional doses of ionizing radiation. To reduce the radiation dose and simultaneously obtain high-quality PET/CT images, in this work, we present an alternative based on deep learning that can estimate synthetic attenuation corrected PET (sAC PET) and synthetic CT (sCT) images from non-attenuation corrected PET (NAC PET) scans for whole-body PET/CT imaging. Our model consists of two stages: the first stage removes noise and artefacts in the NAC PET images to generate sAC PET images, and the second stage synthesizes CT images from the sAC PET images obtained in the first stage. Both stages employ the same deep Wasserstein generative adversarial network and identical loss functions, which encourage the proposed model to generate more realistic and satisfying output images. To evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, we conducted a comprehensive study on a total of 45 sets of paired PET/CT images of clinical patients. The final experimental results demonstrated that both the generated sAC PET and sCT images showed great similarity to true AC PET and true CT images based on both qualitative and quantitative analyses. These results also indicate that in the future, our proposed algorithm has tremendous potential for reducing the need for additional anatomic imaging in hybrid PET/CT systems or the need for lengthy MR sequence acquisition in hybrid PET/MRI systems.
The transition to flowering in tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a very important commercial crop and also a useful model to study the transition to flowering in a sympodial perennial plant. Here we try and summarize past and recent progress in understanding the environmental cues that affect the initial transition to flowering in this species and the genes that are involved in this transition and additional transitions occurring on the sympodial shoot. Environmental cues discussed are daylength, light intensity and growth temperature. In the last eight years much progress has been made in identifying the genes and in analyzing genetic interactions of the different mutations. Most of the genes isolated so far seem to play similar roles in Arabidopsis flowering. For example, mutations in the tomato SINGLE FLOWER TRUSS gene cause late flowering and this gene was recently shown to encode a protein similar to that encoded by the Arabidopsis FT gene. FT-like proteins seem to act as major flower promoters in diverse species. We also discuss issues in tomato flowering that we believe still require further research.
Necroptotic‐susceptible dendritic cells exhibit enhanced antitumor activities in mice

Priming of tumor‐specific T cells is a key to antitumor immune response and inflammation, in turn, is crucial for proper T‐cell activation. As antigen‐presenting cells can activate T cells, dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with tumor antigens have been used as immunotherapeutics against certain cancer in humans but their efficacy is modest. Necroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that results in the release of inflammatory contents. We previously generated mice with DC deficiency in a negative regulator of necroptosis, Fas‐associated death domain (FADD), and found that these mice suffer from systemic inflammation due to necroptotic DCs. We hypothesize that FADD‐deficient DCs could serve as a better vaccine than wild‐type (WT) DCs against tumors.