Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Retinal vessel diameters and incident open-angle glaucoma and optic disc changes: the Rotterdam study.

PURPOSE It remains unclear whether reduced retinal blood flow and smaller arterioles, reported to exist in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), are a cause or a consequence of ganglion cell loss. We examined whether baseline retinal vessel diameters were related to incident (i)OAG or incident optic disc changes in a population-based sample. METHODS In the prospective population-based Rotterdam Study, baseline diameters of retinal arterioles and venules (1990-1993) were measured in digitized images of 3469 persons (aged 55 years and older) at risk for OAG. The follow-up examinations took place from 1997 to 1999. iOAG was based on the presence of incident glaucomatous visual field loss and/or incident glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Changes in neuroretinal rim, cup area, or vertical cup-to-disc ratio were calculated with a semiautomated image analyzer in 2782 persons. RESULTS After a mean follow-up time of 6.5 years, 74 participants had iOAG. At baseline, the mean arteriolar diameter was 147.5 +/- 14.2 microm (SD) and the venular, 222.9 +/- 20.0 microm. Neither arteriolar diameters (odds ratio [OR] per SD decrease: 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-1.03) nor venular ones (OR per SD increase: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.95-1.53) were significantly related to iOAG. Baseline retinal vessel diameters did not predict changes in the optic disc. Additional adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors did not alter these results. CONCLUSIONS The data show that baseline retinal vessel diameters did not influence the risk of iOAG or incident optic disc changes. These data provide no evidence for a retinal vascular role in the pathogenesis of OAG.
Design and performance of a compact and stationary microSPECT system.

PURPOSE Over the last ten years, there has been an extensive growth in the development of microSPECT imagers. Most of the systems are based on the combination of conventional, relatively large gamma cameras with poor intrinsic spatial resolution and multipinhole collimators working in large magnification mode. Spatial resolutions range from 0.58 to 0.76 mm while peak sensitivities vary from 0.06% to 0.4%. While pushing the limits of performance is of major importance, the authors believe that there is a need for smaller and less complex systems that bring along a reduced cost. While low footprint and low-cost systems can make microSPECT available to more researchers, the ease of operation and calibration and low maintenance cost are additional factors that can facilitate the use of microSPECT in molecular imaging. In this paper, the authors simulate the performance of a microSPECT imager that combines high space-bandwidth detectors and pinholes with truncated projection, resulting in a small and stationary system. METHODS A system optimization algorithm is used to determine the optimal SPECT systems, given our high resolutions detectors and a fixed field-of-view. These optimal system geometries are then used to simulate a Defrise disk phantom and a hot rod phantom. Finally, a MOBY mouse phantom, with realistic concentrations of Tc99m-tetrofosmin is simulated. RESULTS Results show that the authors can successfully reconstruct a Defrise disk phantom of 24 mm in diameter without any rotating system components or translation of the object. Reconstructed spatial resolution is approximately 800 μm while the peak sensitivity is 0.23%. Finally, the simulation of the MOBY mouse phantom shows that the authors can accurately reconstruct mouse images. CONCLUSIONS These results show that pinholes with truncated projections can be used in small magnification or minification mode to obtain a compact and stationary microSPECT system. The authors showed that they can reach state-of-the-art system performance and can successfully reconstruct images with realistic noise levels in a preclinical context. Such a system can be useful for dynamic SPECT imaging.
A Novel Molecule Integrating Therapeutic and Diagnostic Activities Reveals Multiple Aspects of Stem Cell‐based Therapy

Stem cells are promising therapeutic delivery vehicles; however pre‐clinical and clinical applications of stem cell‐based therapy would benefit significantly from the ability to simultaneously determine therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of therapies delivered by engineered stem cells. In this study, we engineered and screened numerous fusion variants that contained therapeutic (TRAIL) and diagnostic (luciferase) domains designed to allow simultaneous investigation of multiple events in stem cell‐based therapy in vivo. When various stem cell lines were engineered with the optimized molecule, SRLOL2TR, diagnostic imaging showed marked differences in the levels and duration of secretion between stem cell lines, while the therapeutic activity of the molecule showed the different secretion levels translated to significant variability in tumor cell killing. In vivo, simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring revealed that stem cell‐based delivery significantly improved pharmacokinetics and anti‐tumor effectiveness of the therapy compared to intravenous or intratumoral delivery. As treatment for highly malignant brain tumor xenografts, tracking SRLOL2TR showed stable stem cell‐mediated delivery significantly regressed peripheral and intracranial tumors. Together, the integrated diagnostic and therapeutic properties of SRLOL2TR answer critical questions necessary for successful utilization of stem cells as novel therapeutic vehicles. STEM CELLS:2010;28:832–841
Critical Issues and Political Alienation in Denmark

Indicators of political alienation – distrust in politicians and dissatisfaction with democracy – in the Danish electorate are associated with specific issue positions, economic grievances, and voting for parties with little influence on government policies. Of critical importance are issues in which cosmopolitan values in the political elite confront various kinds of nationalist or isolationist values in the mass public. Thus, during the 1970s and 1980s, distrust and dissatisfaction with democracy were concentrated among NATO and EU opponents on the left. From 1990 on, the emergent issues of refugees and immigration have generated a new basis of alienation on the right, especially after the change from Conservative to Social Democratic government leadership in 1993. Policy distance from the government on EU and on immigration policies constitutes the two major components of political alienation in the 1990s.
PENETRATION OF STAIN IN ULTRATHIN SECTIONS OF TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS.

Purified preparations of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and pieces of tomato leaves infected with TMV were embedded in methacrylate or epoxy resin, sectioned, and stained with 1.0% strontium permanganate for electron microscopy. In sections containing purified and intracellular virus, the apparent length of stained particles varied directly with section thickness, indicating stain penetration beyond the surface of the section. Penetration was demonstrated also by stereoscopy. Penetration was less complete when sections were allowed to dry before staining. In most instances the number of identifiable particles per unit area was independent of section thickness but increased when both surfaces of the sections were stained instead of only one surface. Staining was prevented by thin films of methacrylate or epoxy resin placed between the virus section and staining solution. Most results supported the view that electron scattering capacity was enhanced only in particles which intersected the surface of the section.
Complementarity effect of governance mechanisms on environmental collaboration: does it exist?

This study evaluates the effect of pre-existing relational governance mechanisms on environmental collaboration. Specifically, our study distinguishes between structural and process dimensions of relational governance mechanisms so as to facilitate a more nuanced investigation into the inherent complementarities and performance implications. Using data collected from 145 US firms and a combination of methodologies – three-stage least squares and structural equation modelling, a number of direct, complementary and mediation effects are hypothesised and tested. The three-stage least squares methodology was adopted to overcome endogeneity and simultaneity issues inherent in the hypotheses covering complementarity. Contrary to conventional wisdom, structural and process governance mechanisms were not found to act as complements for environmental collaboration. Instead, the effect of structural mechanisms was found to be completely mediated by the process mechanisms. Thus, process mechanisms of relational governance were found to be much more important in promoting advanced practices such as environmental collaboration. Our results also document the significant mediating role of environmental collaboration. Implications for future research and practice are offered.
Terms-of-Trade Shocks and Exchange Rate Regimes in a Small Open Economy

We examine the impact of terms-of-trade shocks on key macroeconomic variables by numerically solving a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model of a small open economy. The model considers nominal price rigidity under different exchange rate regimes. The numerical solutions obtained are consistent with the empirical regularities documented by Broda (2004), in which output responses to shocks are smoother in floats than in pegs; in moving from pegs to floats, the rise in nominal exchange rate volatility is coupled by the rise in real exchange rate volatility; and in both exchange rate regimes, net foreign assets is the most volatile variable.
An integrated battery charger for EVs based on an asymmetrical six-phase machine

The paper considers a novel battery charger topology for electrical vehicles (EVs) that utilises an asymmetrical six-phase propulsion machine. A six-phase inverter and the machine are fully integrated into the charging process. The proposed integrated battery charger has the advantages of unity power factor operation and zero average torque production in the machine during the charging mode. The operating principles are based on the additional degrees of freedom that exist in multiphase machines and it is shown that asymmetrical six-phase machines can be conveniently utilised to achieve charging through the machine's stator winding while developing zero electromagnetic torque. Detailed theoretical analysis is reported for the asymmetrical six-phase charging system. A mathematical model of the six-phase voltage source rectifier (VSR) is given, control in the charging mode is discussed, and the theoretical considerations are validated by simulations.
Herd immunity and fatal cases of influenza among the population exposed to poultry and wild birds in Russian Asia in 2013–2014

In total 1,525 blood serum samples were collected in October, 2013 in Russian Asia from people who reside in territories that are at high risk for emergence of influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Presence of antibodies to influenza viruses in the sera was tested in hemagglutination inhibition test. None of the samples produced positive results with the antigens A/H5 and A/H7. Twelve strains of influenza A(H1N1pdm09) virus were isolated from people who died presumably from influenza during 2013–2014 epidemic season. All strains were similar to vaccine strain A/California/07/09 according to their antigenic properties and sensitivity to anti‐neuraminidase drugs (oseltamivir and zanamivir). Genetic analysis revealed that all strains belong to group 6, subgroup 6B of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus. Substitutions in HA1: S164F add E235K as well as E47G, A86V, K331R, N386K, N397K in NA, and K131E, N29S in NS1, and N29S, R34Q in NEP separate investigated strains into two groups: 1st group—A/Chita/1114/2014, A/Chita/1115/2014, A/Chita/853/2014, A/Barnaul/269/2014 and 2nd group—A/Chita/655/2014, A/Chita/656/2014, A/Chita/709/2014, A/Chita/873/2014. Mutation D222G in HA1, which is often associated with high morbidity of the illness, was present in strain A/Novosibirsk/114/2014. Substitution N386K in NA removes a potential N‐glycosylation site in neuraminidases of A/Chita/1114/2014, A/Chita/1115/2014, A/Chita/853/2014, A/Barnaul/269/2014, A/Novosibirsk/114/2014, and A/Blagoveshensk/252/2014. J. Med. Virol. 88:35–44, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Android Social App Forensics Adversary Model

Android forensics is one of the most studied topics in the mobile forensics literature, partly due to the popularity of Android devices and apps. However, there does not appear to have a formal model that captures the activities undertaken during a forensic investigation. In this paper, we adapt a widely used adversary model from the cryptographic literature to formally capture a forensic investigator's capabilities during the collection and analysis of evidentiary materials from mobile devices. We demonstrate the utility of the model using five popular Android social apps (Twitter, POF Dating, Snapchat, Fling and Pinterest). We recover various information of forensic interest, such as databases, user account information, sent-received images, profile pictures, contact lists, unviewed text messages. We are also able to determine when a notification was sent, a tweet was posted, as well as identifying the Facebook authentication token string used in the apps.
Melanin granules of retinal pigment epithelium are connected with the lysosomal degradation pathway.

Melanosomes are closely related to lysosomes and lipofuscin granules. This paper indicates the potential involvement of lysosomal degradation processes in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. RPE cells cultured on Bruch's membrane and choroid were fed with indigestible latex beads. The RPE cells from this preparation were treated with chloroquine to investigate whether membrane swelling, typical for lysosomes under this condition, can be induced in melanosomes. To investigate the fate of indigestible material associated with rod outer segments (ROS), gold-labeled ROS were injected transsclerally into the subretinal space of Long Evans rats using a 32 gauge Hamilton syringe. The degradation of labeled ROS was observed after 5 and 12 days by electron microscopy. The following results were observed. Latex particles fuse with the melanin granules of the RPE. Following chloroquine treatment, the membranes of melanin granules fused, and formed large clusters and vacuoles. Gold granules were detected inside both early stage melanosomes and mature melanin granules of the RPE cells 5 and 12 days following subretinal injection of the labeled ROS. Higher numbers of gold granules were predominantly found in immature melanosomes containing still melanofilaments and in small fused mature melanin granules. In conclusion the effect of chloroquine clearly demonstrates that the melanosomes possess active proton pumps which is typical for lysosomes. In RPE cells stressed by overload with rod outer segments or by ingestion of undegradable material (latex beads, gold particles), fusion of these phagosomes with melanosomes of different maturity is more a general rule than an exception. Therefore, melanosomes are connected to lysosomal pathways in RPE cells.
Bangladesh Primary Education and Stipend Project : a descriptive analysis

The Primary Education Stipend Project (PESP) aims to increase the educational participation-enrollment, attendance, persistence, and performance--of primary school-aged children from poor families throughout Bangladesh by providing cash payments to targeted households. Initiated by the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) in July 2002, the Primary Education Stipend Project began its first official year of operation in January 2003, with the goal of supporting more than 5 million pupils. This report primarily provides descriptive and anecdotal information about the PESP, as well as raises some issues that will require further investigation and analysis once the program has experienced an annual cycle and data become available. Data for this report were collected mainly through a series of interviews with the national PESP director and headquarters staff and review of existing documentation. The analysis also draws on several studies that have assessed similar programs or examined related issues as references. Additional perspective was gained through discussion with various Dhaka-based actors in the education sector in Bangladesh. The report is organized into five sections. Following this Introduction, Background and Context provides a brief description of the status of primary schooling in Bangladesh and precursor programs. Overview and Current Status of PESP describes the PESP and summarizes its progress so far. PESP Component Discussion and Analysis examines key components of the PESP, provides more descriptive information, presents issues of concern, and makes some preliminary recommendations. The Conclusions section reviews the preliminary findings and summarizes concerns.
An NCNU-shape planar antenna for multiband applications

NCNU is the abbreviation of our university, National Chi Nan University. This paper proposes a planar antenna with an NCNU shape. The proposed antenna is fed by a 50 ohms microstrip with width 3 mm, a unique and meaningful shape patch, and an asymmetrical ground plane. The antenna is investigated by both simulation and measurement. The bandwidth and resonant frequency of the proposed antenna are mainly affected by an NCNU-shaped radiating patch and a rectangular ground plane. Simulation results show that the antenna exhibits three main resonances around 2.45 GHz, 3.5 GHz, and 5.6 GHz covering several present wireless communication systems, i. e. 3.55 GHz (3.3 GHz–3.7 GHz) of world interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), and 2.45 GHz (2.4 GHz–2.484 GHz) and 5.2 GHz/5.8 GHz (5.185 GHz–5.35GHz/5.725 GHz–5.875 GHz) of wireless local area network (WLAN). Details of the antenna design are described, and results of some prototypes are presented and discussed.
Design and Evaluation of a Computer Reminder System to Improve Prescribing Behaviour of GPs

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the implementation of a decision support system with reactive computer reminders to improve drug prescribing behaviour. METHODS A clustered RCT with an incomplete block design was carried out in the south of the Netherlands: 25 GPs received reminders on antibiotics and asthma/COPD prescriptions, 28 GPs received reminders on cholesterol prescriptions. Prescribing guidelines were integrated into the GP information system, which was installed in the GPs practices of the intervention group. When the computer program was in use, a reminder popped up if the GP deviated from the guidelines during prescribing. PRIMARY OUTCOME prescription according to the guidelines as a percentage of total prescriptions of a specific drug. Furthermore, an evaluation on the user-friendliness of the CRS in the GP's practice was carried out through questionnaires and interviews. RESULTS Presently analyses are being carried out. Preliminary results indicate that the CRS study supported our expectations. In general, there seems to be a reduction in the numbers of prescriptions according to the advices of the computerised guidelines not to prescribe certain drugs. Final analysis will be performed shortly. In general, the Computer Reminder System was perceived as stable and user friendly. CONCLUSION We created a stable and user friendly Computer Reminder System which was adjusted to the needs and demands of GPs. Preliminary results regarding the effectiveness of the system seem to indicate that the implementation of a Computer Reminder System with reactive reminders improves drug prescribing behaviour.
Activation of Cellular Arf GTPases by Poliovirus Protein 3CD Correlates with Virus Replication

ABSTRACT We have previously shown that synthesis of poliovirus protein 3CD in uninfected HeLa cell extracts induces an increased association with membranes of the cellular Arf GTPases, which are key players in cellular membrane traffic. Arfs cycle between an inactive, cytoplasmic, GDP-bound form and an active, membrane-associated, GTP-bound form. 3CD promotes binding of Arf to membranes by initiating recruitment to membranes of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), BIG1 and BIG2. GEFs activate Arf by replacing GDP with GTP. In poliovirus-infected cells, there is a dramatic redistribution of cellular Arf pools that coincides with the reorganization of membranes used to form viral RNA replication complexes. Here we demonstrate that Arf translocation in vitro can be induced by purified recombinant 3CD protein; thus, concurrent translation of viral RNA is not required. Coexpression of 3C and 3D proteins was not sufficient to target Arf to membranes. 3CD expressed in HeLa cells was retained after treatment of the cells with digitonin, indicating that it may interact with a membrane-bound host factor. A F441S mutant of 3CD was shown previously to have lost Arf translocation activity and was also defective in attracting the corresponding GEFs to membranes. A series of other mutations were introduced at 3CD residue F441. Mutations that retained Arf translocation activity of 3CD also supported efficient growth of virus, regardless of their effects on 3D polymerase elongation activity. Those that abrogated Arf activation by 3CD generated quasi-infectious RNAs that produced some plaques from which revertants that always restored the Arf activation property of 3CD were rescued.
Narratives on managerial mobilisation of Non-financial Performance Information in a financial institution

Compared with research that at least to a degree attempts to gauge the realism of strategic performance measures by statistical correlation, this study focuses on the strategizing effects of managers when mobilising performance measures. When performance measures are mobilised they are understood as management objects each of which may be evaluated with a view to increase or decrease through intervention. As the study of NSW Bank shows when considered management objects performance measures are causal in several directions. In NSW Bank strategizing existed in Extended Performance Accounts, in Strategy Documents and in Back Office. Different versions of strategizing were mediated differently because the Service Profit Chain did not copy the world but only mediated aspects of it. When in action strategizing via strategic performance measures displaced strategic objectives so that they had to adapt to other more strategies because strategic objects did not behave as the performance measurement system assumed.
Detecting attacks to internal vehicle networks through Hamming distance

Analysis of in-vehicle networks is an open research area that gained relevance after recent reports of cyber attacks against connected vehicles. After those attacks gained international media attention, many security researchers started to propose different algorithms that are capable to model the normal behaviour of the CAN bus to detect the injection of malicious messages. However, despite the automotive area has different constraint than classical IT security, many security research have been conducted by applying sophisticated algorithm used in IT anomaly detection, thus proposing solutions that are not applicable on current Electronic Control Units (ECUs). This paper proposes a novel intrusion detection algorithm that aims to identify malicious CAN messages injected by attackers in the CAN bus of modern vehicles. Moreover, the proposed algorithm has been designed and implemented with the very strict constraint of low-end ECUs, having low computational complexity and small memory footprints. The proposed algorithm identifies anomalies in the sequence of the payloads of different classes of IDs by computing the Hamming distance between consecutive payloads. Its detection performance are evaluated through experiments carried out using real CAN traffic gathered from an unmodified licensed vehicle.