Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Life–Bombing–Injury–Life: A qualitative follow-up study of Oklahoma City bombing survivors with TBI

Primary objective: To learn about and come to an understanding of the recovery process and outcomes experienced by the survivors of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) along with other injuries in the blast. Research design: A phenomenological study was conducted using in-person interviews, document and video-tape review, internet communication and researcher journals as the primary data set. Methods and procedures: A total of 20 of the 46 bombing survivors with TBI (44%) agreed to be a part of the study. The data collection process focused on stories about service needs, services accessed and long-term outcomes of the participants. Main outcome and results: The researchers’ data analysis yielded four themes (Trauma-Healing-Support; What TBI? ; How I went back to work and life; Now I really need assistance! ) that represented the content and meanings of the interviews and supplemental data. Conclusions: A common thread running through the interviews of survivors with TBI was their portrayal of life-long medical, emotional, vocational and residential needs since the bombing. What they experienced in the months—extending into years—after the bombing was beyond their own anticipation and that of their families and healthcare professionals.
The Relation Between Capillary Transit Times and Hemoglobin Saturation Heterogeneity. Part 1: Theoretical Models

Capillary dysfunction impairs oxygen supply to parenchymal cells and often occurs in Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and aging. Disturbed capillary flow patterns have been shown to limit the efficacy of oxygen extraction and can be quantified using capillary transit time heterogeneity (CTH). However, the transit time of red blood cells (RBCs) through the microvasculature is not a direct measure of their capacity for oxygen delivery. Here we examine the relation between CTH and capillary outflow saturation heterogeneity (COSH), which is the heterogeneity of blood oxygen content at the venous end of capillaries. Models for the evolution of hemoglobin saturation heterogeneity (HSH) in capillary networks were developed and validated using a computational model with moving RBCs. Two representative situations were selected: a Krogh cylinder geometry with heterogeneous hemoglobin saturation (HS) at the inflow, and a parallel array of four capillaries. The heterogeneity of HS after converging capillary bifurcations was found to exponentially decrease with a time scale of 0.15–0.21 s due to diffusive interaction between RBCs. Similarly, the HS difference between parallel capillaries also drops exponentially with a time scale of 0.12–0.19 s. These decay times are substantially smaller than measured RBC transit times and only weakly depend on the distance between microvessels. This work shows that diffusive interaction strongly reduces COSH on a small spatial scale. Therefore, we conclude that CTH influences COSH yet does not determine it. The second part of this study will focus on simulations in microvascular networks from the rodent cerebral cortex. Actual estimates of COSH and CTH will then be given.
Public Policy and the Economic Wellbeing of Elderly Immigrants

In this paper we document the economic outcomes of elderly immigrants to Canada. Our objective is to describe the extent to which elderly immigrants may have low income (are â€œin povertyâ€ ) and their interactions with the Canadian income transfer system. The study has two main parts. First, using a combination of administrative and survey data, we describe the age dimensions of immigration to Canada since 1980, and the evolution of policies directed towards older immigrants (i.e., immigration selection, and eligibility for age-related social security programs). Second, using the SCF and SLID surveys spanning 1981 through 2006, we document the composition and levels of income for immigrants to Canada. We estimate the degree to which older immigrants support themselves, either through working, or living with relatives, as well as the degree that they rely on various income transfer programs, especially OAS, GIS, and Social Assistance (SA). We also summarize their overall living standards, and the extent to which they live in poverty (have â€œlow incomes.â€ ) Throughout the paper, we also explore the family dimensions to the outcomes of older immigrants: distinguishing between individual and family sources of income, as well as outlining differences in the living arrangements (family structure) of older immigrants, and the implications for measures of their well-being
The free‐radical damage theory: Accumulating evidence against a simple link of oxidative stress to ageing and lifespan

Recent work on a small European cave salamander (Proteus anguinus) has revealed that it has exceptional longevity, yet it appears to have unexceptional defences against oxidative damage. This paper comes at the end of a string of other studies that are calling into question the free‐radical damage theory of ageing. This theory rose to prominence in the 1990s as the dominant theory for why we age and die. Despite substantial correlative evidence to support it, studies in the last five years have raised doubts over its importance. In particular, these include studies of mice with the major antioxidant genes knocked out (both singly and in combination), which show the expected elevation in oxidative damage but no impact on lifespan. Combined, these findings raise fundamental questions over whether the free‐radical damage theory remains useful for understanding the ageing process, and variation in lifespan and life histories.
Human TCR-Binding Affinity is Governed by MHC Class Restriction1

T cell recognition is initiated by the binding of TCRs to peptide-MHCs (pMHCs), the interaction being characterized by weak affinity and fast kinetics. Previously, only 16 natural TCR/pMHC interactions have been measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Of these, 5 are murine class I, 5 are murine class II, and 6 are human class I-restricted responses. Therefore, a significant gap exists in our understanding of human TCR/pMHC binding due to the limited SPR data currently available for human class I responses and the absence of SPR data for human class II-restricted responses. We have produced a panel of soluble TCR molecules originating from human T cells that respond to naturally occurring disease epitopes and their cognate pMHCs. In this study, we compare the binding affinity and kinetics of eight class-I-specific TCRs (TCR-Is) to pMHC-I with six class-II-specific TCRs (TCR-IIs) to pMHC-II using SPR. Overall, there is a substantial difference in the TCR-binding equilibrium constants for pMHC-I and pMHC-II, which arises from significantly faster on-rates for TCRs binding to pMHC-I. In contrast, the off-rates for all human TCR/pMHC interactions fall within a narrow window regardless of class restriction, thereby providing experimental support for the notion that binding half-life is the principal kinetic feature controlling T cell activation.
Characterization of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Reinforced with Banana Peel Fibers

Lignocellulosic fibers from banana peels were washed with water in order to increase their compatibility with a polymeric matrix, and their properties were compared with unwashed fibers. Washed banana fibers were mixed with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and placed in an injector chamber to produce specimens for tensile tests. Samples of washed banana fibers/HDPE composites were characterized by tensile tests and thermal analysis. The chemical composition of unwashed and washed banana fibers was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The treatment with water was effective at removing extractives and increasing the surface roughness, thereby increasing the thermal stability of the fibers. However, results showed that the addition of washed banana fibers decreased the thermal stability of composites, while increasing the melting and crystallization temperatures of composites. The addition of 5 wt% fibers also provided an improvement in mechanical properties of composites in comparison with pure HDPE.
Isolation and Identification of Rhizospheric Bacteria in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) Cultivated on Acrisols and Ferrasols of Dong Nai Province, the Southeast of Vietnam

Nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacterial diversity and population dynamics in the Acrisol and Ferrasol rhizosphere of sugarcane grown in Dong Nai province, the eastern of South Vietnam was studied. Soil rhizosphere samples were taken in three districts (sites) of this region. Physical and chemical characteristics of soil samples and total nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria counts were determined by drop plate count method together with 16S rRNA gene fragments amplified from DNA using eubacterial universal primers (27F and 1492R). A total of 31 isolates were isolated on two media (Burk’s N-free and NBRIP) and all of them have ability of nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization together with IAA biosynthesis. Population of nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria correlated with N total concentration and organic matter content in soil closely (P<0.05). The sequences from selected nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (12 isolates) showed high degrees of similarity to those of the GenBank references strains (between 98% and 99%). From 12 isolates, 7 belonged to Bacilli, while 2 were Beta-Proteobacteria, 1 was Acidobacteria and 2 were Bacteroides. Based on Pi value (nucleotide diversity), Bacilli group had the highest theta value and Theta values (persequence) from S of SNP for DNA polymorphism were calculated for each group and Bacilli group had the highest values in comparison to three groups. From these results showed that two strains (Bacillus megaterium B6 (Ferrasols) and Sphingomonas sp. P14 (Acrisols)) revealed promising candidates with multiple beneficial characteristics and they have the potential for application as inoculants adapted to poor soils and sugarcane tree because they are not only famous strains but also are safety strains for agricultural sustainable.
Machine learning-based diagnosis for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Development, external validation, and comparison to scoring systems

The major challenge in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) comes from the lack of specific biomarkers, leading to developing composite scoring systems. DIC scores are simple and rapidly applicable. However, optimal fibrin-related markers and their cut-off values remain to be defined, requiring optimization for use. The aim of this study is to optimize the use of DIC-related parameters through machine learning (ML)-approach. Further, we evaluated whether this approach could provide a diagnostic value in DIC diagnosis. For this, 46 DIC-related parameters were investigated for both clinical findings and laboratory results. We retrospectively reviewed 656 DIC-suspected cases at an initial order for full DIC profile and labeled their evaluation results (Set 1; DIC, n = 228; non-DIC, n = 428). Several ML algorithms were tested, and an artificial neural network (ANN) model was established via independent training and testing using 32 selected parameters. This model was externally validated from a different hospital with 217 DIC-suspected cases (Set 2; DIC, n = 80; non-DIC, n = 137). The ANN model represented higher AUC values than the three scoring systems in both set 1 (ANN 0.981; ISTH 0.945; JMHW 0.943; and JAAM 0.928) and set 2 (AUC ANN 0.968; ISTH 0.946). Additionally, the relative importance of the 32 parameters was evaluated. Most parameters had contextual importance, however, their importance in ML-approach was different from the traditional scoring system. Our study demonstrates that ML could optimize the use of clinical parameters with robustness for DIC diagnosis. We believe that this approach could play a supportive role in physicians’ medical decision by integrated into electrical health record system. Further prospective validation is required to assess the clinical consequence of ML-approach and their clinical benefit.
Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration … or is it? An investigation of the impact of motivation and feedback on deception detection

Purpose. Although most people perform around the level of chance in making credibility judgments, some researchers have hypothesized that high motivation and the provision of accurate feedback could lead to a higher accuracy rate. This study examined the influence of these factors on judgment accuracy and whether any improvement following feedback was related to social facilitation, a gradual incorporation of successful assessment strategies, or a re-evaluation of ‘tunnel vision’ decision-making. Methods. Participants (N = 151) were randomly assigned to conditions according to motivation level (high/low) and feedback (accurate, inaccurate or none). They then judged the credibility of 12 videotaped speakers either lying or telling the truth about a personal experience. Results. Highly motivated observers performed less accurately (M = 46.0%), but more confidently, than those in the low-motivation condition (M = 60.0%). Although there was no main effect of feedback, the provision of any feedback (accurate or inaccurate) served to diminish the motivational impairment effect. Further, high motivation was associated with a relatively low ‘hit’ rate and high ‘false-alarm’ rate. This suggested that in the absence of feedback the judgments of highly motivated participants were made through tunnel vision. Conclusions. The results suggest that it is important for lie-catchers to monitor their motivation level to ensure that over-enthusiasm is not clouding their judgments. It may be useful for professionals engaged in deception detection to regularly discuss their judgments with colleagues as a form of feedback in order to re-evaluate their own decision-making strategies.
Release of Esterase from Murine Lymphokine‐activated Killer Cells in Antibody‐dependent Cellular Cytotoxic Reaction

Release of granule enzyme(s) (BLT esterase) in the antibody dependent lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cell‐mediated cytotoxic reaction (LAK ADCC) was studied using LAK cells induced from murine splenocytes and thymocytes, various human tumor cells and relevant monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the tumor cells. BLT esterase was not significantly released from LAK cells in direct LAK cell‐mediated cytotoxic reactions (LAK CMC). However, cultures of LAK cells and IgG‐coated target tumor cells resulted in release of the enzyme concomitantly with target cell lysis, although esterase release proceeded faster than target cell lysis. Anti‐LFA‐1 mAb showed an inhibitory effect on LAK CMC but not on either LAK ADCC or BLT esterase release in the ADCC. These results indicate that exocytosis of granule enzyme from LAK cells is triggered by stimulation of Fc receptor on LAK cells and that LAK CMC and LAK ADCC differ in their lytic mechanism in terms of the release of BLT esterase.
Multi-dependent Latent Dirichlet Allocation

Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is an attractive topic model research because LDA is so flexible for solving different problems. Because of its different core dependencies, it can be applied to many topics, such as emotion detection, information systems or image clustering. In recent works, researchers have focused on novel dependency to obtain perfect fitting to datasets. However, real world data is too diverse and abundant to be fitted with one single dependency. A single dependency model can only concentrate on the overall characteristic of datasets and thus ignores small details in the data. In addition, model selection for different situation is always difficult. As a result, we propose Multi-dependent Latent Dirichlet Allocation (MD-LDA). MD-LDA can be applied various dependencies into the model. We don't need to select a specific model. For each piece of data, MD-LDA can pick up the most optimal fitting dependency from the dependency set and therefore obtain the best dependencies for the dataset. We also apply some previous works into MD-LDA as a basis for comparison. In our experiments, MD-LDA exhibits the best performance in various cases and is an improvement compared to the other models under consideration.
Distribution of acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

The distribution of cholinergic markers was studied in the main olfactory bulb (MOB) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) of the western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) by using choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunocytochemistry and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) histochemistry. A dense network of AChE‐containing and ChAT‐immunoreactive fibers was observed innervating all layers of the MOB except the olfactory nerve layer, where neither AChE‐ nor ChAT‐labeled elements were found. The highest density of AChE‐ and ChAT‐positive axons was found in the glomerular layer (GL)/external plexiform layer (EPL) boundary, and in the internal plexiform layer. This general distribution pattern of ChAT‐ and AChE‐stained axons resembled the distribution pattern found in rodents. Nevertheless, some interspecies differences, such as the lack of atypical glomeruli in the hedgehog, were also found. In addition to fibers, a population of noncholinergic and presumably cholinoceptive AChE‐active neurons was observed in the hedgehog. All mitral and tufted cells of the hedgehog MOB showed a dark AChE staining unlike previous observations in the mitral and tufted cells of rodents. As in other species previously reported, subpopulations of external tufted cells and short‐axon cells were also AChE‐active. Finally, a population of small AChE‐containing cells was observed in the EPL of the hedgehog MOB. The size, shape, and location of these cells coincided with those of satellite and perinidal cells, two neuronal types described previously in the EPL of the hedgehog and not present in the rodent MOB. The AOB of the hedgehog showed a distribution of AChE‐ and ChAT‐positive fibers similar to the rodent AOB. Nevertheless, a heterogeneous innervation of vomeronasal glomeruli by bundles of AChE‐ and ChAT‐labeled axons found in the hedgehog has not been previously found in any other species. As in the MOB, all mitral cells in the AOB showed a strong AChE activity. These results demonstrate some similarities but also important differences between the distribution of ChAT and AChE in the MOB and AOB of rodents and this primitive mammalian. These variations may indicate a different organization of the cholinergic modulation of the olfactory information in the insectivores. J. Comp. Neurol. 403:53–67, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
LRIG 1-modulated invasion and metastasis of human gliomas through regulation of SNAI 2 and E-cadherin

The molecular mechanism that activates invasion and metastasis of human gliomas remains obscure. Although several studies have implicated the function of LRIG1 in the inhibition of the invasion, the downstream genes coordinating this process are poorly known. Therefore, we prepared a full-length expression vector to overexpress LRIG1 in the U251 malignant glioma cell line and simultaneously we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to block LRIG1 gene in the U251 malignant glioma cell line. Introduction of exogenous LRIG1 into glioma cells inhibited cell invasion and metastasis. Silencing of LRIG1 promoted cell invasion and metastasis as manifested by transwell assay, and transwell migration assay in vitro. On the other hand, with qRT-PCR and western blot, LRIG1 overexpression inhibited cell invasion and metastasis, leading to, leading to reduced SNAI2 expression and elevated Elevated E-cadherin expression. By contrast, knockdown of endogenous LRIG1 promoted cell invasion and metastasis, leading to, leading to reduced E-cadherin expression and elevated Elevated SNAI2 expression. Our data suggested that LRIG1 as a tumor suppressor restricted glioma invasion and metastasis by regulating SNAI2 and SNAI2 levels. Restoration of LRIG1 in glioma cells could be a novel therapeutic strategy.
Rationally designed fluorogenic protease reporter visualizes spatiotemporal dynamics of apoptosis in vivo

Significance By harnessing the unique interactions between infrared fluorescent protein and its chromophore, we have designed an infrared fluorogenic protease reporter (iProtease). A fluorogenic protease reporter is ideal for imaging protease activity in vivo, whereas a FRET-based reporter is limited by poor signal and requirement of image processing. The iProtease scaffold may be used as a core module to design reporters of various proteases with specific activity. This technology will aide important applications, including monitoring protease activity in vivo, dissecting signaling pathways that regulate protease activity, and high-throughput screening of protease inhibitors for drug development and biological study. Our work shows that phytochrome-derived infrared fluorescent protein is a promising scaffold in engineering fluorogenic reporters for visualizing spatiotemporal dynamics of cell signaling in vivo. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based reporters have been widely used in imaging cell signaling; however, their in vivo application has been handicapped because of poor signal. Although fluorogenic reporters overcome this problem, no such reporter of proteases has been demonstrated for in vivo imaging. Now we have redesigned an infrared fluorescent protein so that its chromophore incorporation is regulated by protease activity. Upon protease activation, the infrared fluorogenic protease reporter becomes fluorescent with no requirement of exogenous cofactor. To demonstrate biological applications, we have designed an infrared fluorogenic executioner-caspase reporter, which reveals spatiotemporal coordination between cell apoptosis and embryonic morphogenesis, as well as dynamics of apoptosis during tumorigenesis in Drosophila. The designed scaffold may be used to engineer reporters of other proteases with specific cleavage sequence.
Adiabatically driven touch controller analog front-end for ultra-thin displays

Thinner displays are continuously developing for reducing form factor of mobile devices. To manufacture the display be thin, touch screen panel layers are directly patterned on top of the display active layers generating huge capacitive coupling between them. Therefore, the touch screen controller (TSC) have to stimulate over heavily coupled touch sensing channels and endure heavily affected noise from the display operation. To overcome adverse effects of recent incorporated touch-display panel development, this paper presents an analog front-end (AFE) of a TSC with the adiabatic charge recycling driver to effectively generate stimuli. The AFE adopts correlated-noise-sampling-embedded modulation on top of fully differential filtering stages overcoming adverse effects of continually developing ultra-thin mobile displays. Fabricated in a 0. 18μm CMOS process, the adiabatically driven AFE provides a signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of 51.5dB with a 4mmφ touch at 120Hz frame rate and achieves a 14.7dB SNR improvement via noise sampling. The AFE consumes 23.7mW and occupies an active area of 9.1mm2.