Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (cid:2) Induces Fibrosis and Insulin Resistance in White Adipose Tissue (cid:1) §

Adipose tissue can undergo rapid expansion during times of excess caloric intake. Like a rapidly expanding tumor mass, obese adipose tissue becomes hypoxic due to the inability of the vasculature to keep pace with tissue growth. Consequently, during the early stages of obesity, hypoxic conditions cause an increase in the level of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (cid:1) (HIF1 (cid:1) ) expression. Using a transgenic model of overexpression of a constitutively active form of HIF1 (cid:1) , we determined that HIF1 (cid:1) fails to induce the expected proangiogenic response. In contrast, we observed that HIF1 (cid:1) initiates adipose tissue ﬁbrosis, with an associated increase in local inﬂammation. “Trichrome- and picrosirius red-positive streaks,” enriched in ﬁbrillar collagens, are a hallmark of adipose tissue suffering from the early stages of hypoxia-induced ﬁbrosis. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a transcriptional target of HIF1 (cid:1) and acts by cross-linking collagen I and III to form the ﬁbrillar collagen ﬁbers. Inhibition of LOX activity by (cid:2) -aminoproprionitrile treatment results in a signiﬁcant improvement in several metabolic parameters and further reduces local adipose tissue inﬂammation. Collectively, our obser- vations are consistent with a model in which adipose tissue hypoxia serves as an early upstream initiator for adipose tissue dysfunction by inducing a local state of ﬁbrosis.
Lateralization of cortical function in swallowing: a functional MR imaging study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While functional MR imaging and other techniques have contributed to our knowledge of functional brain localization, these methods have not been extensively applied to the complex and incompletely understood task of swallowing. We used functional MR imaging to investigate motor cortex activity during swallowing in healthy human adults. METHODS Eight subjects were imaged on a 1.5-T MR system using blood oxygen level-dependent contrast mechanisms. Subjects performed three swallowing tasks and a finger-tapping task. Areas of activation in the cortex and subcortical areas were tabulated, and a laterality index, defined as LI = [sigmas left - sigmas right]/[sigmas left + sigmas right] x 100, was computed for the three tasks. RESULTS Activation was observed in the primary motor and sensory cortices, motor processing and association areas, and subcortical sites. This activity was dominant for one hemisphere with left hemispheric dominance more prevalent among the subjects. Right hemispheric dominance, however, showed stronger lateralization than the left hemisphere. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that specific sites in the motor cortex and other cortical and subcortical areas are activated with swallowing tasks and that hemispheric dominance is a feature of swallowing under these conditions. In addition, we demonstrate the utility of functional MR imaging in the study of the cortical representation of swallowing and suggest a role for functional MR imaging in the diagnosis of dysphagia of cerebral origin.
Local Gabor directional pattern histogram sequence (LGDPHS) for age and gender classification

This paper proposes means to classify age and gender in facial images using novel features. First, Gabor magnitude pictures are obtained by convolving the image with Gabor filters in several scale and orientation, followed by encoding with Local Directional Pattern (LDP) operator which enhances information. Then, the maps are divided into several blocks, and histograms are extracted from each block. The histograms are concatenated to a vector. Then Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is used to reduce the dimensions. Finally, the feature vector is classified by Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experimental results demonstrate that the algorithm proposed in this paper is effective method, compared to other similar methods.
Defocus deblurring with a coded aperture

A conventional camera always captures blurred images of scene information away from the focal plane. Deblurring those blurred images is a very important and challenging job in many fields including optics, astronomy, computer vision and computer graphics. Since the defocus kernel plays a key role in the image degradation and the image recovery, many people have bent themselves to the study on the defocus kernel and achieved a lot of results. In this paper, we insert a broadband mask into the aperture of the camera lens to preserve more high frequency information for facilitating the defocus deblurring. We propose a genetic algorithm for computing the defocus kernel of a fixed distance away from the focal plane using a given sharp image and a defocused one. Finally, we implement extensive experiments to show that the computed defocus kernel can produce better images.
Adolescent girls’ behavioural characteristics and their vulnerability to bullying in Manzini high schools

Incidences of school bullying appear to be on the rise in most schools across the globe, and schools in Swaziland are no exception. Sadly, adolescent girls appear to be most susceptible to being bullied. This study considers how some of the traits of young girls tend to expose them to incidences of bullying. The approach was qualitative and employed the multiple case study research design in which data was obtained through focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 24 girls from three schools, by purposive sampling. Content analysis was employed to analyse data from the FGD. Results show the relevance of Routine Activities Theoretical framework in explaining the incidences of bullying among adolescent girls. Low self-esteem and the feeling of loneliness appeared as two major characteristics making girls more susceptible to incidences of bullying. Data interpretation suggests that loneliness tends to expose the girls as suitable targets. Schooling presents a lonely and unprotected experience for girls, where likely offenders take advantage of their isolation. The authors argue that the schooling experiences of adolescent girls require urgent intervention, in which curriculum experts ought to consider bullying lessons for both girls and boys. Keywords: adolescent girls; high schools; peer bullying; personal characteristics; Swaziland; vuln
A PRML equalizer for hard disk drives with low sensitivity to sampling phase variation

This work presents a new architecture for the realization of Hard Disk Drive Read Channels, using EPR-IV equalization. The pre-equalization is realized as a sampled-data system in order to have precise pulse shaping and simply tunable bandwidth. The equalization is then completed by a fractionally spaced equalizer, which ensures low sensitivity to sampling phase variation. The system complexity is reduced with respect to typical solutions, while the performances are within the usual specs in every operating condition, as confirmed by careful simulations. The architecture was designed to be integrated in a standard CMOS IC.
The atmospheric cycling of radiomethane and the "fossil fraction" of the methane source

The cycling of 14 CH4 ("radiomethane") through the atmosphere has been strongly perturbed in the industrial era by the release of 14 C-free methane from geologic reser- voirs ("fossil methane" emissions), and in the nuclear era, especially since ca 1970, by the direct release of nucleogenic radiomethane from nuclear power facilities. Contemporary measurements of atmospheric radiomethane have been used to estimate the proportion of fossil methane in the global methane source (the "fossil fraction"), but such estimates carry high uncertainty due to the ill-determined nuclear- power source. Guided by a mass-balance formulation in a companion paper, we apply a contemporary time series of at- mospheric radiomethane to quantify both the fossil fraction and the strength of the nuclear power source. We deduce that 30.0±2.3% (1 s.d.) of the global methane source for 1986- 2000 has fossil origin, a fraction which may include some 14 C-depleted refractory carbon such as from aged peat de- posits. Since this estimate depends upon the validity of as- sumptions underlying a linear regression model, it should be seen as providing a plausible re-estimate rather than a defini- tive revision. Such a fossil fraction would be much larger (by 50%) than is commonly accepted, with implications for in- ventory compilation. The co-estimated strength of the global nuclear-power source of radiomethane is consistent with val- ues inferred independently from local nuclear facilities. surement has provided another tool for understanding the global methane cycle because of the discriminative 14 C con- tent among methane sources. In particular, methane originat- ing from geologic reservoirs whose carbon has been isolated from the atmosphere for at least tens of millennia is either de- void of 14 C or has immeasurably small levels. Such "fossil methane" sources have both natural and anthropogenic ori- gin. Natural fossil-methane sources include terrestrial and ma- rine gas seeps, geothermal and hydrothermal systems, mud volcanoes, and clathrate destabilization. Their average ag- gregate emission is generally considered to be small, usually
Isolating Bandpass Filters Using Time-Modulated Resonators

In this paper, we demonstrate, for the first time, an isolating bandpass filter with low-loss forward transmission and high reverse isolation by modulating its constituent resonators. To understand the operating principle behind the device, we develop a spectral domain analysis method and show that the same-frequency nonreciprocity is a result of the nonreciprocal frequency conversion to the intermodulation (IM) frequencies by the time-varying resonators. With appropriate modulation frequency, modulation depth, and phase delay, the signal power at the IM frequencies is converted back to the RF frequency and adds up constructively to form a low-loss forward passband, whereas they add up destructively in the reverse direction to create the isolation. To validate the theory, a lumped-element three-pole 0.04-dB ripple isolating filter with a center frequency of 200 MHz and a ripple bandwidth of 30 MHz is designed, simulated, and measured. When modulated with a sinusoidal frequency of 30 MHz, a modulation index of 0.25, and an incremental phase difference of 45°, the filter achieves a forward insertion loss of 1.5 dB and a reverse isolation of 20 dB. The measured nonmodulated and modulated results agree very well with the simulations. Such nonreciprocal filters may find applications in wideband simultaneous transmit and receive radio front ends.
SOMICA - an application of self-organizing maps to geometric independent component analysis

Guided by the principles of geometric independent component analysis (ICA), we present a new approach (SOM-ICA) to linear geometric ICA using self-organizing map (SOM). We observe a considerable improvement in separation quality of different distributions, albeit at high computational costs. The SOMICA algorithm is therefore primarily interesting from a theoretical point of view bringing together ICA and SOMs; this intersection could lead to new proofs in geometric ICA based on similar theorems in the SOM theory.
Advances in perturbative thermal field theory

The progress in the last decade in perturbative quantum field theory at high temperatures and densities, made possible by the use of effective field theories and hard thermal/dense loop resummations in ultrarelativistic gauge theories, is reviewed. The relevant methods are discussed in field theoretical models from simple scalar theories to non-Abelian gauge theories including gravity. In the simpler models, the aim is to give a pedagogical account of some of the relevant problems and their resolution, while in the more complicated but also more interesting models such as quantum chromodynamics, a summary of the results obtained so far is given together with references to a few of the most recent developments and open problems.
Notice of RetractionAn Application of the Combination of Principal Component Analysis and BP Neural Network to Credit Assessment in the Commercial Banks

The credit risk assessment is the most difficulty in the credit risk management in commercial banks, so the combination method of principal component analysis and BP neural network based on biology nerve cell was introduced in detail according to the idea of combination forecasting. The principle component analysis is used to handle on input variables in advance to solve the problem of the inefficiency in BP neural network owing to the excessive input variables. Then the combination method is applied to credit risk assessment in the commercial banks through training of the neural network tools and testing. Empirical results and analysis indicate that this kind of method has the satisfied assessment efficiency and theoretical accuracy and is applicable to Chinese commercial banks.
Inequality in the Incidence and Mortality of All Cancers in the World

Dear Editor-in-ChiefIn the recent years, incidence and mortality of cancer, has been increasing in the world (1). Therefore, cancer is one of the major public health problems in many countries (2). The incidence of cancer is different in various countries. Geographical differences in the cancer incidence may be due to different distribution of cancer risk factors in the world. Many of risk factor causes cancer, a risk factor for incidence and mortality of cancer is related to development, so that, previous studies have examined the role of indicators associated with development such as Human Development Index(HDI) with the incidence and mortality of some cancers (3). There are significant differences between developed and developing countries according to prevalence of cancers (4). One of these indicators is HDI, this index is a number between zero and one. According to HDI, countries in the world are divided into four categories: Countries with very high HDI (HDI> = 0.9), countries with a high HDI (HDI> = 0.8), Medium HDI countries (0.8> HDI> 0.5), and countries with a low HDI (HDI It is possible to find significant differences between developed and developing countries according to prevalence of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between incidence and mortality of all cancers with human development index (HDI) in 2012.In this study, we extracted data related to all cancers excl. non-melanoma skin cancer from International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) database. In this project, cancer incidence and mortality are calculated and recorded for 184 countries (6). We compared the incidence and mortality all cancers excl. non-melanoma skin cancer in countries with difference HDI.In 2012 in world cancer incidence in high human development index countries (41%) and mortality rate in this countries is (32%), whereas cancer incidence in medium development index countries consist 37% of cancers occurring in the world, but 45 percent of death event in this countries.Cancer incidence in developed countries is high but mortality rate in developing countries is high (Fig. 1, 2). A positive relationship between HDI and the incidence of cancers and negative relationship between HDI and the mortality of cancers and HDI is reported.With increasing income and improving living standards in developing countries, the incidence of some cancer increases. This may be due to longer life, higher exposure to risk factors, eating more fatty foods and obesity, and lower pregnancy rates (7). High incidence rates for some cancers in developed countries may reflect the detection method is through screening and imaging techniques. Early detection reduces the mortality rate in these countries (8), in high-income countries, taking advantage of better diagnostic methods significantly is different from other countries (9). Lower survival in cancer patients more related with the lack of access to quality care, not biological differences between tumors (10). …
Emergence of measurable period of double-limb support in limit cycle walking with knees

The authors have studied the roles and effects of double-limb support (DLS) motion whose the time interval is measurable in limit cycle walking. It was clarified that DLS motion emerges in passive dynamic walking of a viscoelastic-legged rimless wheel through numerical simulations and experiments. This paper then investigates the potentiality of the emergence of DLS in a kneed limit cycle walking. We introduce the model of a planar, underactuated, eight-legged rimless wheel with active knees and semicircular feet, and discuss the conditions for generating DLS. We numerically show that DLS motion emerges during a measurable time interval after impact in the case that the knee joints are free and semicircular feet have an enough radius.
TEM-1 β-lactamase as a source of resistance to sulbactam in clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii.

OBJECTIVES Sulbactam is well known to have clinically relevant intrinsic activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. Although secondary resistance to this drug has long been reported in acinetobacters, virtually nothing is known about its molecular basis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that β-lactamase TEM-1 is responsible for sulbactam resistance in A. baumannii. METHODS Seventeen clinical strains of A. baumannii were selected to represent different combinations of quantitative susceptibilities to sulbactam and molecular typing characteristics. The strains were screened by PCR for the presence of the blaTEM-1 gene and its variants. Amplicons encompassing the blaTEM genes, including their promoters, were sequenced. The expression and copy number of the blaTEM genes were assessed using semi-quantitative real-time PCR. Transfer of the blaTEM-1 gene into a susceptible A. baumannii strain was achieved by electroporation. RESULTS Six strains were negative for the blaTEM gene and had sulbactam MICs of 0.5-1.0 mg/L, 10 strains harboured blaTEM-1 and showed MICs ≥ 8.0 mg/L, except for one strain with an MIC of 2 mg/L, while the remaining strain carried blaTEM-19 and had an MIC of 1 mg/L. The level of blaTEM-1 expression positively correlated with the MICs of sulbactam (r = 0.92). Promoter P4 was linked to the blaTEM gene in all strains except for a P3-carrying strain (an MIC of 2 mg/L). Transformation of the susceptible A. baumannii strain with blaTEM-1 resulted in a 64-fold increase in sulbactam MIC and in resistance to ticarcillin and piperacillin, but no change in susceptibility to broad-spectrum generation cephalosporins, aztreonam or carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS The results presented suggest that TEM-1 represents a clinically relevant mechanism of sulbactam resistance in A. baumannii.
Effect of dose reduction of supplemental zinc for childhood diarrhoea: study protocol for a double-masked, randomised controlled trial in India and Tanzania

Background Diarrhoea-associated mortality and morbidity are highest in infants and young children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Zinc supplementation during acute diarrhoea has been shown to reduce the duration of illness and the risk of persistent diarrhoea. However, vomiting with zinc supplementation is a common side effect that may interfere with compliance and programmatic scale-up, and may be related to the dose prescribed. Methods/design The Zinc Therapeutic Dose Trial (ZTDT) is a two-centre (Tanzania and India), three-arm randomised, double-blind controlled non-inferiority trial. Children 6–59 months of age with acute diarrhoea are eligible to participate. Enrolled children (1500 per arm; 4500 total) will be randomly allocated to receive 5, 10 or 20 mg of zinc sulfate daily for 14 days and will be followed up for 60 days after enrolment. All children will receive WHO/Unicef Integrated Management of Childhood Illness standard of care (oral or intravenous rehydration and zinc as indicated and feeding advice). The primary efficacy outcomes of the trial are the percentage of subjects with diarrhoea duration >5 days, the mean total number of loose or watery stools after enrolment and the proportion of children vomiting within 30 min of zinc administration. Discussion The ZTDT trial will determine the optimal dose of therapeutic zinc supplements for treatment of acute diarrhoea in children aged 6–59 months in two LMICs. The results of the trial are likely to be generalisable to childhood acute diarrhoea in similar resource-limited settings and may influence global policy about zinc supplementation dosage during acute diarrhoea. Trial registration number NCT03078842. Trial status Enrolment began in January 2017 and follow-up is estimated to be completed by April 2019. As of 1 February 2019, 742 children are still contributing data to the ZTDT study.
Management in China: Cultural, institutional roots and pragmatism. An inquiry in Shanghai

We base our work on interviews of Chinese managers living in and around Shanghai. We use the neo-institutional theoretical stream, which considers that a country’s economy is influenced by cultural and institutional phenomena. In a first part, we describe the theoretical background to the research and our method. Then, in a second part, we present the significant cultural and institutional features of China that enable us to justify several hypotheses about our topic. In a third part, we analyze eight in-depth interviews, trying to answer our research question. Our basic research question focuses on what “Performance” means for Chinese managers. Behind the word, we analyze the cultural and institutional backgrounds of their business activities, examining their behaviors and business relations. We end by drawing several conclusions, some of them quite non-intuitive
Income differences in mortality: a register-based follow-up study of three million men and women.

OBJECTIVES We analyse whether the relationship between net household income and mortality form a continuous linear gradient or is curvilinear, assess the attenuation of this association after adjusting for confounding and reverse causality, and assess the strength of the association by age and cause of death. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective study of mortality in Finland among all men and women over 30 years old. Information on household income and sociodemographic factors was from the records of the Finnish tax authorities and the 1990 census. Income data were available for more than 95% of the cohort. Follow-up was by record linkage to death certificates in 1991-1996; altogether about 261 000 deaths. RESULTS The all-cause mortality ratio between the lowest and the highest household income decile is 2.37 (95% CI : 2.30-2.44) among men and 1.73 (95% CI : 1.67-1.80) among women. Adjusting for household structure, spouse's economic activity, social class, education and own economic activity attenuates the relationship by 61% among men and 52% among women. The association between income and mortality is mainly linear before and after adjusting for confounding, and the association is strong for all 5-year age groups below 60-64 years, after which it declines rapidly in strength. CONCLUSIONS The mainly linear nature of the relationship and the strong attenuation after adjustment for other socioeconomic factors and economic activity status, and the age pattern of the relationship indicate that a large part of the relationship is unlikely to be due to direct causal effects of poverty and material hardship. Rather, income seems to be related to accumulation of factors that increase mortality over the whole range of incomes.
Design and Implementation of an Intelligent System for Controlling a Robotic Hospital Bed for Patient Care Assistance

In this article we propose an intelligent sys- tem (IS) for automatic movements of a robotic-assisted hospital bed, it is based on posture classification and recognition using mattress pressure sensors. The pro- posed IS allows to program a sequence of movements of the robotic bed that are executed automatically through electric actuators in response to the pressure distribution of a patient on the bed. The experimental results show that programmed movements are useful in preventing bed-sores in patients who stay in bed for extended pe- riods of time.