Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The role of perceived information practices on consumers’ intention to authorise secondary use of personal data

ABSTRACT We are living in an era where data lead to opportunities, especially customer data. According to privacy laws, however, without customers’ authorisation, organisations face many limitations in using identifiable information for secondary purposes. Consequently, organisations are missing out on many potential business opportunities to capitalise on customer data. Privacy concerns have become the biggest roadblock to gain customer consent because of the potential risks associated with the use of personal information. This situation underscores the importance of devising effective information practices and strategies in dealing with the use of customer data. Privacy literature suggests that information practices may influence individuals’ intentions to participate in situations requiring the collection and use of personal data. Yet, existing research has not systematically analysed the role of these strategies in influencing intention. Also, previous studies focus primarily on the disclosure of personal data. Issues surrounding ‘authorisation of personal data for secondary use’ remain unexplored. The purpose of our study is to examine the role of information practices on intention to authorise secondary use of personal data. The results show that privacy concerns and trusting beliefs significantly affect individual perceptions of information practices. Perception of information practices in turn exerts significant effect on intention to authorise secondary use of personal data. Both theoretical and managerial implications of the results are discussed.
Safety of Redo Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases after Selective Interarterial Radiation Therapy: A Case Report

Surgical resection is the only potentially curative strategy in the treatment of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM). Unfortunately, only about 10%–15% of patients are candidates for resection. Preoperative chemotherapy aims to increase the number of patients that may be eligible for liver resection by downsizing liver metastases. For patients with unresectable, chemotherapy refractory CLM the available treatment options are limited. Selective interarterial radiation therapy (SIRT) is one of the most promising treatment options for this group of patients. Although only a small number of these patients have been reported as becoming candidates for potentially curative hepatic resection following sufficient reduction in the volume of liver metastases, the question arises regarding the safety of liver resection in these patients. We report a case of a patient who presented unresectable liver relapse of CLM after previous right hepatectomy. He underwent SIRT which resulted in downsizing of the liver metastases making the patient candidate for left lateral sectionectomy. He underwent the redo hepatectomy without any complications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of redo hepatectomy after SIRT for CLM.
Sex-specific effects of prenatal testosterone on nestling plasma antioxidant capacity in the zebra finch

SUMMARY Trans-generational transfer of non-genetic, maternal resources such as hormones can have a substantial influence on offspring phenotype in many vertebrate species. In birds, maternal androgens enhance both growth and competitive behaviour, but also suppress the immune system. It has been hypothesised that high levels of egg androgens could also influence the prooxidant–antioxidant balance through their positive effect on growth and metabolism. We tested this hypothesis in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Eggs were injected with testosterone dissolved in sesame oil or sesame oil only (control). We subsequently assessed the effect of the egg hormone manipulation on nestling growth and nestling plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Growth rates of zebra finch nestlings were not significantly affected by egg hormone treatment. However, male offspring hatched from eggs with experimentally elevated testosterone had reduced plasma TAC at 10 days of age compared with male offspring hatching from control eggs. At the age of 34 days, males had similar plasma TAC irrespective of egg treatment. No effects of egg testosterone manipulation on nestling plasma TAC were found in females. Our results demonstrate that embryonic exposure to elevated levels of testosterone modulates chick antioxidant status, but this seems to be independent of chick growth. Sex-specific effects of prenatal testosterone on plasma TAC of zebra finch nestlings may have important consequences for sex allocation.
Probabilistic Analysis on QoS Provisioning for Internet of Things in LTE-A Heterogeneous Networks With Partial Spectrum Usage

This paper investigates quality of service (QoS) provisioning for Internet of Things (IoT) in long-term evolution advanced (LTE-A) heterogeneous networks (HetNets) with partial spectrum usage (PSU). In HetNets, the IoT users with ubiquitous mobility support or low-rate services requirement can connect with macrocells (MCells), while femtocells (FCells) with PSU mechanism can be deployed to serve the IoT users requiring high-data-rate transmissions within small coverage. Despite the great potentials of HetNets in supporting various IoT applications, the following challenges exist: 1) how to depict the unplanned random behaviors of the IoT-oriented FCells and cope with the randomness in user QoS provisioning and 2) how to model the interplay of resource allocation (RA) between MCells and FCells under PSU mechanism. In this work, the stochastic geometry (SG) theory is first exploited to statistically analyze how the unplanned random behaviors of the IoT-oriented FCells impact the user performance, considering the user QoS requirements and FCell PSU policy. Particularly, to satisfy the QoS requirements of different IoT user types, the concept of effective bandwidth (EB) is leveraged to provide the users with probabilistic QoS guarantee, and a heuristic algorithm named QA-EB algorithm is proposed to make the EB determination tractable. Then, the interplay of RA between the MCells and FCells is formulated into a two-level Stackelberg game, where the two parties try to maximize their own utilities through optimizing the macro-controlled interference price and the femto-controlled PSU policy. A backward induction method is proposed to achieve the Stackelberg equilibrium. Finally, extensive simulations are conducted to corroborate the derived SINR and ergodic throughput performance of different user types and demonstrate the Stackelberg equilibrium under varying user QoS requirements and spectrum aggregation capabilities.
2H2O-Based High-Density Lipoprotein Turnover Method for the Assessment of Dynamic High-Density Lipoprotein Function in Mice

Objective—High-density lipoprotein (HDL) promotes reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues to the liver for clearance. Reduced HDL-cholesterol (HDLc) is associated with atherosclerosis; however, as a predictor of cardiovascular disease, HDLc has limitations because it is not a direct marker of HDL functionality. Our objective was to develop a mass spectrometry–based method for the simultaneous measurement of HDLc and ApoAI kinetics in mice, using a single 2H2O tracer, and use it to examine genetic and drug perturbations on HDL turnover in vivo. Approach and Results—Mice were given 2H2O in the drinking water, and serial blood samples were collected at different time points. HDLc and ApoAI gradually incorporated 2H, allowing experimental measurement of fractional catabolic rates and production rates for HDLc and ApoAI. ApoE−/− mice displayed increased fractional catabolic rates (P<0.01) and reduced production rates of both HDLc and ApoAI (P<0.05) compared with controls. In human ApoAI transgenic mice, levels and production rates of HDLc and human ApoAI were strikingly higher than in wild-type mice. Myriocin, an inhibitor of sphingolipid synthesis, significantly increased both HDL flux and macrophage-to-feces reverse cholesterol transport, indicating compatibility of this HDL turnover method with the macrophage-specific reverse cholesterol transport assay. Conclusions—2H2O-labeling can be used to measure HDLc and ApoAI flux in vivo, and to assess the role of genetic and pharmacological interventions on HDL turnover in mice. Safety, simplicity, and low cost of the 2H2O-based HDL turnover approach suggest that this assay can be scaled for human use to study effects of HDL targeted therapies on dynamic HDL function.
Fe@N‐Graphene Nanoplatelet‐Embedded Carbon Nanofibers as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

An activated carbon nanofiber (CNF) is prepared with incorporated Fe‐N‐doped graphene nanoplatelets (Fe@NGnPs), via a novel and simple synthesis approach. The activated CNF–Fe@NGnP catalysts exhibit substantially improved activity for the oxygen reduction reaction compared to those of commercial carbon blacks and Pt/carbon catalysts.
Extending the range of wireless power transmission for bio-implants and wearables

This paper reports the latest achievements on an electrodynamic wireless power transmission (EWPT) system employing low-frequency (∼17 Hz), low-amplitude (< 1 mT) magnetic fields. Compared to inductively or resonantly coupled coils, the EWPT approach facilitates power transmission to multiple receivers in a cluttered environment with little restriction on their orientation. Using a 5.5 cm3 receiver, a maximum of 22 mW power transfer (4 mW/cm3 power density), and a maximum transmission distance of 60 cm are independently demonstrated. These capabilities are achieved using one of two transmitter technologies: a coil-based transmitter, and a rotating-magnet transmitter. Through-body transmission and multi-receiver transmission are also demonstrated, opening the way for applications targeting bio-implants and wearables.
Comparison of the sensitivity of conventional cytology and the ThinPrep Imaging System for 1,083 biopsy confirmed high‐grade squamous lesions

Liquid‐based cytology continues to be utilized as an adjunct to conventional cytology in most Australian laboratories, even though a direct‐to‐vial ThinPrep protocol has been introduced in many countries with established cervical screening programs. Manual screening of ThinPrep slides has been widely practiced for more than 10 years and the recent introduction of the ThinPrep Imaging System (TPI) has been reported as being more sensitive than the conventional smear (CS) in the identification of high‐grade cervical disease.
Origin and dynamics of oligodendrocytes in the developing brain: Implications for perinatal white matter injury

Infants born prematurely are at high risk to develop white matter injury (WMI), due to exposure to hypoxic and/or inflammatory insults. Such perinatal insults negatively impact the maturation of oligodendrocytes (OLs), thereby causing deficits in myelination. To elucidate the precise pathophysiology underlying perinatal WMI, it is essential to fully understand the cellular mechanisms contributing to healthy/normal white matter development. OLs are responsible for myelination of axons. During brain development, OLs are generally derived from neuroepithelial zones, where neural stem cells committed to the OL lineage differentiate into OL precursor cells (OPCs). OPCs, in turn, develop into premyelinating OLs and finally mature into myelinating OLs. Recent studies revealed that OPCs develop in multiple waves and form potentially heterogeneous populations. Furthermore, it has been shown that myelination is a dynamic and plastic process with an excess of OPCs being generated and then abolished if not integrated into neural circuits. Myelination patterns between rodents and humans show high spatial and temporal similarity. Therefore, experimental studies on OL biology may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of WMI in the preterm infant and offers new perspectives on potential treatments for these patients.
The Tumor Suppressor Kinase LKB1 Activates the Downstream Kinases SIK2 and SIK3 to Stimulate Nuclear Export of Class IIa Histone Deacetylases*

Background: HDAC4, -5, -7, and -9 possess conserved motifs for phosphorylation-dependent 14-3-3 binding. Results: SIK2 and SIK3 phosphorylate the deacetylases at the motifs to stimulate 14-3-3 binding. Conclusion: The tumor suppressor kinase LKB1 activates SIK2 and SIK3 to promote trafficking of class IIa HDACs. Significance: This study indicates that LKB1-dependent SIK activation is an important module upstream from class IIa HDACs. Histone deacetylases 4 (HDAC4), -5, -7, and -9 form class IIa within the HDAC superfamily and regulate diverse physiological and pathological cellular programs. With conserved motifs for phosphorylation-dependent 14-3-3 binding, these deacetylases serve as novel signal transducers that are able to modulate histone acetylation and gene expression in response to extracellular cues. Here, we report that in a PKA-sensitive manner the tumor suppressor kinase LKB1 acts through salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) and SIK3 to promote nucleocytoplasmic trafficking of class IIa HDACs. Both SIK2 and SIK3 phosphorylate the deacetylases at the conserved motifs and stimulate 14-3-3 binding. SIK2 activates MEF2-dependent transcription and relieves repression of myogenesis by the deacetylases. Distinct from SIK2, SIK3 induces nuclear export of the deacetylases independent of kinase activity and 14-3-3 binding. These findings highlight the difference among members of the SIK family and indicate that LKB1-dependent SIK activation constitutes an important signaling module upstream from class IIa deacetylases for regulating cellular programs controlled by MEF2 and other transcription factors.
Archeoguide: system architecture of a mobile outdoor augmented reality system

We present the system architecture of a mobile outdoor augmented reality system for the Archeoguide project. We begin with a short introduction to the project. Then we present the hardware we chose for the mobile system and we describe the system architecture we designed for the software implementation. We conclude this paper with the first results obtained from experiments we made during our trials at ancient Olympia in Greece.
Progressive Cognitive Deficits in a Mouse Model of Recurrent Photothrombotic Stroke

Background and Purpose— In spite of its high disease burden, there is no specific treatment for multi-infarct dementia. The preclinical evaluation of candidate drugs is limited because an appropriate animal model is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether a mouse model of recurrent photothrombotic stroke is suitable for the preclinical investigation of multi-infarct dementia. Methods— Recurrent photothrombotic cortical infarcts were induced in 25 adult C57BL/6 mice. Twenty-five sham-operated animals served as controls. The object recognition test and the Morris water maze test were performed >6 weeks to assess cognitive deficits. Afterward, histological analyses were performed to characterize histopathologic changes associated with recurrent photothrombotic infarcts. Results— After the first infarct, the object recognition test showed a trend toward an impaired formation of recognition memories (P=0.08), and the Morris Water Maze test revealed significantly impaired spatial learning and memory functions (P<0.05). After recurrent infarcts, the object recognition test showed significant recognition memory deficits (P<0.001) and the Morris water maze test demonstrated persisting spatial learning and memory deficits (P<0.05). Histological analyses revealed remote astrogliosis in the hippocampus. Conclusions— Our results show progressive cognitive deficits in a mouse model of recurrent photothrombotic stroke. The presented model resembles the clinical features of human multi-infarct dementia and enables the investigation of its pathophysiological mechanisms and the evaluation of treatment strategies.
The Relationships of Obesity-Related Genetic Variants With Metabolic Profiles and Response to Metformin in Clozapine-Treated Patients With Schizophrenia

Abstract Obesity-related genetic variants, including TMEM18 (rs6548238), SH2B1 (rs7498665), and GNPDA2 (rs10938397), have been shown to be associated with obesity in the general population. Our study aimed to test whether these genetic variants are associated with metabolic profiles and metformin treatment response in clozapine-treated schizophrenic patients. We recruited 107 clozapine-treated patients who were genotyped and measured their metabolic profiles. Fifty-five subjects, who had at least 1 metabolic abnormality in a range of measures, were subsequently randomized to a 24-week trial of metformin (n = 28) or placebo (n = 27). We examined the associations between TMEM18, SH2B1, GNPDA2 genetic variants and metabolic profiles at baseline in all patients and metabolic changes in the trial groups. We found a significant association between SH2B1 and blood pressure at baseline in all patients. In the metformin group, TMEM18 minor allele carriers had a greater reduction in insulin levels (P = 0.04). A significantly higher proportion of TMEM18 and GNPDA2 minor allele carriers (60% and 40%) lost more than 7% of their body weight after metformin treatment as compared with their homozygous counterparts (21.7% and 15.4%, P = 0.02 and 0.004, respectively). There were trends toward favorable metabolic changes in minor allele carrier groups. In the placebo group, no association between genetic variants and changes in metabolic profiles was found. In conclusion, the study results suggest that these genes might be associated with metabolic abnormalities and response to metformin in clozapine-treated patients with schizophrenia.
Linking prenatal maternal adversity to developmental outcomes in infants: The role of epigenetic pathways

Abstract Prenatal exposure to maternal stress, anxiety, and depression can have lasting effects on infant development with risk of psychopathology. Although the impact of prenatal maternal distress has been well documented, the potential mechanisms through which maternal psychosocial variables shape development have yet to be fully elucidated. Advances in molecular biology have highlighted the role of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating gene activity, neurobiology, and behavior and the potential role of environmentally induced epigenetic variation in linking early life exposures to long-term biobehavioral outcomes. In this article, we discuss evidence illustrating the association between maternal prenatal distress and both fetal and infant developmental trajectories and the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in mediating these effects. Postnatal experiences may have a critical moderating influence on prenatal effects, and we review findings illustrating prenatal–postnatal interplay and the developmental and epigenetic consequences of postnatal mother–infant interactions. The in utero environment is regulated by placental function and there is emerging evidence that the placenta is highly susceptible to maternal distress and a target of epigenetic dysregulation. Integrating studies of prenatal exposures, placental function, and postnatal maternal care with the exploration of epigenetic mechanisms may provide novel insights into the pathophysiology induced by maternal distress.
Induction of Integral Membrane PAM Expression in AtT-20 Cells Alters the Storage and Trafficking of POMC and PC1

Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is an essential enzyme that catalyzes the COOH-terminal amidation of many neuroendocrine peptides. The bifunctional PAM protein contains an NH2-terminal monooxygenase (PHM) domain followed by a lyase (PAL) domain and a transmembrane domain. The cytosolic tail of PAM interacts with proteins that can affect cytoskeletal organization. A reverse tetracycline-regulated inducible expression system was used to construct an AtT-20 corticotrope cell line capable of inducible PAM-1 expression. Upon induction, cells displayed a time- and dose-dependent increase in enzyme activity, PAM mRNA, and protein. Induction of increased PAM-1 expression produced graded changes in PAM-1 metabolism. Increased expression of PAM-1 also caused decreased immunofluorescent staining for ACTH, a product of proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and prohormone convertase 1 (PC1) in granules at the tips of processes. Expression of PAM-1 resulted in decreased ACTH and PHM secretion in response to secretagogue stimulation, and decreased cleavage of PC1, POMC, and PAM. Increased expression of a soluble form of PAM did not alter POMC and PC1 localization and metabolism. Using the inducible cell line model, we show that expression of integral membrane PAM alters the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Altered cytoskeletal organization may then influence the trafficking and cleavage of lumenal proteins and eliminate the ability of AtT-20 cells to secrete ACTH in response to a secretagogue.
Measurement, analysis and performance improvement of the Apache Web server

Performance of Web servers is critical to the success of many corporations and organizations. However, very few results have been published that quantitatively study the server behavior and identify the performance bottlenecks. In this paper we measured and analyzed the behavior of the popular Apache Web server on a uniprocessor system and a 4-CPU SMP (Symmetric Multi-Processor) system running the IBM AIX operating system. Using the AIX built-in tracing facility, we obtained detailed information on kernel events and system activities while running Apache driven by the SPECweb96 and the WebStone benchmarks. After quantitatively identifying the performance bottlenecks, we proposed and implemented 6 techniques that improve the throughput of Apache by 61%. These techniques are general purpose and can be applied to other Web servers as well.
Distributed control and parameter estimation for homogeneous Lagrangian multi-agent systems

In this paper, we consider the formation control problem for uncertain homogeneous Lagrangian nonlinear multi-agent systems in a leader-follower scheme, under an undirected communication protocol. A distributed adaptive control protocol of minimal complexity is proposed that achieves prescribed, arbitrarily fast and accurate formation establishment between the following agents and the leader as well as the synchronization of the parameter estimates of all following agents. The estimation and control laws are distributed in the sense that the control signal and update laws of each agent are calculated based solely on local relative state information from its neighborhood set. Moreover, provided that the communication graph is connected and contrary to the related works on multi-agent systems, the controller-imposed transient and steady state performance bounds are fully decoupled from: i) the underlying graph topology, ii) the control gains selection and iii) the agents' model uncertainties, and are solely prescribed by certain designer-specified performance functions. Finally, a simulation study with hovercraft platforms clarifies and verifies the approach.