Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robot path planning in uncertain environments based on particle swarm optimization

We propose a robot path planning method based on particle swarm optimization in an uncertain environment. We consider the case that a robot's cognition to its environment is not complete, i.e., the information of these obstacles in the environment is uncertain. We firstly construct a global environment model based on the uncertain information of these obstacles, and then give a globally optimal path by using particle swarm optimization. Finally, we present a local optimal strategy to handle the uncertain information detected by the robot in real-time. Our preliminary simulation results show that the proposed method is feasible and efficient.
The Role of the Owner-Manager in SMEs' Adoption of Information and Communication Technology in the United Arab Emirates

This study evaluates the factors that lead small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt information and communication technology (ICT). Our research proposes an ICT adoption model using structural equation modelling that examines the role of SMEsâ€™ owner-managers as mediators in the adoption of ICT. The model is focused on the investigation of the direct and indirect influences of technological, cultural, environmental and organisational factors on the SMEâ€™s adoption process. The results indicate the validity of these adoption factors and their applicability to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) environment. The main focus of the research was to develop a new framework that develops further the research of Rashid and Al-Qirim (2001). The present paper identifies the critical mediating role of the owner-managerâ€™s decision to adopt ICT in SMEs in the UAE, and confirm the importance of technological, organisational and environmental factors in the adoption process. Although there is cultural diversity in the UAE, culture is not found to be a significant factor, either directly or indirectly, in SMEsâ€™ ICT adoption in the country.
A centrosomal function for the human Nek2 protein kinase, a member of the NIMA family of cell cycle regulators

Nek2, a mammalian protein kinase of unknown function, is closely related to the mitotic regulator NIMA of Aspergillus nidulans. Here we show by both immunofluorescence microscopy and biochemical fractionation that human Nek2 localizes to the centrosome. Centrosome association occurs throughout the cell cycle, including all stages of mitosis, and is independent of microtubules. Overexpression of active Nek2 induces a striking splitting of centrosomes, whereas prolonged expression of either active or inactive Nek2 leads to dispersal of centrosomal material and loss of a focused microtubule‐nucleating activity. Surprisingly, this does not prevent entry into mitosis, as judged by the accumulation of mitotically arrested cells induced by co‐expression of a non‐destructible B‐type cyclin. These results bear on the dynamic function of centrosomes at the onset of mitosis. Moreover, they indicate that one function of mammalian Nek2 relates to the centrosome cycle and thus provide a new perspective on the role of NIMA‐related kinases.
Psychobehavioral validity of self-reported symptoms based on spontaneous physical activity

A limitation of self-reports is the presence of recall biases including retrospective distortions of the respondents' experiences. To overcome this concern, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and day reconstruction method (DRM) have recently been developed. Very recently, we reported the psychobehavioral validity of within-individual temporal variations in momentary depressive mood recorded with EMA by examining co-variant properties with spontaneous physical activity as the external criteria. However, the validity of DRM in this context has not been objectively examined yet. Therefore, in this study, we examined the psychobehavioral validity of DRM by examining temporal associations with spontaneous physical activity and then showed the difference from EMA. Twenty-two healthy undergraduates wore a watch-type computer for two consecutive days and recorded self-reported symptoms (fatigue, depressive mood, and anxious mood) by EMA. They also recorded the symptoms afterward according to the series of behavioral episodes they reconstructed (DRM) about the same days. Physical activity was also obtained using an actigraph built into the watch-type computer. Multilevel analysis showed the significant association between depressive mood recorded with EMA and local statistics (mean activity levels calculated from 60min data length) of physical activity around EMA recordings. However, depressive mood recorded with DRM had no significant association with physical activity. As for fatigue and anxious mood, none of the methods showed significant associations with the local statistics of physical activity. These results imply that depressive mood recorded with EMA would include psychobehavioral information which cannot be captured with DRM.
Role of IKur in Controlling Action Potential Shape and Contractility in the Human Atrium: Influence of Chronic Atrial Fibrillation

Background—The ultrarapid outward current IKur is a major repolarizing current in human atrium and a potential target for treating atrial arrhythmias. The effects of selective block of IKur by low concentrations of 4-aminopyridine or the biphenyl derivative AVE 0118 were investigated on right atrial action potentials (APs) in trabeculae from patients in sinus rhythm (SR) or chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results—AP duration at 90% repolarization (APD90) was shorter in AF than in SR (300±16 ms, n=6, versus 414±10 ms, n=15), whereas APD20 was longer (35±9 ms in AF versus 5±2 ms in SR, P<0.05). 4-Aminopyridine (5 &mgr;mol/L) elevated the plateau to more positive potentials from −21±3 to −6±3 mV in SR and 0±3 to +12±3 mV in AF. 4-Aminopyridine reversibly shortened APD90 from 414±10 to 350±10 ms in SR but prolonged APD90 from 300±16 to 320±13 ms in AF. Similar results were obtained with AVE 0118 (6 &mgr;mol/L). Computer simulations of IKur block in human atrial APs predicted secondary increases in ICa,L and in the outward rectifiers IKr and IKs, with smaller changes in AF than SR. The indirect increase in ICa,L was supported by a positive inotropic effect of 4-aminopyridine without direct effects on ICa,L in atrial but not ventricular preparations. In accordance with the model predictions, block of IKr with E-4031 converted APD shortening effects of IKur block in SR into AP prolongation. Conclusions—Whether inhibition of IKur prolongs or shortens APD depends on the disease status of the atria and is determined by the level of electrical remodeling.
Infection of foxes by Echinococcocus multilocularis in urban and suburban areas of Nancy, France: influence of feeding habits and environment.

This study evaluated the impact of biological and environmental factors on the infection of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) by Echinococcus multilocularis in an endemic area of north-east France. From January 2004 to April 2006, 127 foxes were examined for E. multilocularis and their stomach contents analysed. The effect of year, season, age, sex and urbanisation level on E. multilocularis presence was estimated using a General Linear Model (GLM) with logit link, (i.e. logistic regression). Urbanisation level was the only influencing factor, with a decreasing gradient from rural [54%, CI 95% (40-68)] to peri-urban [31%, CI 95% (15-52)] and urban area [4%, CI 95% (0.7-15)]. The consumption of Arvicola terrestris and Microtus sp. , grassland species, the main presumed intermediate hosts of E. multilocularis, was studied by the same approach. The two species were consumed less in the urban area and more in autumn than in spring. Anthropogenic food consumption was linked to urbanisation and to age. The frequency of anthropogenic food consumption decreased in the rural area. A global model explaining the presence of E. multilocularis and including urbanisation level and diet was then elaborated. Independently of urbanisation, there was a suggestion of less E. multilocularis infection with anthropogenic food consumption. Red foxes consuming Microtus sp. and A. terrestris had higher worm burden than those that did not. The results suggest that the decreasing gradient observed from rural to urban area is linked to behaviour and feeding habits.
Heterogeneity in protein expression induces metabolic variability in a modeled Escherichia coli population

Stochastic gene expression can lead to phenotypic differences among cells even in isogenic populations growing under macroscopically identical conditions. Here, we apply flux balance analysis in investigating the effects of single-cell proteomics data on the metabolic behavior of an in silico Escherichia coli population. We use the latest metabolic reconstruction integrated with transcriptional regulatory data to model realistic cells growing in a glucose minimal medium under aerobic conditions. The modeled population exhibits a broad distribution of growth rates, and principal component analysis was used to identify well-defined subpopulations that differ in terms of their pathway use. The cells differentiate into slow-growing acetate-secreting cells and fast-growing CO2-secreting cells, and a large population growing at intermediate rates shift from glycolysis to Entner–Doudoroff pathway use. Constraints imposed by integrating regulatory data have a large impact on NADH oxidizing pathway use within the cell. Finally, we find that stochasticity in the expression of only a few genes may be sufficient to capture most of the metabolic variability of the entire population.
Impaired Small Bowel Gas Propulsion in Patients with Bloating During Intestinal Lipid Infusion

OBJECTIVE:In healthy individuals, intraluminal lipids delay intestinal gas clearance, and this reflex is exaggerated in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Our aim was to determine the site of action of abnormal lipid-induced reflexes in IBS.METHODS:In six patients with (IBS) predominantly complaining of bloating and in six healthy subjects, a mixture of gas (N2, O2, and CO2 in venous proportions to minimize diffusion) was infused (12 mL/min) either into the jejunum or into the ileum for 2 h, with simultaneous perfusion of lipids (0.5 kcal/min) into the proximal duodenum. Rectal gas evacuation was measured by a barostat. Abdominal perception (by a 0–6 scale) and girth changes were measured at 15-min intervals. The effects of jejunal versus ileal gas infusion were compared by paired tests in random order on separate days.RESULTS:IBS patients exhibited significant gas retention during infusion of gas into the jejunum (398 ± 90 mL vs −210 ± 105 mL in health, p < 0.05) but not during ileal infusion (−79 ± 87 mL vs −79 ± 78 mL in health, NS; p < 0.05 vs jejunal infusion). Gas retention during jejunal gas infusion in IBS patients was associated with significant abdominal distension (11 ± 3 mm girth increment vs 0 ± 1 mm during ileal gas infusion and 1 ± 1 mm in health, p < 0.05 for both) and abdominal symptoms (3.6 ± 0.6 score vs 2.6 ± 0.7 score during ileal gas infusion and 1.6 ± 0.5 score in health, p < 0.05 for both). CONCLUSIONS:In IBS patients intraluminal lipids impair intestinal gas clearance because of upregulated reflex inhibition of small bowel transit, without appreciable colonic effects.
Assessing the Productivity of Advanced Practice Providers Using a Time and Motion Study

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Resource‐Based Relative Value Scale is widely used to measure healthcare provider productivity and to set payment standards. The scale, however, is limited in its assessment of pre‐ and postservice work and other potentially non‐revenuegenerating healthcare services, what we have termed service‐valued activity (SVA). In an attempt to quantify SVA, we conducted a time and motion study of providers to assess their productivity in inpatient and outpatient settings. Using the Standard Time and Motion Procedures checklist as a methodological guide, we provided personal digital assistants (PDAs) that were prepopulated with 2010 Current Procedural Terminology codes to 19 advanced practice providers (APPs). The APPs were instructed to identify their location and activity each time the PDA randomly alarmed. The providers collected data for 3 to 5 workdays, and those data were separated into revenue‐generating services (RGSs) and SVAs. Multiple inpatient and outpatient departments were assessed. The inpatient APPs spent 61.6 percent of their time on RGSs and 35.1 percent on SVAs. Providers in the outpatient settings spent 59.0 percent of their time on RGSs and 38.2 percent on SVAs. This time and motion study demonstrated an innovative method and tool for the quantification and analysis of time spent on revenue‐ and non‐revenue‐generating services provided by healthcare professionals. The new information derived from this study can be used to accurately document productivity, determine clinical practice patterns, and improve deployment strategies of healthcare providers.
Tooth size and dental arch dimensions: a stereophotogrammetric study in Southeast Asian Malays.

OBJECTIVE To investigate tooth size and dental arch dimensions in Malays using a stereophotogrammetric system. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION The sample consisted of 252 subjects with ages ranged from 13 to 30 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS Images of dental casts were captured by stereophotogrammetry and selected variables were measured using a three-dimensional (3D) imaging system. Sex differences and changes associated with age were assessed, and interrelationships between different variables were explored within the study group. RESULTS Men had significantly larger mesio-distal crown widths and dental arch dimensions than women (p < 0.05). None of the dental arch dimensions or mesio-distal crown widths showed a significant change because of age except the widths of the upper canine, lower first molar and central incisor. Significant correlations of tooth size with dental arch dimensions were found, particularly with arch lengths and perimeters. A principal component analysis showed interrelationships between the majority of tooth size variables with inter-canine width, arch length and perimeter distances. CONCLUSION This study has established new reference data for tooth size and arch dimensions in Malays and demonstrated patterns of variation that are relevant to anthropologists interested in making comparisons within and between different populations and also to clinicians developing treatment plans for their patients. The study confirmed the accuracy of the 3D photogrammetric method for measuring dental casts.
Income Inequality, Media Fragmentation, and Increased Political Polarization

The increasing polarization of congressional voting has been linked to legislators' inability to reach consensus on many pressing economic issues. We examine two potential factors driving polarization: greater income inequality and the increasingly fragmented state of American media. Using cointegration techniques, we find evidence indicating that media fragmentation has played a more important role than inequality. Periods of rising media fragmentation are followed by increased polarization. If recent patterns of media structure and income inequality persist, a polarized policymaking environment will likely continue to impede efforts to address major challenges, such as the long-run fiscal imbalances facing the United States. (JEL D72, D31)
Impact of comorbidities on hospitalization costs following hip fracture.

BACKGROUND Hip fractures are common in the elderly, and patients with hip fractures frequently have comorbid illnesses. Little is known about the relationship between comorbid illness and hospital costs or length of stay following the treatment of hip fracture in the United States. We hypothesized that specific individual comorbid illnesses and multiple comorbid illnesses would be directly related to the hospitalization costs and the length of stay for older patients following hip fracture. METHODS With use of discharge data from the 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 32,440 patients who were fifty-five years or older with an isolated, closed hip fracture were identified. Using generalized linear models, we estimated the impact of comorbidities on hospitalization costs and length of stay, controlling for patient, hospital, and procedure characteristics. RESULTS Hypertension, deficiency anemias, and fluid and electrolyte disorders were the most common comorbidities. The patients had a mean of three comorbidities. Only 4.9% of patients presented without comorbidities. The average estimated cost in our reference patient was $13,805. The comorbidity with the largest increased hospitalization cost was weight loss or malnutrition, followed by pulmonary circulation disorders. Most other comorbidities significantly increased the cost of hospitalization. Compared with internal fixation of the hip fracture, hip arthroplasty increased hospitalization costs significantly. CONCLUSIONS Comorbidities significantly affect the cost of hospitalization and length of stay following hip fracture in older Americans, even while controlling for other variables.
Proteinúria after kidney transplantation - prevalence and risk factors.

INTRODUCTION Proteinuria after kidney transplantation (Tx) has variable incidence and is associated with cardiovascular risk and graft survival. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence of proteinuria after kidney Tx and its associated factors. METHODS The prevalence of PTN was evaluated according to definition ≥ 500 mg/24 hours. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A, < 500 mg, B, 500-1000 mg and C, > 1000 mg. We tested the association between PTN and: age/gender of the donor and recipient, type of donor, delayed graft function, acute rejection, hypertension and creatinine. The variables with a p value < 0.20 in the bivariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS 173 recipients were evaluated, mean age 39 years, 57.2% male and 60.7% deceased donor. The prevalence of PTN after kidney Tx was 24.3%. The distribution of patients according to PTN was 75.7% for group A, 15.6% for group B and 8.7% for group C. The following factors were associated with higher risk of PTN: male recipients, living donor and hypertension. Creatinine at month 12 moths post-Tx was higher among patients with proteinuria. 60% of patients with PTN ≥ 500 mg/24 hours were treated with ACEI/ARB. CONCLUSION The prevalence of PTN after kidney Tx varied between 24.3%, according to the definition used. The male gender of the recipient, living donor and hypertension were associated with the occurrence of PTN after kidney Tx. Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system must be prescribed to more patients.
Do not say a word! Conceptualizing employee silence in a long-term crisis context

Abstract Although research has emphasized the organizational and individual factors that influence employee voice and silence at work, it is less known how employee voice/silence is affected by the economic context, particularly when this context is one of intensive and long-term economic crisis in a country with weak institutional bases. In this study, we explore how employee silence is formulated in long-term turbulent economic environments and in more vulnerable organizational settings like those of small enterprises. The study draws on qualitative data gathered from 63 interviews with employees in a total of 48 small enterprises in Greece in two periods of time (2009 and 2015). This study suggests a new type of employee silence, social empathy silence, and offers a conceptual framework for understanding the development of silence over time in particular contexts of long-term turbulence and crisis.
Synthesis of potent agonists of the D-myo-inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate receptor based on clustered disaccharide polyphosphate analogues of adenophostin A.

Clustered disaccharide analogues of adenophostin A (2), i.e. mono-, di-, and tetravalent derivatives 6-8, respectively, were synthesized and evaluated as novel ligands for the tetrameric D-myo-inositol 1,4, 5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R). The synthesis was accomplished via Sonogashira coupling of propargyl 2-O-acetyl-5-O-benzyl-3-O-(3, 4-di-O-acetyl-2, 6-di-O-benzyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-beta-D-ribofuranoside (16) with iodobenzene 18, 22, or 25, followed by deacetylation, phosphorylation, and deprotection. The abilities of the target compounds 6-8, as well as ribophostin 4, propylphostin 5, and IP(3) (1), to evoke Ca(2+) release from permeabilized hepatocytes or displacement of [(3)H]IP(3) from its receptor in hepatic membranes were compared. Although the binding affinities of 4-8 were similar, there were modest though significant differences in their potencies in Ca(2+) release assays: tetraphostin 8 > IP(3) approximately diphostin 7 > phenylphostin 6 > ribophostin 4 approximately propylphostin 5.
Side constraints, Lockean individual rights, and the moral basis of libertarianism

The brilliant discussion in Chapter 3 of Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia (ASU) is vitiated by an illicit slide between “some” and “all” or, better, between “to some extent” and “entirely. ” In this chapter Nozick discusses the moral theory background to his Locke an libertarian doctrine of individual moral rights. He seeks to show that structural features of the account of moral requirements and permissions that most of us accept turn out to be reasons also to accept the more controversial Lockean libertarianism. The brilliant part of the discussion describes the structure of a non-consequentialist deontological moral theory that denies that each person ought always to do whatever would produce the impartially best outcome, even if the idea of the best outcome is interpreted as the greatest overall fulfillment of individual moral rights ranked by their moral importance. In this connection Nozick introduces the idea of a “side constraint” and of a morality that consists of side constraints, in whole or in part. This discussion advances our understanding of moral theory. We are all in Nozick's debt for this advance even if at the end of the day the case for accepting a consequentialist theory proves compelling.
Amino Acid Uptake by Amino Acid Analog Resistant Tobacco Cell Lines

Abstract Two tobacco cell lines resistant to p-fiuorophenylalanine (PFP) and one resistant to 5-methyltryptophan (5-MT) are compared with wild type cells in their ability to absorb amino acids from the medium. One p-fluorophenylalanine-resistant cell line shows greatly reduced uptake of all amino acids so is resistant to growth inhibition by other amino acid analogs. The impaired absorption is noted with amino acids, amino acid analogs and shikimate, but not with cinnamate, salicylate, nicotine, glucose, 3-O-methylglucose and palmitate. The phenylalanine transport system of the PFP-resistant cell line and the wild type both have Km values of 90 µᴍ, but have different V max values. Several analogs of phenylalanine and several neutral L-amino acids inhibit the phenylalanine transport system, while ʟ-aspartic acid, ʟ-arginine, ᴅ-phenylalanine or chlorogenic acid do not interfere with the ʟ-phenylalanine uptake. The results indicate the presence of more than one transport system for amino acid uptake. The lessened uptake of all amino acids, the specificity of the uptake systems and the unchanged binding let us conclude that a pleiotropic mutation or that some inhibitor causes the reduced uptake of all amino acids by the PFP-resistant cell line.