Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isotropic diffusion weighting for measurement of a high-resolution apparent diffusion coefficient map using a single radial scan in MRI

This work proposes an isotropic diffusion weighting method for a high-resolution diffusion-weighted image and for a high-resolution apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map using a single radial scan in MRI. By using a conventional radial imaging technique, a high-resolution diffusion-weighted (DW) image can be obtained at the cost of a long imaging time. To reduce the imaging time, the proposed method acquires a DW image by altering the diffusion gradient directions for each radial spoke. The acquisition order and directions of the diffusion gradients for an accurate DW image and an ADC map are also proposed by modifying the golden angle ratio in 3D space. In addition, an individual-direction diffusion-weighted (id-DW) image can also be obtained by a diffusion gradient direction, which is one of the multiple directions used in isotropic diffusion weighting. Computer simulations and experiment results show that the proposed method is more accurate and faster than the conventional radial diffusion-weighted imaging. This study suggests that the proposed isotropic diffusion-weighted imaging can be used to obtain a DW image and a high-resolution ADC map accurately in a single radial scan, while reducing the artifacts caused by the diffusion anisotropy, compared to the diffusion-weighted echo-planar-imaging.
The affect heuristic in occupational safety.

BACKGROUND The affect heuristic is a rule of thumb according to which, in the process of making a judgment or decision, people use affect as a cue. If a stimulus elicits positive affect then risks associated to that stimulus are viewed as low and benefits as high; conversely, if the stimulus elicits negative affect, then risks are perceived as high and benefits as low. OBJECTIVES The basic tenet of this study is that affect heuristic guides worker's judgment and decision making in a risk situation. The more the worker likes her/his organization the less she/he will perceive the risks as high. METHOD A sample of 115 employers and 65 employees working in small family agricultural businesses completed a questionnaire measuring perceived safety costs, psychological safety climate, affective commitment and safety compliance. RESULTS A multi-sample structural analysis supported the thesis that safety compliance can be explained through an affect-based heuristic reasoning, but only for employers. CONCLUSIONS Positive affective commitment towards their family business reduced employers' compliance with safety procedures by increasing the perceived cost of implementing them.
Insularity and economies of density: analyzing the efficiency of a logistic network using an econometric simulation-based approach

ABSTRACT This paper explores the challenges posed by insularity to economic development and overall welfare from a novel viewpoint. Using a multidisciplinary approach, we investigated the additional burden that this permanent geographical condition poses to retailers whose profit-maximizing strategy relies upon the exploitation of the economies of density. The analysis results show that a retailer finds it convenient to develop its network on the mainland, exploiting the proximity of his stores and distribution centres. Further, it shows that insularity, an unlikely similar condition such as peripherality and remoteness, prevents retailers from expanding their network on an island, thus lowering competition and affecting consumers’ welfare.
Abnormal Fibrin Clot Architecture in Nephrotic Patients Is Related to Hypofibrinolysis: Influence of Plasma Biochemical Modifications

Summary Porosity, viscoelasticity and morphological properties of plasma fibrin from 16 nephrotic patients and 16 healthy volunteers were compared. Nephrotic patients were characterized by formation of tight and rigid plasma fibrin gels which resulted in a slower rate of fibrin lysis studied either under pressure-driven permeation or diffusional transport of fibrinolytic agents. These latter findings indicated that both abnormal fibrin network conformation and abnormal fibrin fiber structure were involved in hypofibrinolysis. Albumin supplementation up to 40 mg/ml partially restored normal fibrin architecture and increased the rate of fibrinolysis in these patients. Multiparametric analysis showed that nephrotic patients were mainly characterized by a low plasma albumin level (R = -0.85), a low albumin to fibrinogen ratio (R = -0.89) and a high resistance to lysis (R = -0.82). High triglycerides level was the only plasma modification related to the slower fibrin lysis rate (R = -0.54). High fibrin rigidity (G’) was the only fibrin parameter simultaneously related to the nephrotic state (R = 0.75) and the lysis resistance (R = -0.71). After eliminating the effects of age, albumin and fibrinogen levels, low fibrin porosity (Ks) and low fiber mass-length ratio (μ) were the main features of the nephrotic state. These findings are discussed in relation to both the pathophysiology of thrombotic complications in nephrotic syndrome and their pharmacological prevention.
Comparison of indacaterol with tiotropium or twice-daily long-acting β -agonists for stable COPD: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Bronchodilators are central to the symptomatic management of patients with COPD.Previous data have shown that inhaled indacaterol improved numerous clinical outcomes over placebo. METHODS This systematic review explored the efficacy and safety of indacaterol in comparison with tiotropium or bid long-acting β 2 -agonists (TD-LABAs) for treatment of moderate to severe COPD. Randomized controlled trials were identified after a search of different databases of published and unpublished trials. RESULTS Five trials (5,920 participants) were included. Compared with tiotropium, indacaterol showed statistically and clinically significant reductions in the use of rescue medication and dyspnea(43% greater likelihood of achieving a minimal clinically important difference [MCID] in the transitional dyspnea index [TDI]; number needed to treat for benefit [NNTB] 5 10). Additionally,the MCID in health status was more likely to be achieved with indacaterol than with tiotropium (OR = 1.43; 95% CI, 1.22–1.68; P = .00001; [NNTB ]= 10). Trough FEV 1 was significantly higher at the end of treatment with indacaterol than with TD-LABAs (80 mL, P = .00001). Similarly, indacaterol signifi cantly improved dyspnea (61% greater likelihood of achieving an MCID in TDI, P = .008) and health status (21% greater likelihood of achieving an MCID in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, P 5 .04) than TD-LABA. Indacaterol showed similar levels of safety and tolerability to both comparators. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggests that indacaterol may prove useful as an alternative to tiotropium or TD-LABA due to its effects on health status, dyspnea, and pulmonary function.
Choroidal thinning and "stair-case" foveal sign in a patient with Alport syndrome.

PURPOSE To quantitatively describe choroidal thickness in a patient with Alport syndrome and to qualitatively describe an unusual "stair-case" foveal sign. METHODS Retrospective case report. RESULTS This is the first case, to our knowledge, of the stair-case foveal sign. This is also the first case where choroidal thickness in a patient with Alport rsyndrome has been quantitatively described using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSION Stair-case foveal sign and choroidal thinning are two new signs that clinicians can expect to encounter on optical coherence tomography imaging of patients with Alport syndrome.
Coopetitive strategies in the ICT sector: typology and stability

The paradoxical nature of coopetition is determined by a combination of collaboration and competition. Coopetition is a relational mode frequently applied by information and communications technologty (ICT) firms. Using a qualitative approach, this study investigates the evolution of inter-firms coopetitive agreements in the enterprise resource planning (ERP) industry, and on the basis of this data, attempts to discuss coopetition typology and stability in this specific market context. The findings indicate the existence of two main types of coopetitive agreements, coopetitive projects with (i) vertical or (ii) horizontal cooperation between the competing partners. These two coopetition types have different characteristics in terms of purpose, dynamics and stability, presenting a specific balance between competitive tensions and collaboration benefits. The study concludes with a summary of the main findings and with practical propositions directed towards alliance managers.
Evidence for Recombination between Pandemic GII.4 Norovirus Strains New Orleans 2009 and Sydney 2012

ABSTRACT During 2012, a novel pandemic GII.4 norovirus variant, Sydney 2012, emerged worldwide. A signature of the variant was a GII.Pe ORF1, in association with GII.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like ORF2-ORF3 genes. We report the detection of recombinant GII.4 Sydney 2012 strains, possessing the ORF1 gene of the former pandemic variant New Orleans 2009.
Separate visual representations in the planning and control of action

Evidence for a dichotomy between the planning of an action and its on-line control in humans is reviewed. This evidence suggests that planning and control each serve a specialized purpose utilizing distinct visual representations. Evidence from behavioral studies suggests that planning is influenced by a large array of visual and cognitive information, whereas control is influenced solely by the spatial characteristics of the target, including such things as its size, shape, orientation, and so forth. Evidence from brain imaging and neuropsychology suggests that planning and control are subserved by separate visual centers in the posterior parietal lobes, each constituting part of a larger network for planning and control. Planning appears to rely on phylogenetically newer regions in the inferior parietal lobe, along with the frontal lobes and basal ganglia, whereas control appears to rely on older regions in the superior parietal lobe, along with the cerebellum.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure in Vietnam: A Longitudinal Study

: This paper aims to investigate the level of corporate social disclosure practices in emerging market . The purpose of this paper is also to identify the important factors that drive corporate social responsibility disclosure practices in Vietnam . Based on a sample of firms listed on Vietnamese Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2013, a sample of 600 observations was analyzed using CSR disclosure index of which is classified into four dimensions (human resource, community involvement, environment
Evaluating the Effect of Policies and the Development of Charging Infrastructure on Electric Vehicle Diffusion in China

China has been one of the most aggressive countries in electric vehicle (EV) promotion. However, private EV sales fail to achieve the government’s target. In particular, cutting purchase subsidies poses great uncertainty in relation to EV diffusion. In this research, a system dynamics model aims to investigate the influence of government policies, infrastructure development plans, the duration of policies, and the phase out strategy of policies. Parameters relating to consumers’ preferences are drawn from a questionnaire survey, which is conducted in Shenzhen, the pioneer city in China’s EV promotion. The result of a scenario analysis shows that purchase subsidies, purchase restrictions and driving restrictions are the most effective policies for EV promotion. Driving restrictions are more effective but less easy to enforce than purchase restrictions. The number and location of charging piles are much more important than large charging stations. Moreover, EV diffusion can be self-sufficient after current policies have been maintained for 11 years. We find that the gradual removal of subsidies will cause a four-year delay in EV sales entering rapid growth in Shenzhen. However, cutting subsidies in cities without purchase restrictions will cause the failure of EV promotion.
An 'omics approach towards CHO cell engineering

Chinese hamster ovarian cells (CHO) cells have been extensively utilized for industrial production of biopharmaceutical products, such as monoclonal antibodies, human growth hormones, cytokines, and blood‐products. Recent advances in recombinant DNA technology have resulted in the bioengineering of CHO cells that have robust gene amplification systems and can also be adapted to grow in suspension cultures. In parallel, recent advances in techniques and tools for decoding the CHO cell genome, transcriptome, proteome, and glycome have led to new areas of study for better understanding the metabolic pathways in CHO cells with the long‐term goal of developing new biologics. This review paper discusses the recent advances in bioengineering strategies in CHO cell lines and the impact of the knowledge gained by CHO cell genomics, transcriptomics, and glycomics on the future of CHO‐cell engineering. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1255–1271. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic engineering for increasing fungal and bacterial disease resistance in crop plants

We review the current and future potential of genetic engineering strategies used to make fungal and bacterial pathogen-resistant GM crops, illustrating different examples of the technologies and the potential benefits and short-falls of the strategies. There are well- established procedures for the production of transgenic plants with resistance towards these pathogens and considerable progress has been made using a range of new methodologies.
Neurobehavioral dysfunction in ALS has a negative effect on outcome and use of PEG and NIV

Objective: To assess the effect of neurobehavioral dysfunction on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) survival and on the use of life-prolonging therapies in a population-based setting. Methods: Of the 132 patients diagnosed with ALS in the province of Torino, Italy, between January 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008, 128 participated in the study. Neurobehavioral dysfunction was assessed with the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe), using the Family Rating forms, administered within 4 months from diagnosis. Results: The 128 patients included 71 men and 57 women, with a mean age at onset of 64.7 (SD 11) years. Forty-one patients (32.0%) had a neurobehavioral dysfunction and 9 (7.0%) an isolated dysexecutive behavior. Enteral nutrition (EN) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) were performed with similar frequencies in patients with and without neurobehavioral dysfunction. Patients with neurobehavioral dysfunction had a significantly shorter survival than those with a normal FrSBe score (median survival, 3.3 vs 4.3 years; p = 0.02). Patients with isolated dysexecutive behavior had a shorter survival than those without neurobehavioral dysfunction (median survival, 2.5 vs 4.5 years; p = 0.03). Patients with neurobehavioral dysfunction had a shorter survival after EN and NIV, while patients with isolated dysexecutive behavior had a shorter survival after NIV but not after EN. The negative effect of comorbid neurobehavioral dysfunction and of isolated dysexecutive behavior on survival persisted under the Cox multivariate model. Conclusions: The presence of neurobehavioral dysfunction or of isolate dysexecutive behavior in ALS at diagnosis is a strong predictor of a poor outcome, partially related to a reduced efficacy of life-prolonging therapies.
Intensity versus duration of walking, impact on mortality: the Copenhagen City Heart Study

Background Current recommendations prescribe that every adult should accumulate 30 min or more of moderate-intensity physical activity in leisure time, preferably all days of the week. To further support these recommendations we examined the impact of walking intensity and walking duration on all-cause mortality. Design Relative intensity and duration of walking were recorded in 7308 healthy women and men aged 20-93 at the third examination (1991-1994) of the Copenhagen City Heart Study. During an average of 12 years of follow-up 1391 deaths were recorded. Results For both sexes we found a significant inverse association between walking intensity and risk of death, but only a weak inverse association to walking duration. For women walking with average intensity, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of death was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.92; P < 0.01] and walking with fast intensity 0.48 (95% CI 0.35–0.66; P > 0.001) compared to women walking with slow intensity. For men the relative risks were 0.54 (95% CI 0.45–0.67; P < 0.001) and 0.43 (95% CI 0.32–0.59; P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion Our findings indicate that the relative intensity and not the duration of walking is of most importance in relation to all-cause mortality. Thus our general recommendation to all adults would be that brisk walking is preferable to slow. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 14: 72-78 © 2007 The European Society of Cardiology
Pursed lip breathing improves exercise tolerance in COPD: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND Although pursed-lip breathing (PLB) has been advocated to reduce respiratory rate and improve oxygen saturation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at rest, the evidence of its effects on dynamic hyperinflation (DH) and exercise tolerance is scarce. AIM To evaluate the effect of PLB on exercise tolerance, breathing pattern, dynamic hyperinflation and arterial oxygenation in COPD patients during high-intensity exercise. DESIGN Randomized crossover study. SETTING Laboratory of Respiration Physiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. POPULATION Forty stable COPD patients aged 40-75 years and with FEV1<60%. METHODS In a randomized order, all patients performed PLB and control breathing (CB) during constant work-rate exercise in an electrically-braked cycloergometer. Dynamic hyperinflation, oxygen saturation and breathing pattern were recorded at rest, in isotime and in peak exercise. RESULTS The nine patients who increased their endurance time by more than 25% during PLB (6.42 ± 2.36 vs. 10.51 ± 3.83 min; P < 0.05) were considered as the Improver sub-group. Compared to the Non-improver subgroup, these patients presented a lower expiratory peak flow - EPF (40.2 ± 8.6 vs. 53.3 ± 17.8 % predicted, P<0.05). The ROC Curve analysis of the EPF as a percentage of the predicted values (%pred) was performed to identify cut-off values that had greater sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between IMPROVER and NON-IMPROVER. We observed 61% sensitivity and 89% specificity with a 47.7% pred EPF. At isotime, PLB yielded higher inspiratory capacity (IC) and oxygen saturation (1.19 ± 0.33 to 1.35 ± 0.39 L; P < 0.05 and 93.1 ± 4.6 to 94.0 ± 4.1%; P<0.05), and lower respiratory rate than CB only in Improver. Non-improver patients showed thoracoabdominal asynchrony during PLB in isotime. At peak exercise, PLB improved the arterial oxygenation in Improver, but there were no changes in the breathing pattern in the analyzed subgroups. CONCLUSION In COPD patients with low PEF, pursed-lip breathing reduces dynamic hyperinflation and improves exercise tolerance, breathing pattern and arterial oxygenation at submaximal intensity exercise. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT This study points to a possible application of PLB in a selected group of COPD patients aiming at improving the exercise tolerance. PEF measurements can help to indicate PLB for COPD patients.
Minimal padé model reduction of multivariable systems

The approximation of high order linear multivariable system in the Padé sense is considered. Models of minimal order are found which match given input-output sequences of time moments and Markov matrices. The uniqueness of these models is investigated, and in cases where there exists more than one minimal model for a given sequence, the set of all the distinct models is characterized by a minimal set of independent parameters which can be assigned arbitrary values. A unified treatment is presented by which models of the same minimal order that put different emphasis on the approximation at low and high frequencies are obtained. The possible instability of Padé reduced models for stable systems is considered and a procedure is suggested which yields stable models that approximate the high order system or at least its magnitude in the Padé sense.
Line managers and HRM: A managerial discretion perspective

Line managers play a central role in HRM practices, but research and theory on how their role is enacted remains underdeveloped. This paper presents a case study of a large UK-based fashion retailer, and uses managerial discretion theory to develop a novel understanding of line managers’ contribution to the implementation of HRM practices. We describe three distinct ways in which line managers engage with HRM policies and procedures, and propose that line managers make an important contribution to the effective implementation of HRM systems through exerting their cognitive and political abilities to bring about decisions that are well suited to their local situations. Moreover, we find that HR specialists design and manage HRM policies and procedures to afford different levels of managerial discretion in different areas of HRM.
Effects of anisosmotic conditions on the cytoskeletal architecture of cultured PC12 cells

PC12 cells show a classical volume regulatory process when submitted to hypo‐osmotic conditions. The present study examined the effects of such osmotic shock on the structural organization of different cytoskeletal elements. Results were obtained by use of different light and electron microscopy techniques combined with immunostaining methods. It appeared that the osmotically induced changes in cell volume were concomitant with important modifications in the organization of the microfilament network. Microfilaments concentrated in the perinuclear area, leaving only radial extensions of poorly organized structures in the cytoplasm. The latter were the only actin structures immunologically stained in the cytoplasm and seemed to anchor to the plasma membrane. Measurements of the fluorescence intensity of PC12 cells treated with FITC‐labeled phalloidin indicated a progressive depolymerization, followed by a repolymerization of F‐actin. This occurs in parallel with microfilament reorganization and volume regulatory processes. The appearance of microfilament reorganization was a function of both the incubation period and the amplitude of the osmolarity changes. During the first minutes of osmotic shock, a decrease was observed in the density and length of microvilli, which normally cover the PC12 cell surfaces, suggesting an early reorganization of the underlying microfilament network. Microtubules and intermediate filament networks were not affected by the hypo‐osmotic conditions. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A EFICÁCIA DO CRÉDITO COMO CANAL DE TRANSMISSÃO DA POLÍTICA MONETÁRIA NO BRASIL: ESTRATÉGIA DE IDENTIFICAÇÃO DA OFERTA E DEMANDA DE CRÉDITO

RESUMO O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar evidências empíricas a respeito da eficácia do crédito como canal de transmissão de política monetária no Brasil para o período de 2002 a 2012, no qual a proporção do crédito em relação ao PIB cresceu substancialmente. Para cumprir o propósito da pesquisa foram estimados diferentes modelos VAR e foram analisadas as funções impulso-resposta e a decomposição da variância dos erros. A estratégia de identificação da demanda e da oferta de crédito foi por meio de choques no volume real de crédito e na taxa de juros de mercado, respectivamente. Os resultados indicaram a existência do canal do crédito bancário. Desse modo, é aconselhável que as autoridades monetárias deem maior atenção aos efeitos da política monetária sobre o nível da taxa de juros de mercado, uma vez que o efeito da política monetária sobre esta potencializa a resposta da economia real.