Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Further improvement in quantifying male fetal DNA in maternal plasma.

BACKGROUND Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in maternal plasma can be clinically useful for detecting prenatal disorders and pregnancy monitoring. More sensitive, specific, and quantitative detection of cffDNA in maternal plasma may expand the clinical utility of such measurements. METHODS We developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay [Y chromosome repetitive sequence (YRS) assay] based on a highly repetitive short sequence specific for the Y chromosome. Both standard qPCR and digital qPCR were performed to compare the sensitivity and specificity of this new assay against already established male DNA-specific assays. RESULTS The YRS assay was at least 10-fold more sensitive than the currently most sensitive DYS14 assay. The YRS assay was able to detect 0.5 genome equivalents (GE) per PCR reaction when fetal DNA was present at 0.2% of the total DNA. The background noise for the YRS assay was much lower than for the DYS14 assay in analyses of plasma samples from pregnancies with female fetuses. CONCLUSIONS The YRS assay is a substantial improvement for quantifying rare male fetal DNA in maternal plasma. The higher sensitivity and specificity may expand the clinical and research utility of cffDNA.
Boosted activation of right inferior frontoparietal network: A basis for illusory movement awareness

The feeling of illusory movement is considered important in the study of human behavior because it is deeply related to motor consciousness. However, the neural basis underlying the illusion of movement remains to be understood. Following optimal vibratory stimulation of muscle tendon, certain subjects experience illusory movements while others do not. In the present fMRI study, we sought to uncover the neural basis of illusory movement awareness by contrasting a posteriori these two types of subjects. Examining fMRI data using leave‐one‐subject‐out general linear models and region of interest analyses, we found that a non‐limb‐specific associative network, including the opercular part of the right inferior frontal gyrus and the right inferior parietal lobule, was more active in subjects with illusions. On the other hand, levels of activation in other brain areas involved in kinaesthetic processing were rather similar between the two subsamples of subjects. These results suggest that activation of the right inferior frontoparietal areas, once passed a certain threshold, forms the basis of illusory movements. This is consistent with the global neuronal workspace hypothesis that associates conscious processing with surges of frontoparietal activity. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5166–5178, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
International Conference on Information Systems ( ICIS ) 1231-2002 Building Effective Online Marketplaces with Institution-Based Trust

Despite the inherent risk arising from separating buyers and sellers, networked online marketplaces are proliferating. We describe how online auction marketplaces take advantage of institutional structures to build buyer trust in auction sellers, mitigate risk, increase satisfaction, and promote transaction intentions. It is hypothesized, based on institutional trust (Zucker 1986), that buyer trust in auction sellers can be increased, beyond past experience with sellers, through structural assurances, such as buyer-driven certification, auction house escrows, and credit card guarantees. We examined buyer transaction intentions, mediated by trusting beliefs, risk reduction, and satisfaction. The model is tested with 274 buyers in Amazons online auction marketplace. The results support the hypotheses, highlighting the importance of institution-based trust in online networks. Implications are discussed.
Folded supersymmetry and the LEP paradox

We present a new class of models that stabilize the weak scale against radiative corrections up to scales of order 5 TeV without large corrections to precision electroweak observables. In these `folded supersymmetric' theories the one loop quadratic divergences of the Standard Model Higgs field are cancelled by opposite spin partners, but the gauge quantum numbers of these new particles are in general different from those of the conventional superpartners. This class of models is built around the correspondence that exists in the large N limit between the correlation functions of supersymmetric theories and those of their non-supersymmetric orbifold daughters. By identifying the mechanism which underlies the cancellation of one loop quadratic divergences in these theories, we are able to construct simple extensions of the Standard Model which are radiatively stable at one loop. Ultraviolet completions of these theories can be obtained by imposing suitable boundary conditions on an appropriate supersymmetric higher dimensional theory compactified down to four dimensions. We construct a specific model based on these ideas which stabilizes the weak scale up to about 20 TeV and where the states which cancel the top loop are scalars not charged under Standard Model color. Its collider signatures are distinct from conventional supersymmetric theories and include characteristic events with hard leptons and missing energy.
Ozone measurements with meteors: a revisit

Understanding the role of ozone in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere (MLT) region is essential for understanding the atmospheric processes in the upper atmosphere. Earlier studies have shown that it is possible to use overdense meteor trails to measure ozone concentration in the meteor region. Here, we revisit this topic by comparing a compilation of radar observations to satellite measurements. We observe a modest agreement between the values derived from these two methods, which confirm the usefulness of the meteor trail technique for measuring ozone content at certain heights in the MLT region. Future simultaneous measurements will help quantifying the performance of this technique.
Shield or not to Shield: Effects of Solar Radiation on Water Temperature Sensor Accuracy

Temperature sensors are potentially susceptible to errors due to heating by solar radiation. Although this is well known for air temperature (Ta), significance to continuous water temperature (Tw) monitoring is relatively untested. This paper assesses radiative errors by comparing measurements of exposed and shielded Tinytag sensors under indirect and direct solar radiation, and in laboratory experiments under controlled, artificial light. In shallow, still-water and under direct solar radiation, measurement discrepancies between exposed and shielded sensors averaged 0.4 °C but can reach 1.6 °C. Around 0.3 °C of this inconsistency is explained by variance in measurement accuracy between sensors; the remainder is attributed to solar radiation. Discrepancies were found to increase with light intensity, but to attain Tw differences in excess of 0.5 °C requires direct, bright solar radiation (>400 W m−2 in the total spectrum). Under laboratory conditions, radiative errors are an order of magnitude lower when thermistors are placed in flowing water (even at velocities as low as 0.1 m s−1). Radiative errors were also modest relative to the discrepancy between different thermistor manufacturers. Based on these controlled experiments, a set of guidelines are recommended for deploying thermistor arrays in water bodies.
Novices' Struggles with Conceptual and Theoretical Framing in Writing Dissertations and Papers for Publication

In this conceptual paper, we address the problem that novice scholars in social sciences sometimes have in constructing conceptual or theoretical frameworks for their dissertations and papers for publication. In the first part of the paper, we discuss why the topic is important in the high pressure environment that novice scholars face, in which finishing a doctoral degree and getting published can make a difference in career success or failure, and explain our understanding of theoretical/conceptual framing, including provisionally defining some key terms. We then elucidate ten problems that novice scholars have with theoretical/conceptual framing, using our own experiences as manuscript reviewers and writers as examples. The paper concludes with ways that novice scholars can address the task of framing their scholarly work conceptually and theoretically, on the understanding that the struggles continue over the lifetime of a scholarly career.
Renin–angiotensin system activity in vitamin D deficient, obese individuals with hypertension: An urban Indian study

Background: Elevated renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) activity is an important mechanism in the development of hypertension. Both obesity and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency have been associated with hypertension and augmented renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity. We tried to test the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency and obesity are associated with increased RAS activity in Indian patients with hypertension. Materials and Methods: Fifty newly detected hypertensive patients were screened. Patients with secondary hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or coronary artery disease were excluded. Patients underwent measurement of vitamin D and plasma renin and plasma aldosterone concentrations. They were divided into three groups according to their baseline body mass index (BMI; normal <25 kg/m2, overweight 25–29.9 kg/m2 and obese ≥30 kg/m2) and 25(OH)D levels (deficient <20 ng/ml, insufficient 20–29 ng/ml and optimal ≥30 ng/ml). Results: A total of 50 (male:female – 32:18) patients were included, with a mean age of 49.5 ± 7.8 years, mean BMI of 28.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2 and a mean 25(OH)D concentration of 18.5 ± 6.4 ng/ml. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 162.4 ± 20.2 mm Hg and mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 100.2 ± 11.2 mm Hg. All the three blood pressure parameters [SBP, DBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP)] were significantly higher among individuals with lower 25(OH)D levels. The P values for trends in SBP, DBP and MAP were 0.009, 0.01 and 0.007, respectively. Though all the three blood pressure parameters (SBP, DBP and MAP) were higher among individuals with higher BMIs, they were not achieving statistical significance. Increasing trends in PRA and PAC were noticed with lower 25(OH)D and higher BMI levels. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are associated with stimulation of RAAS activity. Vitamin D supplementation along with weight loss may be studied as a therapeutic strategy to reduce tissue RAS activity in individualswith Vitamin D deficiency and obesity.
Texting, techspeak, and tweens: The relationship between text messaging and English grammar skills

The perpetual use of mobile devices by adolescents has fueled a culture of text messaging, with abbreviations and grammatical shortcuts, thus raising the following question in the minds of parents and teachers: Does increased use of text messaging engender greater reliance on such ‘textual adaptations’ to the point of altering one’s sense of written grammar? A survey (N = 228) was conducted to test the association between text message usage of sixth, seventh and eighth grade students and their scores on an offline, age-appropriate grammar assessment test. Results show broad support for a general negative relationship between the use of techspeak in text messages and scores on a grammar assessment, with implications for Social Cognitive Theory and Low-Road/High-Road Theory of Transfer of Learning. These results indicate that adolescents may learn through observation in communication technologies, and that these learned adaptations may be transferred to standard English through Low-Road transfer of learning. Further mediation analyses suggest that not all forms of textual adaptation are related to grammar assessment score in the same way. ‘Word adaptations’ were found to be negatively related to grammar scores, while ‘structural adaptations’ were found to be non-significant.
Intuitive Steering Assistance in Critical Understeer Situations

Objective: To develop and verify a driver assistance function, working on the electric power steering of passenger cars, to support the driver on handling critical understeer situations. The main objectives of the so-called understeer assistance are reinforcing the driver's awareness of the driving conditions and giving support to handle the situation correctly without inducing irritation by abnormal steering behavior. Methods: The system was designed in consideration of psychological aspects of human decision making while operating a vehicle in unfamiliar understeer situations. Using a comparison of vehicle dynamics with a reference model computed in the car, the level of understeer is calculated. Depending on the understeer level, the steering wheel restoring torque is increased while a vibration is applied to the steering wheel at the same time. To verify the achievement of the objectives, the standard steering system is compared to the developed understeer assistance in an active driving study on a test track. Not only objective measurement data but also subjective ratings delivered by 63 unbiased participants were used. Results: The subjects follow the offered steering recommendation by steering less when the assistance function is activated (). In the sequel, an enhanced vehicle reaction arises that is validated by analyzing the achieved maximum lateral offset (). In addition, the evaluation of subjective ratings clearly indicates a better awareness of the understeer situation with the assistance function (. Furthermore the subjects rate the understeer assistance better than the standard steering system (). Conclusions: By measuring vehicle data and eliciting subjective opinions of the participants, the effectiveness regarding an improved handling of an understeering vehicle as well as the acceptance of the understeer assistance by the driver is confirmed. Larger subject groups and more realistic boundary conditions should be considered for additional evaluations. The approach of using standard vehicle hardware to adapt the vehicle to specific driving situations under consideration of psychological aspects of human decision making should be investigated further.
Is High Primordial Deuterium Consistent with Galactic Evolution?

Galactic destruction of primordial deuterium is inevitably linked through star formation to the chemical evolution of the Galaxy. The relatively high present gas content and low metallicity suggest only modest D destruction. In concert with deuterium abundances derived from solar system and/or interstellar observations, this suggests a primordial deuterium abundance in possible conflict with data from some high-redshift, low-metallicity QSO absorbers. We have explored a variety of chemical evolution models including infall of processed material and early, supernovae-driven winds with the aim of identifying models with large D destruction that are consistent with the observations of stellar-produced heavy elements. When such models are confronted with data, we reconfirm that only modest destruction of deuterium (less than a factor of 3) is permitted. When combined with solar system and interstellar data, these results favor the low deuterium abundances derived for the QSO absorbers by Tytler et al.
Multiwavelength Study of Massive Galaxies at z ~ 2. II. Widespread Compton-thick Active Galactic Nuclei and the Concurrent Growth of Black Holes and Bulges

Approximately 20%-30% of 1.4 ≲ z ≲ 2.5 galaxies with KVega < 22 detected with Spitzer MIPS at 24 μm show excess mid-IR emission relative to that expected based on the rates of star formation measured from other multiwavelength data. These galaxies also display some near-IR excess in Spitzer IRAC data, with an SED peaking longward of 1.6 μm in the rest frame, indicating the presence of warm dust emission usually absent in star-forming galaxies. Stacking Chandra data for the mid-IR excess galaxies yields a significant hard X-ray detection at rest-frame energies >6.2 keV. The stacked X-ray spectrum rises steeply at >10 keV, suggesting that these sources host Compton-thick AGNs with column densities NH ≳ 1024 cm-2 and an average, unobscured X-ray luminosity L2-8 keV ≈ (1-4) × 1043 ergs s-1. Their sky density (~3200 deg-2) and space density (~2.6 × 10-4 Mpc-3) are twice those of X-ray-detected AGNs at z ≈ 2, and much larger than those of previously known Compton-thick sources at similar redshifts. The mid-IR excess galaxies are part of the long sought after population of distant heavily obscured AGNs predicted by synthesis models of the X-ray background. The fraction of mid-IR excess objects increases with galaxy mass, reaching ~50%-60% for M ~ 1011 M☉, an effect likely connected with downsizing in galaxy formation. The ratio of the inferred black hole growth rate from these Compton-thick sources to the global star formation rate at z = 2 is similar to the mass ratio of black holes to stars in local spheroids, implying concurrent growth of both within the precursors of today's massive galaxies.
Compilation and analysis of Bacillus subtilis sigma A-dependent promoter sequences: evidence for extended contact between RNA polymerase and upstream promoter DNA

Sequence analysis of 236 promoters recognized by the Bacillus subtilis sigma A-RNA polymerase reveals an extended promoter structure. The most highly conserved bases include the -35 and -10 hexanucleotide core elements and a TG dinucleotide at position -15, -14. In addition, several weakly conserved A and T residues are present upstream of the -35 region. Analysis of dinucleotide composition reveals A2- and T2-rich sequences in the upstream promoter region (-36 to -70) which are phased with the DNA helix: An tracts are common near -43, -54 and -65; Tn tracts predominate at the intervening positions. When compared with larger regions of the genome, upstream promoter regions have an excess of An and Tn sequences for n > 4. These data indicate that an RNA polymerase binding site affects DNA sequence as far upstream as -70. This sequence conservation is discussed in light of recent evidence that the alpha subunits of the polymerase core bind DNA and that the promoter may wrap around RNA polymerase.
Increasing the Entropy of a Random Number Generator Using n-scroll Chaotic attractors

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the number of scrolls on the measure-theoretic entropy of a random bit generator (RBG) based on multiscroll chaotic attractor. The binary output of the proposed RBG is obtained by sampling the output of the generalized nonlinearity of multiscroll chaotic attractor circuit which is in fact a noninvertible function. Our numeric simulations show that the entropy of the proposed random bit generator is increased by increasing the number of scrolls.
Tribological and Tribochemical Behaviour of MachineElements Having DLC/Cast Iron Interfaces and Lubricatedwith MoDTC-Type Friction Modifier

Due to the importance of reducing CO2 emissions and improving fuel economy, many researchers have focused on studying the cam/follower contact and the ways to reduce friction (improve engine efficiency) and avoid wear (enhance engine durability). This thesis addresses aspects of tribology and tribochemistry of a cam/follower interface with consideration of how the surface/lubricant interaction affect the system performance. A Mini Traction Machine (MTM) was used to evaluate different lubricant formulations as well as to examine the tribofilm formation under pure sliding and sliding/rolling contacts. A Single Cam Rig (SCR), taken from 1.25L FORD Zetec (SE) engine, was also used in this work in order to investigate the friction, wear and Tribochemical performance of the camlobes/tappets as a function of tappet clearance and type of coating. In addition, a new technique of measuring tappet rotation using a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor coupled with a split pole ferrite disk magnet has also been developed in this study. Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were performed on the surfaces to understand the tribochemical interactions between oil additives and the cam/follower interface. Results obtained from MTM tribometer showed that the sliding/rolling ratio affects friction, wear and tribochemistry in CI/DLC systems; pure sliding enhances MoDTC activation. MoDTC decomposes to form MoS2, FeMoO4 and not MoO3. In addition, it was observed that the MoS2/FeMoO4 ratio depends on test conditions and affects the friction performance. The results obtained from SCR tribometer closely support those in the MTM tribometer and that link between tribometer and component testing is discussed. In addition, the chemistry of the tribofilm derived on camlobes and tappets varies as a function of tappet clearance and cam profile. In terms of tappet rotation, results showed that Molybdenum Dialkyl Dithiocarbamate (MoDTC) and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating promoted the rotation of the tappet. Furthermore, the tappet rotation is strongly dependent on oil formulation, clearance, speed/temperature, and surface roughness of the coating.
Experimental Studies on Byssinosis

and that even when the drug was discontinued in April, 1958. the polyneuritis progressed relentlessly until the full clinical picture of subacute combined degeneration of the cord was established by December, 1958. Moreover, this progression, despite treatment with a vitamin-B complex parenterally, suggested that malabsorption of these substances was not the primary cause of his neuropathy. The skin lesions were believed to be those of pellagra, which is found in chronic deficiency of nicotinic acid and riboflavine (Sydenstricker, 1941). It is probable that the pellagra was caused by grossly impaired absorption of nicotinic acid, and this view is supported by the rapid response of the skin lesions to a parenteral vitamin-B complex. It is possible that isoniazid therapy, by interfering further with carbohydrate metabolism, contributed to the production of pellagra, since it is known that pellagra becomes worse during isoniazid therapy. It is worth repeating that the neurological signs were unaffected by isoniazid withdrawal, by long-continued dosage of vitamin-B complex and folic acid, or by liver extract given parenterally for six weeks. This suggests that the primary cause was, in fact, a developing vitamin-Bl2 deficiency, which liver extract was unable to prevent, presumably because of its low vitamin-B12 content.
Nonstandard Employing Worker's Job Satisfaction: A Comparative Research between Intelligent and Traditional Workers

Recent years, nonstandard employment has been coming an important method for organization to increase its flexible ability. The new employment relationship has lead to new employee working attitude. The job satisfaction is one of basic and vital index. However nonstandard employing workers is a huge extension group, different nonstandard employing workers have different feature, and have different job satisfaction. This research divides nonstandard employing workers into intelligent and traditional workers based on their knowledge, skill, and experience, and compares the difference of job satisfaction between two types by empirical research. The results show the intelligent workers’ job satisfaction is higher than traditional worker’s on most components, however they is less satisfied than traditional workers on one component, and is similar with traditional workers on one component.