Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk-Taking Behaviors of Adolescents With Extreme Obesity: Normative or Not?

OBJECTIVE: Present first published data detailing high-risk behaviors of adolescent high school students (HSS) with extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 99th percentile for age and gender) compared with healthy weight peers (5th–84th percentile). METHODS: The 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey was used to compare HSS with extreme obesity (N = 410) and healthy weight peers (N = 8669) in their engagement in (1) tobacco use, (2) alcohol/other drug use, (3) high-risk sexual behaviors, and (4) suicidal behaviors. Logistic regression was used to calculate gender-stratified odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), controlling for age and race. RESULTS: HSS with extreme obesity were similar to healthy weight peers in the prevalence of most behaviors related to alcohol/drug use, high-risk sexual activities, and suicide, with the following exceptions: relative to healthy weight HSS, both male and female students with extreme obesity more frequently reported ever trying cigarettes (female students, adjusted OR: 2.0 [95% CI: 1.3–3.2]; male students, OR: 1.5 [CI: 1.2–2.0]). Compared with healthy weight female students, female students with extreme obesity had lower odds of ever having sex (OR: 0.5 [CI: 0.3–0.9]), but greater odds of drinking alcohol/using drugs before their last sexual encounter (OR: 4.6 [CI: 1.2–17.6]), currently smoking (OR: 2.3 [CI: 1.2–4.4]), and using smokeless tobacco (OR: 4.6 [CI: 1.2–17.2]). Compared with healthy weight male students, male students with extreme obesity had greater odds of smoking before age 13 (OR: 1.4 [CI: 1.0–2.0]). CONCLUSIONS: With few exceptions, HSS with extreme obesity engage in high-risk behaviors at rates comparable with healthy weight peers, sometimes in even more dangerous ways. Health care providers should assess risk-taking behaviors in this cohort.
The VP16 paradox: herpes simplex virus VP16 contains a long-range activation domain but within the natural multiprotein complex activates only from promoter-proximal positions

Removal of core promoter elements like the TATA box converts several regulatory upstream regions of viral and cellular genes into classical enhancers, i.e., cis-regulatory elements capable of activating transcription over long distances in an orientation-independent manner. This is not the case with herpes simplex virus (HSV) immediate-early gene promoters, which are strongly induced by the viral transactivator VP16 (Vmw65, alphaTIF, ICP25) complexed with the cellular factors Oct-1 and HCF. Here we report that the VP16 complex can readily bring about strong activation from a promoter-proximal position but fails to induce transcription from a distal downstream enhancer position. This is in striking contrast to results obtained with GAL fusion proteins: in this context, the C-terminal "general" activation domain of VP16 activates transcription to high levels over long distances. Thus, this paradoxical behavior suggests that the VP16 activation domain is not accessible to the transcription machinery when the VP16-Oct-1-HCF complex is bound in a remote position. Only upon specific interactions in a promoter-proximal position, perhaps with the basal transcription factors, can transcription be strongly induced. In agreement with such a proposed mechanism, VP16 proteins to which a heterologous general activation domain has been added strongly activate transcription from a downstream position. The biological role of this unexpected and sophisticated mechanism is most probably a limitation of the VP16 activity to the associated immediate-early genes, without undesired long-range effects on other viral promoters within the tightly packed HSV genome.
Modal similarity

Just as Boolean rules define Boolean categories, the Boolean operators define higher-order Boolean categories referred to as modal categories . We examine the similarity order between these categories and the standard category of logical identity (i.e. the modal category defined by the biconditional or equivalence operator). Our goal is 4-fold: first, to introduce a similarity measure for determining this similarity order; second, to show that such a measure is a good predictor of the similarity assessment behaviour observed in our experiment involving key modal categories; third, to argue that as far as the modal categories are concerned, configural similarity assessment may be componential or analytical in nature; and lastly, to draw attention to the intimate interplay that may exist between deductive judgments, similarity assessment and categorisation.
Variable-gain iterative learning contouring control for feed drive systems

Contour error in machine tools is a crucial element for enhancing precision in manufacturing and production systems. The error should be as minimum as possible to ensure the quality of products. Despite the achievements of some previous studies, it is indispensable to further enhance control performance by minimizing contour errors. This study proposes a novel contouring controller comprising of a classical proportional-derivative controller, a nonlinear friction compensator, a disturbance observer, and a variable gain iterative learning controller to improve the control performance of machine tool feed drive systems. The control input of each drive axis is iteratively modified to enhance the overall tracking performance. The proposed method was simulated on a typical sharp-corner trajectory, and compared with conventional controllers for performance evaluation. Results revealed that the maximum contour error can be reduced by 75.2 %.
Sensitivity of U.S. surface ozone to future emissions and climate changes

The relative contributions of projected future emissions and climate changes to U.S. surface ozone concentrations are investigated focusing on California, the Midwest, the Northeast, and Texas. By 2050 regional average ozone concentrations increase by 2–15% under the IPCC SRES A1Fi (“dirty”) scenario, and decrease by 4–12% under the B1 (relatively “clean”) scenario. However, the magnitudes of ozone changes differ significantly between major metropolitan and rural areas. These ozone changes are dominated by the emissions changes in 61% area of the contiguous U.S. under the B1 scenario, but are largely determined by the projected climate changes in 46% area under the A1Fi scenario. In the ozone responses to climate changes, the biogenic emissions changes contribute strongly over the Northeast, moderately in the Midwest, and negligibly in other regions.
Multi-gigabit serial link transmitter - off-chip and on-chip

Multi-Gbps serial link transmitter for both off-chip and on-chip transmission are presented. For off-chip transmission, a new pre-emphasis design methodology and circuits for a 4/2 PAM transmitter over cable are proposed. A test chip of transmitter with pre-emphasis, PLL circuit and on-chip termination resistors is implemented using tsmc 0.18 um CMOS process. The measurement results of 10/5 Gbps (4/2 PAM) are carried out over 5 meter (m) long cable and is in agreement with our analysis and simulation results. For on-chip transmission, SerDes based serial link architecture is used in on-chip application. Using tsmc 0.13 um CMOS process, the operation speed and power consumption are 5 Gbps and 3.2 mW respectively with the interconnect area is half of parallel architecture.
Plasma homocysteine: a new risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?

Plasma Homocysteine: A New Risk Factor for Alzheimer's Disease? Eliyahu H. Mizrahi MD, Donald W. Jacobsen PhD and Robert P. Friedland MD 1 Laboratory of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA 2 Laboratory for Homocysteine Research, Department of Cell Biology, Lerner Research Institute, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
Evaluation of Various Local Rice Genotypes in the Mandailing Natal Province of North Sumatra

The purpose of this study was to evaluation of several local rice genotypes in the Mandailing Natal Province of North Sumatra. This studay was and has been conducted from April 2017 to October 2017. Data observed in the form of quantitative data and qualitative data of local rice plants. The results showed that rice cultivars were found in various regions in Mandailing Natal District with a high variety of characteristics. Sampling was done by purposive sampling from 23 sub-districts in Mandailing Natal District. Data observed in the form of quantitative data and qualitative data of local rice plants. The results showed that rice cultivars were found in various regions in Mandailing Natal District with a high variety of characteristics. The sigudang genotype was the best genotype with a total grain weight of 82.6 grams. Genotype Sisorang have a good agronomic appearance.
A Multi-Analyte Assay for the Non-Invasive Detection of Bladder Cancer

Accurate urinary assays for bladder cancer (BCa) detection would benefit both patients and healthcare systems. Through genomic and proteomic profiling of urine components, we have previously identified a panel of biomarkers that can outperform current urine-based biomarkers for the non-invasive detection of BCa. Herein, we report the diagnostic utility of various multivariate combinations of these biomarkers. We performed a case-controlled validation study in which voided urines from 127 patients (64 tumor bearing subjects) were analyzed. The urinary concentrations of 14 biomarkers (IL-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, SDC1, CCL18, PAI-1, CD44, VEGF, ANG, CA9, A1AT, OPN, PTX3, and APOE) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diagnostic performance of each biomarker and multivariate models were compared using receiver operating characteristic curves and the chi-square test. An 8-biomarker model achieved the most accurate BCa diagnosis (sensitivity 92%, specificity 97%), but a combination of 3 of the 8 biomarkers (IL-8, VEGF, and APOE) was also highly accurate (sensitivity 90%, specificity 97%). For comparison, the commercial BTA-Trak ELISA test achieved a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 83%, and voided urine cytology detected only 33% of BCa cases in the same cohort. These datashow that a multivariate urine-based assay can markedly improve the accuracy of non-invasive BCa detection. Further validation studies are under way to investigate the clinical utility of this panel of biomarkers for BCa diagnosis and disease monitoring.
A Scalable Framework for Wireless Distributed Computing

We consider a wireless distributed computing system, in which multiple mobile users, connected wirelessly through an access point, collaborate to perform a computation task. In particular, users communicate with each other via the access point to exchange their locally computed intermediate computation results, which is known as data shuffling. We propose a scalable framework for this system, in which the required communication bandwidth for data shuffling does not increase with the number of users in the network. The key idea is to utilize a particular repetitive pattern of placing the data set (thus a particular repetitive pattern of intermediate computations), in order to provide the coding opportunities at both the users and the access point, which reduce the required uplink communication bandwidth from users to the access point and the downlink communication bandwidth from access point to users by factors that grow linearly with the number of users. We also demonstrate that the proposed data set placement and coded shuffling schemes are optimal (i.e., achieve the minimum required shuffling load) for both a centralized setting and a decentralized setting, by developing tight information-theoretic lower bounds.
The ULTRAPETALA1 Gene Functions Early in Arabidopsis Development to Restrict Shoot Apical Meristem Activity and Acts Through WUSCHEL to Regulate Floral Meristem Determinacy

Shoot and floral meristem activity in higher plants is controlled by complex signaling networks consisting of positive and negative regulators. The Arabidopsis ULTRAPETALA1 (ULT1) gene has been shown to act as a negative regulator of meristem cell accumulation in inflorescence and floral meristems, as loss-of-function ult1 mutations cause inflorescence meristem enlargement, the production of extra flowers and floral organs, and a decrease in floral meristem determinacy. To investigate whether ULT1 functions in known meristem regulatory pathways, we generated double mutants between ult1 alleles and null alleles of the meristem-promoting genes SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM) and WUSCHEL (WUS). We found that, although the ult1 alleles have no detectable embryonic or vegetative phenotypes, ult1 mutations restored extensive organ-forming capability to stm null mutants after germination and increased leaf and floral organ production in stm partial loss-of-function mutants. Mutations in ULT1 also partially suppressed the wus shoot and floral meristem phenotypes. However, wus was epistatic to ult1 in the center of the flower, and WUS transcriptional repression was delayed in ult1 floral meristems. Our results show that during the majority of the Arabidopsis life cycle, ULT1 acts oppositely to STM and WUS in maintaining meristem activity and functions in a separate genetic pathway. However, ULT1 negatively regulates WUS to establish floral meristem determinacy, acting through the WUS-AG temporal feedback loop.
Community participation in integrated projects.

The top 10 advantages of community participation in integrated projects are outlined, from experience gleaned in Tanzania and discussed at the Second National Workshop. Integrated projects succeed if they involve the community because they evoke self-imposed permanent changes, community acceptance, and harmony between the project leader and the community members. People feel a sense of ownership, achieve positive attitudes and awareness. Utilization of community resources, accessibility to those in need, affordability and wide coverage are more likely if the people are involved in planning. Feedback between service donors and service recipients becomes well established. Finally, community participation leads to a humanistic approach, and confers dignity and respect. The community itself knows best how to be served, and its active participation is inevitable and mandatory in achieving project goals.
Risperidone Treatment of Outpatients with Schizophrenia: No Evidence of Sex Differences in Treatment Response

Objective: Given the renewed interest in the role of sex differences in schizophrenia, we undertook a post hoc analysis to determine whether sex differences in treatment response were present among outpatients with schizophrenia who received risperidone in an 8-week, open-label, Phase IV clinical study. Method: We evaluated 330 adult patients (232 men, 98 women) with a DSM-III-R diagnosis of schizophrenia for safety and 292 (206 men, 86 women) for efficacy. Antipsychotic and antiparkinsonian medications were discontinued at study entry. Treatment with risperidone was initiated at a dosage of 2 mg daily, increased to the target dosage of 6 mg daily by day 3, and maintained at 6 mg daily until day 14. The dosage was then maintained at 6 mg daily, increased or decreased by 2 mg daily each week, based on the patient's response. Risperidone treatment was given for 8 weeks; the permitted dosage range was 4 mg to 10 mg daily. Results: Both male and female participants responded well to risperidone treatment; by the final assessment day, they had experienced decreases from baseline in their total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores of 41.0% and 36.5%, respectively. Most male (77%) and female (78%) participants were considered to be PANSS responders: risperidone was effective against both the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Both sexes showed improvements over baseline in the incidence and severity of parkinsonism, dystonia, and dyskinesia. No significant (P > 0.05) sex differences in treatment response were observed for any of the efficacy outcomes or in the incidence and severity of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Conclusions: In this population of outpatients with chronic schizophrenia, both men and women responded well to flexible doses of risperidone. No significant sex differences were evident either in treatment response or in neurological side effects. The absence of sex differences in response to risperidone treatment may obviate the need for a sex-based differential dosing in schizophrenia management.
Synapse replacement in the striatum of the adult rat following unilateral cortex ablation

Defining the selective pattern of synapse replacement that occurs in different areas of the damaged brain is essential for predicting the limits of functional compensation that can be achieved after various types of brain injury. Here we describe the time course of dendritic reorganization, spine loss and recovery, and synapse replacement in the striatum following a unilateral cortex ablation. We found that the time course for the transient loss and recovery of dendritic spines on medium spiny I (MSI) neurons, the primary postsynaptic target for corticostriatal axons, paralleled the time course for the removal of degenerating axon terminals from the neuropil and the formation of new synapses on MSI neurons. Reinnervation of the deafferented striatum occurred chiefly by axon terminals that formed asymmetric synapses with dendritic spines of MSI neurons, and the mean density of asymmetric synapses recovered to 86% of the sham‐operated rat value by 30 days postlesion. In addition, the synaptic circuitry of the reconstructed striatum was characterized by an increase in the number of multiple synaptic boutons (MSBs), i.e., presynaptic axon terminals that make contact with more than one dendritic spine. Whether the postsynaptic contacts of MSBs are formed with the dendritic spines of the same or a different parent dendrite in the striatum is unknown. Nevertheless, these data suggest that the formation of MSBs is an essential part of the compensatory response to the loss of input from the ipsilateral cortex following the aspiration lesion and may serve to modulate activity‐dependent adaptive changes in the reconstructed striatum that can lead to functional recovery. J. Comp. Neurol. 467:32–43, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electricity price forecasting using Support Vector Machines by considering oil and natural gas price impacts

Accurate electricity price prediction is one of the most important parts of decision making for electricity market participants to make reasonable competing strategies. Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a novel algorithm based on a predictive modeling method and a powerful classification method in machine learning and data mining. Most of SVM-based and non-SVM-based models ignore other important factors in the electricity price dynamics and electricity price models are built regard to just historical electricity prices; However, electricity price has a strong correlation with other variables like oil and natural gas price. In this paper, single SVM model is used to combine diverse influential variables as 1-Historical Electricity Price of Germany 2-GASPOOL price as first natural gas reference price 3-Net-Connect-Germany (NCG) price as second natural gas reference price 4- West Texas Intermediate (WTI) daily price as US oil benchmark. The simulation results show that using oil and natural gas prices can improve SVM model prediction ability compared to the SVM models built on mere historical electricity price.
Survey and examples of economic evaluation of health programmes in developing countries.

To demonstrate the principles of economic evaluation of health programs 6 studies are described in detail with the aim of illustrating the methodology and considering the policy relevance of the studies. The studies are classified according to the objective of health intervention investigated and the form of economic evaluation. 3 broad groupings of intervention are recognized: disease specific health program specific and those that aim at general health improvement or reduction in disease and cut across individual health programs and diseases. The evaluative approaches include cost description and analysis outcome description and analysis cost minimization analysis cost effectiveness analysis cost benefit analysis and cost utility analysis. The studies considered are an examination of the cost of primary health care based on a USAID summary of 3 large-scale projects (in Afghanistan Dominican Republic and Tanzania) and 4 demonstration projects (in Bolivia Colombia Danfa in Ghana and the Narangwal project in India) and an evaluation of the economic importance of breastfeedings based on data from Ghana and Ivory Coast both health program specific cost description and analysis studies; the cost effectiveness of alternative strategies for poliomyelitis immunization in Brazil a health program specific cost effectiveness analysis; the cost effectiveness and user characteristics of clinic based services for the treatment of diarrhea in Bangladesh a disease specific cost benefit analysis; cost effectiveness of the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis in India a disease specific cost minimization analysis and a study of child and maternal health services in India a cost minimization analysis of a general health improvement program.
CNS Effects of CB 2 Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids and marijuana use activates two well characterized cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), CB1-Rs and CB2-Rs. The expression of CB1-Rs in the brain and periphery has been well studied, but CB2-Rs have received much less attention than CB1-Rs. CB2-Rs were previously thought to be predominantly expressed in immune cells in the periphery and were traditionally referred to as peripheral CB-Rs. We and others have now demonstrated the presence of CB2-Rs in neuronal, glial and endothelial cells in the brain, and this warrants a re-evaluation of the central nervous system (CNS) effects of CB2-Rs. However, many features of CB2-R gene structure, variants and regulation remain poorly characterized compared to the CB1-R. To further improve understanding of the role of CB2-Rs in the brain, we hypothesized that genetic variants of CB2-R (CNR2) gene might be associated with depression in a human population and that alteration in CNR2 gene expression may be involved in the effects of abused substances in rodents. In this review we show that our data and those of others reveal that CB2-Rs are expressed in neurons in the brain and play a role in depression and substance abuse beyond neuro-immuno-cannabinoid activity.
Dopamine, prediction error and associative learning: A model-based account

The notion of prediction error has established itself at the heart of formal models of animal learning and current hypotheses of dopamine function. Several interpretations of prediction error have been offered, including the model-free reinforcement learning method known as temporal difference learning (TD), and the important Rescorla–Wagner (RW) learning rule. Here, we present a model-based adaptation of these ideas that provides a good account of empirical data pertaining to dopamine neuron firing patterns and associative learning paradigms such as latent inhibition, Kamin blocking and overshadowing. Our departure from model-free reinforcement learning also offers: 1) a parsimonious distinction between tonic and phasic dopamine functions; 2) a potential generalization of the role of phasic dopamine from valence-dependent “reward” processing to valence-independent “salience” processing; 3) an explanation for the selectivity of certain dopamine manipulations on motivation for distal rewards; and 4) a plausible link between formal notions of prediction error and accounts of disturbances of thought in schizophrenia (in which dopamine dysfunction is strongly implicated). The model distinguishes itself from existing accounts by offering novel predictions pertaining to the firing of dopamine neurons in various untested behavioral scenarios.