Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Is regionally selective D2/D3 dopamine occupancy sufficient for atypical antipsychotic effect? an in vivo quantitative [123I]epidepride SPET study of amisulpride-treated patients.

OBJECTIVE Atypical antipsychotic drug treatment is clinically effective with a low risk of extrapyramidal symptoms. Explanations for the mechanism underlying this beneficial therapeutic profile of atypical over typical antipsychotic agents include 1) simultaneous antagonism of dopamine D(2) and serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptors or 2) selective action at limbic cortical dopamine D(2)-like receptors with modest striatal D(2) receptor occupancy. Amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic drug with selective affinity for D(2)/D(3) dopamine receptors and provides a useful pharmacological model for examining these hypotheses. The authors' goal was to evaluate whether treatment with amisulpride results in "limbic selective" D(2)/D(3) receptor blockade in vivo. METHOD Five hours of dynamic single photon emission tomography data were acquired after injection of [(123)I]epidepride (approximately 150 MBq). Kinetic modeling was performed by using the simplified reference region model to obtain binding potential values. Estimates of receptor occupancy were made relative to a healthy volunteer comparison group (N=6). RESULTS Eight amisulpride-treated patients (mean dose=406 mg/day) showed moderate levels of D(2)/D(3) receptor occupancy in the striatum (56%), and significantly higher levels were seen in the thalamus (78%) and temporal cortex (82%). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with amisulpride results in a similar pattern of limbic cortical over striatal D(2)/D(3) receptor blockade to that of other atypical antipsychotic drugs. This finding suggests that modest striatal D(2) receptor occupancy and preferential occupancy of limbic cortical dopamine D(2)/D(3) receptors may be sufficient to explain the therapeutic efficacy and low extrapyramidal symptom profile of atypical antipsychotic drugs, without the need for 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonism.
A Proactive Threshold Rsa Signature Scheme for Asynchronous Networks

To distribute the signing power and make the system more secure and robust, threshold signature is employed. To tolerate a more powerful, mobile adversary, proactive secret sharing should be adopted to enhance the security of threshold signature. Compared to synchronous networks, asynchronous networks better model practical distributed systems, such as Internet or mobile ad hoc networks. The purpose of this paper is to study proactive secret sharing in asynchronous networks. So far, to our knowledge, two asynchronous proactive secret sharing schemes have been proposed. Despite their original and seminal works, there are still some drawbacks. In this paper, we present a complete provably secure asynchronous proactive RSA scheme. Our paper has four contributions. Firstly, we present a provably secure asynchronous verifiable secret sharing for RSA schemes. Secondly, we propose an asynchronous threshold RSA signature scheme. Thirdly, we present a provably secure threshold coin-tossing scheme. Fourthly, we propose an asynchronous proactive secret sharing scheme. Finally, combining the proactive secret sharing scheme with the threshold RSA scheme, we achieve a complete provably secure asynchronous proactive RSA scheme.
Interannual variability in the tropical Indian Ocean

[1] The interannual variability in the tropical Indian Ocean is examined using 41-year (1958–1998) seasonal anomalies of the upper-ocean heat content (HCA), sea surface temperature (SSTA), and surface wind stress. Precipitation anomalies from a shorter period (1979–1998) have also been analyzed. This analysis demonstrates that a coupled ocean–atmosphere interannual oscillation with a period ranging from 2 to 5 years is the major variability in the tropical Indian Ocean. At the peak phase, anomalous equatorial zonal winds over the central and the eastern ocean and anomalous trade winds to the south induce zonal SSTA and HCA gradients near the equator and an east–west shift of the convection. This interannual oscillation is the dominant signal from the boreal autumn to the next spring. The westward propagating HCA causes a phase delay between the peaks of the surface cooling near the eastern coast and the warming near the western coast near the equator. During its propagation, the southern HCA branch is strengthened by the anomalous wind curl of the equatorial and southeast trade wind anomalies over the southern ocean. As a result, the southern HCA is maintained near the western coast for a much longer period. This Indian Ocean oscillation is significantly correlated with the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability in the Pacific Ocean.
Human trafficking and smuggling of migrants : the international instruments and domestic laws of Malaysia

Human trafficking and smuggling of migrants is a global problem. It is a major crime against humanity and a sheer violation of the basic human rights. It involves illegal trade of human beings for commercial purposes such as sexual exploitation, prostitution, slavery, servitude, forced labour or illegal organ removal. People are being bought, sold and are transported, transferred, harboured or received through use of force, coercion or other means for the purpose of exploitation and this problem is faced by most of the third world countriesHaving said the above, this chapter discusses the international instruments and domestic laws of Malaysia on human trafficking and smuggling of migrants with reference to decided cases. Further, some reference is made to the Islamic approach on this subject. At this juncture, it would be worthwhile to note that exploitation, oppression and wrongdoing, amongst others, are forbidden by the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), the primary sources of Islamic law.
Five Years of Acute Stroke Unit Care: Comparing ASU and Non-ASU Admissions and Allied Health Involvement

Background. Evidence indicates that Stroke Units decrease mortality and morbidity. An Acute Stroke Unit (ASU) provides specialised, hyperacute care and thrombolysis. John Hunter Hospital, Australia, admits 500 stroke patients each year and has a 4-bed ASU. Aims. This study investigated hospital admissions over a 5-year period of all strokes patients and of all patients admitted to the 4-bed ASU and the involvement of allied health professionals. Methods. The study retrospectively audited 5-year data from all stroke patients admitted to John Hunter Hospital (n = 2525) and from nonstroke patients admitted to the ASU (n = 826). The study's primary outcomes were admission rates, length of stay (days), and allied health involvement. Results. Over 5 years, 47% of stroke patients were admitted to the ASU. More male stroke patients were admitted to the ASU (chi2 = 5.81; P = 0.016). There was a trend over time towards parity between the number of stroke and nonstroke patients admitted to the ASU. When compared to those admitted elsewhere, ASU stroke patients had a longer length of stay (z = −8.233; P = 0.0000) and were more likely to receive allied healthcare. Conclusion. This is the first study to report 5 years of ASU admissions. Acute Stroke Units may benefit from a review of the healthcare provided to all stroke patients. The trends over time with respect to the utilisation of the John Hunter Hospitall's ASU have resulted in a review of the hospitall's Stroke Unit and allied healthcare.
Deficiency in Th2 Cytokine Responses Exacerbate Orthopoxvirus Infection

Ectromelia virus (ECTV) causes mousepox in mice, a disease very similar to smallpox in humans. ECTV and variola virus (VARV), the agent of smallpox, are closely related orthopoxviruses. Mousepox is an excellent small animal model to study the genetic and immunologic basis for resistance and susceptibility of humans to smallpox. Resistance to mousepox is dependent on a strong polarized type 1 immune response, associated with robust natural killer (NK) cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) responses. In contrast, ECTV-susceptible mice generate a type 2 response, associated with weak NK cell, CTL and IFN-γ responses but robust IL-4 responses. Nonetheless, susceptible strains infected with mutant ECTV lacking virus-encoded IFN-γ binding protein (vIFN-γbp) (ECTV-IFN-γbpΔ) control virus replication through generation of type 1 response. Since the IL-4/IL-13/STAT-6 signaling pathways polarize type 2/T helper 2 (Th2) responses with a corresponding suppression of IFN-γ production, we investigated whether the combined absence of vIFN-γbp, and one or more host genes involved in Th2 response development, influence generation of protective immunity. Most mutant mouse strains infected with wild-type (WT) virus succumbed to disease more rapidly than WT animals. Conversely, the disease outcome was significantly improved in WT mice infected with ECTV-IFN-γbpΔ but absence of IL-4/IL-13/STAT-6 signaling pathways did not provide any added advantage. Deficiency in IL-13 or STAT-6 resulted in defective CTL responses, higher mortality rates and accelerated deaths. Deficiencies in IL-4/IL-13/STAT-6 signaling pathways significantly reduced the numbers of IFN-γ producing CD4 and CD8 T cells, indicating an absence of a switch to a Th1-like response. Factors contributing to susceptibility or resistance to mousepox are far more complex than a balance between Th1 and Th2 responses.
Rethinking Data Fusion-Based Services in Tiered Sensor Networks

Tiered sensor network architectures are gaining currency. In contrast with flat networks of impoverished nodes (the hitherto common assumption in sensor networking), such systems offer the promise of migrating computational load from sensing nodes to higher capability ‘master’ nodes. We argue that for certain data fusion-based services this means that compute intensive algorithms, often shunned as impractical for sensor networks, are in fact a viable possibility. Using localization as an example, we show how accurate results may be obtained by leveraging this capability without the use of specialized hardware or high configuration detail; both of which are standard approaches to the problem when computation is at a premium. Specifically, we propose a mathematical optimization-based framework for localization based on proximity constraints. Most variants of localization can be cast into this framework depending on the kinds of input available (e.g. ranging). We show accurate results, and exploit a technique from distributed optimization to divide the problem into pieces suitable for computation at the master-level nodes. We conclude with remarks on the general implications of this example for tiered systems, with pointers on how it is likely to be applicable to other problems such as power-aware routing.
Understanding Teacher Perceptions of Assistive Technology

This research examined Grade 6–10 Ontario Certified Teachers’ (n = 24) perceptions of assistive technology (AT) and the factors correlated with perceived usefulness of AT. A mixed methods design that included a survey consisting of open- and closed-ended items elicited information about teachers’ AT knowledge and training, their basic computer literacy, their perception of administrative support for access to and implementation of AT, the usefulness of AT, and the factors that encourage or discourage AT use in the classroom. Results of correlational analysis suggested that computer literacy and AT knowledge were significantly positively correlated with perceived usefulness of AT, and a thematic analysis further identified that training and student factors may influence AT use. Implications for preservice and professional development teacher training are discussed, given the consistency of teacher-reported need for greater training opportunities for both students and teachers.
An evaluation framework for event detection using a morphological model of acoustic scenes

This paper introduces a model of environmental acoustic scenes which adopts a morphological approach by ab-stracting temporal structures of acoustic scenes. To demonstrate its potential, this model is employed to evaluate the performance of a large set of acoustic events detection systems. This model allows us to explicitly control key morphological aspects of the acoustic scene and isolate their impact on the performance of the system under evaluation. Thus, more information can be gained on the behavior of evaluated systems, providing guidance for further improvements. The proposed model is validated using submitted systems from the IEEE DCASE Challenge; results indicate that the proposed scheme is able to successfully build datasets useful for evaluating some aspects the performance of event detection systems, more particularly their robustness to new listening conditions and the increasing level of background sounds.
Exploring Literacy Coach Research in Canada: A Review

The purpose of this review is to understand literacy coach research in Canada in order to facilitate further research in this regard. Research about literacy coaches in Canada remains at an initial stage, and there is no universally accepted definition of a “literacy coach. ” Most literacy coach research in Canada has used a qualitative method. The research has shown that literacy coaches in Canada, who act as both guides and supporters in schools, also experience many challenges such as role confusion and inadequate time for carrying out their work. Scholars believe that setting up coaching models and collaboration may be ideal ways to deal with these problems. This review also found that the research has concentrated on literacy coaches in elementary and secondary schools in Ontario. This article concludes with implications and suggestions for future research about Canadian literacy coaches. More analysis about literacy coaches’ identity, their relationships with other stakeholders in the education system, and the challenges they face is needed in the Canadian context.
AwAS-II: A new Actuator with Adjustable Stiffness based on the novel principle of adaptable pivot point and variable lever ratio

The Actuator with Adjustable Stiffness (AwAS) is an actuator which can independently control equilibrium position and stiffness by two motors. The first motor controls the equilibrium position while the second motor regulates the compliance. This paper describes the design and development of AwAS-II which is an improved version of the original realization. AwAS tuned the stiffness by controlling the location of the springs and adjusting its arm, length. Instead AwAS-II regulates the compliance by implementing a force amplifier based on a lever mechanism on which a pivot point can adjust the force amplification ratio from zero to infinitive. As in the first implementation, the actuator which is responsible for adjusting the stiffness in AwAS II is not working against the spring forces. Its displacement is perpendicular to the force generated by springs which makes changing the stiffness energetically efficient. As the force amplification ratio can theoretically change from zero to infinitive consequently the level of stiffness can tune from very soft to completely rigid. Because this range does not depends on the spring's rate and length of the lever, thus soft springs and small lever can be used which result in a lighter and more compact setup. Furthermore as the lever arm is shorter the time required for the stiffness regulation is smaller.
Japanese student writers’ perspectives on anonymous peer review

This article explores Japanese EFL learners’ perceptions of face-to-face vs. anonymous peer review in a writing classroom. Albeit few in number, some studies claim that Asian students exhibit difficulty in providing negative feedback because they tend to be hesitant for cultural reasons to criticize others’ work. To verify and extend such observations, this study collected data from 64 Japanese college students regarding their experiences and perspectives after they performed peer review in both conditions. Analysis of the data collected through a survey and semi-structured interviews did not support the previously held views that learners from non-Western cultural backgrounds are predisposed to be reluctant peer reviewers. Further, the findings indicated that Japanese EFL learners’ preference for a specific peer-review mode interacts closely with various factors. Possible pedagogical implications are discussed in relation to ways to better implement peer-review sessions.
The Returns to Investments in Higher Education: Some New Evidence

Census data for 1970 are used to generate age-income distributions by educational categories. After adjusting for such factors as growth and ability differentials, these distributions are used together with cost data to compute both private and social rates of return to investments in one and two and in three and four years of college. The results suggest that the rates of return have not decreased over the 1960s and that the return to those completing two-year programs may be much higher than previously thought.
Genome-Wide Association Study in Asian Populations Identifies Variants in ETS1 and WDFY4 Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex and potentially fatal autoimmune disease, characterized by autoantibody production and multi-organ damage. By a genome-wide association study (320 patients and 1,500 controls) and subsequent replication altogether involving a total of 3,300 Asian SLE patients from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Thailand, as well as 4,200 ethnically and geographically matched controls, genetic variants in ETS1 and WDFY4 were found to be associated with SLE (ETS1: rs1128334, P = 2.33×10−11, OR = 1.29; WDFY4: rs7097397, P = 8.15×10−12, OR = 1.30). ETS1 encodes for a transcription factor known to be involved in a wide range of immune functions, including Th17 cell development and terminal differentiation of B lymphocytes. SNP rs1128334 is located in the 3′-UTR of ETS1, and allelic expression analysis from peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed significantly lower expression level from the risk allele. WDFY4 is a conserved protein with unknown function, but is predominantly expressed in primary and secondary immune tissues, and rs7097397 in WDFY4 changes an arginine residue to glutamine (R1816Q) in this protein. Our study also confirmed association of the HLA locus, STAT4, TNFSF4, BLK, BANK1, IRF5, and TNFAIP3 with SLE in Asians. These new genetic findings may help us to gain a better understanding of the disease and the functions of the genes involved.
Pricing Real Options under the CEV Diffusion

Much of the work on real options assumes that the underlying state variable follows a geometric Brownian motion with constant volatility. This paper uses a more general assumption for the state variable process which may better capture the empirical observations found in the financial economics literature. We use the so-called constant elasticity of variance (CEV) diffusion model where the volatility is a function of the underlying asset price and provide analytical solutions for perpetual American-style call and put options under the CEV diffusion. When the constant risk-free interest rate r is different from the dividend yield q, the perpetual American option price is based on an infinite series of terms involving confluent hypergeometric functions. For r = q, the computation of the perpetual American option formula involves the use of modified Bessel functions. We demonstrate the implications of the correct specification of the underlying state variable process for the valuation of real assets and show that a firm that uses the standard geometric Brownian motion assumption is exposed to significant errors of analysis which may lead to non-optimal investment and disinvestment decisions.
Neural mechanisms of cognitive control in cued task-switching: rules, representations, and preparation

A hallmark of human cognition is its flexibility. We are able to pursue multiple goals or tasks simultaneously, but can also prioritize these in accord with both our internal states and the continually changing nature of the external environment. Moreover, we are able to switch rapidly from one primary task to another, which can have a dramatic effect on the way in which we interact with the environment, even when that environment remains constant (Norman and Shallice, 1986; Miller and Cohen, 2001). This ability suggests that task-related information must be actively represented in a way that can bias perception and action. The task-switching paradigm has become one of the most widely used tools for studying cognitive flexibility and the nature of task-related representations (Monsell, 2003). Typically, experiments are set up in such a way that participants are exposed to multivalent target stimuli that imply multiple behavioral opportunities (e.g., a letter-digit target pair affording either vowel-consonant or odd-even classification). However, only a single option is to be selected at a given moment, depending on which task is currently set to a higher priority. Task priority is typically specified by the experimenter, either through a pre-experimentally defined sequence (e.g., AABB. .) or through an explicit task cue that varies randomly from trial to trial. Thus, in the sense that appropriate behavior is made conditional on (experimentally defined) changing task priorities , task-switching implies a form of high-level, rule-guided control. Rule-guided control provides a means of selecting relevant perceptual dimensions and response parameters based on signals relating to task priority. Moreover, such control is critical for preventing behavior from being erratically driven in a bottom-up fashion by the most salient, but not necessarily most appropriate, stimulus affordances. In this chapter, we specifically focus o n the cognitive and neural mecha-ms that subserve the different tmes of DreDaratorv task control that can be
Changes of cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity during normal aging.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE During the past decade, transcranial Doppler sonography has widely been used to assess blood flow velocities in the basal intracranial arteries and cerebrovascular reactivity (CR) to various stimuli. Although numerous studies have shown a decline of cerebral blood flow velocity with age, the age dependency of CR, including cerebrovascular CO2 reactivity, however, is controversial. Recently, we have reported a significant sex-related difference in CR, stressing the need to study the relation between normal aging and CR in both sexes separately. METHODS By means of transcranial Doppler sonography, CR was determined in 100 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (age 20 to 70 years, 10 men and 10 women per decade). RESULTS In men, no change of CR with increasing age could be observed (P=0.98). In contrast, CR in women declined significantly, with a step decrease from the 4th to the 5th decades (F=4.413; P<0.01) and was significantly higher in the 3rd and 4th compared with the 5th, 6th, and 7th decades (P<0.05). Information on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in women of the 6th and 7th decades was obtained retrospectively. HRT was associated with enhanced CR (HRT, n = 7 versus non-HRT, n = 13; P<0.001), with values similar to those found in premenopausal women. CONCLUSIONS There are no changes of CR during normal aging in men, whereas CR declines significantly from the 4th to the 5th decades in women. HRT in postmenopausal women appears to enhance CR.