Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Note on the Origin of the Madagascar Strain of Plasmodium vivax

Dear Sir: Recent studies have established the potential for strains of Plasmodium vivax in Madagascar to infect Duffy-negative populations,1 and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based screening suggests a previously unrecognized burden of this parasite in sub-Saharan Africa.2 There is a dearth of data concerning any P. vivax parasites from Africa; however, one of the most widely studied strains used during the malariotherapy era was the Madagascar strain, used at the Horton Hospital research site in the UK from 1923 to ca. 1970. This isolate has been the subject of extensive studies,3,4 but there has been considerable debate about the geographic origin of this strain, and two recent papers specifically suggest the origin may well be elsewhere.5,6 However, further detail is provided in the work of Percy G. Shute, the clinician and malariologist who personally interviewed and treated the index patient for this strain. In his comprehensive report (which is not readily available) related to this clinical isolate, he states: “The precise locality in Madagascar where the Indian seaman contracted the infection is impossible to determine. Ten days after his ship had left Madagascar, on the passage to England, he developed fever, but malaria was not diagnosed until he arrived at Tilbury (Port of London). He was then found to be suffering from a quotidian fever with temperatures rising to 40°–41°C. He gave no previous history of malaria and this attack was unlikely to have been a relapse for the reason that his paroxysms occured [sic] daily, as in a primary attack; whereas the fever in relapses is tertian from the start. For these reasons, it is most probable that the designation «Madagascar strain» is geographically correct. ”7 These suggested differences in fever periodicity between primary infections and relapses are strongly supported by other clinicians in a range of settings,8,9 and this clinical behavior is likely a result of the slow establishment of well-synchronized parasite subpopulations within primary infections,10 in contrast to the emergence of clonal hypnozoites during relapses.11 These observations strongly suggest that the wealth of irreplaceable clinical and epidemiological data collected during malariotherapy treatments with the Madagascar strain have important and critical use, and should be combined with modern phylogenetic and molecular studies12,13 to inform a research agenda into the epidemiology of African P. vivax.
Two-dimensional spin-polarized fermion lattice gases.

A model of spin-polarized fermions hopping on a two-dimensional lattice with a nearest-neighbor interaction V is studied. Random-phase-approximation calculations predict that the half-filled system undergoes a density-wave transition for positive values of V, an odd-angular-momentum pairing transition for small negative V, and a condensation-phase-separation transition for more negative values of V. The classical lattice-gas Ising limit matches onto the density-wave transition for V>0 and the condensation transition for V<0. A strong-coupling expansion in powers of the ratio of single-fermion transfer-matrix element t to the two-body interaction V provides the leading corrections to the Ising limit. In order to explore the intermediate-coupling regime, fermion Monte Carlo calculations were carried out and various Green's functions characterizing the quantum correlations evaluated. With use of finite-size scaling techniques, the density-wave and condensation phase boundaries were followed into the intermediate-coupling regime. At these transitions, measured quantities scaled well with the usual Ising indices. Unfortunately, the weak-coupling regime lies beyond the reach of these simulations, and we conclude that a method suitable for the weak-coupling regime is needed to complete the phase diagram.
Exploring branch predictability limits with the MTAGE+SC predictor *

In the previous championship CBP-4, the winner of the unlimited storage track [5], poTAGE-SC was combining several TAGE based predictors using different forms of histories (local, global, and frequency), a COLT inspired [3] prediction combiner and a statistical corrector (SC) predictor [8, 10] fed with various forms of branch histories. With MTAGE-SC, we improve this predictor in two ways. First through incorporating new forms of branch histories, adding a new TAGE component and incorporating other forms of histories in the statistical corrector predictor. Second in conveying more information from the TAGE predictors stage to the statistical corrector and to the final prediction computation stage. On the CBP-4 traces, the proposed MTAGE-SC predic-tor achieves 1.600 mispredictions per thousand instructions (MPKI), while the winner of CBP-4 was achieving 1.691 MPKI. On CBP-5 train traces, the MTAGE-SC pre-dictor achieves 2.575 MPKI, 4.7% lower than the winner of CBP-4 (2.717).
A Statistical Approach to Power Estimation for x86 Processors

With the growing significance of green computing and difficulty in obtaining accurate real time power measurements, there is an increasing need for accurate and reliable power estimation techniques for energy-aware performance optimization. In this paper we present a statistical approach for building accurate power models using Performance Monitoring Counters (PMC) as effective proxies for x86 systems. The selection of PMC events is based on statistical methods described in literature for ARM systems. The models are trained and validated through a synthetic workload generator as well as standardized benchmarks, using k-fold cross validation technique. We demonstrate the accuracy of the resultant models across different voltage and frequency states using sophisticated reference measurements. Furthermore, we analyze the significance of the chosen PMC events, which form the framework for the regression based power models.
Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐induced fibrosis: Toll‐like receptors, reactive oxygen species and Jun N‐terminal kinase

Non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents the progression of hepatic steatosis to streatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Three signaling pathways have been associated with this progression; Toll‐like receptors, reactive oxygen species and Jun N‐terminal kinase. This review will describe how activation of these three pathways is required for development of fibrosis in murine models of NASH. The three pathways are related and synergistic through intracellular cross‐talk. Disruption of any of these pathways may inhibit NASH‐induced fibrosis and are potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Nationality Matters: The Geographic Origin of Multinationals and the Productivity of their Foreign Affiliates

While quantifying the foreign ownership premium has received a lot of attention in the empirical literature, there is only little known about productivity variations between foreign affiliates of multinational firms. In order to enhance the understanding of the economic causes of this heterogeneity we analyze the impact of various institutional and economic characteristics of the countries in which the multinational parent companies are located on the productivity of their affiliates. Using a full record of the population of foreignowned affiliates in Germany we find that affiliates’ mean performances differ markedly when grouped by the country of their parent firm. We show that gravitational forces and institutional characteristics of the country of the parent, such as the availability of credit and the freedom to trade internationally, co-determine the foreign-owned affiliates’ performances in a significant way. Moreover, the intensity of the impact depends on the intensity of the ownership link between the parent and its affiliate. Some residual impact of nationality remains.
Application of the Theory of Reasoned Action to On-line Shopping

This study was carried out with the objectives of studying the behavior of Internet users and the effects of key factors on the intention to shop on-line. The theory of reasoned action (TRA) was employed to develop the conceptual framework. The population of interest was confined to full-time employees in Thailand with frequent use of the Internet. The results of hypothesis testing showed that all four key constructs, i.e., trust, confidence in using a credit card, subjective norm, and past behavior, had significant effects on the on-line shopping intentions. However, the confidence in using a credit card was not found to moderate the effects of trust and the subjective norm on the intentions to shop on-line. Trust was found to have the strongest effect, followed by confidence in using a credit card, past behavior, and subjective norm.
Dimerization of endogenous MT1-MMP is a regulatory step in the activation of the 72-kDa gelatinase MMP-2 on fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells

Abstract The secreted gelatinase matrix metalloprotease-2 (MMP-2) and the membrane-anchored matrix metalloprotease MT1-MMP (MMP-14), are central players in pericellular proteolysis in extracellular matrix degradation. In addition to possessing a direct collagenolytic and gelatinolytic activity, these enzymes take part in a cascade pathway in which MT1-MMP activates the MMP-2 proenzyme. This reaction occurs in an interplay with the matrix metalloprotease inhibitor, TIMP-2, and the proposed mechanism involves two molecules of MT1-MMP in complex with one TIMP-2 molecule. We provide positive evidence that proMMP-2 activation is governed by dimerization of MT1-MMP on the surface of fibroblasts and fibrosarcoma cells. Even in the absence of transfection and overexpression, dimerization of MT1-MMP markedly stimulated the formation of active MMP-2 products. The effect demonstrated here was brought about by a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to MT1-MMP as shown by immunofluorescence experiments. The antibody has no effect on the catalytic activity. The effect on proMMP-2 activation involves MT1-MMP dimerization because it requires the divalent monoclonal antibody, with no effect obtained with monovalent Fab fragments. Since only a negligible level of proMMP-2 activation was obtained with MT1-MMP-expressing cells in the absence of dimerization, our results identify the dimerization event as a critical level of proteolytic cascade regulation.
Alterations in Speed of Squat Movement and the Use of Accommodated Resistance Among College Athletes Training for Power

Rhea, MR, Kenn, JG, and Dermody, BM. Alterations in speed of squat movement and the use of accommodated resistance among college athletes training for power. J Strength Cond Res 23(9): 2645-2650, 2009-The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of heavy/slow movements and variable resistance training on peak power and strength development. Forty-eight National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletes (age: 21.4 ± 2.1 years, all men) were recruited for this 12-week training intervention study. Maximum strength and jumping power were assessed before and after the training program. Athletes were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 training groups: heavy resistance/slow movement (Slow), lighter resistance and fast movement (Fast), or fast movements with accommodated resistance (FACC). All training groups performed similar training programs comprising free weight resistance training with lower-body compound exercises. The only difference among the training interventions was the speed at which subjects performed the squat exercise and the use of bands (Slow group: 0.2-0.4 meters/second; Fast group: 0.6-0.8 meters/second; FACC group trained 0.6-0.8 meters/second with the addition of accommodated resistance in the form of large elastic bands). Post-test data revealed a significant difference between power improvements between the Slow and FACC groups (p = 0.02). Percent increases and effect sizes (ES) demonstrated a much greater treatment effect in the FACC group (17.8%, ES = 1.06) with the Fast group (11.0%, ES = 0.80) adapting more than the Slow group (4.8%, ES = 0.28). The FACC and Slow groups improved strength comparatively (FACC: 9.44%, ES = 1.10; Slow: 9.59%, ES = 1.08). The Fast group improved strength considerably less, 3.20% with an effect size of only 0.38. Variable resistance training with elastic bands appears to provide greater performance benefits with regard to peak force and peak power than heavy, slow resistance exercise. Sports conditioning professionals can utilize bands, and high-speed contractions, to increase power development.
Fabrication of High-Efficiency III–V on Silicon Multijunction Solar Cells by Direct Metal Interconnect

This paper presents a novel direct-metal-interconnect hybrid integration method for the fabrication of low cost and high-efficiency multijunction solar cells without being constrained by lattice matching requirements. It also incorporates the areal current matching technique that is essential in mitigating the adverse effects of current limiting by the Si subcell to achieve maximum possible efficiency. A GaInP/InGaAs/Si triple-junction solar cell has been demonstrated, with a 2-terminal estimated efficiency of 25.5% tested under a filtered Xe arc lamp with the light intensity set to 100 mW/cm2. The cell shows promising thermal reliability, as well as potential for operation under concentrated illumination.
Diagnostic utility of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in pyrexia of unknown origin

Purpose of the Study: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic utility of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) in patients presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO). Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients (31 males and 16 females; mean age of 42.7 ± 19.96 years) presenting as PUO to the Department of Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi over a period of 2 years underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT. PET ⁄ CT was considered supportive when its results correlated with the final definitive diagnosis. Final diagnosis was made on the basis of combined evaluation of history, clinical findings, investigations, and response to treatment. Results: Thirty-five PET/CT studies (74.5%) were positive. However, only 18 (38.3%) were supportive of the final diagnosis. In three patients (6.4%), PET/CT was considered diagnostic as none of the other investigations including contrast-enhanced computed tomography of chest and abdomen, and directed tissue sampling could lead to the final diagnosis. All these three patients were diagnosed as aortoarteritis. Conclusion: Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography is an important emerging modality in the workup of PUO. It supported the final diagnosis in 38% of our patients and was diagnostic in 6.4% of patients. Thus, PET/CT should only be considered as second-line investigation for the diagnostic evaluation of PUO; especially in suspected noninfectious inflammatory disorders.
Comparison of oversampled current controllers for microgrid utility interface converters

This paper presents the comparison of three different fully digital, oversampled, large bandwidth inverter current controllers: a proportional integral controller, a predictive controller, and a non-linear hysteresis controller. The purpose is to determine which one allows to achieve the highest final performance when adopted as the inner current control loop in a microgrid utility interface converter. The utility interface operation in the microgrid, as either a voltage supporting or a voltage forming converter, needs a fast output voltage control loop. In order to achieve a large bandwidth voltage regulation, with effective load disturbance rejection, the inner current loop small-signal bandwidth needs to be maximized. To prevent saturation of the voltage loop, a fast large-signal response of the current controller is also beneficial. The paper analyzes the above current controllers and compares their small-signal bandwidths and large-signal reference tracking performance. The better performing controller is then used in a multi-loop voltage control for the utility interface converter. Experimental results are presented that allow to validate the analytical results and to illustrate the achievable performance of the utility interface voltage regulation loop in steady state and transient conditions.
Diagnostic significance of immunocytochemistry on fine needle aspiration biopsies processed by thin‐layer cytology

To evaluate the significance of immunocytochemistry (ICC) performed on Thin‐Layer Cytology (TLC) preparations. During the period August 2004 to May 2010, 5,736 consecutive fine needle aspiration biopsies were processed by both conventional smears and TLC preparations, and 180 cases required further immunocytochemical staining to resolve diagnostic questions. TLC preparations were processed with the Thin‐Layer Cytology 2000TM Method (Cytyc Corp, Marlborough, MA). Conventional smears and TLC preparations were stained with HE. ICC staining was carried out on TLC slides. All 180 cases were processed successfully for ICC. In 161 cases (89.5%), ICC staining resulted in a definitive diagnosis, while in 19 cases (10.5%) the diagnosis was still inconclusive. About 148 (82.2%) of the cases also had tissue available for histological examination. Accepting the histologic findings as the true diagnosis, the sensitivity and specificity of the ICC diagnoses were 98.6 and 97.3%, respectively. ICC can be successfully applied on TLC preparations, and its results can be very useful for making diagnoses on fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Threat appraisals, distress and the development of positive life changes after September 11th in a Canadian sample

Several surveys have reported the negative psychological impact on the general public of the terrorist attacks in the USA of September 11th, 2001. Yet the attacks also led many people to make positive changes in their relationships, values and priorities. A survey of 80 adults in Ottawa, Canada demonstrated that greater perceived threat and greater initial distress reactions significantly predicted the extent to which people reported positive changes in their lives (e.g. closer to family, refocused priorities). Initial distress and greater perceived threat also correlated positively with whether people provided help after the disaster. Follow‐up data on 40 of these participants 11 months later revealed significant stability over time for the extent of positive life changes reported, and demonstrated that degree of initial distress and perceived threat continued to correlate positively with life change reports at this later point in time. The data are consistent with the argument that the perception of growth may develop out of one's personal experience of emotional pain.
ICT – the new frontier? Pushing the boundaries of careers practice

Much progress has been made in integrating information and communications technology (ICT) into careers practice, but there is still room for improvement. An international lens is adopted to examine some key elements that contribute to the successful integration of ICT into careers practice. We start by exploring the role of policy, using the UK as a case study. Next, the perceptions that Finnish career practitioners have of ICT are reviewed using research findings into the different ways they think about social media and its purpose in career services. Finally, lessons learned from the design and integration of online services within career development programming in Canada are discussed that ensure accessibility both to practitioners and their clients.
Targeted Deletion of Capn4 in Cells of the Chondrocyte Lineage Impairs Chondrocyte Proliferation and Differentiation

ABSTRACT Calpains are calcium-dependent intracellular cysteine proteases, which include ubiquitously expressed μ- and m-calpains. Both calpains are heterodimers consisting of a large catalytic subunit and a small regulatory subunit. The calpain small subunit encoded by the gene Capn4 directly binds to the intracellular C-terminal tail of the receptor for the parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide and modulates cellular functions in cells of the osteoblast lineage in vitro and in vivo. To investigate a physiological role of the calpain small subunit in cells of the chondrocyte lineage, we generated chondrocyte-specific Capn4 knockout mice. Mutant embryos had reduced chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation in embryonic growth plates compared with control littermates. In vitro analysis further revealed that deletion of Capn4 in cells of the chondrocyte lineage correlated with impaired cell cycle progression at the G1/S transition, reduced cyclin D gene transcription, and accumulated cell cycle proteins known as calpain substrates. Moreover, silencing of p27Kip1 rescued an impaired cell growth phenotype in Capn4 knockdown cells, and reintroducing the calpain small subunit partially normalized cell growth and accumulated cyclin D protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, our findings suggest that the calpain small subunit is essential for proper chondrocyte functions in embryonic growth plates.
Ohmic Contacts With Ultra-Low Optical Loss on Heavily Doped n-Type InGaAs and InGaAsP for InP-Based Photonic Membranes

In this paper, we present significant reductions of optical losses and contact resistances in AgGe-based ohmic contacts to InP membranes. Due to the high solubility of Si in InGaAs and InGaAsP, heavily doped n-type contact layers are grown on InP wafers. This high doping concentration gives rise to annealing-free ohmic contacts and low contact resistances at the level of 10-7 Ω cm2. It also leads to strong band-filling effects in InGaAs and InGaAsP, which result in low optical absorption losses in the contact layer. Combined with the low optical loss of AgGe, a massive reduction of the propagation loss in membrane waveguides is observed compared with other existing solutions. An additional advantage is the minimal influence of thermal treatments during the processing, leading to very stable high-performing contacts.
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers Inhibit the Generation of Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid from Arachidonic Acid in Recombinant CYP2C9, CYP2J2 and Human Liver Microsomes

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, CYP2C8 and CYP2J2 enzymes, which metabolize arachidonic acid (AA) to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, have cardioprotective effects including anti‐inflammation and vasodilation. We have recently shown that some angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) may inhibit AA metabolism via CYP2C8. Using recombinant CYP2C9, CYP2J2 and human liver microsomes (HLMs), the aim was now to compare the ability of six different clinically used ARBs to inhibit AA metabolism in vitro. The rank order of the ARBs for the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of AA metabolism was losartan