Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cellular basis of a rapid effect of mineralocorticosteroid receptors activation on LTP in ventral hippocampal slices

The ventral hippocampus (VH) was recently shown to express lower magnitude LTP compared to the dorsal hippocampus (DH). Exposure to acute stress reversed this difference, and VH slices from stressed rats expressed larger LTP than that produced in the DH, which was reduced by stress. In an attempt to uncover the mechanisms responsible for this differential action, we found that activation of mineralocorticosteroid receptors (MR) by aldosterone mimics the effects of stress in the VH, to facilitate LTP. We also found that aldosterone reduces GABAergic inhibition in both the DH and VH. We now examined if the reduction in inhibition caused by MRs can underlie the altered LTP in the VH. Rat hippocampal slices were recorded before and after exposure to the GABA antagonist bicuculline and to aldosterone. As expected, blockade of GABA with bicuculline enhanced LTP in both DH and VH. However, its effect did not occlude that of aldosterone in the VH, indicating that the latter drug does not operate by blockade of inhibition. Furthermore, the NMDA receptor antagonist APV blocked LTP induced in the presence of bicuculline, but did not block LTP facilitation by aldosterone, indicating that the effect of aldosterone is not mediated by the conventional NMDA‐dependent LTP generating mechanism. Furthermore, rapid effects of aldosterone on LTP were blocked by the L‐type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine, indicating that aldosterone facilitates calcium influx via nifedipine‐sensitive channels, to enhance LTP in the VH. The locus of effect of aldosterone may be the presynaptic terminal, as it caused a marked facilitation of paired pulse potentiation in the VH but not in the DH. These experiments confirm and extend previous suggestions for the effects of MRs on neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design of cascoded switch for DC/DC buck converter using 0.13μm low power CMOS

Reduction in overall system size gives rise to on chip integration of buck converter with other system devices. Integration of Power MOSFET and CMOS circuits onto a single chip yield high cost and complex technology. This paper proposes an alternative method to design voltage down converter using low power 0. 13μm CMOS devices. The monolithic converter is a Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM) buck converter with a 3-stage cascode as the power switch for the conversion stage, which is able to deliver continuous current is presented. The simulation results show that the converter is capable of down converting from a maximum of 4.2V supply voltage to 1V output voltage with less than 5% variation. The converter is capable of deliver up to 500mA of output current under light load condition of 2Ω. The capability of this down conversion shows that it is possible to be used for lithium ion battery application.
Assessment of trending ability of cardiac output monitors by polar plot methodology.

OBJECTIVES To develop a valid statistical method of showing acceptable cardiac output (CO) trending ability when new CO monitors are compared to a reference standard, such as thermodilution, using polar coordinates. DESIGN Developing a new statistical analytic method using historic data. SETTING University Hospital Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department. PARTICIPANTS Data taken from previously published CO validation studies. INTERVENTIONS Cartesian data were reanalyzed, being uplifted using Data Thief 3.0 software (http://datathief.org/). Polar plots were constructed from this data. Central zone data (<0.5 L/min or <10% change) were excluded because they introduced statistical noise. Trial polar criteria were set using data from a study that compared 5 CO monitors against thermodilution. Then, these criteria were further validated using data extracted from 15 other studies. Mean (95% confidence intervals) polar angles were used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Trial data suggest ±5° (angle) ±30° (95% confidence interval) as acceptance limits. Concordance rates (ie, >95%-90%) from 5 articles supported trending, and polar data from these studies concurred with the authors' pilot criteria. Favorable comments on trending also were found in 8 of 15 articles in which radial limits were less than ±32°. Good calibration was associated with a mean polar angle of less than ±5°. CONCLUSIONS Polar plots can be used to show the trending ability of CO monitors in comparative validation studies. They overcome the deficiencies of concordance analysis, which uses the direction of change as a statistic and ignores the magnitude of change in CO.
On the fidelity of ultra-wideband antennas

Within this contribution two ultrawideband antennas, an almost omnidirectional bi-conical antenna of type SBA 9113 from Schwarzbeck and a directional Vivaldi antenna, are analyzed according to their time-domain characteristics. In this context the fidelity factor and the peak value play an important role. Hence both, the parameter's definition is recaped and the particular practical meaning is explained. Moreover, a new parameter, the two antenna fidelity is introduced which indicates an antenna's performance in context of a typical point to point link involving two antennas. To increase the accuracy the analysis is based upon a resimulation of both antennas.
Responsive Classroom Management: Empowering Students and Teachers in Urban Schools.

This research explores a finding from a multicase study of effective teachers working in urban high-poverty schools who used responsive classroom management as a tool. While classroom management was not the focus of the larger study, it emerged as a finding that was critical for participants as they fostered success for their students, and in the process, preserved and strengthened their commitments to work in challenging school contexts. The current study was undertaken to better understand classroom management and its commonalities across the teachers. Additional data analysis revealed connections between the certification program and teachers’ implementation of a responsive classroom management approach that included common vocabulary, theories, and methods. This research reveals important connections between teacher preparation and effective teaching in urban high-poverty schools, which has practical implications for those concerned with this population of students and families.
The mammalian exercise pressor reflex in health and disease

The exercise pressor reflex (a peripheral neural reflex originating in skeletal muscle) contributes significantly to the regulation of the cardiovascular system during exercise. Exercise‐induced signals that comprise the afferent arm of the reflex are generated by activation of mechanically (muscle mechanoreflex) and chemically sensitive (muscle metaboreflex) skeletal muscle receptors. Activation of these receptors and their associated afferent fibres reflexively adjusts sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity during exercise. In heart failure, the cardiovascular response to exercise is augmented. Owing to the peripheral skeletal myopathy that develops in heart failure (e.g. muscle atrophy, decreased peripheral blood flow, fibre‐type transformation and reduced oxidative capacity), the exercise pressor reflex has been implicated as a possible mechanism by which the cardiovascular response to physical activity is exaggerated in this disease. Accumulating evidence supports this conclusion. This review therefore focuses on the role of the exercise pressor reflex in regulating the cardiovascular system during exercise in both health and disease. Updates on our current understanding of the exercise pressor reflex neural pathway as well as experimental models used to study this reflex are presented. In addition, special emphasis is placed on the changes in exercise pressor reflex activity that develop in heart failure, including the contributions of the muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex to this pressor reflex dysfunction.
Force/Position Control of 3 DOF Delta Manipulator with Voice Coil Actuator

Parallel manipulators are widely used in the industries for several applications. Due to its precision in motion as well as its robustness, parallel manipulators have proved its advantage over serial manipulators. In this paper, a 3DOF parallel manipulator is presented and force control of the manipulator is demonstrated. The proposed manipulator uses a direct drive voice coil arc actuators to achieve compliance required for human-robot interaction or soft mechanical manipulations. Its implementation in the proposed delta manipulator is discussed in the paper. The paper has discussed a unique method of controlling position as well as the force at the end-effector of the delta manipulator. The method used in making the manipulator compliant does not need an explicit force sensor and is convenient to implement. The method is inexpensive and works satisfactorily in a human interactive environment which is demonstrated through experiments discussed in the paper. The proposed design finds its application in robot-assisted assembly, surface finishing, cooperative manipulation, haptics etc.
A Novel Process to Produce Amorphous Nanosized Boron Useful for $\hbox{MgB}_{2}$ Synthesis

In this paper, we report a new synthesis route to produce boron powders characterized as being amorphous and having very fine particle size. This route has been developed to improve the performances of superconducting MgB2 powders, which can be directly synthesized from this nanostructured boron precursor by following the ex-situ or the in-situ PIT method during manufacturing of tapes, wires, and cables. All the procedure steps are explained, and the chemical-physical characterization of the boron powder, using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques, is reported. Furthermore, a comparison with commercial boron is given. Preliminary results of the magnetic and electrical characterization, such as critical temperature TC and transport critical current density JC t, for the MgB2 tape are reported and compared with those for the tape prepared with commercial boron.
Engineering recombinant reoviruses with tandem repeats and a tetravirus 2A-like element for exogenous polypeptide expression

Significance Recombinant reoviruses that can propagate autonomously while expressing exogenous polypeptides over multiple growth cycles have proven difficult to generate but seem plausible to try to develop as potential vaccine vectors. Here we report a strategy for engineering such reoviruses that express portions of the simian immunodeficiency virus Gag protein. The strategy has been applied so far to 3 of the 10 reovirus genome segments and can also be used to map the terminal regions required for segment packaging. Gag-specific T-cell responses induced in mice by one of these recombinant reoviruses support their potential utility as vectors for immunogen expression. We tested a strategy for engineering recombinant mammalian reoviruses (rMRVs) to express exogenous polypeptides. One important feature is that these rMRVs are designed to propagate autonomously and can therefore be tested in animals as potential vaccine vectors. The strategy has been applied so far to three of the 10 MRV genome segments: S3, M1, and L1. To engineer the modified segments, a 5′ or 3′ region of the essential, long ORF in each was duplicated, and then exogenous sequences were inserted between the repeats. The inner repeat and exogenous insert were positioned in frame with the native protein-encoding sequences but were separated from them by an in-frame “2A-like” sequence element that specifies a cotranslational “stop/continue” event releasing the exogenous polypeptide from the essential MRV protein. This design preserves a terminal region of the MRV genome segment with essential activities in RNA packaging, assortment, replication, transcription, and/or translation and alters the encoded MRV protein to a limited degree. Recovery of rMRVs with longer inserts was made more efficient by wobble-mutagenizing both the inner repeat and the exogenous insert, which possibly helped via respective reductions in homologous recombination and RNA structure. Immunogenicity of a 300-aa portion of the simian immunodeficiency virus Gag protein expressed in mice by an L1-modified rMRV was confirmed by detection of Gag-specific T-cell responses. The engineering strategy was further used for mapping the minimal 5′-terminal region essential to MRV genome segment S3.
Macromolecular crowding induced elongation and compaction of single DNA molecules confined in a nanochannel

The effect of dextran nanoparticles on the conformation and compaction of single DNA molecules confined in a nanochannel was investigated with fluorescence microscopy. It was observed that the DNA molecules elongate and eventually condense into a compact form with increasing volume fraction of the crowding agent. Under crowded conditions, the channel diameter is effectively reduced, which is interpreted in terms of depletion in DNA segment density in the interfacial region next to the channel wall. Confinement in a nanochannel also facilitates compaction with a neutral crowding agent at low ionic strength. The threshold volume fraction for condensation is proportional to the size of the nanoparticle, due to depletion induced attraction between DNA segments. We found that the effect of crowding is not only related to the colligative properties of the agent and that confinement is also important. It is the interplay between anisotropic confinement and osmotic pressure which gives the elongated conformation and the possibility for condensation at low ionic strength.
The modulation of motor control by imitating non-biological motions: a study about motor resonance

[Purpose] Sensorimotor experience modulates motor resonance, such as motor interference, which occurs when observing others’ movements; however, it is unclear how motor resonance is modulated by intentionally imitating others’ movements. This study examined the effects of imitation experience on subsequent motor resonance. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-seven healthy participants performed horizontal arm movements while observing non-biological, incongruent (vertical) movements of a visual stimulus (triangle object) in pre- and post-test procedures. Thirteen participants in the imitation group imitated vertical movements (non-biological motion) of the triangle object between pre- and post-test procedures and fourteen participants in the non-imitation group observed that. [Results] Variance in the executed movements was measured as an index of motor resonance. Although there was no significant difference in the non-imitation group, there was a significantly smaller variance for post-test compared to pre-test in the imitation group. [Conclusion] Motor resonance was inhibited by intentionally imitating non-biological motions. Imitating movements different from one’s own motor property might inhibit subsequent motor resonance. This finding might be applied to selectively using motor resonance as a form of rehabilitation.
Engaging ‘students as partners’ in the design and development of a peer-mentoring program

This presentation focussed on an innovative approach to developing peer mentoring programs. Drawing upon a ‘student as partners’ framework, the presentation explored how this has been used to underpin an approach to peer mentoring from the ground up. University peer mentoring programs are largely designed and developed by staff, who not only recruit and train student mentors but also select frequency and type of involvement for all parties. This pilot project proposes a different approach by collaborating with students in the design, development and enactment of a peer-mentoring program within one School of Education. From this pilot, we will develop guidelines and recommendations for the implementation of student-led peer mentoring programs (Students as Partners in Mentoring: SaPiM) across the University of Wollongong (UOW).
Variation of amino acid sequences of serum amyloid a (SAA) and immunohistochemical analysis of amyloid a (AA) in Japanese domestic cats

Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, a fatal systemic amyloid disease, occurs secondary to chronic inflammatory conditions in humans. Although persistently elevated serum amyloid A (SAA) levels are required for its pathogenesis, not all individuals with chronic inflammation necessarily develop AA amyloidosis. Furthermore, many diseases in cats are associated with the elevated production of SAA, whereas only a small number actually develop AA amyloidosis. We hypothesized that a genetic mutation in the SAA gene may strongly contribute to the pathogenesis of feline AA amyloidosis. In the present study, genomic DNA from four Japanese domestic cats (JDCs) with AA amyloidosis and from five without amyloidosis was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing. We identified the novel variation combination of 45R-51A in the deduced amino acid sequences of four JDCs with amyloidosis and five without. However, there was no relationship between amino acid variations and the distribution of AA amyloid deposits, indicating that differences in SAA sequences do not contribute to the pathogenesis of AA amyloidosis. Immunohistochemical analysis using antisera against the three different parts of the feline SAA protein—i.e., the N-terminal, central, and C-terminal regions—revealed that feline AA contained the C-terminus, unlike human AA. These results indicate that the cleavage and degradation of the C-terminus are not essential for amyloid fibril formation in JDCs.
Services industries and the informal economy: an introduction

A recent study reveals that 61.2% of the global workforce aged 15 and over are in the informal economy, and that 47.2% of all employment in the service industries (ILO, 2018). Despite this, there has been very little written on service industries and the informal economy. Instead, the vast bulk of literature on service industries has focused upon the formal economy. To ignore this large segment of the totality of services and workers operating in the informal economy is a misnomer. To do so is to disregard nearly half of the workforce employed in the service industries globally. Reflecting the long tradition of this journal in pursuing innovative and cutting-edge research that drives the research agenda on service industries, the Service Industries Journal has commissioned a special issue on the theme of ‘Service Industries and the Informal Economy’. The aim of this editorial introduction is to provide a brief synopsis of the articles published which evaluate not only the extent and character of participation in the informal economy in the service industries but also the factors significantly associated with informality in the service industries as well as the challenges posed by the existence of such endeavour. Reflecting the studies in this special issue, this editorial gives special emphasis to the critical role of individual characteristics, country contexts, institutions, and demandas well as supply-side issues required to achieve a better understanding of informality in the service industries across the globe. The studies address the extent to which, and how, the informal economy plays a role in the provision of services (e.g. health, transport, financial and tourism sectors), the characteristics of such informal sector provision, the motives of suppliers (supply-side) and customers/buyers (demand-side), and what might be done by public policy makers. Across the advanced, transition and developing economies, there is recognition that the paid and unpaid informal economy has far from disappeared. Take, for example, the household services sector. Not only does the unpaid and paid informal economy remain a prominent means of providing routine domestic services (e.g. household cleaning, caring) but also a principal means by which home repair, maintenance and improvement is undertaken. This is reflected in the persistence of not only do-it-yourself activity but also reliance on paid informal work in the provision of home repair, improvement and maintenance services across the world. There is also recognition that there is a growing trend to outsource household services (Carbonnier & Morel, 2015), and that there is a need to understand the barriers to outsourcing household services to the formal economy and to the gender implications of such outsourcing of domestic services (Windebank & MartinezPerez, 2018).
Theories Applied to m-Health Interventions for Behavior Change in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background: Recently there has been dramatic increase in the use of mobile technologies for health (m-Health) in both high and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, little is known whether m-Health interventions in LMICs are based on relevant theories critical for effective implementation of such interventions. This review aimed to systematically identify m-Health studies on health behavioral changes in LMICs and to examine how each study applied behavior change theories. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the standard method from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. By searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [CENTRAL]), we identified eligible studies published in English from inception to June 30, 2017. For the identified m-Health studies in LMICs, we examined their theoretical bases, use of behavior change techniques (BCTs), and modes of delivery. Results: A total of 14 m-Health studies on behavioral changes were identified and, among them, only 5 studies adopted behavior change theory. The most frequently cited theory was the health belief model, which was adopted in three studies. Likewise, studies have applied only a limited number of BCTs. Among the seven BCTs identified, the most frequently used one was the social support (practical) technique for medication reminder and medical appointment. m-Health studies in LMICs most commonly used short messaging services and phone calls as modes of delivery for behavior change interventions. Conclusions: m-Health studies in LMICs are suboptimally based on behavior change theory yet. To maximize effectiveness of m-Health, rigorous delivery methods as well as theory-based intervention designs will be needed.