Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting excitatory amino acid release following severe human head injury.

OBJECT Recent animal studies demonstrate that excitatory amino acids (EAAs) play a major role in neuronal damage after brain trauma and ischemia. However, the role of EAAs in patients who have suffered severe head injury is not understood. Excess quantities of glutamate in the extracellular space may lead to uncontrolled shifts of sodium, potassium, and calcium, disrupting ionic homeostasis, which may lead to severe cell swelling and cell death. The authors evaluated the role of EEAs in human traumatic brain injury. METHODS In 80 consecutive severely head injured patients, a microdialysis probe was placed into the gray matter along with a ventriculostomy catheter or an intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor for 4 days. Levels of EAAs and structural amino acids were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multifactorial analysis of the amino acid pattern was performed and its correlations with clinical parameters and outcome were tested. The levels of EAAs were increased up to 50 times normal in 30% of the patients and were significantly correlated to levels of structural amino acids both in each patient and across the whole group (p < 0.01). Secondary ischemic brain injury and focal contusions were most strongly associated with high EAA levels (27+/-22 micromol/L). Sustained high ICP and poor outcome were significantly correlated to high levels of EAAs (glutamate > 20 micromol/L; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The release of EAAs is closely linked to the release of structural amino acids and may thus reflect nonspecific development of membrane micropores, rather than presynaptic neuronal vesicular exocytosis. The magnitude of EAA release in patients with focal contusions and ischemic events may be sufficient to exacerbate neuronal damage, and these patients may be the best candidates for treatment with glutamate antagonists in the future.
A Study on North Korean Mothers' Parenting of Their Elementary School Children in South Korea

The aim of this study is to understand the parenting of elementary school children by North Korean mothers in South Korea. To achieve this purpose, five mothers were interviewed about the difficulties and confusion they experienced while parenting, and how they solved problems they encountered. The data were analyzed using a grounded theory methodology. It was found that the mothers had much difficulty in supporting their elementary school children at school. Their confusion resulted from the differences in the educational systems of North Korea, South Korea, and China. To solve their difficulties, the mothers requested help from their neighbors and local education agencies. Based on the results of the study, it was suggested that the initial adaption agency should introduce parenting programs, that a support system should be established in elementary schools, and that local community support networks should be established.
The countercyclical capital buffer in the Czech Republic

This article sets out the CNBâ€™s approach to the countercyclical capital buffer in the Czech Republic and describes its decision-making process from assessing the position of the economy in the financial cycle through to setting the buffer rate. The CNB's approach is based on a set of simple and composite indicators of the financial cycle and systemic risk, but also puts an emphasis on comprehensive expert assessment of developments in the financial sector. The article then describes the factors that the macroprudential authority takes into account when setting the specific countercyclical capital buffer rate. These include estimates of credit losses in the event of adverse shocks and stylised facts about the financial cycle.
A Review of Cis-Trans Interplay Between DNA Sequences 5′ to the Gγ- and β-Globin Genes Among Hb F-Malta-I Heterozygotes/Homozygotes and β-Thalassemia Homozygotes/Compound Heterozygotes, and the Effects of Hydroxyurea on the Hb F/F-Erythrocyte; the Need for Large Multicenter Trials

The biosynthesis of Hb F in place of the deficient Hb A could be a suitable treatment for β hemoglobinopathies. Among newborn Hb F-Malta-I heterozygotes, it could be shown that the XmnI sequence alone had little, if any effect on γ-globin gene expression, but interplay with the (AT)XTY sites in cis and in trans may occur. In contrast, while the XmnI sequence is clearly correlated with γ-globin levels in anemic adult β-thalassemia (thal) homozygotes, the effect on F-erythrocyte numbers and Hb F/F-erythrocyte appears independent of the (AT)XTY sites. Even at levels of hydroxyurea (HU) as low as 1.65 mg/kg/day (vs. 10 mg/kg/day on the high dose regime) it can be shown that although even a small increase of Hb F could be obtained, the effect was rarely translated into an increase in circulating hemoglobin (Hb). In most cases, the elevated Hb F level was dependent on the XmnI sequence and was due to increased numbers of F-erythrocytes or Hb F/F-erythrocyte or both. It seems that the bone marrow of thalassemia homozygotes may be more sensitive to myelosuppression by HU possibly due to medullary inflammation. While the data are consistent with loop models of globin switching mechanisms, there is urgent need for large, hypothesis driven, multicenter trials of molecules that could maintain or re-induce high Hb F levels in β-thal and subject to genetic and epigenetic constraints including inflammation.
Corruption and Media Concentration: A Panel Data Analysis

My master thesis studies the relationship between media concentration and corruption based on a panel data analysis, with a panel dataset which provides information about 29 countries over a span of 19 years. Based on a cross-section analysis Djankov, McLiesh, Nenova and Shleifer (2003, JLE) which focused on the relationship between corruption and media state-ownership, I enhance their results thanks to panel data fixed effects, to control for more unobservable effects, and several robustness checks. As Djankov et al did, we focus on two specific media markets: television (TV) and daily newspapers. Thanks to new data from the book “Who Owns the World‟s Media? ” (Noam, 2016), I broaden the spectrum of their article to focus on the correlations between corruption and all types of media concentration (public, private and the industry). I confine their previous results: a positive correlation is found only for public TV with large shares of the market. In fact, I find a negative correlation between public TV shares and corruption for lower levels of state-ownership, especially in the case of developed countries. Contrary to daily newspapers, this result remains after many robustness checks. I provide evidence that low-levels of state-ownership limit concentration of private media, reducing the risk of media capture. Indeed, competition within the private sector is found to be negatively correlated with corruption. Finally, I find weak evidence for a positive correlation between corruption and media industry concentration in only two cases: when considering all types of media and when considering TV alone.
The Association of Pipe and Cigar Use With Cotinine Levels, Lung Function, and Airflow Obstruction

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but studies on the contribution of other smoking techniques are sparse. OBJECTIVE To determine whether pipe and cigar smoking was associated with elevated cotinine levels, decrements in lung function, and increased odds of airflow obstruction. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Population-based sample from 6 U.S. communities. PARTICIPANTS Men and women aged 48 to 90 years without clinical cardiovascular disease at enrollment who were part of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). MEASUREMENTS The MESA Lung Study measured spirometry according to American Thoracic Society guidelines and urine cotinine levels by immunoassay on a subsample of MESA. Pipe-years and cigar-years were calculated as years from self-reported age of starting to age of quitting (or to current age in current users) multiplied by pipe-bowls or cigars per day. RESULTS Of 3528 participants, 9% reported pipe smoking (median, 15 pipe-years), 11% reported cigar smoking (median, 6 cigar-years), and 52% reported cigarette smoking (median, 18 pack-years). Self-reported current pipe and cigar smokers had elevated urine cotinine levels compared with never-smokers. Pipe-years were associated with decrements in FEV(1), and cigar-years were associated with decrements in the FEV(1)-FVC ratio. Participants who smoked pipes or cigars had increased odds of airflow obstruction whether they had also smoked cigarettes (odds ratio, 3.43 [95% CI, 1.75 to 6.71]; P < 0.001) or not (odds ratio, 2.31 [CI, 1.04 to 5.11]; P = 0.039) compared with participants with no smoking history. LIMITATION Cross-sectional design. CONCLUSION Pipe and cigar smoking increased urine cotinine levels and was associated with decreased lung function and increased odds of airflow obstruction, even in participants who had never smoked cigarettes. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health.
A Comparative Study Of Supervisory Control Strategies for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) improvements in fuel economy and emissions strongly depend on the energy management strategy. The parallel HEV control problem involves the determination of the time profiles of the power flows from the engine and the electric motor. This is also referred to as the power split between the conventional and the electric sources. The objective of HEV control is in fact to find out the sequence of optimal power splits at each instant of time that minimizes the fuel consumption over a given driving schedule. Big obstacles to the control design are the model complexity and the necessity of "a priori" knowledge of torque and velocity profiles. This paper presents three different energy management approaches for the control of a parallel hybrid electric sport-utility-vehicle that do not require a priori knowledge of the driving cycle. The considered approaches are: a rule-based control, an adaptive equivalent fuel consumption minimization strategy (A-ECMS), and the Hinfin control. Results, compared with the optimal solution given by the dynamic programming, show that the A-ECMS strategy is the best performing strategy
Diagnosis of an imprinted-gene syndrome by a novel bioinformatics analysis of whole-genome sequences from a family trio

Whole‐genome sequencing and whole‐exome sequencing are becoming more widely applied in clinical medicine to help diagnose rare genetic diseases. Identification of the underlying causative mutations by genome‐wide sequencing is greatly facilitated by concurrent analysis of multiple family members, most often the mother–father–proband trio, using bioinformatics pipelines that filter genetic variants by mode of inheritance. However, current pipelines are limited to Mendelian inheritance patterns and do not specifically address disorders caused by mutations in imprinted genes, such as forms of Angelman syndrome and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Using publicly available tools, we implemented a genetic inheritance search mode to identify imprinted‐gene mutations. Application of this search mode to whole‐genome sequences from a family trio led to a diagnosis for a proband for whom extensive clinical testing and Mendelian inheritance‐based sequence analysis were nondiagnostic. The condition in this patient, IMAGe syndrome, is likely caused by the heterozygous mutation c.832A>G (p.Lys278Glu) in the imprinted gene CDKN1C. The genotypes and disease status of six members of the family are consistent with maternal expression of the gene, and allele‐biased expression was confirmed by RNA‐Seq for the heterozygotes. This analysis demonstrates that an imprinted‐gene search mode is a valuable addition to genome sequence analysis pipelines for identifying disease‐causative variants.
Developmental Transitions

What kinds of changes occur across the lifespan? What role do our experiences, social and historical contexts and relationships with others play in shaping those changes? This book aims to explore these questions through the concept of transitions. In developmental psychology, transitions have often been treated as a series of steps or stages related to age-graded norms. But transition can also be viewed as a dynamic process of change as people face the challenges of living and participating in different contexts and situations. This book brings together a series of chapters that encompasses a range of complex transitional forms that take the reader beyond a focus on childhood and adolescence, to look at the whole lifespan. In doing so, it brings together several themes or elements from across a range of topics on transitions. These topics include: • The different conceptualisations of transitions • Transitions that occur in the body • Health transitions • Transitions in friendships and romantic relationships • Parenthood and other family transitions • Educational transitions • Career transitions and employment • Transitions across contexts • Society and transitions Developmental transitions will be essential reading for all undergraduate and graduate students of developmental and cultural psychology. It will also be a valuable resource for academics and practitioner audiences interested in stability and change as it relates to identity, wellbeing, personal relationships, and historical and sociocultural contexts.
Layer-by-layer deposition of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals for integration of infrared photon-detectors on 3D topography

This paper presents photosensitive colloidal nanocrystal films for the integration of photon-detectors on 3D topography surfaces. Silicon wafers with anisotropically etched cavities are used as substrates, and gold electrodes are patterned across the 3D surface. A layer-by-layer dip-coating method is used to deposit semi-conductive PbSe colloidal nanocrystals from solution, in order to form infrared photon-detectors on the tapered surfaces. An integrated device capable of detecting the angle of the incoming infrared illumination is implemented to demonstrate the potential of this technology.
Predictive control system of the shunt active power filter

The paper presents the control system of shunt active power filter (APF) with predictive reference current calculation and model based predictive current control. The novel estimator and predictor of grid emf is proposed for AC voltage sensorless operation of APF. Proposed control system provides control of APF current with high precision and dynamics limited only by filter circuit parameters. There are presented experimental results achieved for 50 kVA APF.
Polymorphisms in von Willebrand factor gene promoter influence the glucocorticoid‐induced increase in von Willebrand factor: the lesson learned from Cushing syndrome

Cushing syndrome (CS) features high‐glucocorticoid secretion and an associated hypercoagulable state often involving an increase in von Willebrand factor (VWF). To identify any influence of VWF promoter on glucocorticoid haemostatic effects, four polymorphic positions (‐3267, ‐2708, ‐2659 and ‐2525) segregating as haplotypes 1 (GCAG) or 2 (CTGA) were analysed in 50 CS patients with high VWF (group I) and normal VWF (group II) levels, divided by ABO group. Genotype distribution differed significantly between the two groups: in group I, 25·8% had genotype 1/1, 22·6% had 2/2 and 38·7% had 1/2; in group II, 0% had genotype 1/1, 57·9% had 2/2 and 31·6% had 1/2 (P = 0·03). Patients’ genotypes also differed from those of controls (P = 0·003 for group I, P = 0·03 for group II). Haplotype 1 was prevalent in group I, haplotype 2 in group II (P = 0·002), both with frequencies differing from controls (P < 0·001 and P = 0·009). By odds ratio analysis, genotype 1/1 carried a 12 times greater risk of high‐VWF levels than genotype 2/2, and haplotype 1 carried a five times greater risk than haplotype 2. Our findings suggest that VWF promoter haplotypes influence the corticosteroid‐mediated increase in VWF.
Biomarker-calibrated nutrient intake and healthy diet index associations with mortality risks among older and frail women from the Women's Health Initiative.

Background: Although studies to date have confirmed the association between nutrition and frailty, the impact of dietary intake and dietary patterns on survivorship in those with frailty is yet to be examined in a well-powered cohort with validated frailty status. Moreover, previous studies were limited by measurement error from dietary self-reports.Objective: We derived biomarker-calibrated dietary energy and protein intakes to address dietary self-report error. Using these data, we then evaluated the association of mortality in older women with frailty and dietary intake and healthy diet indexes, such as the alternate Mediterranean Diet (aMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) score, and the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Design: The analytic sample included 10,034 women aged 65-84 y with frailty and complete dietary data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. Frailty was assessed with modified Fried's criteria. Dietary data were collected by food-frequency questionnaire.Results: Over a mean follow-up period of 12.4 y, 3259 (31%) deaths occurred. The HRs showed progressively decreased rates of mortality in women with higher calibrated dietary energy intakes (P-trend = 0.003), higher calibrated dietary protein intakes (P-trend = 0.03), higher aMED scores (P-trend = 0.006), and higher DASH scores (P-trend = 0.02). Although the adjusted point estimates of HRs (95% CIs) for frail women scoring in the second, third, and fourth quartiles on DII measures were 1.15 (1.03, 1.27), 1.28 (1.15, 1.42), and 1.24 (1.12, 1.38), respectively, compared with women in the first quartile, no overall effect was observed across quartiles (P-trend = 0.35). Subgroup analyses by chronic morbidity or smoking status or by excluding women with early death did not substantially change these findings.Conclusions: The current study highlights the importance of nutrition in older, frail women. Diet quality and quantity should be considered in managing persons with frailty.
Transcriptional analysis of the DNA polymerase gene of Bombyx mori parvo-like virus (China isolate).

The Bombyx mori parvo-like virus (China isolate) DNA polymerase (BmDNV-3 dnapol) gene has been tentatively identified based on the presence of conserved motifs. In the present study, we perform a transcriptional analysis of the BmDNV-3 dnapol gene using the total RNA isolated from BmDNV-3 infected silkworm at different times. Northern blot analysis with a BmDNV-3 dnapol-specific riboprobe showed a major transcript of 3.3 kb. 5'-RACE revealed that the major transcription start point was located 20 nucleotides downstream of the TATA box. In a temporal expression analysis using differential RT-PCR, BmDNV-3 dnapol transcript was detected at low levels at 6 h.p.i. , increased from 6 to 36 h.p.i. , and remained fairly constant thereafter. Analysis of the predicted DNA polymerase sequence using neighborjoining and protein parsimony algorithms indicated that the predicted 1115-residue polypeptide contained five motifs associated with DNA polymerases synthetic activities and three additional motifs associated with polymerases possessing 3' to 5' exonuclease activity. The molecular phylogenetic analysis of this gene supported the placement of Bombyx mori parvo-like virus in a separate virus family.
Hsp90-downregulation influences the heat-shock response, innate immune response and onset of oocyte development in nematodes

Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone involved in the regulation and maturation of kinases and transcription factors. In Caenorhabditis elegans, it contributes to the development of fertility, maintenance of muscle structure, the regulation of heat-shock response and dauer state. To understand the consequences of Hsp90-depletion, we studied Hsp90 RNAi-treated nematodes by DNA microarrays and mass spectrometry. We find that upon development of phenotypes the levels of chaperones and Hsp90 cofactors are increased, while specific proteins related to the innate immune response are depleted. In microarrays, we further find many differentially expressed genes related to gonad and larval development. These genes form an expression cluster that is regulated independently from the immune response implying separate pathways of Hsp90-involvement. Using fluorescent reporter strains for the differentially expressed immune response genes skr-5, dod-24 and clec-60 we observe that their activity in intestinal tissues is influenced by Hsp90-depletion. Instead, effects on the development are evident in both gonad arms. After Hsp90-depletion, changes can be observed in early embryos and adults containing fluorescence-tagged versions of SEPA-1, CAV-1 or PUD-1, all of which are downregulated after Hsp90-depletion. Our observations identify molecular events for Hsp90-RNAi induced phenotypes during development and immune responses, which may help to separately investigate independent Hsp90-influenced processes that are relevant during the nematode’s life and development.
Framing Effects under Different Uses of Performance Information: An Experimental Study on Public Managers

Combining insights from public administration, accounting, and psychology, this article explores the microprocesses by which public managers use performance information, investigating whether the type of performance information use and the request to justify decisions affect the way in which information is processed. The study draws on data from a series of artifactual survey experiments with Italian municipal executives. Findings show that managers process information differently under ex post rather than ex ante performance information uses. More specifically, managers are more likely to be subject to framing bias under ex post than under ex ante uses of performance information. This interaction seems to be robust when subjects are asked to provide justification for their decisions.
Demand-driven volume rendering of terascale EM data

In neuroscience, a very promising bottom-up approach to understanding how the brain works is built on acquiring and analyzing electron microscopy (EM) scans of brain tissue, an area known as Connectomics. This results in volume data of extremely high resolution of 3--5nm per pixel and 25--50nm slice thickness, overall leading to data sizes of many terabytes [Jeong et al. 2010]. To support the work of neurobiologists, interactive exploration and analysis of such volumes requires novel visual computing systems because the requirements differ from those of current systems in several key aspects. In this talk, we describe the system that we are working on to enable neuroscientists to interactively roam terascale EM volumes and support their analysis. A major design principle was to avoid the standard approach of pre-computing a 3D multi-resolution hierarchy such as an octree. Data acquisition proceeds from 2D image tile to 2D image tile, where not only the slices along the z axis are scanned independently, but each slice is itself acquired as many smaller image tiles. These images tiles need to be aligned and stitched, and neurobiologists also want to be able to combine different resolutions used for scanning different regions, without re-sampling everything to a single global resolution. Therefore, we focus on working directly with a stream of individual 2D image tiles, instead of a 3D volume that usually is assumed to exist in its entirety for visualization. We perform interactive volume rendering of a "virtual" volume, where the corresponding physical storage is only represented and populated in a sparse manner with 2D instead of 3D image data on the fly during rendering. Furthermore, these 2D image tiles can be of different resolution, scale, and orientation.