Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A coding lab to increase science capital of school dropout teenagers

We explored the potential of science to facilitate social inclusion with teenagers who had interrupted their studies before the terms set for compulsory education. The project was carried out from 2014 to 2018 within SISSA (International School for Advanced Studies), a scientific and higher education institution in physics, mathematics and neurosciences, and was focused on the production of video games using Scratch. The outcomes are encouraging: through active engagement, the participants have succeeded in completing complex projects, taking responsibilities and interacting with people outside their usual entourage, within a background in which they have been valued and respected.
Network Analysis Identifies Regulatory Hotspots in Regions of Chromosome Interactions

The three-dimensional structure of the genome plays a key role in regulatory control of the cell. Chromosomes are organized nonrandomly inside the nucleus and form a network of interactions. Recent experimental methods such as Hi-C have been used to probe the 3D architecture of the genome, giving average pairwise contact frequencies between chromosomes. However, deducing the spatial organization of chromosomes from this data remains a challenge due to high levels of noise and technical bias. Here, we propose a novel framework that leverages 1D features of the genome (e.g. gene expression) in combination with Hi-C data to identify interacting regions in the genome. First, we find domains of high average interaction in Hi-C maps using a large average submatrix algorithm. Then we construct a weighted network with genomic regions as nodes and interactions as edges, where the edge weights are given by the correlation between genomic features. Individual interacting clusters are determined using weighted correlation clustering on the network. In addition to recapitulating known organizational patterns of chromosome interactions, we validate our predictions using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We uncover two types of intermingling clusters - active and inactive clusters based on enrichment for RNA polymerase II and H3K9me3, respectively. We show that active clusters are hotspots for transcription factor binding. Our method provides a quantitative framework that allows to couple features of the 1D genome with 3D interactions to uncover the guiding principles of genome spatial organization and regulatory control.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI before and after transcatheter occlusion of patent foramen ovale.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was threefold: to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI compared with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in the detection of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and of residual shunts after occlusion of PFO, to define cutoff values for semiquantitative analysis of signal intensity-time curves, and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of visual detection with that of semiquantitative analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Forty-three patients (18 women, 25 men; mean age, 51 +/- 14 years) who underwent TEE for suspicion of PFO (n = 26, 19 patients with and seven without PFO) or for routine assessment for residual shunt after transcatheter PFO occlusion (n = 17, nine patients with and eight without residual shunt) were consecutively enrolled to undergo contrast-enhanced MRI (saturation recovery steady-state free precession sequence). The images were analyzed both visually and semiquantitatively for arrival of contrast agent in the left atrium before arrival in the pulmonary veins during a Valsalva maneuver. TEE results were used as the clinical reference. RESULTS With an area under the signal intensity-time curve of 0.85, height of the first initial peak in signal intensity in the left atrium proved to be the best discriminator in right-to-left shunt detection. For a cutoff value of 129% (from baseline signal intensity) for this parameter, sensitivity and specificity were 90% (17/19) and 100% (7/7) in patients without PFO devices and 56% (5/9) and 88% (7/8) in patients with PFO devices. The diagnostic accuracy of both visual assessment and semiquantitative analysis was consistently superior before PFO device implantation than after device implantation. The diagnostic accuracy of visual shunt assessment was better than that of semiquantitative shunt assessment in patients with PFO occluders (sensitivity, 67% [6/9] correctly diagnosed; specificity, 88% [7/8]) and those without PFO occluders (sensitivity, 95% [18/19]; specificity, 100% [7/7]). CONCLUSION At present, MRI cannot replace TEE for the exclusion of potential embolic sources, such as thrombus in the left atrial appendage. However, MRI can be an attractive alternative noninvasive technique if TEE is technically unfeasible or is declined by patients.
The Influence of Muscle Action on Heart Rate, RPE, and Affective Responses After Upper-Body Resistance Exercise

Miller, PC, Hall, EE, Chmelo, EA, Morrison, JM, DeWitt, RE, and Kostura, CM. The influence of muscle action on heart rate, RPE, and affective responses after upper-body resistance exercise. J Strength Cond Res 23(2): 366-372, 2009-Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) are routinely used to monitor, assess, and prescribe aerobic exercise. Heart rate (HR) is another measure used to evaluate exercise intensity. Additionally, affective responses to aerobic exercise have been studied and seem to be influenced by the intensity of the exercise. The perceptual, HR, and affective responses to resistance exercise have not been effectively established. The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences in affect, RPE, and HR exist among college-aged women (n = 31) performing three different modes of resistance training: concentric (CE), eccentric (EE), and traditional concentric/eccentric (TE) performed at varying resistances. The women were asked to complete four sessions of resistance training on variable resistance machines: chest press, seated row, overhead press, and biceps curl. The first session was used to establish the 10-repetition maximum (RM) load for each station. Subsequent sessions involved the execution of training in one of the three test conditions: CE, EE, or TE. The participants performed three sets of each lift at 80% 10-RM, 100% 10-RM, and 120% 10-RM. The data revealed lower RPE during EE than the other test conditions. Similarly, EE elicited more mild HR response than either CE or TE. This finding is potentially important for the establishment of training programs, especially for those individuals recovering from an illness, who had been previously sedentary, and who are involved in rehabilitation of an injury.
Stability of subicular place fields across multiple light and dark transitions

Although hippocampal CA1 place cells can be strongly modulated by visual inputs, the effect of visual modulation on place cells in other areas of the hippocampal formation, such as the subiculum, has been less extensively explored. Here, we investigated the role of visual inputs on the activity of subicular place cells by manipulating ambient light levels while freely‐moving rats foraged for food. Rats were implanted with tetrodes in the dorsal subiculum and units were recorded while the animal performed a pellet‐chasing task during multiple light‐to‐dark and dark‐to‐light transitions. We found that subicular place fields presented a somewhat heterogeneous response to light–dark transitions, with 45% of pyramidal units showing stable locational firing across multiple light–dark–light transitions. These data suggest that visual inputs may participate in spatial information processing by the subiculum. However, as a plurality of units was stable across light–dark transitions, we suggest that the subiculum supports, probably in association with the grid cells of the entorhinal cortex, the neurocognitive processing underlying path integration.
The macrophage cell surface glycoprotein F4/80 is a highly glycosylated proteoglycan

Molecules whose expression is limited to particular leukocyte populations are of interest since they may perform unique functions for these cells. We therefore examined the biochemical nature of the F4/80 molecule, which is expressed solely on macrophage and dendritic cell subpopulations. Our study clearly indicates that post‐translational modifications, which can influence both a protein's structural and functional features, constitute a major component of the 160‐kDa cell‐surface F4/80 molecule. The F4/80 molecule is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain which acquires numerous intramolecular disulfide bonds and requires an extended time period (T1/2 = 60 min) for transport to an endoglycosidase H‐resistant form. The F4/80 molecule contains extensive N‐linked glycosylation which contributes approximately 40 kDa to the mature molecule. The N‐linked carbohydrates are of the branched, complex type, containing repeating N‐acetylglycosamine or N‐acetyllactosamine units which mediate the reactivity of the F4/80 molecule with Datura stramonium lectin. O‐linked glycosylation is also present and contributes approximately 10 kDa to the F4/80 molecule. Furthermore, the sialic acid modifications of the F4/80 molecule are primarily through α2‐6 linkages to galactose. Finally, we demonstrate that the F4/80 molecule is a proteoglycan modified by chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. In addition to clarifying the nature of the F4/80 molecule biochemically, these posttranslational modifications have specific implications for molecular recognition processes. We conclude that the modifications of the F4/80 molecule may mediate cell‐cell recognition, cell adhesion, or ligand binding independently of the F4/80 molecule protein core.
Mutant torsinA, which causes early‐onset primary torsion dystonia, is redistributed to membranous structures enriched in vesicular monoamine transporter in cultured human SH‐SY5Y cells

A single GAG deletion in the DYT1 gene causes primary early‐onset, generalized torsion dystonia. The DYT1 protein product, torsinA, belongs to the AAA+ family of proteins. When overexpressed, wild‐type torsinA localizes mainly to the endoplasmic reticulum, whereas the mutant forms inclusions of unclear biogenetic origin. In this study, overexpressed wild‐type torsinA in human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cell lines was distributed throughout the cell body and colocalized with a marker for the endoplasmic reticulum, confirming it is an endoplasmic reticulum protein. However, mutant torsinA showed perinuclear staining and formed distinct globular inclusions, which did not colocalize with endoplasmic reticulum markers. Immunoelectron microscopy of the mutant torsinA inclusions revealed membrane whorls staining for torsinA, as well as labeling of lamellae, isolated bilayers, and perinuclear membranes. This finding shows that mutant torsinA redistributes to specific membranous structures, which may represent different stages of maturation of the intracellular inclusions. The mutant torsinA‐containing bodies were immunoreactive for vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). VMAT2 expression is important for the exocytosis of bioactive monoamines in neurons. Abnormal processing, transport, or entrapment of VMAT2 within the mutant torsinA membranous inclusions, therefore, may affect cellular dopamine release, providing a potential pathogenic mechanism for the DYT1‐dependent dystonia. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society
Circularly-polarized circumferential microstrip phased array: A fast pre-design approach

An efficient procedure for the pre-design of circumferential circularly-polarized cylindrical microstrip arrays, based on the electric surface current model, is the focus of this work. Its major achievement is cutting the time to pre-design the patch dimensions down to less than one-tenth of what it takes in a 3D electromagnetic simulator, such as the HFSS, running on high-performance workstations. As a result, the array design procedure can be completed faster and more effectively.
Factors Influencing Prenatal Screening for Down’s Syndrome

This article attempts to identify the factors that influence prenatal screening uptake. About 1400 postdelivery, still-hospitalized women in 15 hospitals in Zhejiang Province were surveyed from November to December 2007. Univariate analysis was used to describe screening uptake and compare respondents with different characteristics. Stepwise logistic regression (forward) was then used to assess the relative strength of those influencing factors. It was found that 49.7% of the respondents received maternal serum prenatal screening. The factors that influenced prenatal screening service utilization included place of residence (urban vs countryside), migrant versus nonmigrant status, attitudes toward screening, frequency of routine prenatal checkups, and doctor’s advice. Migrants had a lower probability of getting screened than permanent residents (odds ratio = 0.456; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31, 0.68). The screening uptake probability of women with doctor’s advice was 12 times as great as that of women without doctor’s advice (95% CI = 7.91, 18.69).
How gender biased are female-headed household transfers in Egypt?

ABSTRACT In this paper, we claim that the policy of targeting female-headed households’ (FHHs) may generate bias against women in male-headed households (MHHs) who may be more poverty-constrained. Targeting FHHs may have the merit of clear targeting; however, it doesn’t address the feminization phenomenon of poverty; instead, it presents unequal opportunities for women in other families by less favouring them. We argue that proper targeting could be derived based on the number of women in families. The study applied a Gender-Based Poverty Detection Model to provide a good detection of household poverty and show that the vulnerable characteristics of females could be more influenced by the general household’s poverty than females’ headed households. Model results showed that not all FHHs are poor, and that some de jure MHHs include a large number of poor females. This means that targeting only de jure FHHs might result in resource leakage to the non-poor and under-coverage of poor de facto FHHs and poor females in MHHs. The analysis asserts that female headship is not always a correlate of poverty in Egypt. An important correlate, however, is the share of female members in the household. This raises questions about the effectiveness of social assistance and poverty alleviation programmes in Egypt in targeting female poverty.
Enhanced vector tracking observer for rotor position estimation for PMSM drives with low resolution Hall-Effect position sensors

This paper presents an algorithm for enhanced position estimation for permanent-magnet (PM) machine drive working with low resolution Hall-Effect position sensors. The algorithm is based on a modified vector tracking observer structure with modified Hall-Effect sensors' output. The mechanical misalignment problem of the sensors is addresses and a correction mechanism is implemented to compensate for any position estimation errors based on a flux observer. A simulation model is used and experimental setup is built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Finally, Simulation and experimental results are shown to verify the operation of the proposed algorithms.
Commercial Bank Lending to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Nigeria Economy

The study examined the commercial bank lending to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and Nigeria economy over a period of twenty years, spanning from 1998 to 2017. Specifically the study analyzed the effect of Average commercial bank lending rate, commercial bank loans and inflation rate to SMEs growth on Nigeria economy, and also the causal relationship between explanatory variables and Nigeria economy measured in terms of GDP. The study made used of secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and the National Bureau of Statistics for the period under study. Data collated were analyzed with descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, ordinary least squares regression analysis, and Granger causality analysis. The findings revealed that commercial bank loans to SMEs (CBLSMES) had a negative and insignificant impact on a gross domestic product with a coefficient estimate of -1.015926 (p=0.0167 0.05). Meanwhile, the study revealed that inflation rate (IFTRATE) exert an insignificant positive impact on a gross domestic product with a coefficient estimate of 1833.262 (p=0.2400> 0.05). The result also revealed that there is no causal relationship between exploratory variables (commercial bank loans to SMEs, Average commercial bank lending rate to SMEs, inflation rate) and Nigeria economy measured in terms of GDP and while ACBLRSMES and CBLSMES has a causal relationship to SMEs. The study recommend that in order to address Nigeria government should recognize the impact of SMEs in Nigeria economy and attach importance to the growth of SMEs by encouraging banks to assist with loans because it constitutes a major tool in boosting employment in the country.
A novel double staining strategy for improved detection of testicular carcinoma in situ cells in human semen samples

Prompted by the recently reported expression of POU5F1 (OCT3/4) in epididymis, a panel of markers for carcinoma in situ (CIS) testis and testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT), including AP‐2γ(TFAP2C), NANOG, OCT3/4, KIT, placental‐like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), M2A/PDPN and MAGE‐A4 were examined by immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridisation in urogenital epithelia, which may interfere with detection of CIS cells in semen. In addition to OCT3/4, the expression of AP‐2γ and NANOG or their variants was detected in urogenital epithelia, while other CIS markers, including PLAP/alkaline phosphatase were absent. A combination of immunocytological staining for AP‐2γ or OCT3/4 and rapid cytochemical alkaline phosphatase reaction was subsequently developed. This approach was tested in 22 patients with TGCT. In 14 patients (63.6%), double stained cells were found and thus the method was proven suitable for the detection of CIS cells in semen. In conclusion, transcription factors related to pluripotency and undifferentiated state of cells, which most likely have several variants or modifications, are unexpectedly detected using currently available antibodies in urogenital epithelial cells which may be shed into semen. Combining the immunohistochemical nuclear markers with a rapid cytochemical alkaline phosphatase reaction for detection of CIS cells in ejaculates may provide a more reliable diagnostic method.
Bilateral design of mm-wave LNA and receiver front-end in 90nm CMOS

This paper describes design of a 79 GHz receiver front-end with emphasis on simultaneous noise and power matching of mm-wave bilateral LNA in CMOS technologies. The LNA is a pseudo-differential three stage common source amplifier to accommodate the low breakdown voltage of deep submicron devices. Optimization based on maximum available gain, minimum noise figure and matching network losses is presented. An efficient Smith chart based technique is introduced to simplify the design with a finite reverse isolation. A Gilbert-type down-conversion mixer and an IF amplifier complete the receiver. Simulations predict a conversion gain of 27 dB and a noise figure of 9.4 dB while consuming 54.4 mW from a 1 V supply in 90 nm CMOS.
Polymorphonuclear leukocyte-myocyte interaction: an early event in collar-induced rabbit carotid intimal thickening.

The importance of mononuclear leukocyte (MO) adhesion to dysfunctional endothelium and migration to the subendothelial space in the early phases of atherogenesis is well established. Few studies have addressed the relevance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the context of evolving lesions, and nothing is known about PMN interaction with vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In this study, we investigated leukocyte/SMC interactions in a model of rabbit carotid injury induced by placement of a silastic collar. This procedure leads to the development of intimal thickening characterized by SMC accumulation preceded by an abundant leukocyte infiltration. By transmission electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry, we demonstrated the occurrence of PMN infiltration starting at 6 h and ceasing within 72 h after collar placement. A previously unknown extensive interaction between medial myocytes and PMNs was detected, referring to emperipolesis, an active phenomenon of cells engulfing other cells in a process other than phagocytosis. PMNs, but not MOs, were internalized by SMCs, which showed ultrastructural features intermediate between the true contractile and the fully synthetic phenotype without exhibiting any sign of injury. Emperipolesis preceded any detectable cell proliferation in the vessel wall and disappeared within 72 h, following the kinetic of PMN infiltration in the vessel wall. In summary, our findings show the occurrence of an active and selective interaction between PMNs and SMCs via emperipolesis during the early phases of intimal thickening after perivascular collaring. However, the overall etiology of the phenomena described in the present study and their pathophysiological significance should be further investigated.
BUSINESS CYCLES, GROWTH, AND IMPORTED ENERGY IN A SMALL-OPEN GROWTH MODEL

This paper generalizes an economic growth model proposed by Zhang (2017) by allowing all constant coefficients to be time-dependent. This paper shows existence of business cycles in the generalized model due to periodic shocks. Zhang’s original model is developed for a small open economy with imported energy and imported goods. The economy is composed of two sectors and all markets are perfectly competitive. The economy has fixed land and population. Production side is the same as in neoclassical growth theory, while demand side is modelling with Zhang’s utility and concept of disposable income. We generalize and simulate the model. We demonstrate existence of business cycles due to different exogenous periodic shocks.
A New Coordinated Slave Torque Feedback Control Algorithm for Network-Based Teleoperation Systems

The control design problem is investigated for network-based teleoperation systems under the condition of asymmetric and time-varying delays. The classic teleoperation model is considered for which the position of the master is transmitted to the slave site as the control command and the slave torque is directly transmitted to the master in order for the user to have a feeling of the remote interaction. The slave controller is constructed based on the master-slave position error plus a new nonlinear damping function, while the master controller is composed of the transmitted slave torque and the introduced nonlinear damping function. By employing a new Lyapunov Krasovskii functional, we prove the exponential input-to-state stability of the closed-loop system. The relationship is built among the control design parameters and the maximum allowable time delays, which is in the form of linear matrix inequality. Both the simulations and experiments are performed to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Compared with existing approaches, transmission delays considered are both time varying and asymmetric, and the passivity conditions on the remote environment and the human operator are removed. In addition, the method is very simple.