Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Theory of mind in Parkinson's disease and related basal ganglia disorders: A systematic review

Theory of mind (ToM), defined as the ability to infer other people's mental states, is a crucial prerequisite of human social interaction and a major topic of interest in the recent neuroscientific research. It has been proposed that ToM is mediated by a complex neuroanatomical network that includes the medial prefrontal cortex, the anterior gyrus cinguli, the sulcus temporalis superior, the temporal poles, and the amygdala. Various neurological and psychiatric diseases are accompanied by aspects of dysfunctional ToM processing. In this review, the association between basal ganglia, involved in the organization of complex cognitive and emotional behavior, and ToM processing is discussed. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of research on ToM abilities in basal ganglia disorders, especially Parkinson's Disease and related disorders. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Optimum-Iris-Set Concept for Waveguide Polarizers

Novel profiled irises for the design of waveguide polarizers are presented. The two degrees of freedom of their piecewise-circular profile allow one to better control the frequency behavior of the differential phase shift. Thanks to this feature, an optimum iris set can be found by selecting the discontinuities for which the differential-phase-shift deviation from the average value is minimum in the operative bandwidth. This optimum iris set can be identified for several values of the ratio r/lambda0, where r is the waveguide radius and lambda0 is the free-space wavelength at the central frequency. Hence, even if both the waveguide size and central frequency are assigned in the specifications, polarizers with a very low deviation from 90deg of the total differential phase shift can be designed. In this way, the number of waveguide transitions in the antenna feed system can be reduced and the effect of spurious higher-order-mode coupling can be minimized. A Ka-band polarizer in circular waveguide with piecewise-circular-profile irises is described, showing a return loss better than 55 dB and a phase error of about 0.9deg in a 10% bandwidth
Construction de Turbo Codes courts possédant de bonnes propriétés de distance minimale

L'objectif de cette these est de realiser des turbo codes possedant de bonnes distances minimales et de contribuer ainsi a repousser le phenomene ``d'error floor'' qui correspond a un seuil de l'ordre de 10-6 pour le taux d'erreur residuelles binaires en dessous duquel la pente de la courbe de TEB diminue de facon significative. Ce probleme s'est sensiblement ameliore avec l'apparition des codes duo-binaires de Berrou [11] qui permettent notamment d'obtenir de meilleures distances minimales. Pour obtenir de bonnes distances minimales avec des turbo codes courts (longueur inferieure a 512), la construction initialement utilisee et etudiee dans cette these a ete celle proposee par Carlach et Vervoux [26] qui permet d'obtenir d'excellentes distances minimales mais qui malheureusement s'avere moins performante en terme de decodage notamment pour des raisons propres a la structure. Apres avoir identifie les raisons qui empechent un decodage efficace de cette famille de codes, nous faisons evoluer ces codes en utilisant des structures graphiques differentes reposant toujours sur l'assemblage de codes composants de petite complexite. L'idee est de realiser ce changement sans pour autant perdre les qualites de distance minimale de ces codes et par consequent il est necessaire de comprendre pourquoi les distances minimales de cette famille initiale de codes sont bonnes et de definir un critere de choix pour les codes composants. Le critere de choix ne depend pas de la distance minimale des codes composants mais du polynome de transition de ces codes et permet donc de selectionner des codes composants de tres faible complexite qui sont assembles de facon a generer des treillis cycliques a seulement 4 etats. Ces treillis sont alors utilises pour elaborer des turbo codes parallele ou serie presentant de bonnes distances minimales. Certains codes auto-duaux extremaux sont notamment construits ainsi.
Programmed cell death and new discoveries in the genetics of parkinsonism

The concept that activation of cellular pathways of programmed cell death (PCD) may lead to the death of neurons has been an important hypothesis for adult neurodegenerative diseases. For Parkinson’s disease (PD), up until now, the evidence for this hypothesis has largely been of two types: clear evidence of a role for PCD in neurotoxin models of the disease, and somewhat controversial evidence from human postmortem studies. With the rapid pace of discoveries in recent years of the genetic basis of PD, a new form of evidence has emerged. The prevailing concept of the role for PCD in PD has been that its mediators are ‘downstream’ effectors of more proximate and specific causes related to genetic or environmental factors. However, recent studies of three genes which cause autosomal recessive forms of parkinsonism, parkin, PTEN‐induced kinase, and DJ‐1, suggest that they may have more intimate relationships with the mediators of PCD and that loss‐of‐function mutations may result in an increased propensity for neurons to die. Intriguingly, independent studies of the function of these genes have suggested that they may share roles in regulating survival signaling pathways, such as those mediated by the survival signaling kinase Akt. Further elucidation of these relationships will have implications for the pathogenesis and neuroprotective treatment of PD.
Static Magnetic Hyperfine Fields in Magnetically Polarized Pd

In magnetically polarized ultrathin Pd films with (111) orientation, grown on a Ni(001) single crys static magnetic hyperfine fields were measured at the interface using perturbed angular corre spectroscopy. The structural arrangement of the Pd atoms with respect to the Ni substrate from one Pd atom to the next, leading to varying 3d-4d electron hybridizations. This gives rise to a broad distribution of magnetic hyperfine fields at Rh nuclei, seen in experiments with self-element probe100Pd/100Rh, while discrete field values were found for the voluminous impuri probe Cd. [S0031-9007(98)05565-3]
Horizontal dilution of precision-based ultra-wideband positioning technique for indoor environments

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology provides considerable performance in many indoor localization problems thanks to its very wide spectrum and high-resolution characteristics. In this paper, we propose using the horizontal dilution of precision (HDOP) to decrease the localization error in indoor environments for UWB localization systems. To achieve this aim, first we determine the positioning accuracy of a commercially available UWB positioning system using laboratory experiments. Next, the results of the position estimations obtained by the HDOP are compared with the experimental results acquired by the UWB positioning system. Finally, we investigate a detailed comparison with the least squares (LS), nonlinear regression (NLR), and iterative nonlinear regression (INR) techniques. In terms of the mean position estimation error, the proposed HDOP technique increases the performance of the UWB positioning system and the LS algorithm by approximately 10% and 3%, respectively. In addition, while the proposed HDOP technique provides localization for all of the test points, both the NLR and INR algorithms perform below the expected levels at the same points.
A Self-Learning Network Reconfiguration Using Fuzzy Preferences Multi-Objective Approach

The paper proposes a self-learning evolutionary multi-agent system for distribution network reconfiguration. The network reconfiguration is modeled as a multi-objective combinational optimization. An autonomous agent-entity cognizes the physical aspects as operational states of the local substation, the agent-entities establish relationship network based on the interactions to provide service. Multiple objectives are considered for load balancing among the feeders, minimum deviation of the nodes voltage, minimize the power loss and branch current constraint violation. These objectives are modeled with fuzzy sets to evaluate their imprecise nature and one can provide the anticipated value of each objective. The method completes the network reconfiguration based on the negotiation of autonomous agent-entities. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed method is effective in improving performance. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.11591/telkomnika.v11i2. 1997
4-Aminobiphenyl and DNA Reactivity: Case Study Within the Context of the 2006 IPCS Human Relevance Framework for Analysis of a Cancer Mode of Action for Humans

The IPCS Human Relevance Framework was evaluated for a DNA-reactive (genotoxic) carcinogen, 4-aminobiphenyl, based on a wealth of data in animals and humans. The mode of action involves metabolic activation by N-hydroxylation, followed by N-esterification leading to the formation of a reactive electrophile, which binds covalently to DNA, principally to deoxyguanosine, leading to an increased rate of DNA mutations and ultimately to the development of cancer. In humans and dogs, the urinary bladder urothelium is the target organ, whereas in mice it is the bladder and liver; in other species, other tissues can be involved. Differences in organ specificity are thought to be due to differences in metabolic activation versus inactivation. Based on qualitative and quantitative considerations, the mode of action is possible in humans. Other biological processes, such as toxicity and regenerative proliferation, can significantly influence the dose response of 4-aminobiphenyl-induced tumors. Based on the IPCS Human Relevance Framework, 4-aminobiphenyl would be predicted to be a carcinogen in humans, and this is corroborated by extensive epidemiologic evidence. The IPCA Human Relevance Framework is useful in evaluating DNA-reactive carcinogens.
Genetic Diagnosis Using Whole Exome Analysis in Two Cases with Malignant Osteopetrosis of Infancy

Ad dress for Cor res pon den ce Korcan Demir MD, Dr. Behçet Uz Children’s Hospital, Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology, İzmir, Turkey Phone: +90 232 412 60 77 E-mail: korcan.demir@deu.edu. tr, korcandemir@gmail.com ©Jo ur nal of Cli ni cal Re se arch in Pe di at ric En doc ri no logy, Pub lis hed by Ga le nos Pub lis hing. Genetic Diagnosis Using Whole Exome Analysis in Two Cases with Malignant Osteopetrosis of Infancy J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2015;7(4):356-357 DO I: 10.4274/jcrpe.2597
Automatic impedance matching of a tablet type 4-branch MRC array close to the human hands

Digital broadcasting terrestrial services have been spread all over the world. A portable TV is held by the human hands when a user watches terrestrial digital broadcasting while walking. Hence, we must consider the electromagnetic interaction between the antenna and the human hand. The factors causing the performance degradation of a 4-branch MRC array have been studied. The results show that impedance mismatch loss emerging at the branch elements is the major factor among various loss factors caused by the human hands [1]. To overcome this difficulty, we proposed a method of the mitigation of impedance mismatch using a varactor diode, and the effectiveness of the method was confirmed by experiments [2]. However, the method of controlling voltages impressed at the diodes automatically was not fully examined.
A conduction cooled Nb3Sn racetrack coil: Design, construction, and testing

This paper describes a detailed design of a 6 Tesla Nb3Sn superconducting racetrack coil designed for conduction cooling. We then describe a bench test pursued as a proof of concept for one winding of an actively-shielded, air core electric machine with superconducting field windings. Design selection from a previously computed pareto-optimal front as well as electromagnetic performance of the test coil is discussed. The winding and support structure design is discussed. Analysis of the thermal performance is carried out to verify required temperatures given the cryostat and cryocooler setup. Finally, a strain analysis is performed in order to verify that the superconducting windings are within an acceptable strain level to avoid mechanical breakage as well as excessive degradation of the critical surface. Additionally, the structural integrity of the support components is verified. Test procedures and preliminary results are described.
The Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in the Characterization of the Different Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes

Rotterdam criteria identified 4 polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes based on the combination of anovulation (ANOV), hyperandrogenism (HA), and polycystic ovaries (PCOs): phenotype 1 (ANOV + HA + PCO), phenotype 2 (ANOV + HA), phenotype 3 (HA + PCO), and phenotype 4 (ANOV + PCO). Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was suggested to play a pathophysiologic and diagnostic role in this syndrome. The aim of this study was to compare AMH levels among the different phenotypes in relation to clinical, endocrine, and metabolic features. We enrolled 117 women with PCOS (body mass index: 25.89 ± 6.20 kg/m2, age range: 18-37 years) and 24 controls. Anthropometric characteristics, hirsutism score, ultrasound ovarian features, and hormonal parameters, including AMH, were evaluated. Each participant also underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and an euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp. The prevalence of phenotypes 1 to 4 was 62.4%, 8.6%, 11.1%, and 17.9%, respectively. Body mass index and insulin resistance indexes were similar among the groups. Phenotype 1 showed the highest luteinizing hormone, androgens levels, ovarian volume, and AMH concentrations (9.27 ± 8.17 ng/mL, P < .05) versus phenotype 2 and controls. Phenotype 2 women were hirsute, showed an intermediate free androgen index value, low ovarian volume, and low AMH levels (4.05 ± 4.12 ng/mL). Phenotype 3 showed an intermediate state of HA and slightly augmented AMH levels (5.87 ± 4.35 ng/mL). The clinical and endocrine characteristics of phenotype 4 resembled those of controls, except for higher ovarian volume and AMH levels (7.62 ± 3.85 ng/mL; P < .05). Our results highlight the heterogeneity of the association between increased AMH levels, menstrual dysfunction, and HA in the different PCOS phenotypes, thus offering a key to an understanding of the current controversy on the value of AMH measurement in PCOS.
Root-shoot growth responses during interspecific competition quantified using allometric modelling.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plant competition studies are restricted by the difficulty of quantifying root systems of competitors. Analyses are usually limited to above-ground traits. Here, a new approach to address this issue is reported. METHODS Root system weights of competing plants can be estimated from: shoot weights of competitors; combined root weights of competitors; and slopes (scaling exponents, α) and intercepts (allometric coefficients, β) of ln-regressions of root weight on shoot weight of isolated plants. If competition induces no change in root : shoot growth, α and β values of competing and isolated plants will be equal. Measured combined root weight of competitors will equal that estimated allometrically from measured shoot weights of each competing plant. Combined root weights can be partitioned directly among competitors. If, as will be more usual, competition changes relative root and shoot growth, the competitors' combined root weight will not equal that estimated allometrically and cannot be partitioned directly. However, if the isolated-plant α and β values are adjusted until the estimated combined root weight of competitors matches the measured combined root weight, the latter can be partitioned among competitors using their new α and β values. The approach is illustrated using two herbaceous species, Dactylis glomerata and Plantago lanceolata. KEY RESULTS Allometric modelling revealed a large and continuous increase in the root : shoot ratio by Dactylis, but not Plantago, during competition. This was associated with a superior whole-plant dry weight increase in Dactylis, which was ultimately 2·5-fold greater than that of Plantago. Whole-plant growth dominance of Dactylis over Plantago, as deduced from allometric modelling, occurred 14-24 d earlier than suggested by shoot data alone. CONCLUSION Given reasonable assumptions, allometric modelling can analyse competitive interactions in any species mixture, and overcomes a long-standing problem in studies of competition.
Team IHMC's Lessons Learned from the DARPA Robotics Challenge: Finding Data in the Rubble

This article presents a retrospective analysis of Team IHMC's experience throughout the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC), where we took first or second place overall in each of the three phases. As an extremely demanding challenge typical of DARPA, the DRC required rapid research and development to push the boundaries of robotics and set a new benchmark for complex robotic behavior. We present how we addressed each of the eight tasks of the DRC and review our performance in the Finals. While the ambitious competition schedule limited extensive experimentation, we will review the data we collected during the approximately three years of our participation. We discuss some of the significant lessons learned that contributed to our success in the DRC. These include hardware lessons, software lessons, and human‐robot integration lessons. We describe refinements to the coactive design methodology that helped our designers connect human–machine interaction theory to both implementation and empirical data. This approach helped our team focus our limited resources on the issues most critical to success. In addition to helping readers understand our experiences in developing on a Boston Dynamics Atlas robot for the DRC, we hope this article will provide insights that apply more widely to robotics development and design of human–machine systems.
Obesity and Outcome Following Renal Transplantation

Single institution series have demonstrated that obese patients have higher rates of wound infection and delayed graft function (DGF), but similar rates of graft survival. We used UNOS data to determine whether obesity affects outcome following renal transplantation. From the UNOS database, we identiﬁed patients who underwent primary kidney-only transplantation between 1997 and 1999. Recipient and donor body mass index (BMI) was categorized as underweight (BMI < 18.5), normal (BMI 18.5–24.9), overweight (BMI 25– 29.9), obese (BMI 30–34.9) or morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 35). We correlated BMI with intermediate measures of graft outcome and overall graft survival, and created multivariate models to evaluate the independent effect of BMI on graft outcome, adjusting for factors known to affect graft success. The study sample sex, American and comorbidity were associated with obesity < Compared weight patients, morbid was associated an risk of DGF (p < 0.001), prolonged hospitalization (p < 0.001), acute rejection (p = 0.006) and decreased over- all graft survival (p = 0.001). Donor BMI did not affect overall graft survival (p ≥ 0.07). Recipient obesity is associated with an increased risk of DGF and decreased graft survival following renal transplantation. deﬁnedasanygraftfailureorpatientdeathwithin30daysoftransplantation. Immunologic outcomes included treatment for acute rejection, as reported in the UNOS STAR ﬁles, either prior to discharge, within the ﬁrst 6 months following transplantation, or within the ﬁrst post-operative year. Overall patient and graft survival were separately analyzed. Follow-up was available throughJuly2004. Wedeﬁnedgraftfailureasapermanentreturntodialysis dependence or death with a functioning graft.
Soil parent material—A major driver of plant nutrient limitations in terrestrial ecosystems

Because the capability of terrestrial ecosystems to fix carbon is constrained by nutrient availability, understanding how nutrients limit plant growth is a key contemporary question. However, what drives nutrient limitations at global scale remains to be clarified. Using global data on plant growth, plant nutritive status, and soil fertility, we investigated to which extent soil parent materials explain nutrient limitations. We found that N limitation was not linked to soil parent materials, but was best explained by climate: ecosystems under harsh (i.e., cold and or dry) climates were more N‐limited than ecosystems under more favourable climates. Contrary to N limitation, P limitation was not driven by climate, but by soil parent materials. The influence of soil parent materials was the result of the tight link between actual P pools of soils and physical–chemical properties (acidity, P richness) of soil parent materials. Some other ground‐related factors (i.e., soil weathering stage, landform) had a noticeable influence on P limitation, but their role appeared to be relatively smaller than that of geology. The relative importance of N limitation versus P limitation was explained by a combination of climate and soil parent material: at global scale, N limitation became prominent with increasing climatic constraints, but this global trend was modulated at lower scales by the effect of parent materials on P limitation, particularly under climates favourable to biological activity. As compared with soil parent materials, atmospheric deposition had only a weak influence on the global distribution of actual nutrient limitation. Our work advances our understanding of the distribution of nutrient limitation at global scale. In particular, it stresses the need to take soil parent materials into account when investigating plant growth response to environment changes.
Bioengineered skin substitutes: key elements and novel design for biomedical applications

Significant progress has been made in the development of in vitro‐engineered skin substitutes that mimic human skin, either to be used for the replacement of lost skin or for the establishment of in vitro skin research models. However, at the present time, there are no models of bioengineered skin that completely replicate the nature of uninjured skin. Obviously, there is still much room for improvement of the components of bioengineered skin and their interplay. This review summarises the important new discoveries in key elements of engineering of tissue‐engineered skin including cell sources, biomaterials and growth factors, etc. Furthermore, basic and clinical applications for engineered skin substitutes in cell therapy, tissue engineering, and biomedical research continue to drive design improvements premised on these structure and function‐based engineering paradigms.
Bit-oriented generators for Wireless Sensor Networks and low cost RFID transponders

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) nodes and passive RFID transponders (tags) have severe constraints in computing power and hence offer particular challenges in the provision of e-Security. Passive RFID tags are at the lowest end of the spectrum in the family of devices with constrained computing power and memory. New approaches, differing from the traditional cryptosystems such as RSA or Diffie-Hellman, focusing on reducing complexity while being capable of providing an adequate level of security, are required for such devices. The use of one time codes is particularly appropriate as they guarantee perfect security and offer simple implementation. However, a significant hurdle to using one time codes is the size of the keys required for encrypting data. The task is further complicated by the need to have a purely randomly generated key. This paper explores lightweight security methods based on bitoriented generators and one time codes, with the capability of meeting the constraints of resource limited devices and the demands for security services. The paper suggests as a lightweight security option, the unique capabilities and suitability of the shrinking generator for WSN nodes and low cost RFID tags.