Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leptin and Beyond: An Odyssey to the Central Control of Body Weight

The 2010 Lasker Award for basic medical research was shared by Douglas Coleman and Jeffery Friedman for their discovery of leptin, a breakthrough that revealed insight into the genetic basis of obesity. This mini-review aims to review landmark studies on the physiologic system of body weight control. The basic research on the leptin system has broad implications for the genetic control of body weight, thus contributing to solve the global obesity crisis.
All Theses and Dissertations ( ETDs ) January 2011 Empirical Studies for Reliable Home Area Wireless Sensor Networks

OF THE THESIS Empirical Studies for Reliable Home Area Wireless Sensor Networks by Mo Sha Master of Science in Computer Science Washington University in St. Louis, 2011 Research Advisor: Professor Chenyang Lu Abstract: Home Area Networks (HANs) consisting of wireless sensors have emerged as the enabling technology for important applications such as smart energy and assisted living. A key challenge faced by HANs is maintaining reliable operation in real-world residential environments. In this thesis research, empirical studies on the spectrum usage in the 2.4 GHz band as well as 802.15. 4 wireless channels are performed in diversified real residential environments. Based on the insights drawn from empirical studies, network design guideline and practical solution for Home Area Sensor Network are provided. Home Area Networks (HANs) consisting of wireless sensors have emerged as the enabling technology for important applications such as smart energy and assisted living. A key challenge faced by HANs is maintaining reliable operation in real-world residential environments. In this thesis research, empirical studies on the spectrum usage in the 2.4 GHz band as well as 802.15. 4 wireless channels are performed in diversified real residential environments. Based on the insights drawn from empirical studies, network design guideline and practical solution for Home Area Sensor Network are provided.
A microRNA DNA methylation signature for human cancer metastasis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that can contribute to cancer development and progression by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Recent studies have also linked different sets of miRNAs to metastasis through either the promotion or suppression of this malignant process. Interestingly, epigenetic silencing of miRNAs with tumor suppressor features by CpG island hypermethylation is also emerging as a common hallmark of human tumors. Thus, we wondered whether there was a miRNA hypermethylation profile characteristic of human metastasis. We used a pharmacological and genomic approach to reveal this aberrant epigenetic silencing program by treating lymph node metastatic cancer cells with a DNA demethylating agent followed by hybridization to an expression microarray. Among the miRNAs that were reactivated upon drug treatment, miR-148a, miR-34b/c, and miR-9 were found to undergo specific hypermethylation-associated silencing in cancer cells compared with normal tissues. The reintroduction of miR-148a and miR-34b/c in cancer cells with epigenetic inactivation inhibited their motility, reduced tumor growth, and inhibited metastasis formation in xenograft models, with an associated down-regulation of the miRNA oncogenic target genes, such as C-MYC, E2F3, CDK6, and TGIF2. Most important, the involvement of miR-148a, miR-34b/c, and miR-9 hypermethylation in metastasis formation was also suggested in human primary malignancies (n = 207) because it was significantly associated with the appearance of lymph node metastasis. Our findings indicate that DNA methylation-associated silencing of tumor suppressor miRNAs contributes to the development of human cancer metastasis.
Arm studio to intensify the upper limb rehabilitation after stroke: concept, acceptance, utilization and preliminary clinical results.

OBJECTIVES To assess the acceptance, utilization and clinical results of an arm studio designed to intensify treatment of the severely to moderately affected arm after stroke. In line with a distal bilateral approach, the equipment comprised 4 workstations, 1 finger trainer, and 3 machines for bilateral training of selected distal and proximal movements. DESIGN Open study. SUBJECTS Of 119 treated patients after subacute stroke, 30 completed a questionnaire and 24 were assessed. METHODS All patients completed 15 sessions, each of 30-45 min duration, on each of 2 workstations. Based on the patients' impairment level they were divided into 3 groups, as follows: group A, plegic; group B, proximal and distal movements but hand non-functional; and group C, able to grasp and release an object. Motor functions were assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Score (FM, 0-66) for groups A (n = 6) and B (n = 6), and the Action Arm Research Test (ARAT, 0-57) for group C (n = 12). RESULTS No side-effects occurred. The patients regarded the training positively. The initial FM was 8.5 (standard deviation (SD) 3.3) and final FM 21.2 (SD 4.4) for group A, initial FM 25.3 (SD 6.9) and final FM 44.3 (SD 9.1) for group B, and initial ARAT 33.3 (SD 11.2) and final ARAT 43.5 (SD 10.7) for group C. CONCLUSION The use of the arm studio to intensify upper limb rehabilitation after stroke is promising, and a controlled study is warranted.
Influence of White and Gray Matter Connections on Endogenous Human Cortical Oscillations

Brain oscillations reflect changes in electrical potentials summated across neuronal populations. Low- and high-frequency rhythms have different modulation patterns. Slower rhythms are spatially broad, while faster rhythms are more local. From this observation, we hypothesized that low- and high-frequency oscillations reflect white- and gray-matter communications, respectively, and synchronization between low-frequency phase with high-frequency amplitude represents a mechanism enabling distributed brain-networks to coordinate local processing. Testing this common understanding, we selectively disrupted white or gray matter connections to human cortex while recording surface field potentials. Counter to our original hypotheses, we found that cortex consists of independent oscillatory-units (IOUs) that maintain their own complex endogenous rhythm structure. IOUs are differentially modulated by white and gray matter connections. White-matter connections maintain topographical anatomic heterogeneity (i.e., separable processing in cortical space) and gray-matter connections segregate cortical synchronization patterns (i.e., separable temporal processing through phase-power coupling). Modulation of distinct oscillatory modules enables the functional diversity necessary for complex processing in the human brain.
Real-time control of soft-robots using asynchronous finite element modeling

Finite Element analysis can provide accurate deformable models for soft-robots. However, using such models is very difficult in a real-time system of control. In this paper, we introduce a generic solution that enables a high-rate control and that is compatible with strong real-time constraints. From a Finite Element analysis, computed at low rate, an inverse model of the robot outputs the setpoint values for the actuator in order to obtain a desired trajectory. This inverse problem uses a QP (quadratic-programming) algorithm based on the equations set by the Finite Element Method. To improve the update rate performances, we propose an asynchronous simulation framework that provides a better trade-off between the deformation accuracy and the computational burden. Complex computations such as accurate FEM deformations are done at low frequency while the control is performed at high frequency with strong real-time constraints. The two simulation loops (high frequency and low frequency loops) are mechanically coupled in order to guarantee mechanical accuracy of the system over time. Finally, the validity of the multi-rate simulation is discussed based on measurements of the evolution in the QP matrix and an experimental validation is conducted to validate the correctness of the high-rate inverse model on a real robot.
RESPONSE TO β-PRO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION IN GROWING RABBITS REARED AT DIFFERENT STOCKING DENSITIES UNDER HOT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of β-Pro (probiotic-enzymes preparation) supplementation to 54 weaned rabbits (6-week-old with an average weight of 600 g) stocked at different stocking densities on some growth performance traits, carcass measurements, some blood parameters and cecal micoflora under heat stress. A factorial design arrangement with 2 diets (basal diet and basal diet + 0.2 g β-Pro/Kg from 6 to 14 weeks of age) and 3 stocking densities [2, 3 and 4 rabbits/cage (45  45  35 cm), equivalent to 10, 15 and 20 rabbits/m] during summer season from June to August. The results showed that, dietary inclusion of β-Pro achieved significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements of marketing live weight and daily weight gain with no influences on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, blood variables or carcass characteristics of rabbits during the experimental period from 6 to 14 weeks of age. The incorporation of β-Pro dietary also resulted in significantly higher (P ˂ 0.01) cecal colonization of beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli, and a significant lower (P ˂ 0.05) of viable coliform counts with no changes of clostridia. The low stocking density of 2 rabbits/cage (10 rabbits/m) revealed higher (P < 0.01) marketing live weight, daily weight gain and feed consumption when compared with higher densities. Interactions between stocking density and dietary β-Pro supplementation exhibited significant (P ˂ 0.05) changes in daily weight gain, globulin, HDL, total bacterial, coliform and lactobacilli counts, with no influences on other evaluated measurements. Conclusively, the present study concluded that lower cage density (10 rabbits/m) with probiotics-enzymes inclusion is recommended for the post-weaning period of rabbits under hot environmental conditions.
A DSP-Based Implementation of the p-q Theory in Active Power Filtering Under Nonideal Voltage Conditions

This paper presents a three-phase three-wire shunt active power filtering system based on two level voltage source inverter which is intended to compensate both current harmonic distortion and reactive power under nonideal voltage conditions. The concepts of the p-q theory are used to calculate the reference compensating current according to the compensation strategy. An improvement in an existing phase-locked loop circuit is proposed to handle the shape of the small amount of additional current needed to cover the power system losses. In the dc-voltage loop, an optimal set point value which minimizes the harmonic distortion of the supply current and depends on power to be compensated is also proposed. Digital signal processor based implementation of the whole control system is described with details on the developed experimental platform dSPACE DS1103 for rapid prototyping. Experimental results obtained from a 15 kVA laboratory setup verify the effectiveness of the active filtering system.
PDGFRA Activating Mutations in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have activating mutations in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, and most patients with GISTs respond well to Gleevec, which inhibits KIT kinase activity. Here we show that ∼35% (14 of 40) of GISTs lacking KITmutations have intragenic activation mutations in the related receptor tyrosine kinase, platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA). Tumors expressing KIT or PDGFRA oncoproteins were indistinguishable with respect to activation of downstream signaling intermediates and cytogenetic changes associated with tumor progression. Thus, KIT and PDGFRA mutations appear to be alternative and mutually exclusive oncogenic mechanisms in GISTs.
Morphologic stages of the equine embryo proper on days 17 to 40 after ovulation.

OBJECTIVE To describe the gross and histologic changes that develop in the equine embryo proper (ie, the portion of the embryo that becomes the fetus) from days 17 to 40 after ovulation and to compare the external features of equine embryos with those of porcine, ovine, and human embryos. SAMPLE POPULATION 34 embryos collected from mixed-breed pony mares. PROCEDURE External features for each embryo proper, including length, number of branchial arches, growth of appendages, face and head features, and body features, were examined, using a dissecting microscope, for embryos collected on days 17 to 40. Internal features were histologically examined by serially sectioning embryos collected on days 20 to 35. RESULTS Number of embryos recovered for each day ranged from 1 to 5. The initial detection of features was not related closely to age; typically, the first attainment of a given body length or characteristic varied over a 3-day period among embryos. Similarly, the period during which individual characteristics for a given Carnegie stage were attained ranged from 3 to 6 days. Age at first appearance of a characteristic was greater for equine embryos than ages reported for ovine and porcine embryos but less than for human embryos. Indicators of age included number of pairs of branchial arches, all limb buds present, retinal pigmentation, and prominence of the pontine flexure. CONCLUSIONS No embryologic structures or changes were found that could be considered unique to equine embryos on days 17 to 40 after ovulation.
Binary Adsorption Equilibrium and Breakthrough of n-Butyl Acetate and p-Xylene on Granular Activated Carbon

Compared with abatement methods (regenerative thermal oxidizer, regenerative catalytic oxidizer, etc.), the adsorption–desorption combined method has been considered as a sustainable way to treat and recover volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from off-gases in painting or coating industries. It also helps to reduce the production of waste adsorbents compared with the traditional single-adsorption process. Herein, n-butyl acetate and p-xylene are selected as the representatives of oxygenated volatile organic compounds and nonmethane hydrocarbons of automotive coating solvents, respectively, to test their adsorption behaviors on coal-based granular activated carbon. The single-component adsorption tests show that both the VOCs are adsorbed on the activated carbon surface as a monolayer model. Compared with single-component adsorption, it is found that a competitive adsorption happens between n-butyl acetate and p-xylene when they are mixed together for adsorption. Results clearly show that the displacement o.
Molecular identification and characterization of Trichinella spiralis from a leopard in India

TPresent study describes species level identification of Trichinella spiralis of leopard origin from India using multiplex PCR and molecular characterization of the parasite based on sequencing of multiple genetic markers viz. 5S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer region (5S ISR), partial mitochondrial large ribosomal subunit (Mt-lsr) and partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) genes. A single amplicons of 173 bp, indicative of T. spiralis was obtained in multiplex PCR. Further, specific PCR amplifications viz. 750 bp (5S ISR), 445 bp (Mt-lsr) and 850 bp (COI) were obtained for selected genetic markers. Homology search analysis of 5S-ISR, Mt-lsr gene and COI gene showed highest 99.6% identity with sequences originating from China (KT894074, T. spiralis), 98.6% similarity with T. spiralis China isolates (GU339127, GU339147) and 99.8% sequence homology with T. spiralis sequences originating from Belarus (MH119334), respectively. In the phylogenetic analysis, sequences of each selected genetic marker clustered together with published T. spiralis isolates only, which further confirmed species level identification of detected larvae as T. spiralis, although very few differences were noted with reference to relative positions. This is the first study from India, which provide molecular evidence on circulation of T. spiralis in wild animals.
A Learning Machine with a Bit-Based Hypothesis Space

We propose in this paper a bit-based classifier, picked from an hypothesis space described accordingly to sparsity and locality princi- ples: the complexity of the corresponding space of functions is controlled through the number of bits needed to represent it, so that it will include the classifiers that will be most likely chosen by the learning procedure. Through an introductory example, we show how the number of bits, the sparsity of the representation and the local definition approach affect the complexity of the space of functions, where the final classifier is selected from.
From network to Spectrum : a software defined networking (SDN) based decision making system for H-CRAN

Heterogeneous Cloud Radio Access Networks (H-CRAN) incorporate Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) and Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RAN) concepts for next-generation cellular networks. H-CRAN exploits the heterogeneity of macro and small cells from HetNet, enabling cellular networks to achieve a higher spectral efficiency. Meanwhile, concepts from C-RAN involving baseband units and remote radio heads enable H-CRAN to insert a centralized point of processing for cellular networks, reducing capital and operational expenditures. Although H-CRAN brings several opportunities to cellular networks, it is not free from challenges. Among the different challenges existent, we highlight the most relevant ones, (a) high intercell interference; (b) critical latency constraints in long-distance wireless signal processing; and (c) poor allocation of processing resources. To address these challenges, we propose a Software-Defined Networking (SDN)-based decision-making system able to be programmatically changed to make decisions that can decrease interference, meet delay constraints, and mitigate processing underusage for long-term operation of an H-CRAN. By adding concepts of SDN with a simplified object-oriented API, it is possible to logically centralize the control of H-CRAN considering a pool of physically distributed equipment. The methodology employed to show the feasibility of the proposed approach is based on the development of a prototype that supports a wide range of decision algorithms. This prototype was evaluated in three case studies conducted on a simulated environment based on 3GPP specification for simulators. In the first case study, we evaluate the network overload implied by adding an SDNbased decision-making system to H-CRAN. Afterwards, a decision algorithm is executed to exploit resource sharing deciding which elements of an H-CRAN can be used by two operators interchangeably to reduce interference and increase spectrum efficiency at the spectrum level. The third case study shows that the distance between cloud and remote radio heads must be considered in processing power allocation decisions and also when assigning a virtual baseband unit to the cloud. Evaluating the case studies becomes clear the need of an SDN-based decision-making system in H-CRAN to address the inherent challenges of these networks.
An improved two-frequency method of capacitance measurement for SrTiO3 as high-k gate dielectric

An improved two-frequency method of capacitance measurement for the high-k gate dielectrics is proposed. The equivalent circuit model of the MOS capacitor including the four parameters of intrinsic capacitance, loss tangent, parasitic series inductance, and series resistance is developed. These parameters can be extracted by independently measuring the capacitor at two different frequencies. This technique is demonstrated for high-k SrTiO/sub 3/ gate dielectrics and the results show that the calibrated capacitances are invariant over a wide range of frequency. In addition, the extracted loss tangent, inductance and resistance are independent on gate voltage and frequency. The effect of series resistance on the frequency dispersion of the capacitance can be also explained by this model. These results indicate that this modified technique can be incorporated in the routine capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurement procedure providing the physically meaningful data for the high-k gate dielectrics.
Conundrums in community‐acquired pneumonia

• Doctors continue to work in public hospitals, despite finding it financially unrewarding and professionally frustrating. Indeed, our Federal Minister for Health and Ageing recently questioned why doctors didn’t opt to work exclusively in the private sector, asking “Why bulk-bill even pensioners and large families when it’s possible to command a higher professional fee? Why endure the capricious management and cost-cutting of the public hospital system, when it’s possible to work exclusively in better run private hospitals and charge what the market will bear? ” And the reason? According to the Minister, practising medicine is more than just a job, it is a vocation, and public hospital work is part of the calling of medicine — “making a difference rather than making a fortune”. However, the goodwill in this calling is finite, and it will dissipate if the systemic strife in our public hospitals continues unabated.
Dynamic Channel Assignment Performance Analysis in Multiservice Hierarchical Wireless Networks

A hierarchical cellular network carrying multiple service classes (voice conversational and data streaming services) is considered, where a dynamic channel assignment is implemented. In the dynamic channel assignment scheme, the bandwidth of data streaming services can be dynamically allocated according to the current traffic loading in the system, and the different quality of service (QoS) requirement from diverse applications is guaranteed through dual threshold bandwidth reservation (DTBR) (Lizhong Li et al., 2003). The main contribution of this paper is that an efficient and reasonably accurate user-classified (fast user and slow user) analytical method instead of the general layer-classified (macrocell layer and microcell layer) is proposed to calculate the system performance. In particular, the user-classified analytical method take into account not only the dependence among multiple service classes (voice and data services) of the same class users (fast users or slow users) but also the correlation among different classes users. Both analysis and simulation results indicate that, dynamic channel assignment improve the performance of hierarchical cellular network and by adjusting the threshold values in the DTBR, it is capable of satisfying different QoS requirements for voice and data services
Determinants of disability, quality of life and depression in dermatological patients with systemic scleroderma

Background Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is a rare disease and knowledge about the relationship between clinical signs, disability, quality of life and depressive symptoms is still limited. Although patients with SSc are frequently treated by dermatologists, the vast majority of published evidence is based on rheumatological samples.
Fe II and Fe i Emission in IRAS 07598+6508 and PHL 1092

One of the puzzles in understanding the spectra of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is the origin of the FeII emission. FeI emission, if present, will help reveal the physical conditions of the emitting gas. In an attempt to verify the presence of FeI lines, high S/N spectra of two FeII-strong quasars, IRAS 07598-6508 and PHL 1092, were obtained at the Multiple Mirror Telescope and the Steward 2.3 m Telescope. We have identified emission lines of FeI and TiII. The source of energy for FeII, FeI and TiII emission is probably not from ionization by the photon continuum, but heat. The high rate of energy generation and the presence of both high and low velocity gas indicate that the heat is generated not over a large area, but a narrow band in accretion disk, in which the rotational speed decreases rapidly.