Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Oligomeric Amyloid-β Inhibits the Proteolytic Conversion of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), AMPA Receptor Trafficking, and Classical Conditioning*

Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is thought to have a significant role in the progressive memory loss observed in patients with Alzheimer disease and inhibits synaptic plasticity in animal models of learning. We previously demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is critical for synaptic AMPA receptor delivery in an in vitro model of eyeblink classical conditioning. Here, we report that acquisition of conditioned responses was significantly attenuated by bath application of oligomeric (200 nm), but not fibrillar, Aβ peptide. Western blotting revealed that BDNF protein expression during conditioning is significantly reduced by treatment with oligomeric Aβ, as were phosphorylation levels of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV), and ERK. However, levels of PKA and PKCζ/λ were unaffected, as was PDK-1. Protein localization studies using confocal imaging indicate that oligomeric Aβ, but not fibrillar or scrambled forms, suppresses colocalization of GluR1 and GluR4 AMPA receptor subunits with synaptophysin, indicating that trafficking of these subunits to synapses during the conditioning procedure is blocked. In contrast, coapplication of BDNF with oligomeric Aβ significantly reversed these findings. Interestingly, a tolloid-like metalloproteinase in turtle, tTLLs (turtle tolloid-like protein), which normally processes the precursor proBDNF into mature BDNF, was found to degrade oligomeric Aβ into small fragments. These data suggest that an Aβ-induced reduction in BDNF, perhaps due to interference in the proteolytic conversion of proBDNF to BDNF, results in inhibition of synaptic AMPA receptor delivery and suppression of the acquisition of conditioning.
Feedback Quantum Neuron and Its Application

A model of feedback quantum neuron (FQN) is proposed. A novel multi-user detector based on feedback quantum neuron and quantum register is proposed. An analysis is given to the theoretical basis and practical performance of the proposed detector. The simulation results show that the proposed detector has more powerful properties both in bit error rate and near-far resistance than Hopfield neural network based detector. A multi-user detector based on improved FQN is also proposed and the simulation results have shown that the improved FQN multi-user detector is obviously superior to the FQN multi-user detector. Its performance is close to the optimum multi-user detector
Exploring Multimodal Data Fusion Through Joint Decompositions with Flexible Couplings

A Bayesian framework is proposed to define flexible coupling models for joint tensor decompositions of multiple datasets. Under this framework, a natural formulation of the data fusion problem is to cast it in terms of a joint maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator. Data-driven scenarios of joint posterior distributions are provided, including general Gaussian priors and non Gaussian coupling priors. We present and discuss implementation issues of algorithms used to obtain the joint MAP estimator. We also show how this framework can be adapted to tackle the problem of joint decompositions of large datasets. In the case of a conditional Gaussian coupling with a linear transformation, we give theoretical bounds on the data fusion performance using the Bayesian Cramér-Rao bound. Simulations are reported for hybrid coupling models ranging from simple additive Gaussian models to Gamma-type models with positive variables and to the coupling of data sets which are inherently of different size due to different resolution of the measurement devices.
Splenic Abscess Complicating Infective Endocarditis: Three Case Reports

Abstract We present three case-reports of splenic abscess in patients who were initially diagnosed with bacterial endocarditis. In all cases the diagnosis of splenic abscess was based on the findings of abdominal CT scan or MRI. All patients were treated by laparotomy and splenectomy. Two patients fully recovered and one patient, who suffered from splenic rupture and massive blood loss before surgery, died. Splenic abscess is a well-described but rare complication of infective endocarditis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are essential as its course can prove fatal. Abdominal CT scan or MRI should be performed if there is clinical suspicion of splenic abscedation. Immediate splenectomy combined with appropriate antibiotics and valve replacement surgery is the treatment of choice. Splenic tissue is very fragile — especially if the abscess is located subcapsular — and a splenic rupture can result from minimal trauma. If the patient’s general state allows it, it is best to perform splenectomy prior to valve replacement surgery to prevent re-infection of the valve prosthesis. A combined one-stage procedure is also an option.
Mammography in older women: one-time and three-year adherence to guidelines.

A survey examined self-reported mammography use in a convenience sample of 1,083 women 50 years of age and over. Relationships were examined between ever having mammography; 3-year adherence to mammography guidelines; the predisposing variables of attitudes, knowledge, health history factors, and selected demographics; and the enabling variables of income, health insurance, source of regular medical care, and type of regular physician. Logistic regression analysis for ever having a mammogram identified significant odds ratios (OR) > 1 (p < or = .05) for doctor recommendation for mammography (OR = 14.26), satisfaction with way of living (OR = 2.77), perceived benefits of mammography (OR = 1.35), and knowledge (OR = 1.21). Odds ratios < 1 were found for scaled variables of barriers and control (OR = .81 and .65, respectively). For 3-year adherence, significant odds ratios > 1 were annual Pap tests (OR = 3.36), willingness to pay > or = $50 for mammography (OR = 2.00), benefits (OR = 1.20), and knowledge (OR = 1.18). The odds ratio for control was significant at . 85.
Nuclear apoptotic changes: An overview

Apoptosis is a form of active cell death essential for morphogenesis, development, differentiation, and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. The activation of genetically controlled specific pathways that are highly conserved during evolution results in the characteristic morphological features of apoptosis that are mainly evident in the nucleus. These include chromatin condensation, nuclear shrinkage, and the formation of apoptotic bodies. The morphological changes are the result of molecular alterations, such as DNA and RNA cleavage, post‐translational modifications of nuclear proteins, and proteolysis of several polypeptides residing in the nucleus. During the last five years our understanding of the process of apoptosis has dramatically increased. However, the mechanisms that lead to apoptotic changes in the nucleus have been only partially clarified. Here, we shall review the most recent findings that may explain why the nucleus displays these striking modifications. Moreover, we shall take into consideration the emerging evidence about apoptotic events as a trigger for the generation of autoantibodies to nuclear components. J. Cell. Biochem. 82: 634–646, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimating predicted probabilities from logistic regression: different methods correspond to different target populations.

BACKGROUND We review three common methods to estimate predicted probabilities following confounder-adjusted logistic regression: marginal standardization (predicted probabilities summed to a weighted average reflecting the confounder distribution in the target population); prediction at the modes (conditional predicted probabilities calculated by setting each confounder to its modal value); and prediction at the means (predicted probabilities calculated by setting each confounder to its mean value). That each method corresponds to a different target population is underappreciated in practice. Specifically, prediction at the means is often incorrectly interpreted as estimating average probabilities for the overall study population, and furthermore yields nonsensical estimates in the presence of dichotomous confounders. Default commands in popular statistical software packages often lead to inadvertent misapplication of prediction at the means. METHODS Using an applied example, we demonstrate discrepancies in predicted probabilities across these methods, discuss implications for interpretation and provide syntax for SAS and Stata. RESULTS Marginal standardization allows inference to the total population from which data are drawn. Prediction at the modes or means allows inference only to the relevant stratum of observations. With dichotomous confounders, prediction at the means corresponds to a stratum that does not include any real-life observations. CONCLUSIONS Marginal standardization is the appropriate method when making inference to the overall population. Other methods should be used with caution, and prediction at the means should not be used with binary confounders. Stata, but not SAS, incorporates simple methods for marginal standardization.
Geremin": 2D microgestures for drivers based on electric field sensing

We introduce the "Geremin" approach on in-car 2D microgesture recognition, which belongs to the category of electric field sensing techniques detecting the presence of a human hand near a conductive object (not affected by light and dynamic backgrounds, fast response times). The core component is essentially a modified "Theremin", an early electronic musical instrument named after the Russian inventor Professor Leon Theremin. Gesture recognition is done using a Dynamic Time Warp DTW algorithm. With respect to the application domain, we follow the direction of "selective mapping to theme or function" suggested in the literature. For gesture location, we propose the immediate proximity of the steering wheel, which has the advantage of providing gesture-based interaction without requiring the driver to take off hand(s). The major motivating factor for the proposed approach is reducing installation costs. Although, we use a single-antenna setup for this study, our results indicate that the gain in recognition accuracy justifies the use of two or more.
Functional Properties of Glutinous Rice Flour by Dry-Heat Treatment

Glutinous rice flour (GRF) and glutinous rice starch (GRS) were modified by dry-heat treatment and their rheological, thermal properties and freeze-thaw stability were evaluated. Compared with the native GRF and GRS, the water-holding ability of modified GRF and GRS were enhanced. Both the onset and peak temperatures of the modified samples increased while the endothermic enthalpy change decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, dry heating remarkably increased the apparent viscosities of both GRF and GRS. Importantly, compared with GRS samples, the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G") values of modified GRF increased more greatly and the tanδ values decreased more remarkably, indicating that the dry-heat treatment showed more impact on the GRF and a higher viscoelasticity compared with GRS. Our results suggest the dry-heat treatment of GRF is a more effective method than that of GRS, which omits the complex and tedious process for purifying GRS, and thereby has more practical applications in the food industry.
Prenatal cocaine exposure decreases nigrostriatal dopamine release in vitro: Effects of age and sex

The present study examined the effects of prenatal cocaine (PCOC) exposure, age, sex, and estrous phase on the functional development of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons. Striatal tissue was obtained from prepubescent and adult rats of both sexes after bidaily exposure to saline (1 ml/kg) or cocaine (20 mg/kg/ml saline) from embryonic days 15–21. Tissue levels, basal release, and electrically evoked (1 or 8 Hz) overflow of endogenous DA and its metabolite, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), as well as their efflux in response to superfusion with the DA transport blocker, nomifensine (10 μM), were measured from superfused striatal slices. Generally, these measures were highest in tissue from males and adults. Tissue DA and DOPAC levels and the rate of DA turnover were unaffected by PCOC exposure. Slices from PCOC‐exposed juvenile and adult male rats exhibited significantly reduced basal and electrically evoked DA release at both stimulation intensities, in conjunction with higher levels of presynaptic DA reuptake. Female rats were largely spared from the effects of PCOC exposure, and measures did not vary with estrous phase. These findings demonstrate that the effects of PCOC exposure on various parameters of nigrostriatal DA neuronal function are not uniform across age, sex, or phases of the estrous cycle. These novel alterations in nigrostriatal DA transmission are in need of independent replication, but they may have profound implications for behavioral activities regulated by these neurons and, thus, may provide a basis for sex‐selective effects of PCOC in exposed humans. Possible mechanisms of deleterious effects of PCOC exposure in select groups are discussed. Synapse 53:74–89, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incremental Non-unanimous Concept Reformation through Queried Object Classification

Given a set of observations or new information, agents should be able to update their understandings of the world. As a part of any agents' world ontology, concepts need to evolve in time. In this paper we present a new representation for non-unanimous concepts based on the combination of feature-values and their probabilities. This representation leads us to incrementally evolve the concepts upon facing with new observations or information. As agents' access to the knowledge structure of the peer agents is limited due to the high cost of communication, we enabled our agents to use any queried object and update the previously calculated probability of every feature-value combination based on the probability of that object being an instance of a concept.
Cooperative state estimation for preserving privacy of user behaviors in smart grid

Smart grid promises a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure to meet the future demand growth. However, the increase of data types and data amount from advanced smart grid introduce new privacy issues, which have to be resolved for customers. This paper presents a cooperative state estimation technique that protects the privacy of users' daily activities. By exploiting the kernel of an electric grid configuration matrix, we develop an error free state estimation technique that can hide the behavioral information of users effectively. The proposed scheme can obfuscate the privacy-prone data without compromising the performance of state estimation. We evaluate our obfuscation scheme using data from 1349 meters in 5 IEEE Electric Test Bus Systems. Our simulation results demonstrate high level of illegibility and resilience of our scheme with an affordable communication overhead.
Efficacy of Topical Application of Eosin Compared with Zinc Oxide Paste and Corticosteroid Cream for Diaper Dermatitis

Background: Corticosteroids, zinc paste and eosin 2% are well-known topical agents for the treatment of moderate to severe diaper dermatitis. Among these treatments, the aqueous solution of eosin 2% is extensively used in several European countries, but not in the USA or Israel. Objective: To assess the therapeutic efficacy of eosin 2% solution compared to the other treatment modalities for diaper dermatitis. Methods: Fifty-four infants with diaper dermatitis, recruited from hospital wards and community clinics, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: zinc oxide paste (containing allantoin 0.5%, cod liver oil 17% and zinc oxide 47epercnt;); clobetasone butyrate 0.05%, and aqueous solution of eosin 2%. The severity of the disorder was graded on a 6-point scale by observation and quantitative measurement of the lesions. The groups were compared for rates and time to heal. Due to the red color of eosin, a double-blind controlled study was impossible. Results: Following 5 days of treatment, the rate of complete healing in the group treated with eosin (61%) was significantly higher (p = 0.0479) than that in the zinc oxide paste and corticosteroid groups (22 and 33%, respectively). Furthermore, in cases of partial healing, the degree of improvement was higher in the eosin group than the other two (p = 0.0205). The fastest improvement was observed in the group treated with corticosteroid cream. Conclusion: Considering the potential hazards of topical corticosteroids and the greater overall efficacy of eosin 2% solution, we suggest that eosin is the preferred treatment for diaper dermatitis.
AN EFFICIENT GRASP PLANNING SYSTEM USING IMPULSE-BASED DYNAMIC SIMULATION

Grasping and manipulation are the most important functions for service robots. To grasp a object with a robotic hand, the finger joint positions and the relative pose between hand and the object need to be considered. This high dimensional space is explored efficiently using an impulse-based dynamic simulation in this paper. The graspable region of the robotic hand is analyzed. The sampled Cartesian poses build a trajectory in this graspable region, along which the object moves in the impulse-based dynamic simulation by applying impulses onto it. During the whole simulation process, the fingers try to close to grasp the object. If at least three contact points are found between the hand and the object, the grasp quality is evaluated. Stable grasps are saved into a grasp database, which can be accessed during the real execution to grasp the object with the real robotic hand. We have tested the simulation process with different objects.
Making Formal Methods popular through Automated Verification

Formal methods of software development have been used in developing mission-critical software for some time but have been little used for non-critical development. It is our opinion that formal methods stand no chance of becoming mainstream unless the overheads associated with formal verification can be eliminated and the need for extensive mathematical skill on the part of the user can be avoided. Thanks to advances in theorem proving technology and the availability of substantial processing power at low cost, we believe that fully automated validation is now a practical possibility. We have developed a product supporting the development of object-oriented software components and applications with the aim of providing fully automated validation that links requirements right through to code. This paper details some of our experiences of using this system to develop and validate a large project, namely the compiler/verifier itself.
Recent Developments in 3D Electromagnetic and Charged Particle Simulation

Modern electronic devices such as microwave tubes, accelerators, displays or high voltage devices have grown considerably in complexity, making a careful analysis and understanding of the devices' behaviour increasingly important. CST offers user- friendly numerical simulation tools for the accurate analysis of electromagnetic fields in combination with charged particles, including basic thermal analysis. The CST STUDIO SUITETM code family is the direct successor of the code MAFIA, combining the numerical accuracy of the Finite Integration Technique and Perfect Boundary Approximation (PBA)reg within an intuitive, easy-to-use CAD environment. Automatic parameter sweeping and optimization are available to achieve and control design goals. In this paper recent developments in the solver modules will be presented and demonstrated by way of various application examples.
Lexical limits on the influence of context

This paper introduces an approach to modeling the interpretation of semantically underspecified logical metonymies, such as John began the book. A distinctive feature of the theory presented is its emphasis on accounting for their behavior in discoursecontexts. The approach dependson the definition of a pragmatic component which interacts in the appropriate manner with lexicosyntactic information to establish the coherence of a discourse. The infelicity of certain logical metonymy constructions in some discourses is shown to stem from the non-default nature of the lexicosyntactically determined interpretation for such constructions. The extent of the influence of contextual information from the discourse on the interpretation of logical metonymies is therefore constrained by the lexical properties of the constituents of the metonymies. Contextually-cued interpretations are shown to be unattainable when indefeasible lexical information conflicts with these interpretations.
Analysis of the BTBD9 and HTR2C variants in Chinese Han patients with Tourette syndrome

Variants of the BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 9 gene (BTBD9) (rs4714156, rs9357271, and rs9296249) and the serotonin 5-HT-2C receptor gene (HTR2C) (rs518147 and rs3813929) were reported to be associated with Tourette syndrome (TS) in White population recently. To examine the association between variants of the BTBD9 and the HTR2C genes and patients with TS among a Chinese Han population, 110 patients with TS and 440 sex-matched, age-matched, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls underwent sequencing and association analysis. There was a statistically significant association between the variant rs9296249 of the BTBD9 gene and the TS phenotype. However, no statistically significant associations were found between the other four variants (rs4714156, rs9357271, rs518147, and rs3813929) and the TS phenotype (P>0.05). Larger-scale studies are warranted to further define the relationship between variant rs9296249 of the BTBD9 gene and the risk of developing TS.
Approaching secure industrial control systems

This study presents a systematic approach to secure industrial control systems based on establishing a business case followed by the development of a security programme. To support these two fundamental activities the authors propose a new method for security cost estimation and a security assessment scheme. In this study they explain the cost evaluation technique and illustrate with a case study concerning the assessment of the cost of information security assurance activities in a division of a Polish manufacturer of passenger and commercial tyres. They further present the steps of their security assessment scheme and demonstrate how they integrate with the overall approach for protecting industrial control systems.
LocLinkVis: A Geographic Information Retrieval-Based System for Large-Scale Exploratory Search

In this paper we present LocLinkVis (Locate-Link-Visualize); a system which supports exploratory information access to a document collection based on geo-referencing and visualization. It uses a gazetteer which contains representations of places ranging from countries to buildings, and that is used to recognize toponyms, disambiguate them into places, and to visualize the resulting spatial footprints.