Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Astragalus membranaceus-Polysaccharides Ameliorates Obesity, Hepatic Steatosis, Neuroinflammation and Cognition Impairment without Affecting Amyloid Deposition in Metabolically Stressed APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice

Astragalus membranaceus is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the host defense system. Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides is an effective component with various important bioactivities, such as immunomodulation, antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection. In the present study, we determine the effects of Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides on metabolically stressed transgenic mice in order to develop this macromolecules for treatment of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease with metabolic risk factors. Transgenic mice, at 10 weeks old prior to the appearance of senile plaques, were treated in combination of administrating high-fat diet and injecting low-dose streptozotocin to create the metabolically stressed mice model. Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides was administrated starting at 14 weeks for 7 weeks. We found that Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides reduced metabolic stress-induced increase of body weight, insulin and insulin and leptin level, insulin resistance, and hepatic triglyceride. Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides also ameliorated metabolic stress-exacerbated oral glucose intolerance, although the fasting blood glucose was only temporally reduced. In brain, metabolic stress-elicited astrogliosis and microglia activation in the vicinity of plaques was also diminished by Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides administration. The plaque deposition, however, was not significantly affected by Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides administration. These findings suggest that Astragalus membranaceus-polysaccharides may be used to ameliorate metabolic stress-induced diabesity and the subsequent neuroinflammation, which improved the behavior performance in metabolically stressed transgenic mice.
The Morel Stereotactic Atlas of the Human Thalamus: Atlas-to-MR Registration of Internally Consistent Canonical Model

In 1997, Morel, Magnin, and Jeanmonod presented a microscopic stereotactic atlas of the human thalamus. Parcellations of thalamic nuclei did not only use cyto- and myeloarchitectonic criteria, but were additionally corroborated by staining for calcium-binding proteins, which bears functional significance. The atlas complies with the Anglosaxon nomenclature elaborated by Jones and the data were sampled in three orthogonal planes in the AC-PC reference space. We report on the generation of three-dimensional digital models of the thalamus based on the three sets of sections (sagittal, horizontal, and frontal). Spatial differences between the three anatomical specimens were evaluated using the centers of gravity of 13 selected nuclei as landmarks. Subsequent linear regression analysis yielded equations, which were used to normalize the frontal and horizontal digital models to the sagittal one. The outcome is an internally consistent Canonical Model of Morel's atlas, which minimizes the linear component of the variability between the three sectioned anatomical specimens. In addition, we demonstrate the feasibility of the atlas-to-MRI registration in conjunction with on-line visualization of the trajectory in the digital models.
Applying Taylor's distribution to 2×2 uniformly-fed sub-arrays

In this paper we attempt to use the Taylor's distribution to obtain a low sidelobe corporate-fed array. The basic radiator is a 2×2 slots, uniformly fed by a cavity. Taylor's distribution is applied to the 2×2 sub-array instead of every individual element. A 16×16 array, made up of 8×8 of such sub-arrays, in the Ku-band is desired. So a 1-to-64 way corporate waveguide divider is designed to feed the sub-arrays; and power distribution is based on a 30dB Taylor N-bar=3 synthesis. This can be seen as a quasi-Taylor's distribution. Simulated results show that 1st sidelobe level of -28.2dB in the E-plane and -33.4dB in the H-plane. Higher far out sidelobe levels are seen and the worst sidelobe level is -27.1dB. This deviates from the monotonically decreasing sidelobe levels of a conventional Taylor's distribution applied to individual radiating element.
The trouble with herding cats: Country effects on the accuracy of conflict forecasting

Armed conflict theory has in recent years seen an increase in the use of forecasting models. These have brought with them a shift from the use of explanatory power to predictive power when evaluating model performance (Gurr et al., 1999; Goldstone et al., 2010; Hegre et al., 2013). As methods of evaluation change, so must our diagnostic tools. Tests for statistical outliers are common, but so far little has been done to adapt such tests to the use of predictive power. In order to improve our understanding of theory, and ultimately to be able to give better advice to policy makers, it is important to investigate the effects of single countries on our model’s forecasts. In this thesis I present a method of testing for statistical outliers for forecasting models using common measures of predictive power. By applying the method to a forecasting model I attempt to uncover any patterns among the outlying countries that could help further the theoretical understanding of armed conflict occurrence. I utilize a dynamic forecasting model developed in Hegre et al. (2013) and a crosssectional time-series dataset containing 162 countries observed between 1950 and 2013. The model is repeated once for every country, each time dropping one of them from the estimation and evaluation process. The results are compiled into evaluation sets, and these are then used to estimate each country’s influence on model accuracy. Four measures of predictive power are used to evaluate this: ROC AUC, PR AUC, F-score and Brier score. I find that effect on coefficients is only partially related to effect on predictive power. By examining the outliers in detail I illustrate differences in how the measures weigh predictions, and how this affects the overall score. I also show how cross-validation using cross-sectional time-series data is problematic and greatly influenced by choice of evaluation period.
Tri-band ring dielectric resonator based integrated antenna for WLAN/WiMAX applications

In this article, tri-band ring dielectric resonator based integrated antenna is designed and analyzed. This article shows the two important concepts: (i) generation of triple frequency bands with the help of hybrid antenna concept; (ii) reduction of X-pol with the help of HEM210 mode suppression. Parametric Analysis has been done on HFSS simulation software. Optimize results has been verified by using CST-MWS. The proposed design operates in three different frequency bands i.e. 2.52–3.04 GHz, 3.53–4.52 GHz, and 5.3–6.12 GHz. These properties make the proposed radiator suitable for WLAN/WiMAX applications.
Tactile sensing with servo drives feedback only for blind hexapod walking robot

In this paper, we address the problem of traversing rough terrains with hexapod walking robots. Although there can be found several approaches to deal with the terrain complexity, the proposed approach is strictly focused on a minimalist and cheap sensor equipment without additional inertial and exteroceptive sensors. The main idea of the proposed approach is to consider only the feedback from the intelligent servo drives to detect the contact point of a leg with the surface. During the leg motion, a relation of the joint torque and difference of the current and required joint positions is utilized to emulate a dedicated tactile sensor and thus the only equipment needed are the robot actuators. The proposed approach has been experimentally verified in a series of scenarios where a regular motion gait does not allow the robot to traverse the terrain while the proposed detection method enables a smooth motion of the technically blind robot in rough terrains of various difficulty.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Pelvic Floor Disorders Among African American and Latina Women

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore knowledge, barriers to seeking sociocultural perceptions of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) among African American (AA) and Latina (LA) community-dwelling women. Methods: Thirty-two women participated in 4 focus groups. The sample included AA and LA women aged 24 to 77 years. Focus groups were stratified by age and race/ethnicity. Discussion questions included knowledge of and related health needs and barriers to seeking care with respect to PFDs, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse. Demographics and basic knowledge and experience with PFDs were also captured by survey. Results: Several significant themes emerged from the data. AA and LA women had general misconceptions about PFDs and were unaware of PFDs causes, symptoms, and available treatments. Women were eager to receive more information, particularly prevention information that could be shared with their daughters. A major barrier to seeking care was the pattern of placing family demands before their own health needs. Conclusions: Findings suggest that there is a gap in information on PFDs among AA and LA women, yet a demand for information exists. Sociocultural perspectives discerned from focus group with AA and LA women can be used to tailor educational information and materials on PFDs. Findings may increase health provider awareness of the unique sociocultural barriers to seeking care for AA and LA women and improve patient education on PFDs.
Restoration of Whole Body Movement: Toward a Noninvasive Brain-Machine Interface System

This article highlights recent advances in the design of noninvasive neural interfaces based on the scalp electroencephalogram (EEG). The simplest of physical tasks, such as turning the page to read this article, requires an intense burst of brain activity. It happens in milliseconds and requires little conscious thought. But for amputees and stroke victims with diminished motor-sensory skills, this process can be difficult or impossible. Our team at the University of Maryland, in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, hopes to offer these people newfound mobility and dexterity. In separate research thrusts, were using data gleaned from scalp EEG to develop reliable brain-machine interface (BMI) systems that could soon control modern devices such as prosthetic limbs or powered robotic exoskeletons.
Stability-Based Scale Estimation for Monocular SLAM

We propose a novel method to deal with the scale ambiguity in monocular simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) based on control stability. We analytically show that, first, using unscaled state feedback from monocular SLAM for control can lead to system instability, and, second, there is a unique linear relationship between the absolute scale of the SLAM system and the control gain at which such instability arises. Using this property, our system estimates the scale by adapting the gain and detecting the self-induced oscillations. Unlike conventional monocular approaches, no additional metric sensors are used for scale estimation. We demonstrate the ability of our method to estimate the scale for performing autonomous indoor navigation with a low-cost quadrotor MAV.
Purification and properties of methyl coenzyme M methylreductase from acetate-grown Methanosarcina thermophila

Methyl coenzyme M methylreductase from acetate-grown Methanosarcina thermophila TM-1 was purified 16-fold from a cell extract to apparent homogeneity as determined by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Ninety-four percent of the methylreductase activity was recovered in the soluble fraction of cell extracts. The estimated native molecular weight of the enzyme was between 132,000 (standard deviation [SD], 1,200) and 141,000 (SD, 1,200). Denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed three protein bands corresponding to molecular weights of 69,000 (SD, 1,200), 42,000 (SD, 1,200), and 33,000 (SD, 1,200) and indicated a subunit configuration of alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 1. As isolated, the enzyme was inactive but could be reductively reactivated with titanium (III) citrate or reduced ferredoxin. ATP stimulated enzyme reactivation and was postulated to be involved in a conformational change of the inactive enzyme from an unready state to a ready state that could be reductively reactivated. The temperature and pH optima for enzyme activity were 60 degrees C and between 6.5 and 7.0, respectively. The active enzyme contained 1 mol of coenzyme F430 per mol of enzyme (Mr, 144,000). The Kms for 2-(methylthio)ethane-sulfonate and 7-mercaptoheptanoylthreonine phosphate were 3.3 mM and 59 microM, respectively.
Distinct function of 2 chromatin remodeling complexes that share a common subunit, Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF)

A number of nuclear complexes modify chromatin structure and operate as functional units. However, the in vivo role of each component within the complexes is not known. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes form several types of protein complexes, which reorganize chromatin structure cooperatively with histone modifiers. Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) was biochemically identified as a major subunit, along with 2 distinct complexes: WINAC, a SWI/SNF-type complex, and WICH, an ISWI-type complex. Here, WSTF−/− mice were generated to investigate its function in chromatin remodeling in vivo. Loss of WSTF expression resulted in neonatal lethality, and all WSTF−/− neonates and ≈10% of WSTF+/− neonates suffered cardiovascular abnormalities resembling those found in autosomal-dominant Williams syndrome patients. Developmental analysis of WSTF−/− embryos revealed that Gja5 gene regulation is aberrant from E9.5, conceivably because of inappropriate chromatin reorganization around the promoter regions where essential cardiac transcription factors are recruited. In vitro analysis in WSTF−/− mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells also showed impaired transactivation functions of cardiac transcription activators on the Gja5 promoter, but the effects were reversed by overexpression of WINAC components. Likewise in WSTF−/− MEF cells, recruitment of Snf2h, an ISWI ATPase, to PCNA and cell survival after DNA damage were both defective, but were ameliorated by overexpression of WICH components. Thus, the present study provides evidence that WSTF is shared and is a functionally indispensable subunit of the WICH complex for DNA repair and the WINAC complex for transcriptional control.
A Single-Stage High-Power-Factor Electronic Ballast Based on Integrated Buck Flyback Converter to Supply Metal Halide Lamps

In this paper, a novel single-stage electronic ballast with a high power factor is presented. The ballast circuit is based on the integration of a buck converter to provide the power factor correction, and a flyback converter to control the lamp power and to supply the lamp with a low-frequency square-waveform current. Both converters work in discontinuous conduction mode, which simplifies the control. In spite of being an integrated topology, the circuit does not present additional stress of voltage or current in the main switch, which handles only the flyback or buck current, depending on the operation mode. To supply the lamp with a low-frequency square-wave current to avoid acoustic resonances, the flyback has two secondary windings that operate complementarily at a low frequency. The design procedure of the converters is also detailed. Experimental results from a 35-W metal halide lamp are presented, where the proposed ballast reached a power factor of 0.95, a total harmonic distortion of 30% (complying with IEC 61000-3-2), and an efficiency of 90%.
A quantitative approach to testing in Quantum dot Cellular Automata: NanoMagnet Logic case

With the approaching of CMOS scaling limits the interest on emerging technologies is rapidly growing. Among emerging technologies, Quantum dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is one of the most studied. Particularly the magnetic implementation, NanoMagnet Logic (NML), offers very low power consumption and it combines logic and memory on a unique device. Despite the advantages of these technologies, QCA and NML working principle relies on the electric or magnetic interaction among neighbor cells, so it is very sensitive to process variations. The behavior of circuits is therefore largely affected by defects and fabrication variations. To effectively design circuits with these technologies, proper tools for testing circuits are necessary. In this work we present an innovative test environment for NML technology. The test algorithm is integrated in ToPoliNano, our design and simulation tool for emerging technologies, and it is specifically tailored to support the analysis of faults in large complexity circuits. Thanks to this tool it is possible to design and test complex NML circuits considering the effect of process variations in terms of Yield and Output Error Rate. The approach gives then feedback to the technologists, remarkably helping the future development of this technology. Moreover, notwithstanding the methodology is applied here to NML circuits only, it can also be successfully applied to QCA technology in general, greatly enhancing the value of the work we proposed here.
Correlation of cataract with serum lipids, glucose and antioxidant activities: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between cataract development and serum lipids, glucose as well as antioxidants in a case-control study. METHODS Ninety patients with cataract and 90 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were investigated. Lipid profiles including triglyceride (Tg), total serum cholesterol (Chol) and cholesterol content in high-density lipoproteins (HDL chol) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL chol) as well as fasting glucose (FBS) were measured for all subjects. Plasma oxidative stress as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the status of antioxidants were studied as ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and thiol substance assay. RESULTS A higher prevalence of abnormal FBS (8.9 vs. 1.1%), Tg (26.7 vs. 8.9%) and Chol (54.4 vs. 30%) was found in cataract patients than the control group (p < 0.05). Plasma Tg (p = 0.02), Chol (p = 0.001) and LDL chol (p = 0.04) were significantly higher in the cataract group than in the control group. Likewise TBARS (p = 0.05) as the level of oxidative stress was significantly higher in the case group, and FRAP (p = 0.03) and thiol (p = 0.02) assays as the antioxidant activity was significantly lower among cataract patients. CONCLUSION This study has shown that hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, high LDL chol and high FBS are associated with cataract. Also lower plasma antioxidant levels and higher levels of oxidative stress were seen in cataract patients than healthy controls. These findings indicate a need for health promotional activities aimed at controlling these preventable factors among high risk populations.
Railway signalization and interlocking design via Automation Petri Nets

Signalization and interlocking systems play a vital role to provide safe transportation in railway systems [1]. Transportation on railways can be achieved confidently by the safety provided by these systems. Different methods including Petri Nets (PNs) can be used in designing such systems. In this study, interlocking and signalization design for a sample railway yard is achieved by Automation Petri Nets (APNs) which is an extended type of PNs. Once the model is obtained using APNs then it can easily be implemented into a programmable logic controller (PLC).
Social support deficits, loneliness and life events as risk factors for depression in old age. The Gospel Oak Project VI

Background. A companion paper reported a very strong cross-sectional association between handicap and late-life depression. Adjusting for handicap weakened associations between sociodemographic variables and depression. It was unclear whether handicap was a confounder, or a useful summary variable, mediating the effect of a range of sociodemographic disadvantages. This paper focusses on the cross-sectional relationship between depression and demographic variables, social support, and life events. Method. A community survey of all residents over the age of 65 years of an electoral district in London, UK. Results. There was a moderate association between SHORT-CARE pervasive depression and the number of life events experienced over the previous year. Personal illness, bereavement and theft were the most salient events. There was a stronger, graded, relationship between the number of social support deficits (SSDs) and depression. Number of SSDs also related to age, handicap, loneliness and use of homecare services. Loneliness was itself strongly associated with depression; odds ratio 12·4 (7·6–20·0). Conclusions. Problems of collinearity, and the cross-sectional design of the study limited interpretation of the exact nature of the relationship between social support, loneliness, handicap and depression. However, the clustering of these four factors can be used to define a large part of the elderly population with a poor quality of life. An important avenue for future research will be the development and implementation of population intervention strategies designed to address some or all of these problems among older people in general.
Synthesis and Performance Analysis of Polyurethane Foam Nanocomposite for Arsenic Removal from Drinking Water

________________________________________________________________ ii LIST OF FIGURES ___________________________________________________________ x LIST OF TABLES ___________________________________________________________ xiii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS _____________________________________________________ xiv CHAPTER 1 ________________________________________________________________ 1 1.1 Arsenic ____________________________________________________________________ 2 1.1.1 Arsenic Chemistry _________________________________________________________________ 2 1.1.2 Arsenic Toxicity ___________________________________________________________________ 4 1.1.3 Arsenic in Groundwater _____________________________________________________________ 6 1.2 Separation Techniques for Arsenic Removal _____________________________________ 8 1.2.1 Precipitative Processes ______________________________________________________________ 9 1.2.2 Adsorptive and Ion Exchange Processes _______________________________________________ 10 1.2.3 Membrane Processes_______________________________________________________________ 11 1.2.4 Emerging Technologies ____________________________________________________________ 13 1.3 Polyurethane Foam: An Overview ____________________________________________ 15 1.4 Literature Review: Arsenic Removal from Water ________________________________ 20 1.5 Research Objectives ________________________________________________________ 30 CHAPTER 2 _______________________________________________________________ 31 2.1 Materials _________________________________________________________________ 31 2.1.1 Polypropylene glycol ______________________________________________________________ 31 2.1.2 Toluene Di-isocyanate _____________________________________________________________ 32 2.1.3 Iron Oxide Nano Particles (IONPs) ___________________________________________________ 34 2.2 Synthesis and Characterization _______________________________________________ 35 2.2.1 Synthesis of PU Foam Nanocomposites ________________________________________________ 35 2.2.2 Characterization of PU Foam Nanocomposites __________________________________________ 37 2.3 Batch Sorption Experiments _________________________________________________ 40 2.4 Column Study _____________________________________________________________ 43