Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive abilities and 50- and 100-msec paired-click processes in schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Abnormal 50- and 100-msec event-related brain activity derived from paired-click procedures are well established in schizophrenia. There is little agreement on whether group differences in the ratio score, i.e., the ratio of EEG amplitude after the second stimulus (S2) to the amplitude after the first stimulus (S1), reflect an encoding or gating abnormality. In addition, the functional implications remain unclear. In the present study, EEG and magnetoencephalography (MEG) were used to examine paired-click measures and cognitive correlates of paired-click activity. METHOD EEG and whole-cortex MEG data were acquired during the standard paired-click paradigm in 73 comparison subjects and 79 schizophrenia patients. Paired-click ratio scores were obtained at 50 msec (P50 evoked potential at Cz, M50 at left and right superior temporal gyrus [STG]) and 100 msec (N100 at Cz, M100 at left and right STG). A cognitive battery assessing attention, working memory, and long-delay memory was administered. IQ was also estimated. RESULTS Groups differed on ratio score and amplitude of S1 response. Ratio scores at 50 msec and 100 msec and S1 amplitude predicted variance in attention (primarily S1 amplitude), working memory, and long-delay memory. The attention findings remained after removal of variance associated with IQ. CONCLUSIONS Associations between paired-click measures and cognitive performance in patients support 50-msec and 100-msec ratio and amplitude scores as clinically significant biomarkers of schizophrenia. In general, cognitive performance was better predicted by the ability to encode auditory information than the ability to filter redundant information.
Public education policies and convergence

This paper employs a dynamic framework to compare the effects of alternative government policies on convergence of industrialized economies to the technology frontier. The government’s instruments include facilitating private investment and education policy. The latter enhances skills of heterogenous specialists and implies the decision on their respective shares. The analysis distinguishes between an isolated policy of a single economy and coordinated policies of various countries. Which policy maximizes the speed of convergence is crucially affected by the economy’s state of development. A policy switch between the mentioned instruments while catching-up may be preferable.
Compact Agile Antenna Concept Utilizing Reconfigurable Front End for Wireless Communications

The conventional full-duplex radio communication systems require that the radio transmitter (Tx) is active at the same time as the radio receiver (Rx). The Tx and the Rx are using separate dedicated frequency bands and the Tx-Rx isolation is ensured by duplex filters. However, increasing number of frequency bands crave for multiband and multimode operation, which either require agile duplexers or a bank of narrow-band filters with a switch. While practical agile duplexers are not available, a bank of narrow-band filters with a switch is bulky and incurs switching loss. This paper proposes an approach that separates the Tx and Rx chain throughout the front end (FE). The complexity of the FE is reduced dramatically by replacing the duplex filters with tunable filters and closely integrating the tunable antennas in the FE, providing filtering which can be used to lower requirements for the tunable filters. For this purpose, very small narrow-band antennas are designed, which can cover 1710-2170 MHz by using tunable capacitors. Simulations and measurements of the antenna concept are carried out in the proposed FE architecture, serving as a proof of concept.
Evaluation of perfused bovine udder for gene expression studies in dairy cows.

Intramammary infections are one of the main causes of productivity loss in dairy cows. To better understand the immune system response and to avoid the use of live animals, we validated the use of isolated bovine udder as an ex situ model. Six mammary glands were collected from cows ready for culling. Three udders were perfused with Tyrode’s solution and three were not-perfused. During six hours
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in the Clinical Laboratory

The development of HPLC-atmospheric pressure ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) has presented clinical laboratories with a powerful analytic tool. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current status of HPLC-MS in the clinical laboratory; to discuss the challenges to mass spectrometry in this setting; and to present some of the latest developments in instrumentation and illustrate their potential application. Currently, the major clinical applications for HPLC-MS are neonatal screening for metabolic disorders, therapeutic drug monitoring of immunosuppressant and HIV/AIDS drugs, and toxicological investigations. The major barrier to the uptake of this technology in the clinical laboratory is the initial capital outlay for instrumentation. A secondary reason is the lack of suitably trained scientists. The challenges that clinical HPLC-MS face are (1) ease of use and automation, (2) interpatient variability in relation to matrix effects, (3) availability of suitable internal standards, and (4) harmonization of methods to meet regulatory requirements. The development of the triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass analyzer allows the quantification power of a triple quadrupole mass analyzer to be combined with the scanning ability of an ion trap. This hybrid instrument allows different permutations of scan combinations. The combination of selected reactant monitoring and MS3 is an attractive combination for quantification. The ion source, atmospheric pressure photoionization, has recently been developed and is well suited to nonpolar analytes, although its role is yet to be established. This ion source complements other interfaces used in HPLC-MS. Both of these advances in instrumentation add to the potential applications of HPLC-MS. How HPLC-MS goes forward into the clinical laboratory is dependent on clinical scientists, instrument manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.
About Q-values of Monte Carlo method

Profit sharing method is one of the reinforcement learning methods. Profit sharing can work well on the partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs). Because it is the typical non-bootstrap method, and itpsilas Q-value is usually handled accumulative. Profit sharing, however, does not work well on the probabilistic state transition. This paper we propose the novel learning method which can work well on the probabilistic state transition. It is similar to the Monte Carlo method. So we discuss about Q-values of our proposed method. In the environment with deterministic state transitions, we show the same performance both the conventional profit sharing and proposed method. And show the good performance of proposed method against the conventional profit sharing.
African 1, an Epidemiologically Important Clonal Complex of Mycobacterium bovis Dominant in Mali, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Chad

ABSTRACT We have identified a clonal complex of Mycobacterium bovis present at high frequency in cattle in population samples from several sub-Saharan west-central African countries. This closely related group of bacteria is defined by a specific chromosomal deletion (RDAf1) and can be identified by the absence of spacer 30 in the standard spoligotype typing scheme. We have named this group of strains the African 1 (Af1) clonal complex and have defined the spoligotype signature of this clonal complex as being the same as the M. bovis BCG vaccine strain but with the deletion of spacer 30. Strains of the Af1 clonal complex were found at high frequency in population samples of M. bovis from cattle in Mali, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Chad, and using a combination of variable-number tandem repeat typing and spoligotyping, we show that the population of M. bovis in each of these countries is distinct, suggesting that the recent mixing of strains between countries is not common in this area of Africa. Strains with the Af1-specific deletion (RDAf1) were not identified in M. bovis isolates from Algeria, Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. Furthermore, the spoligotype signature of the Af1 clonal complex has not been identified in population samples of bovine tuberculosis from Europe, Iran, and South America. These observations suggest that the Af1 clonal complex is geographically localized, albeit to several African countries, and we suggest that the dominance of the clonal complex in this region is the result of an original introduction into cows naïve to bovine tuberculosis.
ERBB 4 MUTATIONS IN CANCER AND AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS

ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, also known as ErbB1), ErbB2 (HER2 or NEU), ErbB3 (HER3), and ErbB4 (HER4), transduce signals borne by extracellular ligands into central cellular responses such as proliferation, survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. Mutations in ERBB genes are frequently detected in human malignant diseases of epithelial and neural origin, making ErbB receptors important drug targets. Targeting EGFR and ErbB2 has been successful in eg. lung and breast cancer, respectively, and mutations in these genes can be used to select patients that are responsive to the targeted treatment. Although somatic ERBB4 mutations have been found in many high-incidence cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer and germ-line ERBB4 mutations have been linked to neuronal disorders and cancer, ErbB4 has generally been neglected as a potential drug target. Thus, the consequences of ERBB4 mutations on ErbB4 biology are largely unknown. This thesis aimed to elucidate the functional consequences and assess the clinical significance of somatic and germ-line ERBB4 mutations in the context of cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The results of this study indicated that cancer-associated ERBB4 mutations can promote aberrant ErbB4 function by activating the receptor or inducing qualitative changes in ErbB4 signaling. ERBB4 mutations increased survival or decreased differentiation in vitro, suggesting that ERBB4 mutations can be oncogenic. Importantly, the potentially oncogenic mutations were located in various subdomains in ErbB4, possibly providing explanation for the characteristic scattered pattern of mutations in ERBB4. This study also demonstrated that hereditary variation in ERBB4 gene can have a significant effect on the prognosis of breast cancer. In addition, it was shown that hereditary or de novo germ-line ERBB4 mutations that predispose to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis inhibit ErbB4 activity. Together, these results suggest that ErbB4 should be considered as a novel drug target in cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Effective Lyapunov level set for nonlinear optimal control. Application to turbocharged diesel engine model

We develop an optimization algorithm in order to improve the nonlinear optimal robust controller for diesel engine which equipped by Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Variable Geometry Turbocharger systems. For this goal we present a new way to search the optimal shape of control Lyapunov function which permits to calculate the parameters to achieve stabilization and optimal control criteria. The idea is to verify different form of Lyapunov functions in order to desire better performance.
Encapsulation of Probiotic Bacteria in Biopolymeric System

Encapsulation of probiotic bacteria is generally used to enhance the viability during processing, and also for the target delivery in gastrointestinal tract. Probiotics are used with the fermented dairy products, pharmaceutical products, and health supplements. They play a great role in maintaining human health. The survival of these bacteria in the human gastrointestinal system is questionable. In order to protect the viability of the probiotic bacteria, several types of biopolymers such as alginate, chitosan, gelatin, whey protein isolate, cellulose derivatives are used for encapsulation and several methods of encapsulation such as spray drying, extrusion, emulsion have been reported. This review focuses on the method of encapsulation and the use of different biopolymeric system for encapsulation of probiotics.
A community outbreak of group A beta haemolytic streptococci with transferable resistance to erythromycin

SUMMARY Erythromycin resistance amongst group A streptococci (GAS) in Great Britain is a relatively rare occurrence and outbreaks have been sporadically reported. Over an 8-month period in 1986 ten associated cases occurred in the town of Bridgwater in Somerset. Isolates were group A, type M4 and resistant to erythromycin (MIC 8 mg/l) but sensitive to lincomycin and clindamycin. Erythromycin resistance was transferable from all isolates to a group A recipient strain. No plasmid DNA could be detected in the original isolates or transconjugants.
Surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on grating disc with circular fluidic channel

We presented a grating-coupled surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor with a circular fluidic channel on a grating disc. Test solution can be moved forward in the fluidic channel by gravity through turning the grating disc. It can react with the probe molecules on the different sensing surfaces in the following the sequential time. In order to identify the angle changes of SPR due to the molecular interaction, a protein of bovine serum albumin (BSA) is employed as a target to be immobilized on the sensing surfaces. The measured response curve showed that the saturation time of the immobilized reaction is about 15 minutes when 0.1 mg/ml BSA reacted with a NHS-ester-terminated self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at room temperature. If a proper-designed chamber for sample stocking is assembled on grating disc, the disc-like biosensor can be applied for a kinetics analysis of bimolecular interaction without any fluid pumping systems.
A universal technology for monitoring G‐protein‐coupled receptor activation in vitro and noninvasively in live animals

G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a versatile and ubiquitous family of membrane receptors that transmit extracellular signals to mammalian cells and constitute the most important class of drug targets. Yet, sensitive and specific methods are lacking that would allow quantitative comparisons of pharmacologic properties of these receptors in physiological or pathological settings in live animals. We sought to overcome these limitations by employing low affinity, reversible β‐galactosidase complementation to quantify GPCR activation via interaction with β‐arres‐tin. A panel of cell lines was engineered expressing different GPCRs together with the reporter system. In vitro evaluation revealed highly sensitive, dynamic, and specific assessment of GPCR agonists and antagonists. Following implantation of the cells into mice, it was possible for the first time to monitor pharmacological GPCR activation and inhibition in their physiological context by noninvasive bioluminescence imaging in living animals. This technology has unique advantages that enable novel applications in the functional investigation of GPCR modulation in live animals in biological research and drug discovery. — von Degenfeld G. , Wehrman T. S. , Hammer, M. M. , Blau H. M. A universal technology for monitoring G‐protein‐coupled receptor activation in vitro and noninvasively in live animals. FASEB J. 21, 3819–3826 (2007)
Mental health care utilization in prepaid and fee-for-service plans among depressed patients in the Medical Outcomes Study.

OBJECTIVE We compare mental health utilization in prepaid and fee-for-service plans and analyze selection biases. DATA SOURCE Primary data were collected every six months over a two-year interval for a panel of depressed patients participating in the Medical Outcomes Study, an observational study of adults in competing systems of care in three urban areas (Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles). STUDY DESIGN Patients visiting a participating clinician at baseline were screened for depression, followed by a telephone interview, which included the depression section of the NIMH Diagnostic Interview Schedule. Patients with current or past lifetime depressive disorder and those with depressed mood and three other lifetime symptoms were eligible for this analysis. We analyze mental health utilization based on periodic patient self-report. ANALYTIC METHODS: We use two-part models because of the presence of both nonuse and skewness of use. Standard errors are corrected nonparametrically for correlations across observations due to clustered sampling within participating physicians and repeated observations on the same individual. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The average number of mental health visits was 35-40 percent lower in the prepaid system, adjusted and unadjusted for observed differences in patient characteristics, including health status. Utilization differences were concentrated among patients of psychiatrists, with only minor differences among patients of general medical providers. Analyzing the effect of switches that patients make between payment systems over time, we found some evidence of adverse selection into fee-for-service plans based on baseline utilization, but not based on utilization at the end of the study. In particular, after adjusting for observed patient characteristics and health status, patients switching out of prepaid plans had higher baseline use than predicted, whereas patients switching out of fee-for-service had lower use than predicted. Switching itself appears to be related to an immediate decline in utilization and was not followed by an increase or "catch-up" effect. CONCLUSIONS The absence of the commonly found "catch-up" effect following switching and the significant decrease in utilization during the switching period suggests an interruption in care that does not occur for patients staying within a payment system. This finding emphasizes the need for integrating new patients quickly into a system, an issue that should not be neglected in the current policy discussion.
Candida albicans Response Regulator Gene SSK1 Regulates a Subset of Genes Whose Functions Are Associated with Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Adaptation to Oxidative Stress

ABSTRACT Ssk1p of Candida albicans is a putative response regulator protein of the Hog1 two-component signal transduction system. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the phosphorylation state of Ssk1p determines whether genes that promote the adaptation of cells to osmotic stress are activated. We have previously shown that C. albicans SSK1 does not complement the ssk1 mutant of S. cerevisiae and that the ssk1 mutant of C. albicans is not sensitive to sorbitol. In this study, we show that the C. albicans ssk1 mutant is sensitive to several oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide, t-butyl hydroperoxide, menadione, and potassium superoxide when each is incorporated in yeast extract-peptone-dextrose (YPD) agar medium. We used DNA microarrays to identify genes whose regulation is affected by the ssk1 mutation. RNA from mutant cells (strain CSSK21) grown in YPD medium for 3 h at 30°C was reverse transcribed and then compared with similarly prepared RNA from wild-type cells (CAF2). We observed seven genes from mutant cells that were consistently up regulated (three-fold or greater compared to CAF2). In S. cerevisiae, three (AHP1, HSP12, and PYC2) of the seven genes that were up regulated provide cells with an adaptation function in response to oxidative stress; another gene (GPH1) is regulated under stress conditions by Hog1p. Three other genes that are up regulated encode a cell surface protein (FLO1), a mannosyl transferase (MNN4-4), and a putative two-component histidine kinase (CHK1) that regulates cell wall biosynthesis in C. albicans. Of the down-regulated genes, ALS1 is a known cell adhesin in C. albicans. Verification of the microarray data was obtained by reverse transcription-PCR for HSP12, AHP1, CHK1, PYC2, GPH1, ALS1, MNN4-4, and FLO1. To further determine the function of Ssk1p in the Hog1p signal transduction pathway in C. albicans, we used Western blot analysis to measure phosphorylation of Hog1p in the ssk1 mutant of C. albicans when grown under either osmotic or oxidative stress. We observed that Hog1p was phosphorylated in the ssk1 mutant of C. albicans when grown in a hyperosmotic medium but was not phosphorylated in the ssk1 mutant when the latter was grown in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. These data indicate that C. albicans utilizes the Ssk1p response regulator protein to adapt cells to oxidative stress, while its role in the adaptation to osmotic stress is less certain. Further, SSK1 appears to have a regulatory function in some aspects of cell wall biosynthesis. Thus, the functions of C. albicans SSK1 differ from those of S. cerevisiae SSK1.
Longevity, Annuities and the Political Support for Public Pensions

We develop a model where individuals differ in productivity and in longevity. Benefits from the public pay-as-you-go pension system take the form of a collective annuity, with both a contributive (Bismarckian) component (based on the worker’s past earnings) and a flat (Beveridgean) part. Voters choose the size (generosity) of the system and its degree of income redistribution (or type). While individual longevity does not affect preferences for type and size of the program, these are influenced by both the average longevity and by the correlation between longevity and productivity. When the size of the annuity program is chosen by majority voting for a given type, we obtain that the size of the Beveridgean scheme decreases smoothly with increases in average longevity, while the support for a Bismarckian pension abruptly drops to zero once a threshold is crossed. When both size and type are determined by majority voting, we obtain either large and mostly Bismarckian systems or smaller Beveridgean systems, as is empirically observed. Also, a larger correlation between longevity and productivity makes the collective annuity more redistributive, although sometimes at the expense of its size.
Building the next model for intervention and turnaround in poorly performing local authorities in England

ABSTRACT This paper examines the design and implementation of the two recent models or strategies adopted for the intervention and turnaround of poorly performing local authorities in England in the two distinct periods of 2002–2008 and 2011–2015. The first was integral to the Comprehensive Performance Management regimes, while the second was developed under the Sector Led Improvement regime. The intention is not to determine which regime has, or had, the most merit or inadequacies, but rather to synthesise knowledge and identify areas that could be improved as policy and practice moves forward, particularly in the light of the recent general election in the UK. The paper finds that both models have merits as well as weaknesses, dependent upon context and policy priorities. It provides a review of when and where alternative models should be used, and a contribution to the development of the next regime. This, the authors contend, should have a greater emphasis on achieving more appropriate levels of public assurance than the current model is providing.