Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gene expression for glutamic acid decarboxylase is reduced without loss of neurons in prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics.

BACKGROUND Up-regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors and decreased GABA uptake in the cerebral cortex of schizophrenics suggest altered GABAergic transmission, which could be caused by primary disturbance of GABA synapses or by decreased production of the transmitter. Decreased production could be due to a shutdown in GABA production or to loss of GABA neurons caused by cell death or their failure to migrate to the cortex during brain development. METHODS To discriminate between these possibilities, we quantified levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for the 67-kd isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the key enzyme in GABA synthesis, and the number and laminar distribution of GAD mRNA--expressing neurons in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of schizophrenics and matched controls, using in situ hybridization-histochemistry, densitometry, and cell-counting methods. These data were compared with the total number of neurons, the number of small, round or ovoid neurons 8 to 15 microns in diameter, and overall frontal lobe volume. As a control, mRNA levels for type II calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CamIIK) were quantified. RESULTS Schizophrenics showed a pronounced decrease in GAD mRNA levels in neurons of layer I (40%) and layer II (48%) and an overall 30% decrease in layers III to VI. There were also strong overall reductions in GAD mRNA levels. The CamIIK mRNA levels showed no significant differences between samples. No differences were found in the total number of neurons nor in small, round or ovoid neurons, which should include a majority of the GABA cells. Prefrontal gray and white matter volume did not differ significantly between controls and schizophrenics. CONCLUSIONS The prefrontal cortex of schizophrenics shows reduced expression for GAD in the absence of significant cell loss. This may be brought about by an activity-dependent down-regulation associated with the functional hypoactivity of the DLPFC. The lack of significant alterations in cell numbers in the DLPFC and frontal lobe volume in schizophrenics also implies that overall cortical neuronal migration had not been compromised in development. Previous reports of altered neuronal distribution in the subcortical white matter of schizophrenic brains in comparison with that of controls may indicate disturbances of migration or programmed cell death in the cortical subplate, leading to altered connection formation in the overlying cortex of schizophrenics and activity-dependent down-regulation of neurotransmitter-related gene expression.
Thermal resistance change of liquid carbon dioxide based on narrow space effect in micro chamber

The micro fluidic chamber with narrow gap for high pressurized fluid has been designed and fabricated. The carbon dioxide (CO2) is injected into the narrow gap spaces of 0.5 μm and 1.6 μm. Their thermal resistance changes have been measured by changing the pressure and temperature. Hence, related to the effect of narrow space the critical pressure of supercritical CO2 is shifted to lower values. When the gap distance is shorter, the pressure of the minimum total-thermal-resistance (Rtotal) becomes lower. This “narrow space effect” is enhanced by the shorter gap distance. Additionally, the change of thermal resistance related to pressure change is more responsive for narrower spacing. The smaller spacing seems to make more sensitive responsibility of the inserted fluid property. These results indicate that the filled fluid in a micro-chamber can be applied for the applications of sensing and switching devices using variable physical properties of the packaged fluid in narrow spaces.
Temperature trends in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere: Connections with sea surface temperatures and implications for water vapor and ozone

Satellite observations and chemistry‐climate model experiments are used to understand the zonal structure of tropical lower stratospheric temperature, water vapor, and ozone trends. The warming in the tropical upper troposphere over the past 30 years is strongest near the Indo‐Pacific warm pool, while the warming trend in the western and central Pacific is much weaker. In the lower stratosphere, these trends are reversed: the historical cooling trend is strongest over the Indo‐Pacific warm pool and is weakest in the western and central Pacific. These zonal variations are stronger than the zonal‐mean response in boreal winter. Targeted experiments with a chemistry‐climate model are used to demonstrate that sea surface temperature (hereafter SST) trends are driving the zonal asymmetry in upper tropospheric and lower stratospheric tropical temperature trends. Warming SSTs in the Indian Ocean and in the warm pool region have led to enhanced moist heating in the upper troposphere, and in turn to a Gill‐like response that extends into the lower stratosphere. The anomalous circulation has led to zonal structure in the ozone and water vapor trends near the tropopause, and subsequently to less water vapor entering the stratosphere. The radiative impact of these changes in trace gases is smaller than the direct impact of the moist heating. Projected future SSTs appear to drive a temperature and water vapor response whose zonal structure is similar to the historical response. In the lower stratosphere, the changes in water vapor and temperature due to projected future SSTs are of similar strength to, though slightly weaker than, that due directly to projected future CO2, ozone, and methane.
A Low Voltage Inverter Based Differential Amplifier for Low Power Switched Capacitor Applications

A low voltage and low power inverter based differential amplifier is presented. The input stage is fully differential in operation and the output stage employ class C inverter to enhance the gain. An on-chip body bias improves the slew rate performance. The amplifier is implemented in UMC 90 nm technology. With load capacitance of 100fF, the amplifier delivers DC gain of 81dB and unity gain bandwidth of 33.88MHz at 41° phase margin. For a dual power supply voltage of ±350mV, the quiescent current and power consumption are 2. 37μA and 1. 66μW respectively. The amplifier achieves a figure of merit of 2117. With the bulk of all the transistors slightly forward biased by a fixed bias potential, the power dissipation of 672nW and figure of merit of 5431 are achieved.
Design, implementation and experimental validation of a DC-DC resonant converter for PEM fuel cell applications

When designing DC-DC resonant converters (RC) for PEM fuel cell applications some considerations must be fulfilled, such as; an appropriate topology, adequate control structure, accurate selection of the components namely, the power switches, heat sinks and core of each magnetic components and careful design of the HF transformer, resonant circuit and filters. The combination of all of these aspects defines the performance of the converter, hence the importance to be taken on its design. Particularly an accurate design of the RC defines its dynamics and stability. In this context, the paper is focused on the design, implementation and experimental validation of a DC-DC resonant converter for such applications. Once characterized the PEM fuel cell as electrical element of the circuit and defined the topology and control of the resonant converter its operation is analyzed based on second-order differential equation, where each one of the operation modes is treated separately. The constraints imposed by the PEM fuel cell are considered in the selection of the components, followed by the implementation of a 1kW prototype of the RC. The procedure proposed as well as the performance of the RC implemented in terms of dynamics and stability is validated by experimental results.
Colposcopic and Cytologic Findings Among Women with Abnormal Vaginal Flora

Objective. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the association of abnormal vaginal flora with pathological colposcopic and cytological findings. Materials and Methods. A total of 100 women of reproductive age were examined. Pregnant women were excluded. Each patient completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding sexual history and vaginal symptoms. All participants underwent a gynecological examination and colposcopy. Pap smear of the cervix and samples of vaginal discharge for microbiological analysis were obtained before the colposcopic examination. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test, &khgr; 2 test, and multifactorial analysis of variance. Results. Results of colposcopic examination were normal in more than 70% of all examined women, except in women with bacterial vaginosis where < 30% had normal results. Of all the women examined only 1 did not have normal (class II) Pap smear results. Conclusions. Our study indicates that women with abnormal vaginal flora more often have pathological colposcopic findings, such as leukoplakia, vaginal hyperemia, and chronic cervicitis.
Dynamics of coupled haptic systems

The sampled-data nature and time delays induce complex dynamic behaviours in haptic systems which makes the stable, high performance force feedback challenging. Physiological factors, such as reflex delay, and the variable impedance of the human operator further complicate the modeling and analysis of these systems. Often the operator is neglected and only the dynamics of the uncoupled haptic device is investigated. When considered, the human model is typically represented by passive impedance elements attached to the device; most studies employ only simple mass-spring-damper representations. The dynamics of coupled systems with multiple degrees-of-freedom device- and human operator models have not been much investigated. In the present paper, we discuss reduced order, parametric dynamic representations for such complex models. We also consider the coupled system, and demonstrate the effect of the human operator on the combined dynamics. Structural flexibility, different grasping conditions, and active human stabilization with reflex delay are considered. The results are validated and illustrated experimentally by using a haptic device based on a five-bar mechanism.
Engineering a Disulfide Bond in Recombinant Manganese Peroxidase Results in Increased Thermostability

Manganese peroxidase (MnP) produced by Phanerochaete chrysosporium, which catalyzes the oxidation of Mn2+ to Mn3+ by hydrogen peroxide, was shown to be susceptible to thermal inactivation due to the loss of calcium [Sutherland, G. R. J.; Aust, S. D. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1996, 332, 128−134]. The recombinant enzyme, lacking glycosylation, was found to be more susceptible [Nie, G. ; Reading, N. S. ; Aust, S. D. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1999, 365, 328−334]. On the basis of the properties and structure of peanut peroxidase, we have engineered a disulfide bond near the distal calcium binding site of MnP by means of the double mutation A48C and A63C. The mutant enzyme had activity and spectral properties similar to those of native, glycosylated MnP. The thermostabilities of native, recombinant, and mutant MnP were studied as a function of temperature and pH. MnPA48C/A63C exhibited kinetics of inactivation similar to that of native MnP. The addition of calcium decreased the rate of thermal inactivation of the enzymes, while EGTA increased the rate of inactivation. Thermally treated MnPA48C/A63C mutant was shown to contain one calcium, and it retained a percentage of its original manganese oxidase activity; native and recombinant MnP were inactivated by the removal of calcium from the protein.
Semi-Active Control Strategies for High-Performance Motorcycle

Abstract The topic of this paper is the design and analysis of a control system for a semi-active suspension in a 2-wheel vehicle. The control system is implemented via a semi-active electro-hydraulic damper located on the rear suspension of a hypersport-class motorbike. The entire design and analysis procedure is outlined: the semi-active damper is analyzed and characterized; a wide range of control strategies are implemented in the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the motorbike; a complete test-bench analysis of the vehicle is developed. The final result is a complete comparative analysis of a wide portfolio of different semi-active control strategies which shows the potential benefits of a semi-active suspension
Power Efficient Object Detector with an Event-Driven Camera for Moving Object Surveillance on an FPGA

SUMMARY We propose an object detector using a sliding window method for an event-driven camera which outputs a subtracted frame (usually a binary value) when changes are detected in captured images. Since sliding window skips unchanged portions of the output, the number of target object area candidates decreases dramatically, which means that our system operates faster and with lower power consumption than a system using a straightforward sliding window approach. Since the event-driven camera output consists of binary precision frames, an all binarized convolutional neural network (ABCNN) can be available, which means that it allows all convolutional layers to share the same binarized convolutional circuit, thereby reducing the area requirement. We implemented our proposed method on the Xilinx Inc. Zedboard and then evaluated it using the PETS 2009 dataset. The results showed that our system outperformed BCNN sys-tem from the viewpoint of detection performance, hardware requirement, and computation time. Also, we showed that FPGA is an ideal method for our system than mobile GPU. From these results, our proposed system is more suitable for the embedded systems based on stationary cameras (such as security cameras).
Childhood and adolescent large‐cell lymphoma (LCL): A review of the children's cancer group experience

We reviewed the clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 67 children with localized and 212 with disseminated large‐cell lymphoma (LCL) treated during a 20‐year period in 5 consecutive Children's Cancer Group (CCG) non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) trials. Clinical outcomes for patients treated on the four earlier studies with moderate‐dose chemotherapy administered over 12–18 months were compared with patients treated most recently with short, intensive therapy. Median age at diagnosis was 12 years (range: 0–19 years). Male to female ratio was 1.8:1.0. Five‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 92% ± 3.3% and 50 ± 3.5% for patients with localized LCL and disseminated LCL, respectively. After adjustment for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), age at diagnosis, and BM involvement, short and intensive therapy as delivered on the most recent study, CCG‐5911, was associated with an improved outcome (P< 0.05) compared to the four previous studies. Elevated LDH (≥500 IU/L) at diagnosis and young age (<5 years) were both significant independent predictors of poorer long‐term EFS (P< 0.05). Long‐term survival after relapse or other treatment failure was only 31% ± 4.7%. In summary, more recent shorter and intense therapy appears to be associated with superior event‐free survival for children and adolescents with disseminated LCL. Large numbers of patients treated with shorter and intense therapy are required to confirm these preliminary observations. Am. J. Hematol. 72:53–63, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Too little, too late? - Why Europe should do more for preterm infants

The EU policy benchmarking report, presented for the first time in the European Parliament on 6th May 2010 in Brussels, provides a compelling picture of the impact of prematurity across 13 European countries. It reveals a troubling lack of coordinated national and European policy initiatives to improve the quality of treatment and care of preterm infants
The scavenger receptor CD36 plays a role in cytokine-induced macrophage fusion

Multinucleated giant cells, characteristic of granulomatous infections, originate from the fusion of macrophages. Using an antibody screening strategy we found that the scavenger receptor CD36 participates in macrophage fusion induced by the cytokines IL-4 and GM-CSF. Our results demonstrate that exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface and lipid recognition by CD36 are required for cytokine-induced fusion of macrophages. We also show that CD36 acts in a heterotypic manner during giant-cell formation and that the formation of osteoclasts is independent of CD36. The discovery of molecules involved in the formation of multinucleated giant cells will enable us to determine their functional significance. Furthermore, our results suggest that lipid capture by cell surface receptors may be a general feature of cell fusion.
Current Control of Three-Phase Rectifier Systems Using Three Independent Current Controllers

Three-phase rectifier systems without connection of the neutral wire are characterized by the coupling of the phase input currents. Considering these couplings requires a transformation of the system equations into a static αβ-frame or into the rotating dq-reference frame where instead of the three coupled phase currents two independent current components are controlled. In this paper, it is shown that, despite of the existing cross-couplings, three independent phase current controllers can be used to control the system. Thereto, the cross coupling elements of the system transfer matrix have to fulfill some requirements which are derived using the Gershgorin theorem. The three-phase Δ-switch rectifier circuit is used for analysis and a detailed model of the rectifier system is derived where the cross couplings are visible. The model is subsequently used to evaluate the cross couplings and three independent current controllers are designed. Simulation and experimental results verify the control approach using three independent current controller for three-phase rectifier systems.
Gene-Environment Interaction for Hypertension Among African American Women Across Generations

African American women have the highest prevalence of hypertension and obesity of any group in the United States. African American girls have the highest incidence of obesity of any groups of children in the nation, and diagnoses of hypertension have been rising among this group. Because both genetic heredity and body mass index (BMI) are important risk factors for hypertension, this study examined the gene-BMI interaction for hypertension across the lifespan in two generations of African American women. Participants comprised of 868 African American women in the parent cohort and 322 in the offspring cohort from the Hypertension Genetic Epidemiology Network (HyperGEN) study, part of the Family Blood Pressure Program (FBPP). A total of 115 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated among the parent cohort and 491 among the offspring cohort for tests of SNP-BMI interaction using methods of false discovery rate (FDR; <.20) and examination of minor allele frequency (MAF; >.05) and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (>.10). One SNP (located in the CAPN 13 gene, rs1879282) passed adjustments for the multiple testing mentioned above and had a significant (p < .01) gene-BMI interaction on both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) among African American female offspring. The rs1879282 SNP is located on chromosome 2 on the calpain (CAPN) 13 gene, which is part of a family of cytosolic calcium-activated proteases involved in apoptosis, cell division, modulation of integrin—cytoskeletal interactions, and synaptic plasticity. This SNP was not available for testing in the African American parent cohort.
Pricing Interest Rate Derivatives and Computing Pathwise Greeks in the Extended LIBOR Market Model

Classical interest rate models were formulated under the no-arbitrage assumption of a unique yield curve. However, in the outbreak of the 2007 global financial crisis, market interest rates witnessed unprecedented segmentation, and this instigated the modelling of a basis spread, whose non-negligible widening could no longer be neglected. One extension of the LIBOR market model (LMM) to incorporate basis spread was proposed by Mercurio (2010a), and in this paper, we examine how his theoretical description is translated into practical implementation to price interest rate derivatives and compute pathwise Greeks. Specifically, our contribution is to develop and implement the theory of the extended LMM in the framework of a displaced diffusion process in the spot LIBOR measure. The adjoint mode from algorithmic differentiation is premiered in this new implementation to compute pathwise deltas and vegas before the accumulated knowledge is applied in the pricing of interest rate caps and one-way floaters.
Candidate Selection in Canada

This article examines how political parties choose their candidates in Canada’s decentralized multilevel setting. We examine the selection practices of the leading federal parties, focusing on the formal and informal rules relating to the eligibility and mobilization of voters and candidates, the distribution of power within the party, and representational outcomes. In doing so, we highlight how Canadian parties have approached the trade-off between competing democratic norms as each party attempts to find a delicate balance between grassroots authority and central party involvement. Despite typically being considered a local affair, the selection of candidates is highly influenced by the central party apparatus—both formally and informally. This central party authority, however, often results in considerable tension that erupts in public conflict. We suggest that while centralization may undermine membership participation, grassroots autonomy, and responsiveness, central party involvement may also enhance the democratic values of fairness, representation, and in some instances even participation.
Increasing the Students' Writing Skill through Round Table Technique at The Second Year Student of SMPN 1 Sinjai Tengah

The result of the data analysis indicated that the writing skill of the second year students of SMPN 1 Sinjai Tengah was poor before treatment. It was indicated by the mean score of pre-test was 5,3 while post-test was 7,6. So the comparison between pre-test and post-test was 43,40%. It was concluded that the use of round table technique was more effective in increasing students’ writing skill. It was proved statistical analyses by t-test for writing skill (11,25) was greater than t-table (2,045) at level significant 0,5 with degree of freedom (dƒ) = n-1=30-1=29. It meant that there was significant development of the students’ writing skill through round table technique.
The Predictive Value of Dysgraphia and Constructional Apraxia for Delirium in Psychiatric Inpatients

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of dysgraphia and constructional apraxia for delirium among psychiatric inpatients. Method: Data were collected from 2 sources. First, a series of nondelirious psychiatric inpatients that had participated in a previous study was selected to determine the specificity of various indices of dysgraphia and constructional apraxia. Second, a series of 56 psychiatric inpatients with delirium as identified using electronic administrative data and clinical records was selected to evaluate sensitivity. Results: Of the various indices of dysgraphia examined, only a global rating of writing quality and evidence of jagged or angled letter loops were informative clinical signs. The predictive value of constructional apraxia resembled the predictive value of the 2 dysgraphia indices. Conclusions: Dysgraphia and constructional apraxia are useful clinical signs of delirium in the psychiatric inpatient population. Evaluation of these functions can substantially impact diagnostic decisions where diagnostic uncertainty exists. An evaluation of writing and constructional praxis can be easily incorporated into bedside mental status examinations.