Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research Review: Do motor deficits during development represent an endophenotype for schizophrenia? A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Early detection of schizophrenia risk is a critical goal in the field. Endophenotypes in children to relatives of affected individuals may contribute to this early detection. One of the lowest cost and longest theorized domains is motor development in children. METHODS A meta-analysis was conducted comparing individuals ≤21 years old with affected first-degree relatives (FDR) with (1) individuals from unaffected families (controls), or (2) individuals with FDR having other psychiatric disorders. Studies were classified by motor outcome and separate meta-analyses were performed across six correlated domains, with available N varying by domain. RESULTS Inclusion criteria were met by k = 23 independent studies with a total N = 18,582, and N across domains varying from 167 to 8619. The youth from affected families had delays in gross and fine motor development in infancy (k = 3, n = 167, Hedges'g = 0.644, confidence intervals (CI) = [0.328, 0.960], p < . 001), walking milestones (k = 3, n = 608, g = 0.444, CI = [0.108, 0.780], p = .01), coordination (k = 8, n = 8619, g = 0.625, CI = [0.453, 0.797], p < .0001), and had more abnormal movements such as involuntary movements (k = 6, n = 8365, g = 0.291, CI = [0.041, 0.542], p = .02) compared with controls. However, not all effects survived correction for publication bias. Effects for neurological soft signs were small and not reliably different from zero (k = 4, n = 548, g = 0.238, CI = [-0.106, 0.583], p = .18). When comparing the FDR group to youth from families with other psychiatric disorders, the FDR group was distinguished by poorer gross and fine motor skills (k = 2, n = 275, g = 0.847, CI = [0.393, 1.300], p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Motor deficits during development likely represent an endophenotype for schizophrenia, although its specificity is limited in relation to other serious mental disorders. It holds promise as a low cost domain for early risk detection, although it will have to be combined with other indicators to achieve clinically usable prediction accuracy. Impaired coordination was the most robust result with a moderate effect size and lack of heterogeneity and publication bias.
Global Stabilization of the Double Integrator System With Saturation and Delay in the Input

This paper is concerned with the problem of global stabilizing a double integrator system subject to actuator saturation and delay in the input. Two solutions to the problem are proposed by using linear state feedback which are parameterized in a single scalar γ. The first solution is delay-dependent in the sense that the delay information is directly used in the feedback design. The second solution is delay-independent as the delay information is not directly used in the feedback. Ranges of the value of the free parameter γ are established within which the closed-loop system is globally asymptotically stable. A numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Using graded implicit feedback for bayesian personalized ranking

In many application domains of recommender systems, explicit rating information is sparse or non-existent. The preferences of the current user have therefore to be approximated by interpreting his or her behavior, i.e., the implicit user feedback. In the literature, a number of algorithm proposals have been made that rely solely on such implicit feedback, among them Bayesian Personalized Ranking (BPR). In the BPR approach, pairwise comparisons between the items are made in the training phase and an item i is considered to be preferred over item j if the user interacted in some form with i but not with j. In real-world applications, however, implicit feedback is not necessarily limited to such binary decisions as there are, e.g., different types of user actions like item views, cart or purchase actions and there can exist several actions for an item over time. In this paper we show how BPR can be extended to deal with such more fine-granular, graded preference relations. An empirical analysis shows that this extension can help to measurably increase the predictive accuracy of BPR on realistic e-commerce datasets.
A triazole linkage that mimics the DNA phosphodiester group in living systems

Abstract We describe the development of a chemical process based on the CuAAC reaction (click chemistry) to ligate DNA strands and produce an unnatural triazole backbone linkage. The chemical reaction is templated by a complementary DNA splint which accelerates the reaction and provides the required specificity. The resultant 1,4-triazole linkage is read through by DNA and RNA polymerases and is biocompatible in bacterial and human cells. This work has implications for the synthesis of chemically modified genes and other large modified DNA and RNA constructs.
Adaptive Practice of Facts in Domains with Varied Prior Knowledge

We propose a modular approach to development of a computerized adaptive practice system for learning of facts in areas with widely varying prior knowledge: decomposing the system into estimation of prior knowledge, estimation of current knowledge, and selection of questions. We describe specific realization of the system for geography learning and use data from the developed system for evaluation of different student models for knowledge estimation. We argue that variants of the Elo rating systems and Performance factor analysis are suitable for this kind of educational system, as they provide good accuracy and at the same time are easy to apply in an online system.
Concurrent SSA form in the presence of mutual exclusion

Most current compiler analysis techniques are unable to cope with the semantics introduced by explicit parallel and synchronization constructs in parallel programs. In this paper we propose new analysis and optimization techniques for compiling explicitly parallel programs that use mutual exclusion synchronization. We introduce the CSSAME form, an extension of the Concurrent Static Single Assignment (CSSA) form that incorporates mutual exclusion into a data flow framework for explicitly parallel programs. We show how this analysis can improve the effectiveness of constant propagation in a parallel program. We also modify a dead-code elimination algorithm to work on explicitly parallel programs. Finally, we introduce lock independent code motion, a new optimization technique that attempts to minimize the size of critical sections in the program.
Arabidopsis C-Terminal Domain Phosphatase-Like 1 Functions in miRNA Accumulation and DNA Methylation

Arabidopsis CTD-PHOSPHATASE-LIKE 1 (CPL1) is a protein phosphatase that can dephosphorylate RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain (CTD). Unlike typical CTD-phosphatases, CPL1 contains a double-stranded (ds) RNA-binding motif (dsRBM) and has been implicated for gene regulation mediated by dsRNA-dependent pathways. We investigated the role of CPL1 and its dsRBMs in various gene silencing pathways. Genetic interaction analyses revealed that cpl1 was able to partially suppress transcriptional gene silencing and DNA hypermethylation phenotype of ros1 suggesting CPL1 is involved in the RNA-directed DNA methylation pathway without reducing siRNA production. By contrast, cpl1 reduced some miRNA levels at the level of processing. Indeed, CPL1 protein interacted with proteins important for miRNA biogenesis, suggesting that CPL1 regulates miRNA processing. These results suggest that CPL1 regulates DNA methylation via a miRNA-dependent pathway.
Estimating Full Regional Skeletal Muscle Fibre Orientation from B-Mode Ultrasound Images Using Convolutional, Residual, and Deconvolutional Neural Networks

This paper presents an investigation into the feasibility of using deep learning methods for developing arbitrary full spatial resolution regression analysis of B-mode ultrasound images of human skeletal muscle. In this study, we focus on full spatial analysis of muscle fibre orientation, since there is an existing body of work with which to compare results. Previous attempts to automatically estimate fibre orientation from ultrasound are not adequate, often requiring manual region selection, feature engineering, providing low-resolution estimations (one angle per muscle) and deep muscles are often not attempted. We build upon our previous work in which automatic segmentation was used with plain convolutional neural network (CNN) and deep residual convolutional network (ResNet) architectures, to predict a low-resolution map of fibre orientation in extracted muscle regions. Here, we use deconvolutions and max-unpooling (DCNN) to regularise and improve predicted fibre orientation maps for the entire image, including deep muscles, removing the need for automatic segmentation and we compare our results with the CNN and ResNet, as well as a previously established feature engineering method, on the same task. Dynamic ultrasound images sequences of the calf muscles were acquired (25 Hz) from 8 healthy volunteers (4 male, ages: 25–36, median 30). A combination of expert annotation and interpolation/extrapolation provided labels of regional fibre orientation for each image. Neural networks (CNN, ResNet, DCNN) were then trained both with and without dropout using leave one out cross-validation. Our results demonstrated robust estimation of full spatial fibre orientation within approximately 6° error, which was an improvement on previous methods.
The Relationship Between Psychosocial Adjustment and Coping Strategies Among Patients With Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease with significant psychosocial adjustment challenges. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the psychosocial adjustment and coping strategies in patients with MS and to put forth the relationships between them. DESIGN: The sample group comprised 85 outpatients with MS who were admitted to the Neurology Clinic of a university hospital for treatment between October 2007 and July 2008. Data were acquired via an information form and the Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale and Coping Strategy Indicator. RESULTS: It was determined that 55% of the patients had poor psychosocial adjustment levels. Statistically significant relationship was found between Psychosocial Adjustment to Illness Scale–Self-Report and problem solving as well as seeking social support coping strategies (p < .01). Psychosocial adjustment got worse with decreasing problem-solving and seeking–social support coping strategies of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The psychosocial adjustment to MS of patients is closely related with effective coping strategies. The results have emphasized the significant role of mental health and social services and coping strategies regarding the comprehensive care needs of these patients.
The Major DNA Repair Pathway after Both Proton and Carbon-Ion Radiation is NHEJ, but the HR Pathway is More Relevant in Carbon Ions

The purpose of this study was to identify the roles of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR) pathways in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by exposure to high-energy protons and carbon ions (C ions) versus gamma rays in Chinese hamster cells. Two Chinese hamster cell lines, ovary AA8 and lung fibroblast V79, as well as various mutant sublines lacking DNA-PKcs (V3), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein-4 [XRCC4 (XR1), XRCC3 (irs1SF) and XRCC2 (irs1)] were exposed to gamma rays (137Cs), protons (200 MeV; 2.2 keV/μm) and C ions (290 MeV; 50 keV/μm). V3 and XR1 cells lack the NHEJ pathway, whereas irs1 and irs1SF cells lack the HR pathway. After each exposure, survival was measured using a clonogenic survival assay, in situ DSB induction was evaluated by immunocytochemical analysis of histone H2AX phosphorylation at serine 139 (γ-H2AX foci) and chromosome aberrations were examined using solid staining. The findings from this study showed that clonogenic survival clearly depended on the NHEJ and HR pathway statuses, and that the DNA-PKcs–/– cells (V3) were the most sensitive to all radiation types. While protons and γ rays yielded almost the same biological effects, C-ion exposure greatly enhanced the sensitivity of wild-type and HR-deficient cells. However, no significant enhancement of sensitivity in cell killing was seen after C-ion irradiation of NHEJ deficient cells. Decreases in the number of γ-H2AX foci after irradiation occurred more slowly in the NHEJ deficient cells. In particular, V3 cells had the highest number of residual γ-H2AX foci at 24 h after C-ion irradiation. Chromosomal aberrations were significantly higher in both the NHEJ- and HR-deficient cell lines than in wild-type cell lines in response to all radiation types. Protons and gamma rays induced the same aberration levels in each cell line, whereas C ions introduced higher but not significantly different aberration levels. Our results suggest that the NHEJ pathway plays an important role in repairing DSBs induced by both clinical proton and C-ion beams. Furthermore, in C ions the HR pathway appears to be involved in the repair of DSBs to a greater extent compared to gamma rays and protons.
Causes of Child and Youth Homelessness in Developed and Developing Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE A systematic compilation of children and youth's reported reasons for street involvement is lacking. Without empirical data on these reasons, the policies developed or implemented to mitigate street involvement are not responsive to the needs of these children and youth. OBJECTIVE To systematically analyze the self-reported reasons why children and youth around the world become street-involved and to analyze the available data by level of human development, geographic region, and sex. DATA SOURCES Electronic searches of Scopus, PsychINFO, EMBASE, POPLINE, PubMed, ERIC, and the Social Sciences Citation Index were conducted from January 1, 1990, to the third week of July 2013. We searched the peer-reviewed literature for studies that reported quantitative reasons for street involvement. The following broad search strategy was used to search the databases: "street children" OR "street youth" OR "homeless youth" OR "homeless children" OR "runaway children" OR "runaway youth" or "homeless persons. " STUDY SELECTION Studies were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: (1) participants were 24 years of age or younger, (2) participants met our definition of street-connected children and youth, and (3) the quantitative reasons for street involvement were reported. We reviewed 318 full texts and identified 49 eligible studies. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. We fit logistic mixed-effects models to estimate the pooled prevalence of each reason and to estimate subgroup pooled prevalence by development level or geographic region. The meta-analysis was conducted from February to August 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES We created the following categories based on the reported reasons in the literature: poverty, abuse, family conflict, delinquency, psychosocial health, and other. RESULTS In total, there were 13 559 participants from 24 countries, of which 21 represented developing countries. The most commonly reported reason for street involvement was poverty, with a pooled-prevalence estimate of 39% (95% CI, 29%-51%). Forty-seven studies included in this review reported family conflict as the reason for street involvement, with a pooled prevalence of 32% (95% CI, 26%-39%). Abuse was equally reported in developing and developed countries as the reason for street involvement, with a pooled prevalence of 26% (95% CI, 18%-35%). Delinquency was the least frequently cited reason overall, with a pooled prevalence of 10% (95% CI, 5%-20%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The street-connected children and youth who provided reasons for their street involvement infrequently identified delinquent behaviors for their circumstances and highlighted the role of poverty as a driving factor. They require support and protection, and governments globally are called on to reduce the socioeconomic inequities that cause children and youth to turn to the streets in the first place, in all regions of the world.
Synthesis and Characterization of POSS/PMMA Nano Composite Particles

The POSS-PMMA core-shell composite particles were prepared by emulsion polymerization of methylmethacrylate onto POSS using potassium persulfate as initiator and sodium dodecylsulfate(SDS) as emulsification.FT-IR,XPS and TEM photograph show that the POSS-PMMA composite particles are prepared.And the Photon Correlation Spectroscopy(PCS) was used to observe the diameter and the diameter distribution of the particles in the latexes.In order to investigate the particle morphologies of composite particles and if the diameter distribution was relatively narrow,the particles were observed under transmission electronmicroscopy(TEM).
Relationships of Disability with Age Among Adults Aged 50 to 85: Evidence from the United States, England and Continental Europe

Objectives To extend existing research on the US health disadvantage relative to Europe by studying the relationships of disability with age from midlife to old age in the US and four European regions (England/Northern and Western Europe/Southern Europe/Eastern Europe) including their wealth-related differences, using a flexible statistical approach to model the age-functions. Methods We used data from three studies on aging, with nationally representative samples of adults aged 50 to 85 from 15 countries (N = 48225): the US-American Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Outcomes were mobility limitations and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living. We applied fractional polynomials of age to determine best fitting functional forms for age on disability in each region, while controlling for socio-demographic characteristics and important risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity). Results Findings showed high levels of disability in the US with small age-related changes between 50 and 85. Levels of disability were generally lower in Eastern Europe, followed by England and Southern Europe and lowest in Northern and Western Europe. In these latter countries age-related increases of disability, though, were steeper than in the US, especially in Eastern and Southern Europe. For all countries and at all ages, disability levels were higher among adults with low wealth compared to those with high wealth, with largest wealth-related differences among those in early old age in the USA. Conclusions This paper illustrates considerable variations of disability and its relationship with age. It supports the hypothesis that less developed social policies and more pronounced socioeconomic inequalities are related to higher levels of disability and an earlier onset of disability.
Reaction and Fired‐Property Studies of Cordierite Compositions

Ceramic bodies approaching the theoretical composition of cordierite were prepared from mixtures of talc and clay; talc, clay, and varying amounts of MgCO3; talc, clay, and alumina; and prochlorite and clay. Additions of BaCO3 and PbSiO, were made. Differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction methods were used in reaction studies of each composition. Bodies had thermal expansions from 0.344 to 0.109% (25° to 900°C.). BaCO3 and PbSiO3 affected thermal expansion. Dielectric properties were improved by additions of BaCO3 and were markedly improved by additions of both BaCO3 and PbSiOl. Cordierite started to crystallize at about 1250°. Additions of PbSiO3 lowered this temperature about 50°C. With sufficient BaCO3, the Ba-C phase, as described by Wisely, crystallized in place of cordierite. The crystallization temperature for the Ba-C phase was about 1200°C. With insufficient BaCO3, both cordierite and Ba-C formed. Additions of PbSiO3 reduced the crystallization temperature of the Ba-C phase by 50°C. and increased the glassy phase. Several of the compositions should haw considerable practical value.
Development of electronic tongue for classification of wine with sampling system

Chemical sensor system is an emerging analytical instrument used for wide application. During last decade multi-sensor system and devices for liquid analysis are developed. Analytical taste-sensing multichannel sensory system are called as electronic tongue. It has been developed to access the taste which can replace human sensory panel with conventional measurement such as pH and conductivity. The classification is based on the principle of cyclic voltammetry which is a part of electrochemistry. Electronic tongue consists specifically consists of three electrodes namely working, reference and counter electrode. The assembly consist of circular turntable which has auto-sampler mounted on it. An electronic arm has all three electrodes attached, which will guide them into wine sample. Liquid auto-sampler is designed and fabricated and is driven by servo motor. The modelling of turntable and robotic arm is done in CATIA. Arduino Mega is used for programming of entire system. The Potentiostat used is GAMRY 1000A and cyclic voltammetry is applied. The voltammogram obtained is a signature of the wine sample. The system overcomes the limitation of fatigue and inaccuracy observed in human sensory panel.
A study on the influence of process parameters on the Mechanical Properties of 3D printed ABS composite

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies have been emerged as a fabrication method to obtain engineering components within a short span of time. Desktop 3D printing, also referred as additive layer manufacturing technology is one of the powerful method of rapid prototyping (RP) technique that fabricates three dimensional engineering components. In this method, 3D digital CAD data is converted directly to a product. In the present investigation, ABS + hydrous magnesium silicate composite was considered as the starting material. Mechanical properties of ABS + hydrous magnesium silicate composite material were evaluated. ASTM D638 and ASTM D760 standards were followed for carrying out tensile and flexural tests, respectively. Samples with different layer thickness and printing speed were prepared. Based on the experimental results, it is suggested that low printing speed, and low layer thickness has resulted maximum tensile and flexural strength, as compared to all the other process parameters samples.
Scanning Brain Networks with Micro-CT

Ryuta Mizutani,1* Rino Saiga,1 Susumu Takekoshi,2 Makoto Arai,3 Akihisa Takeuchi,4 and Yoshio Suzuki4 1Department of Applied Biochemistry, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan 2Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan 3Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan 4Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI/SPring-8), Sayo, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan