Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
BLOOD RNA BIOMARKERS IN PRODROMAL PARK4 AND REM SLEEP BEHAVIOR DISORDER SHOW ROLE OF COMPLEXIN-1 LOSS FOR RISK OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a frequent neurodegenerative process at old age. Accumulation and aggregation of the lipid-binding SNARE complex component alphasynuclein (SNCA) underlies this vulnerability and defines stages of disease progression. Determinants of SNCA levels and mechanisms of SNCA neurotoxicity are intensely investigated. In view of physiological SNCA roles in blood to modulate vesicle release, we studied blood samples from a new large pedigree with SNCA gene duplication (PARK4 mutation), to identify effects of SNCA gain-of-function as potential disease biomarkers. The expression of other Parkinson’s disease gene was not, but complexin-1 (CPLX1) mRNA downregulation was correlated with genotype. In global RNAseq profiling of blood from presymptomatic PARK4, bioinformatics detected significant upregulations for platelet activation, hemostasis, lipoproteins, endocytosis, lysosome, cytokine, toll like receptor signalling and extracellular pathways. In PARK4 platelets, stimulus-triggered degranulation was impaired. Strong SPP1, GZMH, and PLTP mRNA upregulations were validated in PARK4. When analysing cases with REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), the most specific known prodromal stage of general PD, only blood CPLX1 levels were altered. Validation experiments confirmed an inverse mutual regulation of SNCA and CPLX1 mRNA levels. In the 3’-UTR of the CPLX1 gene we identified a SNP that is significantly associated with PD risk. In summary, our data define CPLX1 as PD risk factor and provide functional insights into the role and regulation of blood alpha-synuclein levels. The novel blood biomarkers of PARK4 in this Turkish family may become useful for PD prediction. D is ea se M o de ls & M ec ha ni sm s • D M M • A dv an ce a rt ic le
Multi-Spacecraft Analysis of Plasma Kinetics

Handling data from charged particle analysers which measure phase space density requires some care and attention. Even with a single satellite, the errors and uncertainties introduced by energy level and response calibrations, incomplete sampling of phase space, and discrete integration down to plasma moments (density, velocity, pressure, etc.) results in basic errors typically larger than those in, say, magnetic field measurements (see Chapter6 for more details concerning the computation of parameters from particle instruments). Additionally, the time required to complete a sampling interval is often seconds or more, comparable to many scales of interest and intrinsic variability, so that some time aliasing is often present. Multi-spacecraft comparisons compound these difficulties. Thus many of the methods (filtering, spatial gradient and other vector operators) introduced earlier with electromagnetic fields as examples are much more difficult to apply to particle data. On the other hand, particle data holds a richness in phase space information which can be exploited to reveal the physical processes which govern the dynamics, and which can probe/remote sense non-local structures. Nearly all such work is based on applications of Liouville’s Theorem. In this chapter we explore some of the ways in which this phase space information can be utilised. One major difference between these multi-spacecraft particle techniques and those discussed earlier with respect to lower dimensional, higher time resolution field data is that very often the particle techniques need to be adapted and/or designed with a single specific study in mind. Thus the techniques described below should be regarded as examples rather than off-the-shelf techniques. Additionally, multi-species measurements provide another dimension which can be utilised. At its most basic level, measurements of both ions and electrons enables a direct measurement of the charge and current densities. Comparison of ions with different masses (or charge-to-mass ratios) probes different scalelengths and differentiates the relative contributions of different forces. This chapter is organised as follows. In the next section, we review Liouville’s Theorem, and other background information. This is followed by a discussion of techniques relating to basic moments of the particle distribution. Later sections cover various applications of Liouville’s Theorem and related phase space aspects.
IV 36 2 CHAPTER 2 – CRACKING IN ASPHALT MATERIALS

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of both laboratory characterization and modelling of bulk material fracture in asphalt mixtures. For the purpose of organization, this chapter is divided into a section on laboratory tests and a section on models. The laboratory characterization section is further subdivided on the basis of predominent loading conditions (monotonic versus cyclic). The section on constitutive models is subdivided into two sections, the first one containing fracture mechanics based models for crack initiation and propagation that do not include material degradation due to cyclic loading conditions. The second section discusses phenomenological models that have been developed for crack growth through the use of dissipated energy and damage accumulation concepts. These latter models have the capability to simulate degradation of material capacity upon exceeding a threshold number of loading cycles. 2.
Analysis of Simultaneous Wind Measurements in the Mesosphere Using Doppler-Wind Lidar and Rocketsondes

This study compares wind soundings performed with rocketsondes and Doppler-wind lidar in the middle atmosphere. The summer rocket campaign as part of the WADIS research project at the Andøya Rocket Range in Norway (69 N 16 E) consisted of 1 launch of an instrumented sounding rocket and 11 launches of smaller meteorological rockets carrying datasonde payloads. Datasondes measure temperature and wind in the altitude range between 20 km and 70 km. The trajectory is tracked by radar. The ALOMAR RMR-Lidar consists of two pulsed laser beams and two telescopes that can be tilted in North-West (NWT) and South-East (SET) direction. The launches in the time period of June 26. July 1. 2013 were accompanied by concurrent groundbased lidarand radar-measurements. Lidar and datasonde wind measurements were in a quasi common volume in the case of the NWT telescope at a distance of less than 1 km at 54 km altitude, while the SET telescope pointed away from the datasonde trajectory at a distance of approx. 20 km at 50 km altitude. Higher radar tracking resolution of 50 Hz allowed an improved estimation of the datasonde wind errors. The new datasonde analysis software is consistent with previous analysis methods with a di↵erence of less than 0.6 m/s under certain conditions. On the night of the 30.06. / 01.07. 2013, close agreement between the lidar and datasonde wind measurements has been shown in the altitude range between 45 km and 65 km. The comparison of lidar, datasonde and MF radar wind measurements during the rocket launch on the 01.07. 2013 at 0:30 UT show excellent agreement in the altitude range of 45 km 70 km. Better agreement in the line-of-sight wind measurements of the NWT lidar telescope has been shown than in the zonal wind measurements of the SET lidar telescope.
Analysis and Exploitation of the Star-Point Voltage of Synchronous Machines for Sensorless Operation

In the field of sensorless drive of synchronous machines (SMs), many techniques have been proposed that can be applied successfully in most applications. Nevertheless, these techniques rely on the measurement of the phase currents to extract the rotor position information. In the particular case of low-power machines, the application of such techniques is challenging due to the limited bandwidth of the available current sensors. An alternative is offered by those techniques that exploit the star-point voltage rather than phase currents. This work aims at providing a model of the dynamic behavior of the star-point voltage and presenting a technique for extracting the rotor electrical position needed for sensorless operation of SMs. Two different circuitries for measuring the star-point voltage are also presented and then compared. The presented mathematical analysis and the measurement methods are validated both numerically and experimentally on a test machine.
Recursive Fuzzy Operator for Contrast Enhancement of Digital Color Images

A new method for contrast enhancement of RGB color images is presented in this paper. The approach is based on a three-output recursive operator that adopts fuzzy relations in order to perform detail sharpening and noise reduction as well. The optimal amounts of sharpening and smoothing can be easily achieved by choosing a set of parameter values. Results of computer simulations dealing with color pictures corrupted by Gaussian noise show that the proposed method is very effective. It can sharpen the details of a color image and reduce the noise. Keywords— image processing, image enhancement, image sharpening, nonlinear filters, fuzzy models.
Research on Digital Synchronous Rectification for a High-Efficiency DC-DC Converter in an Auxiliary Power Supply System of Magnetic Levitation

In this paper, a new auxiliary power supply system of magnetic levitation based on the LLC DC-DC converter is proposed. The switches of the DC-DC converter are SiC MOSFET, which enables high frequency, high temperature, and high power density. For further improving the efficiency of the system and realizing the stability of the output voltage under different load conditions, the digital synchronous rectification (DSR) based on the phase shift control strategy is proposed. The prototype of the LLC DC-DC converter based on SiC MOSFET is implemented, which can realize zero voltage switching (ZVS) and zero current switching (ZCS). Then, the thermal image of DSR is presented, which proves that the power loss of SiC MOSFET with DSR is relatively low. Additionally, the system efficiency among the Si IGBT, SiC MOSFET, and SiC MOSFET with DSR is analyzed and the prototype demonstrates 98% peak efficiency. Finally, simulations, experiments, and data analysis prove the superiority of the proposed DSR strategy for the new auxiliary power supply system of magnetic levitation.
Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: An Integrated Design Approach for Learning Experiences in Video Games

This paper outlines an approach for task and challenge design in video games to integrate the learning experience with the playing experience in systematic and testable ways. After introducing basic game-based learning processes in the context of an updated ﬂow model, the approach is out-lined from assembling learning outcomes (typology) to applying a learning organization (taxonomy) to creating learning opportunities (tasks and challenges), which can then be empirically tested during development by, e.g., methods of rational level/rational game design.
Effect of Ni Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of NbC-WC-Ti (C0. 7, N0. 3)-Ni Cermets

In this study, Ni bonded NbC cermets, i.e., NbC-xNi-18WC-14Ti(C0.7,N0.3) (wt%) with a Ni from 6 to 20 wt%, were prepared by liquid phase sintering in vacuum for 90 min at 1390 or 1450 °C. Microstructural investigation was performed by SEM and XRD analysis. The phase composition in the cermets were simulated by thermodynamic modelling. All cermets were fully densified. Microstructure and phase analysis indicated that the NbC based cermets were composed of a core-rim structured cubic (Nb,W,Ti)(C,N) phase and a cubic Ni alloy binder. The variation in Ni content resulted in a significant effect on the hardness and toughness of the cermets. The hardness decreased whereas the fracture toughness increased nearly linearly with increasing Ni content. The NbC-9Ni-18WC-14Ti(C0.7,N0.3) (wt%) cermets, sintered at 1450 °C, exhibited a good combination of hardness (1500 kg/mm2 ) and indentation toughness (~8.8 MPa.m1/2) as well as a three point flexural strength of 2000 MPa.
Structural insights into the Roco G-protein cycle

The Roco protein family has come into the focus of research when the human Roco protein LRRK2 (Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) was discovered to be the most frequent cause of late onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Roco proteins are characterized by the RocCOR domain tandem, consisting of a Ras-of-complex proteins (Roc) G-domain and a C-terminal-of-Roc (COR) dimerization domain. Although our understanding of the function and regulation mechanism of Roco proteins is still preliminary, evidence is accumulating that the Roc domain is not a classical G-domain but follows an unconventional activation mechanism. Structural data on Roco proteins are rare but would be very valuable in order to describe the activation mechanism and regulation of the RocCOR tandem domain. Here we report for the first time a nucleotide bound structure of the full RocCOR tandem from Methanosarcina barkeri (Mb). Comparison of the GppNHp and GDP bound states reveal no major differences in the switch region, in contrast to conformational changes reported for classical small G-proteins such as Ras, thus underscoring an unconventional switch mechanism of Roco proteins. Moreover the structure of a mutation homologous to the PD associated mutation Y1699C in LRRK2 could be solved. Structure and biochemical analysis lead to the assumption of a change in the flexibility of the mutant protein.
Comparative study of the efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation versus closed reduction and external fixation in treating distal radius fracture

Objective: To compare the efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation versus closed reduction and external fixation in treating distal radius fracture. Methods: A total of 77 patients with distal radius fracture were retrospectively analyzed. There were 40 patients in the open reduction and internal fixation group (observation group) and 37 patients in the closed reduction and external fixation group (control group). The fracture symptoms, healing time of fracture, postoperative evaluation of wrist function, disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and life quality for 3 months after operation were compared. Results: In terms of fracture symptoms, the patients in the observation group had better improvements in pain, swelling and ecchymosis over the patients in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Healing time of the patients’ fracture in the observation group was less than that of the patients in the control group (P<0.05). As for the recovery of wrist function, the observation group showed better recovery of the palmar tilt angle, ulnar deviation angle and radius height than the control group (P<0.05). What’s more, the excellent and good scores of DASH scale was higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). Lastly, with regard to postoperative life quality, physical function, physical role functioning, social functioning, emotional role functioning and bodily pain of the patients in the observation group were all significantly better than those of the patients in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation is better than closed reduction and external fixation in treating distal radius fracture. When treated by open reduction and internal fixation, patients with distal radius fracture have shorter healing time and good postoperative life quality. Therefore, it is worthwhile to popularize and apply open reduction and internal fixation in clinical practice.
Edible Seaweeds Sold in the Local Public Markets in Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Documenting local knowledge regarding the identity and use of wild resources in rural communities is a pressing concern because such knowledge is likely disappearing into oblivion. As easily perceived, the large crowds in public markets provide opportunities for the exchange of local resources. Tawi-Tawi is one of the rural areas in the Philippines for which a list of seaweed species sold in the local marketplace has not been reported to date. Here, a survey of Tawi-Tawi public markets resulted in a list of seven commercialized seaweed species – namely Caulerpa lentillifera, Caulerpa cf. macrodisca ecad corynephora, Caulerpa cf. racemosa, Eucheuma denticulatum, Kappaphycus alvarezii, Kappaphycus striatus, and Solieria robusta. The local name, description, and other key trade information for each seaweed ethnotaxon were provided. This study contributes to filling in data gaps in ethnophycological literature in the Philippines and its value placed on it by various stakeholders.
The knowledge management, product innovation, and process innovation as antecedents of sports manufacturing firms of Thailand

The main purpose of the currents study is to explore the nexus knowledge management, product innovation, and process innovation as antecedents of sports manufacturing firms of Thailand In order to analyse the relation of operational performance and knowledge management processes, a theoretical framework has been developed through innovation of product and processes in the manufacturing companies of Jordan. Based on this research, it was revealed that there is a significant and positive influence of knowledge management on both innovation types (innovation of product and processes). When innovation is considered as a competitive strategy by the manufacturing companies, they are required to start knowledge management program for supporting innovation. It has been indicated by the research findings that the innovation of process influences the operational efficiency in a positive way. However, innovation of product does not create an influence. There is need for the companies to focus on the innovation process, which aim to improve their operational performance. The study has used survey-based methodology and SEM-PLS is employed to analyse the data. This contributes to the improvements in quality, reduction of cost, and upgrading of response. Innovation of product can result in various benefits along with operational performance of the organization.
A 0.2 V 0.44 µW 20 kHz Analog to Digital Modulator with 57 fJ/conversion FoM

— This paper presents a 90 nm CMOS Σ∆ A/D modulator operating with a supply voltage of 0.2 V, well be- low the threshold voltage of the transistors. The modulator is an open-loop ﬁrst-order architecture based on a frequency- modulated intermediate signal, generated in a ring voltage-controlled oscillator. The linearity of the modulator is greatly improved by the adoption of a so-called soft-rail in the oscillator. Measurements show a dynamic range of 52 dB over a 20 kHz signal bandwidth with a sampling frequency of 3.4 MHz, for a total power consumption as low as 0.44 µ W. The corresponding peak SNDR is 44.2dB, while the peak SNR is 47.4dB.
Isolation, Identification and characterization of Indigenous lipase Producing Bacillus Strains from Soil, Sharqia

A total of 36 Bacillus isolates were obtained from Sharqia governorate soil, Egypt. Among them, three lipolytic isolates were selected using tributyrin agar plate method and detected up to Bacillus spp. The selected strains were exploited in terms of characterization, lipase substrate preference and determination of lipase activity . These isolates were phenotypically, physiologically, and biochemically characterized. All isolates were Gram-positive, aerobic, and motile, Oxidase -positive, rod shaped, endo spore-forming bacteria, and produced extracellular lipase enzyme. The isolates were grown in the presence of 0-10% (w/v) NaCl. Growth was optimal at pH 9 and at temperatures of 37C, except one strain was thermophillic, It was grown on 65C. 16S rDNA sequencing identified these Bacillus spp as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Anoxybacillus flavithermus. Bacillus strains were characterized by numerical analysis of their SDS-PAEG protein profile and analysis of dendrogram using UN weighted pair group method with arithmetic averages algorithm (UPGMA). Both Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus pumilus had lipase activity more than that in Anoxybacillus flavithermus. Bacillus subtilis had lipase activity of 60.3 u/ ml, but Bacillus pumilus lipase activity equal 63.6 u/ml which was higher than that of Anoxybacillus flavithermus (3.33 u/ml).
Water Absorption of HDPE/Al 2 O 3, TiO 2 Composites

The water absorption of high density polyethylene filled with micro hybrid (titanium dioxide and alumina), alumina and titanium dioxide with weight ratio of 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% , are measured in order to study the effect of these particles on water absorption of this polymer. The result shows that the increase of content of filler particles increasing water absorption, because of filler particles which have a higher water absorption percentage than the matrix material, and the filler will take up the free volume within the polymer matrix and create a tortuous path for the water permeating through the sample
Systematic Review with Meta-analysis Very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet v. low-fat diet for long-term weight loss: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

The role of very-low-carbohydrate ketogenic diets (VLCKD) in the long-term management of obesity is not well established. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate whether individuals assigned to a VLCKD (i.e. a diet with no more than 50g carbohydrates/d) achieve better long-term body weight and cardiovascular risk factor management when compared with individuals assigned to a conventional low-fat diet (LFD; i.e. a restricted-energy diet with less than 30% of energy from fat). Through August 2012, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, ClinicalTrials.gov and grey literature databases were searched, using no date or language restrictions, for randomised controlled trials that assigned adults to a VLCKD or a LFD, with 12 months or more of follow-up. The primary outcome was body weight. The secondary outcomes were TAG, HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HbA 1c and C-reactive protein levels. A total of thirteen studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. In the overall analysis, ﬁve outcomes revealed signiﬁcant results. Individuals assigned to a VLCKD showed decreased body weight (weighted mean difference 2 0·91 (95% CI 2 1·65, 2 0·17)kg, 1415 patients), TAG (weighted mean difference 2 0·18 (95% CI 2 0·27, 2 0·08)mmol/l, 1258 patients) and diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference 2 1·43 (95% CI 2 2·49, 2 0·37)mmHg, 1298 patients) while increased HDL-C (weighted mean difference 0·09 (95% CI 0·06, 0·12)mmol/l, 1257 patients) and LDL-C (weighted mean difference 0·12 (95% CI 0·04, 0·2)mmol/l, 1255 patients). Individuals assigned to a VLCKD achieve a greater weight loss than those assigned to a LFD in the long term; hence, a VLCKD may be an alternative tool against obesity.
B2B eCommerce: Current Practices

This chapter discusses the use of Internet by businesses in marketing products and services to other businesses. The chapter starts with the well-known technology adoption model and the relationship between technology adoption and firm profitability and then expands into how businesses market to other businesses using a variety of methods and examples. Most businesses targeting their products and services to other businesses or distributors have developed web sites where purchasers can obtain information and place online orders with little or no human involvement. In addition to company specific web sites, there are also web portals where business customers and sellers meet to buy and sell products using auctions and bids. The chapter then discusses how to increase online traffic using search engine optimization as well as identifying potential customers using electronic databases. The chapter ends with a discussion on the importance of relationship marketing for B2B businesses using Customer Relationship Management software or other means.