Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the Involvement of Par-4 in Ischemic Neuron Cell Death

After a stroke many neurons in the ischemic brain tissue die by a process called apoptosis, a form of cell death that may be preventable. The specific molecular cascades that mediate ischemic neuronal death are not well understood. The authors recently identified prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) as a protein that participates in the death of cultured hippocampal neurons induced by trophic factor withdrawal and exposure to glutamate. Here, the authors show that Par-4 levels increase in vulnerable populations of hippocampal and striatal neurons in rats after transient forebrain ischemia; Par-4 levels increased within 6 hours of reperfusion and remained elevated in neurons undergoing apoptosis 3 days later. After transient focal ischemia in mice, Par-4 levels were increased 6 to12 hours after reperfusion in the infarcted cortex and the striatum, and activation of caspase-8 occurred with a similar time course. Par-4 immunoreactivity was localized predominantly in cortical neurons at the border of the infarct area. A Par-4 antisense oligonucleotide protected cultured hippocampal neurons against apoptosis induced by chemical hypoxia and significantly reduced focal ischemic damage in mice. The current data suggest that early up-regulation of Par-4 plays a pivotal role in ischemic neuronal death in animal models of stroke and cardiac arrest.
Optimizing bottom subcells for III-V-on-Si multijunction solar cells

Dual-junction solar cells formed by a GaAsP or GaInP top cell and a silicon bottom cell seem to be attractive candidates to materialize the long sought-for integration of III-V materials on silicon for photovoltaic applications. Such integration would offer a cost breakthrough for photovoltaic technology, unifying the low cost of silicon and the efficiency potential of III-V multijunction solar cells. In this study, we analyze several factors influencing the performance of the bottom subcell of this dual-junction, namely, 1) the formation of the emitter as a result of the phosphorus diffusion that takes place during the prenucleation temperature ramp and during the growth of the III-V layers; 2) the degradation in surface morphology during diffusion; and 3) the quality needed for the passivation provided by the GaP layer on the emitter.
A Division Method Using a Parallel Multiplier

The use of a parallel multiplier for performing high-speed binary division requires that an algorithm be devised that obtains the quotient by means of multiplications and additions. Furthermore, its hardware implementation must be as simple and as fast as possible. A suitable algorithm, which applies to a first approximation to the reciprocal of the divisor, has already been proposed[1]. A similar algorithm is presented in this paper. The comparison between the two methods for equal numbers of multiplications shows that the latter is more accurate. Conversely, a given accuracy can often be obtained with a higher speed. The generation of a piecewise-linear initial approximation is also discussed.
Partial‐Likelihood Analysis of Spatio‐Temporal Point‐Process Data

Summary We investigate the use of a partial likelihood for estimation of the parameters of interest in spatio‐temporal point‐process models. We identify an important distinction between spatially discrete and spatially continuous models. We focus our attention on the spatially continuous case, which has not previously been considered. We use an inhomogeneous Poisson process and an infectious disease process, for which maximum‐likelihood estimation is tractable, to assess the relative efficiency of partial versus full likelihood, and to illustrate the relative ease of implementation of the former. We apply the partial‐likelihood method to a study of the nesting pattern of common terns in the Ebro Delta Natural Park, Spain.
THE MUTUALITY OF AUTONOMY SCALE: AN IMPLICIT MEASURE OF OBJECT RELATIONS FOR THE RORSCHACH INKBLOT METHOD

The mental internalization of critical experiences with important early childhood caregivers forms the foundation of how each individual perceives, reacts to, and organizes his or her life with people. The quality and character of these internal object relationships impact the quality of current functioning, ranging from relative health and happiness to debilitating experiences of suspiciousness, fear of intrusion, and psychosis. Psychoanalysts generally place great importance on the theoretical and clinical significance of object relations and the accurate assessment of these phenomena. The Mutuality of Autonomy scale for the Rorschach (MOA: Urist, 1977) is one implicit measure of object relations that has broad empirical and clinical support. This brief article provides an introduction to the scale’s development, scoring, and applications.
Stabilization Technique for Region-of-Interest Trajectories Made from Video Watching Manipulations

SUMMARY Due to the recent progress made in camera and network environments, on-line video services enable people around the world to watch or share high-quality HD videos that can record a wider angle without losing objects’ details in each image. As a result, users of these services can watch videos in di ﬀ erent ways with di ﬀ erent ROIs (Regions of Inter-est), especially when there are multiple objects in a scene, and thus there are few common ways for them to transfer their impressions for each scene directly. Posting messages is currently the usual way but it does not suf-ﬁciently enable all users to transfer their impressions. To transfer a user’s impressions directly and provide users with a richer video watching experience, we propose a system that enables them to extract their favorite parts of videos as ROI trajectories through simple and intuitive manipulation of their tablet device. It also enables them to share a recorded trajectory with others after stabilizing it in a manner that should be satisfactory to every user. Using statistical analysis of user manipulations, we have demonstrated an approach to trajectory stabilization that can eliminate undesirable or uncomfortable elements due to tablet-speciﬁc manipulations. The system’s validity has been conﬁrmed by subjective evaluations.
Precise and Efficient Points-to Analysis via New Context-Sensitivity and Heap Abstraction

Points-to analysis addresses a fundamental problem in program analysis: determining statically which objects a variable or reference can point to. As a fundamental technique, many real-world clients such as bug detection, security analysis, program understanding, compiler optimization and program verification, depend on the results of points-to analysis. A long-standing problem in points-to analysis is the balance between precision and efficiency. This thesis aims to improve both ends of the balance respectively. • For precision, object-sensitivity is usually considered as the most precise context-sensitivity for points-to analysis for object-oriented languages, such as Java. However, it suffers from the scalability problem when increasing the context length and thus it is hard to further improve its precision. We present Bean, a new object-sensitivity approach for points-to analysis. By identifying and eliminating the redundant context elements which contribute nothing to the precision, Bean is able to improve the precision of any kobject-sensitive analysis by still using a k-limiting context abstraction. • For efficiency, targeting the type-dependent clients such as call graph construction, devirtualization and may-fail casting, we present Mahjong, a new heap abstraction approach for points-to analysis. By merging equivalent automata representing type-consistent objects that are created by the
Fast H2-based integral equation solvers with an optimal H2-representation for large-scale electromagnetic analysis

We propose an algorithm to construct an optimal H2-based representation of integral operators, which has both optimized H2-partition and minimized rank, for accelerating integral equation based solutions of large-scale electromagnetic problems. The computational cost of this algorithm is small, since the cost associated with each admissible block depends on the block rank only. The proposed algorithm is also kernel independent. With the proposed H2-representation, both H2-based fast direct and iterative solvers are developed. They significantly outperform state-of-the-art H2-based solvers in computational efficiency without sacrificing accuracy.
Feasibility study of partial-RESET multilevel programming in Phase Change Memories

In this work, staircase-up (SCU) partial-RESET programming in Phase Change Memories is experimentally investigated at both the single cell and the array level. The aim of this work is to highlight advantages and drawbacks of partial-RESET programming from the viewpoint of multilevel (ML) storage, where the cell can be programmed to any among n >2 predetermined different states. Although high reproducibility of the SCU partial-RESET programming curve of a single cell has been observed, the spread over the considered array implies the need for a Program-and-Verify (P&V) approach to achieve the necessary accuracy for ML storage. The feasibility of SCU P&V partial-RESET programming is experimentally demonstrated for the case of 4 log-spaced levels within the available resistance window.
Crystalloid configurations in the adrenal cortex of the Siamese tree shrew (Tupaia glis)

Crystalloids of what appear to be smooth reticulum have been observed in the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis in both the stressed and nonstressed adrenal gland of the Siamese tree shrew (Tupaia glis). No crystalloids are observed in the zona glomerulosa. Similar crystalloids have been described in other steroid‐secreting organs, including the antebrachial organ of the lemur (Lemur catta), the parotoid gland of Bufo alvarius and in sebaceous gland cells of the Galagos and Macaques. Moreover, the crystalloids in the present investigation resemble the paracrystalline arrays of smooth reticulum present in the adrenal cortex of the fetal guinea pig. The crystalloids show much variation in degree of organization, sometimes appearing as wavy tubules parallel with one another or as fused tubules having a “donut” configuration. In addition, the crystalloids are nearly identical to configurations which have been described in mitochondrial cristae of the protozoan, Pelomyxa carolinensis.
Autoantibodies against spermatozoa in sterile men.

2015 men seen by an infertility team because of their childless marriages were studied to determine whether they had autoantibodies against their spermatozoa. A control group consisted of 416 husbands of pregnant women. The technique employed was a macroscopic agglutination method with a gelatin medium. 4.9% of 102 patients with azoospermia or oligoszoospermia had serum spermagglutinin titers of 1:32 or higher while 3.2% of the other 1913 patients and none of the controls had such titers (p< .001). It was found that the formation of autoantibodies may be the result of an occlusion in the vas deferens or the epididymis. 15 of 17 biopsies from patients with autoagglutination showed normal spermatogenesis suggesting that the spermagglutinin does not affect the spermatogenic tissue. In instances where autoagglutination was the only abnormal sign (density and motility being sufficient) it was suggested that sterility may be due to the inability of the sperm clumps to penetrate into the cervical mucous.
A 2-GHz low-phase-noise integrated LC-VCO set with flicker-noise upconversion minimization

A fully integrated 2-GHz very low-phase-noise LC-tank voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) set with flicker noise upconversion minimization is presented. Using only integrated planar inductors, the measured phase noise is as low as -125.1 dBc/Hz at 600-kHz offset and -138 dBc/Hz at 3 MHz. The excellent phase-noise performance is achieved by means of an in-house-developed integrated inductor simulator optimizer. To minimize the upconversion of flicker noise to 1/f/sup 3/ phase noise, a flicker-noise upconversion factor is defined, which can easily be extracted from circuit simulation. The technique is applied to demonstrate the relationship between the flicker-noise upconversion and the overdrive level of the oscillators' MOS cross-coupled pair and to develop circuit balancing techniques to even further reduce the flicker-noise upconversion. The 1/f/sup 3/ phase-noise corner is minimized to be less than 15 kHz. The VCO's are implemented in a three-metal layer, 0.65-/spl mu/m BiCMOS process, using only MOS active devices.
SOX8 Regulates Permeability of the Blood-Testes Barrier That Affects Adult Male Fertility in the Mouse1

ABSTRACT Sertoli cells provide nutritional and physical support to germ cells during spermatogenesis. Sox8 encodes a member of the high mobility group of transcription factors closely related to Sox9 and Sox10. Sertoli cells express SOX8 protein, and its elimination results in an age-dependent dysregulation of spermatogenesis, causing adult male infertility. Among the claudin genes with altered expression in the Sox8−/− testes, was claudin-3, which is required for the regulation and maintenance of the blood-testes barrier (BTB). Because the BTB is critical in restricting small molecules in the luminal compartment of the seminiferous tubules, the aim of this study was to analyze the level of tight junction proteins (claudin-3, claudin-11, and occludin) and BTB permeability in Sox8−/− adult testes. The acetylation level of alpha-tubulin and microtubule organization was also evaluated because microtubules are critical in maintaining the microenvironment of the seminiferous epithelium. Western blot analysis shows that claudin-3 protein is decreased in Sox8−/− testes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed that SOX8 binds at the promoter region of claudin-3. Claudin-3 was localized to the Sertoli cell tight junctions of wild-type testes and significantly decreased in the Sox8−/− testes. The use of biotin tracers showed increased BTB permeability in the Sox8−/− adult testes. Electron microscopy analysis showed that microtubule structures were destabilized in the Sox8−/− testes. These results suggest that Sox8 is essential in Sertoli cells for germ cell differentiation, partly by controlling the microenvironment of the seminiferous epithelium.
Extradural haematoma presenting as a contralateral sixth nerve palsy after cochlear implantation

Abstract Intracranial complications after cochlear implantation are rare. The authors present the case of a 13 month old boy with a contralateral abducens nerve palsy following cochlear implantation that led to the diagnosis of an extradural haematoma on computerised tomography scanning. The abducens palsy resolved after evacuation of the haematoma and the patient made an excellent recovery. The literature is reviewed and the mechanism of injury discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infrared (810 nm) Low‐Level Laser Therapy in Experimental Model of Strain‐Induced Skeletal Muscle Injury in Rats: Effects on Functional Outcomes

Muscle strains are among the most prevalent causes for athletes’ absence from sport activities. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently emerged as a potential contender to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in muscle strain treatment. In this work we investigated effects of LLLT and diclofenac on functional outcomes in the acute stage after muscle strain injury in rats. Muscle strain was induced by overloading the tibialis anterior muscle of rats during anesthesia. The injured groups received either no treatment, or a single treatment with diclofenac 30 min prior to injury, or LLLT (810 nm, 100 mW) with doses of 1, 3, 6 or 9 J, at 1 h after injury. Functional outcome measures included a walking index and assessment of electrically induced muscle performance. All treatments (except 9 J LLLT) significantly improved the walking index 12 h postinjury compared with the untreated group. The 3 J group also showed a significantly better walking index than the drug group. All treatments significantly improved muscle performance at 6 and 12 h. LLLT dose of 3 J was as effective as the pharmacological agent in improving functional outcomes in the early phase after a muscle strain injury in rats.
What is the ultimate test that lowering lipoprotein(a) is beneficial for cardiovascular disease and aortic stenosis?

Purpose of review Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and calcific aortic valve stenosis. We review recent studies that highlight Lp(a) in CVD and calcific aortic valve stenosis and propose pathways to clinical registration of Lp(a)-lowering agents. Recent findings Over the last few years, almost irrefutable evidence has accumulated that Lp(a) is a causal, independent, genetic risk factor for CVD. Most recently, new data have emerged that elevated Lp(a) is causally associated with calcific aortic valve stenosis and the need for aortic valve replacement. Three levels of evidence to support these findings: epidemiological studies, Mendelian randomization studies and genetic association studies. A dedicated Lp(a)-lowering trial has not been performed to date. Emerging Lp(a)-lowering therapies with specific and potent lowering of Lp(a) are in phase II clinical trials and provide a tool to test the hypothesis that lowering Lp(a) plasma levels will lead to clinical benefit. Summary We provide a rationale for the potential clinical use of Lp(a)-lowering therapies in high-risk patients or patients with established CVD whose major risk factor is elevated Lp(a) levels and propose clinical studies and trials to demonstrate that lowering Lp(a) levels will effectively reduce the risk of calcific aortic valve stenosis and CVD.
A transcription toolkit: theoretical and clinical considerations

This paper discusses theoretical and clinical aspects of transcription practices in clinical linguistics and phonetics, and speech-language pathology. We consider the purpose of transcribing and transcripts, and distinguish between the transcript as a product and transcribing as a complex, cyclical process that forms an integral part of data analysis. Operational relationships between transcriber, data and data source, and the reader are addressed. We suggest a multi-layered toolkit approach to transcribing, based on six guiding principles.
The DIDS (Distributed Intrusion Detection System) Prototype

Intrusion detection is the problem of identifying unauthorized use, misuse, and abuse of computer systems by both system insiders and extemal penehators. The growth in numbers and complexity of heterogeneous computer networks provides additional implications for the intrusion detection problem. In particular, the increased connectivity of oomputer systems gives greater access to outsiders, and makes it easier for intruders to avoid detection. We are designing and implementing a prototype Distributed Intrusion Detection System (DIDS) that combines distributed monitoring and data reduction (through individual Host' and :[AN Monitors) with centralized data analysis (through the DIDS Director) in order to monitor a heterogeneous network of computers. This approach is unique among current intrusion detection systems. One of the problems considered in this paper is the Network-user Identification (NID) problem, which is concerned with tracking a user moving across the network, possibly with a new user-id on each computer. Initial system proûotypes have provided quite favorable results on both the NID problem and the detection'of otheì aitacks on -4. network. This paper provides an overview of the motivation behind DIDS, the system architecture and capabilities, and a discussion about the implementation of the system prototype.
cis and trans Sites of the TOM Complex of Mitochondria in Unfolding and Initial Translocation of Preproteins*

Translocation of preproteins across the mitochondrial outer membrane is mediated by the TOM complex. Our previous studies led to the concept of two preprotein binding sites acting in series, the surface-exposed cis site and thetrans site exposed to the intermembrane space. We report here that preproteins are bound to the cis site in a labile fashion even at low ionic strength, whereas intermediates arrested at the trans site remained firmly bound at higher salt concentration. The stability of the trans site intermediate results from interactions of both the presequence and unfolded parts of the mature part of the preprotein with the TOM complex. Binding to thetrans site proceeded at rates comparable with those of unfolding of the mature domain and appeared to be kinetically limited by the unfolding reaction. Efficient binding to the transsite and unfolding were observed with both outer membrane vesicles and intact mitochondria whose membrane potential, ΔΨ, was dissipated. Upon re-establishing ΔΨ, trans site-bound preprotein resumed translocation into the matrix. The rates of unfolding and binding to the trans site were the same as those for translocation into intact energized mitochondria. We conclude that preprotein unfolding in intact mitochondria can take place without the involvement of the translocation machinery of the inner membrane and, in particular, the matrix Hsp70 chaperone. Further, preprotein unfolding at the outer membrane can be a rate-limiting step for formation of the trans site intermediate and for the entire translocation reaction.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is a stronger indicator of cardiometabolic risk factors and risk prediction than self-reported physical activity levels

This study investigated the relationships of self-reported physical activity levels and cardiorespiratory fitness in 81 males to assess which measurement is the greatest indicator of cardiometabolic risk. Physical activity levels were determined by the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire tool and cardiorespiratory fitness assessed using the Chester Step Test. Cardiovascular disease risk was estimated using the QRISK2, Framingham Lipids, Framingham body mass index and Joint British Societies’ Guidelines-2 equations, and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk calculated using QDiabetes, Leicester Risk Assessment, Finnish Diabetes Risk Score and Cambridge Risk Score models. Categorising employees by cardiorespiratory fitness categories (‘Excellent/Good’ vs ‘Average/Below Average’) identified more differences in cardiometabolic risk factor (body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, total cholesterol:high-density lipoprotein ratio, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, HbA1c) scores than physical activity (waist circumference only). Cardiorespiratory fitness levels also demonstrated differences in all four type 2 diabetes mellitus risk prediction models and both the QRISK2 and Joint British Societies’ Guidelines-2 cardiovascular disease equations. Furthermore, significant negative correlations (p < 0.001) were observed between individual cardiorespiratory fitness values and estimated risk in all prediction models. In conclusion, from this preliminary observational study, cardiorespiratory fitness levels reveal a greater number of associations with markers of cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to physical activity determined by the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire tool.