Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between schizophrenia and a microsatellite polymorphism at the dopamine D5 receptor gene

An association study of 97 patients with DSM-III-R schizophrenia and 97 matched controls was performed using a polymorphic microsatellite repeat at the dopamine D5 receptor gene. We observed a significant difference between the allele frequencies of patients and controls (X2 = 23.4, df = 12, p = 0.019). This reflects an excess of allele 4 (140 bp) in the patients when compared with the control sample (X2 = 7.087, p < 0.01; odds ratio = 2.98, 95% CI 1.29–6.86). However, this association remains tentative until confirmation in other samples.
Predicting how it sounds: re-ranking dialogue prompts based on TTS quality for adaptive spoken dialogue systems

This paper presents a method for adaptively re-ranking para-phrases in a Spoken Dialogue System (SDS) according to their predicted Text To Speech (TTS) quality. We collect data under 4 different conditions and extract a rich feature set of 55 TTS runtime features. We build predictive models of user ratings us-ing linear regression with latent variables. We then show that these models transfer to a more speciﬁc target domain on a separate test set. All our models signiﬁcantly outperform a random baseline. Our best performing model reaches the same performance as reported by previous work, but it requires 75% less annotated training data. The TTS re-ranking model is part of an end-to-end statistical architecture for Spoken Dialogue Systems developed by the ECFP7 CLASS I C project.
Wide field array calibration dependence on the stability of measured dose distributions.

PURPOSE The aim of this work was to simulate the effect of dose distribution changes on detector array calibrations and to explore compensatory methods that are used during calibration measurements. METHODS The array calibration technique that was investigated is known as wide field (WF) calibration. Using this method, a linear array [y-axis (65 detectors) of the IC PROFILER (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, FL)] is calibrated with three measurements (alpha, theta, and lamda); each measurement uses the same radiation field, which is larger than the array. For measurement configuration theta, the array is rotated by 180 degrees from its position in a; for lamda, the array is shifted by one detector from its position in theta. The relative detector sensitivities are then determined through ratios of detector readings at the same field locations (using theta and lamda). This method results in error propagation that is proportional to the number of detectors in the array. During the procedure, the calibration protocol operates under three postulates, which state that (a) the beam shape does not change between measurements; (b) the relative sensitivities of the detectors do not change; and (c) the scatter to the array does not change as the array is moved. The WF calibration's sensitivity to a postulate (a) violation was quantified by applying a sine shaped perturbation (of up to 0.1%) to a, theta, or lamda, and then determining the change relative to a baseline calibration. Postulate (a) violations were minimized by using a continuous beam and mechanized array movement during theta and lamda. A continuously on beam demonstrated more stable beam symmetry as compared to cycling the beam on and off between measurements. Additional side-scatter was also used to satisfy postulate (c). RESULTS Simulated symmetry perturbations of 0.1% to theta or lamda resulted in calibration errors of up to 2%; alpha was relatively immune to perturbation (<0.1% error). Wide field calibration error on a linear accelerator with similar symmetry variations was +/- 1.6%. Using a continuous beam during theta and lamda with additional side-scatter reduced the calibration error from +/- 1.6% to +/- 0.48%. CONCLUSIONS This work increased the reproducibility of WF calibrations by limiting the effect of measurement perturbations primarily due to linear accelerator symmetry variations. The same technique would work for any array using WF calibration.
Estimating directed brain-brain and brain-heart connectivity through globally conditioned Granger causality approaches

While a large body of research has focused on the study of within-brain physiological networks (i.e. brain connectivity) as well as their disease-related aberration, few investigators have focused on estimating the directionality of these brain-brain interaction which, given the complexity of brain networks, should be properly conditioned in order to avoid the high number of false positives commonly encountered when using bivariate approaches to brain connectivity estimation. Additionally, the constituents of a number of brain subnetworks, and in particular of the central autonomic network (CAN), are still not completely determined. In this study we present and validate a global conditioning approach to reconstructing directed networks using complex synthetic networks of nonlinear oscillators. We then employ our framework, along with a probabilistic model for heartbeat generation, to characterize the directed functional connectome of the human brain and to establish which parts of this connectome effect the directed central modulation of peripheral autonomic cardiovascular control. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our conditioning approach and unveil a top-down directed influence of the default mode network on the salience network, which in turn is seen to be the strongest modulator of directed autonomic cardiovascular control.
Enhancing epithelial engraftment of rat mesenchymal stem cells restores epithelial barrier integrity

The cellular origin, in vivo function and fate of donor bone marrow‐derived cells residing in the recipient intestinal epithelial cells, pericryptal myofibroblasts or endothelial cells remain obscure. Although ‘immunoprivileged’ mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are prime candidates for cell‐ and gene‐based therapy, their precise role in colitis remains largely undetermined. Using a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) colitis with busulphan (BU)‐induced hypoplastic marrow model, we examined the therapeutic effects of MSC transplantation, focusing on the role of MSCs as both cell providers and immunomodulators. Donor‐derived MSCs were detected by eGFP immunofluorescence and fluorescence in situ hybridization for Y‐chromosome (Y‐FISH) analysis. Western blot analysis of apical‐most tight junction proteins was performed with antibodies against claudin‐2, ‐7, ‐8, ‐12, ‐13, ‐15 and ZO‐1. Cytokine and cell cycle profiles were analysed by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and flow cytometry. Susceptibility to DSS colitis was significantly increased by co‐existing BU‐induced bone marrow hypoplasia and this increase was significantly reduced by enhancing epithelial engraftment of MSCs, an effect depending on restoring epithelial barrier integrity rather than inhibiting host immune responses. We provide evidence that implicates MSCs in maintaining epithelial barrier function by reassembling apical‐most tight junction proteins, claudins. The therapeutic efficacy of extrinsic MSCs depends on enhancing epithelial engraftment in damaged crypts by busulphan conditioning. Such a role for the MSC‐derived intestinal cells in colitis therapy merits further examination and may offer a promising new treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Manipulation of CD98 Resolves Type 1 Diabetes in Nonobese Diabetic Mice

The interplay of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells targeting autoantigens is responsible for the progression of a number of autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate T cell activation is crucial for designing effective therapies for autoimmune diseases. We probed a panel of Abs with T cell-modulating activity and identified a mAb specific for the H chain of CD98 (CD98hc) that was able to suppress T cell proliferation. The anti-CD98hc mAb also inhibited Ag-specific proliferation and the acquisition of effector function by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro and in vivo. Injection of the anti-CD98hc mAb completely prevented the onset of cyclophosphamide-induced diabetes in NOD mice. Treatment of diabetic NOD mice with anti-CD98hc reversed the diabetic state to normal levels, coincident with decreased proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, treatment of diabetic NOD mice with CD98hc small interfering RNA resolved T1D. These data indicate that strategies targeting CD98hc might have clinical application for treating T1D and other T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Noise levels in modern operating rooms during surgery.

OBJECTIVE To determine if differences in noise levels exist in the cardiac operating room at various critical points. DESIGN Prospective, nonrandomized study. SETTING Cardiac operating rooms of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Cardiac surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The noise level was monitored in the operating room for 23 patients undergoing cardiac surgery requiring general anesthesia during room setup, induction, skin incision, 60 minutes after surgical incision, termination of extracorporeal circulation, emergence (drapes down), and transport. RESULTS At each data point (induction, emergence, termination of extracorporeal circulation, emergence [drapes down], and transport), noise levels were louder than the baseline reference at room setup, surgical skin incision, and 60 minutes into the surgery. CONCLUSIONS The aim of this study was to compare the level of noise in the operating room at times determined critical for anesthesiologists compared with other surgical periods. This study consistently showed that noise in the operating room is louder during the critical anesthesia components of the case. Several studies have found that the loudest sound levels recorded in an operating room are related to the use of particular surgical tools, which are not used typically during the induction and emergence from anesthesia. This suggests that the increased sound levels during these periods may be somewhat controllable by the health care providers in the room.
Information technology and the institution of identity: Reflections since Understanding Computers and Cognition

The author’s previous work, itself based on the work of Martin Heidegger and then the Speech Act theorists grounded two important claims. First, computers are about communication, not computation or data processing. Second, communication is primarily about the coordination of commitments to act. This paper argues, as a review of the thinking in Understanding Computers and Cognition, that much is still to be learned about how speech acts work to structure commitments and how the interlinked structure of multiple commitments determines the kind of actions possible in any institution. The paper considers the way the Web establishes sites, virtual communities, and so forth. By referring to Hegel, Kierkegaard, and Heidegger on identity, the paper examines the sorts of identities virtual places are currently making possible and the development that virtual, identity forming practices will need to undergo if virtual sites are to act as real sites do.
Study on the Pspice simulation model of SiC MOSFET base on its datasheet

An equivalent circuit model of SiC MOSFET based on its datasheet is presented. The model is established with a built-in level 1 MOSFET core connected with other circuit components, such as resistors and capacitors. An accurate gate-drain capacitor sub-circuit is further proposed in order to precisely predict the turn-on and turn-off transient processes of SiC MOSFET. All required parameters of SiC MOSFET Pspice simulation model can be obtained from its datasheet with parameter extraction procedure and the math fitting method introduced in this paper. Finally, the accuracy of the proposed Pspice simulation model is verified by the datasheet and experimental test results of SiC MOSFET.
Inverse scattering of buried inhomogeneous dielectric material coated on a conductor

In this paper, the inverse scattering for buried complex material is investigated. An efficient algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the permittivity distribution of buried inhomogeneous dielectric cylinders coated on a conductor has been proposed. The moment method has been used to transform a set of integral equations into matrix form. The algorithm is based on the unrelated illumination method. The theoretical formulation for electromagnetic inverse scattering is presented and numerical results for objects of different permittivity distributions are given and good reconstruction has been obtained, even in the presence of Gaussian noise in measured data.
Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry as a Tool for the Structural Elucidation and Dereplication of Natural Products: An Overview

Natural products (NPs) obtained from plants and microorganisms often exhibit biological activities of interest for the discovery of new drugs as well as pharmaceutical and agrochemical products (Fredenhagen et al., 2005; Konishi et al., 2007; Lang et al., 2008). For instance, over 60% of the anticancer drugs have been discovered directly from NPs or are semi-synthetic derivatives of these compounds (Butler, 2008; Costa-Lotufo et al., 2010; Harvey, 2008; Newman & Cragg, 2007). However, the research for new bioactive compounds is usually laborious and slow, once the biological evaluation processes are preceded by isolation, purification, and structural elucidation steps, which are usually expensive and time-consuming (Konishi et al., 2007). This fact, in combination with the large number of known compounds, has led the scientific community to develop new techniques for the direct identification of NPs from extracts and natural broths, thus avoiding reisolation of already known compounds (Bindseil et al., 2001; Konishi et al., 2007; Lee, 2004; Newman et al., 2000; Newman et al., 2003; Shu, 1998). Dereplication is the process that allows for the rapid identification of bioactive metabolites in crude extracts by distinguishing previously identified compounds from novel ones (Crotti et al., 2006). This technique avoids repetitive work of isolation of already known NPs (Wolf & Siems, 2007), promoting chemical screening or metabolite profiling (Crotti et al., 2006). The dereplication process involves separation of single metabolites by chromatographic methods, identification of these compounds by spectroscopic methods, bioassays for evaluation of the biological activity, and searches in databases for verification of the novelty of these compounds (Konishi et al., 2007; Wolf & Siems, 2007). Hyphenated techniques have played a key role in the identification of NPs and other organic compounds (Crotti et al., 2006; Prasain et al., 2003). These techniques combine a separation method (i.e., gas chromatography, GC; liquid chromatography, LC) with a structural identification technique (i.e., mass spectrometry, MS; ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, UV-vis; nuclear magnetic resonance, NMR). Although a number of
Evaluation of landsat imagery for detecting ice storm damage in upland forests of Eastern Kentucky

Two categories of forest canopy damage (none to light vs. moderate to heavy) resulting from a 2003 ice storm in eastern Kentucky could be identified on readily available Landsat Thematic Mapper imagery using change detection techniques to evaluate the ratio of spectral bands 4 and 5. Regression analysis was used to evaluate several model formulations based on the spectral ratio and topographic variables for detecting the two categories of damage, which could be applied with a geographic information system. Results of this study suggest that moderate to heavy forest canopy damage caused by ice storms can be detected on sample plots from satellite imagery. Additional work is needed, however, to determine if these results can be used to produce an accurate landscape-scale map of canopy damage beyond the study area.
Two-Stage Pattern Recognition of Load Curves for Classification of Electricity Customers

This paper describes a two-stage methodology that was developed for the classification of electricity customers. It is based on pattern recognition methods, such as k-means, Kohonen adaptive vector quantization, fuzzy k-means, and hierarchical clustering, which are theoretically described and properly adapted. In the first stage, typical chronological load curves of various customers are estimated using pattern recognition methods, and their results are compared using six adequacy measures. In the second stage, classification of customers is performed by the same methods and measures, together with the representative load patterns of customers being obtained from the first stage. The results of the first stage can be used for load forecasting of customers and determination of tariffs. The results of the second stage provide valuable information for electricity suppliers in competitive energy markets. The developed methodology is applied on a set of medium voltage customers of the Greek power system, and the obtained results are presented and discussed.
Fabrication of an ideal nanoring from a black phosphorus nanoribbon upon movable bundling carbon nanotubes

As a low dimensional material, black phosphorus (BP) continues to attract much attention from researchers due to its excellent electric properties. In particular, the one-dimensional material, in the form of a ring or tube formed from BP, has been extensively studied and found to be a perfect semiconductor. But the BP ring has never been reported in laboratories. To form an ideal ring from a rectangular BP ribbon, we choose a carbon nanotube (CNT) bundle to attract the ribbon and move one or more CNTs in the bundle to induce the unsaturated ends of the BP ribbon to become covalently bonded. Numerical experiments are applied to BP ribbons with lengths either equal to, shorter, or longer than the perimeter of the CNT bundle, to investigate the formation of a BP ring. Experiments show that if one end of the BP ribbon is attracted by a CNT, moving the other CNTs away endows the ribbon with high probability of forming an ideal ring. The conclusions drawn from these results will benefit future in situ experiments involving forming a ring from a BP ribbon.
Monte Carlo Sampling based Salient Region Detection

In this paper, a simple and effective method is proposed for salient region detection. Based on the observation that salient regions tend to be compact, connected and surrounded, our original idea is to exploit these three kinds of prior knowledge. However, concepts of spatial structure (such as connectivity and surroundedness) only have definite meanings in binary images. Thus, a Monte Carlo Sampling based Saliency model is proposed. Our model has two main advantages over other methods. Firstly, the result of each sampling process is a binary map which can greatly simplify the combination with prior knowledge of spatial structure. Secondly, our method is naturally parallelized because every sampling process is independent with each other, which makes our method very efficient. Experimental results on two datasets show that, compared with eleven state-of-the-art methods, our approach has a competitive performance and also runs very fast.
Analysis of Proximity Coupled Microstrip Patch Antenna for Wireless Applications

In this article, an analysis of dual band proximity couple stacked microstrip patch antenna has been proposed. The theoretical investigations of antenna parameters such as return loss, gain and radiation pattern are calculated. It is found that antenna resonate at two distinct modes at lower and upper resonance frequencies, i.e. TM01 and TM02. The bandwidths of the proposed antenna are compared with simulated and theoretical results. The frequency ratio is also compared for upper to lower resonance frequencies with theoretical and simulated results. The theoretical results are compared with IE3D simulation results and they are in close agreement.
System Dynamic Optimization in the Sustainability Assessment of a

The System Dynamics (SD) methodology is a framework for modeling and simulating the dynamic behavior of socioeconomic systems. Characteristic for the description of such systems is the occurrence of feedback loops together with stocks and flows. The equations that describe the system are usually nonlinear. Therefore seemingly simple systems can show a nonintuitive, nonpredictable behavior over time. Controlling a dynamical system means to define a desired final state in which the system should be, and to specify potential interventions from outside that should keep the system on the right track. The central question is how to compute a globally optimal control? We propose a branch-and-bound approach that is based on a bound propagation method, primal heuristics, and spatial branching. We apply our new SD-control method to a model that describes the evolution of a social-economic system over time. We examine the problem of steering this system on a sustainable consumption path.
Co‐simulation‐based modeling and performance analysis of hybrid fiber–wireless links

We present a new approach for the performance analysis of hybrid fiber/wireless communication systems. This approach is based on a co‐simulation using two types of dedicated software: the first is used for RF/wireless systems whereas the second is devoted to optical communication systems. The proposed method enables simultaneous simulation of all elements of the radio‐over‐fiber link with accurate modeling. A low‐cost wireless local area network over a fiber distribution system is implemented in order to validate the results experimentally. Simulation results are in good agreement with experimental measurements in terms of EVM evolution for different link element configurations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On-line processing of position and force measures for contour identification and robot control

The problem of controlling a robot whose task is to follow the profile of an unknown workpiece, with specified tangential velocity and normal force, is considered. At the same time, geometrical and physical characterizations of the workpiece are obtained as a byproduct. Local identification of the object shape must be achieved online since the control scheme requires the direction of normal and tangent spaces to the surface at each contact point. Information from position and force sensors is available but corrupted by noise. Moreover, elasticity at the contact and at the robot joints affects the accuracy of position measurements, and contact friction disturbs the geometrical informations obtained from force measurements. The control and the identification goals are obtained by processing both position and force measurements using a recursive-least-squares procedure. Experiments that validate the proposed identification scheme have been performed on a three-jointed robot arm. <<ETX>>