Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The impact of two autism related genes on amygdala physiology

Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two of the most common developmental disorders affecting 3–5% of the population. These disorders have a high burden on society with no efficient treatment options. This is complicated further by the high comorbidity between ID and ASD, as well as epilepsy. Understanding the aetiology and pathophysiology of ID and ASD is of vital importance in order to find better treatment options for the patients and their families. Recent genomic studies have identified hundreds of genetic variants contributing to the incidence of ID and ASD. Many of these genes are important for synaptogenesis and maintenance of synaptic function, such as the neuroligins (NLGN1-4 ), neurexin 1 (NRXN1 ), fragile x mental retardation 1 (FMR1 ), Synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1 ), and SH3 And Multiple Ankyrin Repeat Domains 3 (SHANK3 ). Understanding how the proteins of these genes operate, and how they influence synaptic development and function will increase our understanding of what goes wrong in their absence. In this thesis, the role of two synaptic proteins across development were examined in principal cells of the amygdala: NLGN3 and SynGAP. Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that bind to presynaptic neurexins, and are required for both excitatory and inhibitory synapse maturation and function. The Nlgn3-/y rat model was utilised to study the role of the NLGN3 isoform in this study. SynGAP is one of the major constituents of the postsynaptic density (PSD). However, there are contrasting hypotheses as to how SynGAP mediates its effects on synaptic morphology and function. One hypothesis suggests that SynGAP plays a key role in regulating the structural composition of the PSD by sequestering PSD-95, and thereby modulating synaptic function. The alternative hypothesis suggests that SynGAP regulates synaptic structure/function through its GTPase activating activity of Ras/Rap and their downstream signalling pathways. To test the relative roles of SynGAPs scaffolding and signaling functions in disease pathophysiology, two genetically modified Syngap rat models were used; one with a heterozygous deletion of the GAP-domain (Syngap+/∆GAP); and one with a null-mutation (Syngap+/-). It was found thatNlgn3-/y displayed an age-dependent increase in intrinsic excitability compared to WT littermates, as well as an age-dependent increase in miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) amplitude. No change was observed on excitatory postsynaptic currents in Nlgn3-/y. Furthermore, a deficit in long term potentiation
Effect of Sweating on Electrode-Skin Contact Impedances and Artifacts in EEG Recordings With Various Screen-Printed Ag/Agcl Electrodes

In response to the growing clinico-economic need for comprehensive home-based sleep testing, we recently developed a self-applicable facial electrode set with screen-printed Ag/AgCl electrodes. Our previous studies revealed that nocturnal sweating is a common problem, causing low-frequency artifacts in the measured electroencephalography (EEG) signals. As the electrode set is designed to be used without skin abrasion, not surprisingly this leads to relatively high electrode-skin impedances, significant impedance changes due to sweating and an increased risk of sweat artifacts. However, our recent electrochemical <italic>in vitro</italic> investigations revealed that the sweat artifact tolerance of an EEG electrode can be improved by utilizing an appropriate Ag/AgCl ink. Here we have investigated <italic>in vivo</italic> electrode-skin impedances and the quality of EEG signals and interference due to sweating in the population of 11 healthy volunteers. Commercial Ag and Ag/AgCl inks (Engineered Conductive Materials ECM LLC and PPG Industries Inc.) were used to test electrode sets with differently constructed ink layers. Electrode-skin impedances and EEG signals were recorded before and after exercise-induced sweating. There was extensive variation in the electrode-skin impedances between the volunteers and the electrode positions: 14.6–200 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{k}\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> (PPG electrodes) and 7.7–200 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{k}\Omega $ </tex-math></inline-formula> (ECM electrodes). Sweating significantly decreased (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$p< \,0.05$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) the impedances in most cases. The EEG signal quality was assessed by comparing average band powers from 0.5 to 2 Hz before and after sweating. Only slight differences existed between the ECM and PPG electrodes; however, the lowest band power ratio (<italic>i.e</italic>. the smallest increase in the band power due to sweating) was achieved with ECM electrodes.
Transient energy growth in the ageostrophic Eady model

The problem of optimal initial disturbances in thermal wind shear is revisited and extended to include non-hydrostatic effects. This systematic study compares transient and modal growth rates of submesoscale instabilities over a large range of zonal and meridional wavenumbers, aspect ratios and different Richardson number regimes. Selection criteria were derived to remove spurious and unresolved instability modes that arise from the eigenvalue problem and we generalize the study of the hydrostatic Eady problem by Heifetz & Farrell (J. Atmos. Sci., vol. 60, 2003; J. Atmos. Sci., vol. 64 (12), 2007, pp. 4366–4382; Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. , vol. 134 (635), 2008, pp. 1627–1633) to thin fronts, characterized by large aspect ratios. Such fronts are commonly found at the early stages of frontogenesis, for example, in the ocean mesoscale eddies and near the eye wall of hurricanes. In particular, we show that transient energy growth rates are up to two orders of magnitude larger than modal counterparts for a wide range of Richardson number and that the effects of transient energy gain become even greater when non-hydrostatic effects become important and/or for large Richardson numbers. This study also compares the dominant energy pathways contributing to the energy growth at short and long times. For symmetric modes, we recover the inertia–gravity instability described in Xu et al. (J. Atmos. Sci., vol. 64 (6), 2007, pp. 1764–1781). These mechanisms are shown to be the most powerful mediator of vertical transport when compared with the fastest growing baroclinic and symmetric modes. These results highlight the importance of transient processes in the ocean and the atmosphere.
Can States Promote Minority Representation? Assessing the Effects of the California Voting Rights Act

One goal of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) is to broaden representation in largely White-controlled city councils state-wide by incentivizing cities to shift council electoral jurisdictions from at-large to single-member districts. However, little research has investigated whether the CVRA helped contribute to increased minority representation at the city level. This article employs matching and difference-in-difference methods to determine whether cities that switched to district elections as a result of the CVRA enhanced city council diversification. By comparing matched treatment and control group’s racial composition of city councils before and after fully switching from at-large to district election jurisdictions, we estimate the average treatment effect (ATE) of city switching on minority city council representation at 10% to 12%. Further analysis reveals treatment effects are larger among cities with larger shares of Latinos (21%). Thus, states seeking to increase local-level minority representation should consider policies similar to those found in the CVRA.
A Multi-Level Cache Management Approach of Scientific and Technical Information Data for Electric Power

Scientific and technical information database for electric power becomes indispensable with the development of big data and think tank in electric industry. Querying information database is time-consuming and cache management is an efficient solution. In the paper we focus on a multi-level cache management in order to improve search speed of sci-tech information. The proposed computation method of cached data value considers visiting volume, data size and user experience, which is accurate for choosing key words and caching device. Our caching management framework consists of four modules, and the used machine learning method could effectively predict the number of visits next period for key words. The experiments demonstrate that our proposed MLCM approach performs better in prediction accuracy rate, query time and user experience than traditional statistic, LRU, LFU algorithms.
PEGylated-folic acid–modified black phosphorus quantum dots as near-infrared agents for dual-modality imaging-guided selective cancer cell destruction

Abstract Biological systems have high transparence to 700–1100-nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) have high optical absorbance in this spectrum. This optical property of BPQDs integrates both diagnostic and therapeutic functions together in an all-in-one processing system in cancer theranostic approaches. In the present study, BPQDs were synthesized and functionalized by targeting moieties (PEG-NH2-FA) and were further loaded with anticancer drugs (doxorubicin) for photodynamic–photothermal–chemotherapy. The precise killing of cancer cells was achieved by linking BPQDs with folate moiety (folic acid), internalizing BPQDs inside cancer cells with folate receptors and NIR triggering, without affecting the receptor-free cells. These in vitro experiments confirm that the agent exhibited an efficient photokilling effect and a light-triggered and heat-induced drug delivery at the precise tumor sites. Furthermore, the nanoplatform has good biocompatibility and effectively obliterates tumors in nude mice, showing no noticeable damages to noncancer tissues. Importantly, this nanoplatform can inhibit tumor growth through visualized synergistic treatment and photoacoustic and photothermal imaging. The present design of versatile nanoplatforms can allow for the adjustment of nanoplatforms for good treatment efficacy and multiplexed imaging, providing an innovation for targeted tumor treatment.
Learning to Teach Online: An Investigation of the Impacts of Faculty Development Training on Teaching Effectiveness and Attitudes toward Online Instruction

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between one approach to training for online faculty and the ways in which the program influenced the participants’ teaching effectiveness and attitudes toward online instruction. Two research questions guided this study: (1) how did participating in an intensive course redesign intervention influence instructors’ teaching effectiveness in the online environment? and (2) how did participating in the training influence instructors’ beliefs or attitudes about online teaching? The theoretical framework guiding this study was the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) model, developed by Mishra and Koehler (2005). Using a concurrent, mixed-methods design, this study used five data sources: (1) participants’ application narratives, (2) post-training program evaluation data; (3) instructors’ pre and post-training course syllabi, (4) pre and posttraining student evaluations of teaching scores, and (5) a post-training follow-up online survey. Findings to the first research question revealed that instructors demonstrated (a) statistically significant change in the incorporation of elements into the redesign of their syllabi, and (b) improvements in their teaching abilities as self-reported in the follow-up survey. However, there were no significant changes in their student evaluations of teaching pre-and post. Overall, then, instructors demonstrated modest improvements to their overall teaching effectiveness. Findings to the second research question revealed that, prior to training, instructors were highly optimistic about their course redesign plans and the skills and knowledge they would develop. After delivering their redesigned course online, participants were less optimistic and satisfied with their training experience than they had been immediately following it, and multiple instructors cited a need for additional or continued training and support.
On the thermal effects on radio waves propagating in the pulsar magnetosphere

Thermal effects on the properties of four electromagnetic waves propagating in the pulsar magnetosphere are analysed. It is shown that thermal effects change only quantitatively the dispersion properties of superluminal ordinary O-mode freely escaping the pulsar magnetosphere; whereas properties of the extraordinary X-mode remain unchanged. The research shows that for two subluminal waves propagating along magnetic field lines thermal effects result in essential absorption. However, this attenuation occurs at considerable distances from the neutron star, and there is no doubt of their existence.
Principles and applications of mathematical and physical modelling of metallurgical processes

This article reviews the principles and methods for formulating mathematical or physical models that are useful in the design, analysis and optimization of metallurgical processes. Mathematical models based on first principles are emphasised. Examples of developing new processes based on a first-principle mathematical model or a physical model are presented. Cautions and pitfalls associated with the formulation and application of mathematical models are discussed. The reader is encouraged to carefully examine correctness of the approach and assumptions made in the formulation in order to avoid an erroneous application of a model. For complex processes requiring harsh conditions, physical models are useful. The interpretation and utilisation of the results from physical models can be difficult and sometimes even misleading. This problem is greatly assuaged by combining physical modelling with mathematical modelling. For example, the use of computational fluid dynamics greatly improves the physical modelling of systems involving complex fluid flow.
Can Tidal Forcing Alone Generate a GM‐Like Internal Wave Spectrum?

An idealized two‐dimensional numerical model is utilized to study internal wave generation by tide‐topography interaction and wind forcing. Previous studies suggest that the quasi‐universal Garrett‐Munk (GM) internal wave spectrum can be generated and maintained only when energy is supplied from both the wind and the tides, while the present study shows that M2 tidal forcing alone is sufficient to generate a GM‐like spectrum in a latitude band roughly between 17° and 29°, with the steepness parameter ε > 1, N0h0/u0 > 1 (N0 is buoyancy frequency, h0 topographic height, and u0 tidal amplitude), and a finite excursion parameter. The key lies in the generation of near‐inertial waves (NIWs) by breaking internal tides and triadic resonant interactions around supercritical topography. Remarkably, in the northern South China Sea, tidal forcing can contribute a comparable amount of near‐inertial energy as that contributed by the summer wind and thus is an important NIW generation mechanism.
Effects of Market Selection in the Ural Federal District: Did Sanctions Bring Any Changes?

In this research we assess the market selection effects on productivity and firm growth. Using data on more than 22 000 manufacturing firms in the Urals Federal District over the period from 2006 to 2017, we conduct aggregated labor productivity decomposition at the industry level and then proceed to estimate the expiatory power of the productivity components on revenue growth. Obtained estimates are compared between two periods – before the international sanctions on Russia and after that. Results of both approaches suggest overall weak role of market selection in the UFD for the whole observation period. We also fail to find statistically significant differences between two considered periods. We conclude that the sanctions have had mixed impact on the effectiveness of the market selection processes. While in some industries, the estimates on the strength of market selection have considerably risen; in other industries, we observe the opposite situation. Keywords—productivity, market selection, labor productivity, sanctions.
Representation and simulating of extended Markov chains over a finite field with a predefined precision

A method is proposed for representing and simulating the extended Markov chains of a defined type by minimal polynomials over finite field GF(q). Simulation problem is being solved as a problem of constructing the minimal polynomial over field GF(q) using the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm. The polynomial produces a sequence of the length of N. A stochastic matrix relevant to that sequence approximates the given stochastic matrix of an extended Markov chain with a predefined precision proportional to the 1/N value. The polynomial constructed defines unambiguously the structure of a q-ary linear shift register for simulating extended Markov chains. The method allows constructing the implementations of this class of Markov sequences on linear q-ary shift registers with a pre-defined “linear complexity” defined by the value of N.
Beyond topography: addressing the functional impact of social skills training for students with autism

ABSTRACT Students with autism spectrum disorder often require social supports to function well in a mainstream class setting. Researchers have demonstrated the effects of social skills training for students with autism, but their work has focused primarily on topographically defined outcomes, such as increasing the frequency of social behaviours. More research is needed to address the functional impact of social skills training on social experiences, such as improvements in the quality of life for students with autism. This study examined the effects of a behavioural skills training form of social skills intervention on the social interactions of students with autism in an inclusive school setting. The intervention increased participants’ social behaviour. However, its mixed results in the quality of peer responses may be a more meaningful indicator of its effect on the quality of social lives of the participants. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for current practice and future research.
Effects of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) Treatment on Plasma Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) and Hemoglobin Concentra-tions in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Neph-ropathy and Anemia of Chronic Renal Failure.

Both insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and erythropoietin (EPO) have been found to stimulate erythropoiesis, and IGF-I levels are decreased in patients with chronic renal fail-ure (CRF). Decreased IGF-I levels might contribute to the progression of anemia of CRF. However, no studies have examined the effects of rHuEPO therapy on plasma IGF-I levels and Hb concentration in predialysis diabetic patients with CRF and anemia. Therefore, we investigated the effects of rHuEPO treatment on plasma IGF-I levels and Hb concentrations in patients with diabetes and anemia of CRF. Seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by advanced nephropathy (renal failure stage) were studied. The mean (±SE) age was 62.6±6.2yrs. Serum creatinine and creatinine clearance levels were 327.1±44.2 μmol/L and 0.261±0.022 ml/s, respectively. Re-combinant human EPO (rHuEPO) was subcutaneously infused into the abdomen for 4 weeks at a flow rate of 6,000 IU/2.5ml/week using a portable infusion pump. Plasma EPO levels were increased from 19.4±2.2 IU/L to 69.6±16.9 IU/L 1 week after the start of rHuEPO administration, and were maintained at a steady state. Plasma IGF-I lev-els at time 0 decreased to 72.7±8.4 μg/L compared with age-matched diabetic patients with-out nephropathy (166.0±15.5 μg/L). Plasma IGF-I levels were increased 1-3 weeks after the start of rHuEPO administration, followed by an increase in Hb concentrations 3-4 weeks after rHuEPO administration. We have therefore hypothesized that rHuEPO administration increases plasma IGF-I levels followed by Hb concentrations. These findings suggest that rHuEPO treatment has a stimulatory effect on IGF-I production, and that increases in IGF-I might be a good indica-tor of improved Hb concentrations.
Electrical Changes in Deeper Cortical Structures During Balanced General Anesthesia with the Aim on Inhalation Anesthetics Effects

Abstract There are many theories that attempt to explain the mechanisms of the effects of inhalation anesthetics - from simpler, pursuing individual effects of anesthetics on the level of the ion channels, to more complex that are looking for uniform global changes in brain activity common to several agents. However, we still don’t have satisfactory and adequate conclusions. We examined a sample of 39 patients undergoing thoracic surgery at the Clinic of Thoracic Surgery under general anesthesia (GA) and we registered their electroencephalographic (EEG) signals before and during operation. After induction of GA by intravenous (i.v.), we used inhalation anesthetics to maintain GA. We used sevoflurane (SEV) in 20 patients and desflurane (DES) in 19 patients. Then we obtained the EEG data and processed them through mathematical and statistical analysis, to discover any changes of electrical activity in the brain during thoracic surgery under GA. The era of digital recording EEG and present possibilities of modern computer techniques allow quantitative analysis of obtained data. We performed the analysis with the software LORETA (low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography). It is a relatively new research method, which in a similar way as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) displays even deeper brain electrical activity, which is hiddeen for a classical EEG approach. We described the general changes in brain electrical activity of the deeper cortical structures within the traditional frequency bands (d, q, a, b and g) during GA at 5 mm spatial resolution. We have shown that the source of the well-known cortical EEG changes after the effect of used inhalation anesthetics is caused by changes situated in the deeper brain structures, particularly the limbic system. Significant changes occurred in the cingulate gyrus for most of an EEG frequency ranges. When comparing the data of patients anesthetised with SEV and DES we found similar changes within the d and q rhythms and then the global changes of EEG activity followed during GA.