Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The autistic brain in the context of normal neurodevelopment

The etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) is complex and largely unclear. Among various lines of inquiry, many have suggested convergence onto disruptions in both neural circuitry and immune regulation/glial cell function pathways. However, the interpretation of the relationship between these two putative mechanisms has largely focused on the role of exogenous factors and insults, such as maternal infection, in activating immune pathways that in turn result in neural network abnormalities. Yet, given recent insights into our understanding of human neurodevelopment, and in particular the critical role of glia and the immune system in normal brain development, it is important to consider these putative pathological processes in their appropriate normal neurodevelopmental context. In this review, we explore the hypothesis that the autistic brain cellular phenotype likely represents intrinsic abnormalities of glial/immune processes constitutively operant in normal brain development that result in the observed neural network dysfunction. We review recent studies demonstrating the intercalated role of neural circuit development, the immune system, and glial cells in the normal developing brain, and integrate them with studies demonstrating pathological alterations in these processes in autism. By discussing known abnormalities in the autistic brain in the context of normal brain development, we explore the hypothesis that the glial/immune component of ASD may instead be related to intrinsic exaggerated/abnormal constitutive neurodevelopmental processes such as network pruning. Moreover, this hypothesis may be relevant to other neurodevelopmental disorders that share genetic, pathologic, and clinical features with autism.
On the Security of Two Signature Schemes

Special properties of group signature and short signature make them become hot topic of current e-commerce research. To further improve efficiency, recently, Song Han et al gave an efficient group signature scheme without using the proof of knowledge in ECMN2004, and Rui Zhang et al proposed a new short signature scheme without random oracle in ACNS2005. A common advantage of the two schemes is very efficient. In this paper, we first analyze the security of the HWL group signature scheme and show that the scheme is universal forgeable, namely, arbitrary one can forge a group signature in the name of any group member, while his identity cannot be revealed by the group manager. Then through analyzing the ZFI short signature scheme, we show that the short signature scheme exists key substitution attack. At the same time, we also give the corresponding improved ways to overcome the flaws of the schemes above by introducing the proof of knowledge, respectively
Classification of Incomplete Multivariate Datasets using Memory Based Classifiers - A Proficiency Evaluation

Classification is a steady practice for allocating a given piece of input into any of the known class. Classification is an important Machine Learning technique. Many classification problems exist in different application areas and need to be solved. This work evaluates the proficiency of different memory based classifiers for classification of Multivariate data set with Missing values. For the proficiency evaluation the data sets with missing values have been taken from UCI machine learning repository and evaluated using the open source machine learning tool. Different memory based classifiers has been compared and a practical guideline for selecting the renowned and more suited algorithm for a classification is presented. Apart from that some realistic criteria for relating and evaluating the best classifiers are discussed.
An effecient level-shifter floorplanning method for Multi-voltage design

Nowdays, Low-power design, especially Multi-voltage design becomes a popular and efficient way to reduce both dynamic power and static power. In this paper, we propose an efficient method of level-shifter floorplanning for a given multi-voltage design. This method is a two stage optimization method. First, for a given voltage island and its sequence pair representation, we greedily pre-place level-shifters into white-spaces of multi-voltage island based sequence-pair representation. Then, we employ a modified IARFP [1] algorithm to re-optimize the positions of level-shifters. Experimental results show that, the proposed two stage level-shifter floorplanner is efficient for post multi-voltage island optimization.
A note on the Hausdorff dimension of the singular set for minimizers of the Mumford–Shah energy

Abstract We give a more elementary proof of a result by Ambrosio, Fusco and Hutchinson to estimate the Hausdorff dimension of the singular set of minimizers of the Mumford–Shah energy (see [Calc. Var. Partial Differential Equations 16 (2003), no. 2, 187–215, Theorem 5.6]). On the one hand, we follow the strategy of the above mentioned paper; but on the other hand our analysis greatly simplifies the argument since it relies on the compactness result proved by the first two authors in [J. Math. Pures Appl. 100 (2013), 391–409, Theorem 13] for sequences of local minimizers with vanishing gradient energy, and the regularity theory of minimal Caccioppoli partitions, rather than on the corresponding results for Almgren's area minimizing sets.
The paradox of controlling complex networks: control inputs versus energy requirement

In this paper, we investigate the linear controllability framework for complex networks from a physical point of view. There are three main results. (1) If one applies control signals as determined from the structural controllability theory, there is a high probability that the control energy will diverge. Especially, if a network is deemed controllable using a single driving signal, then most likely the energy will diverge. (2) The energy required for control exhibits a power-law scaling behavior. (3) Applying additional control signals at proper nodes in the network can reduce and optimize the energy cost. We identify the fundamental structures embedded in the network, the longest control chains, which determine the control energy and give rise to the power-scaling behavior. (To our knowledge, this was not reported in any previous work on control of complex networks.) In addition, the issue of control precision is addressed. These results are supported by extensive simulations from model and real networks, physical reasoning, and mathematical analyses. Notes on the submission history of this work: This work started in late 2012. The phenomena of power-law energy scaling and energy divergence with a single controller were discovered in 2013. Strategies to reduce and optimize control energy was articulated and tested in 2013. The senior co-author (YCL) gave talks about these results at several conferences, including the NETSCI 2014 Satellite entitled "Controlling Complex Networks" on June 2, 2014. The paper was submitted to PNAS in September 2014 and was turned down. It was revised and submitted to PRX in early 2015 and was rejected. After that it was revised and submitted to Nature Communications in May 2015 and again was turned down.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+ Handling in Excitable Cells in Health and Disease

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a morphologically and functionally diverse organelle capable of integrating multiple extracellular and internal signals and generating adaptive cellular responses. It plays fundamental roles in protein synthesis and folding and in cellular responses to metabolic and proteotoxic stress. In addition, the ER stores and releases Ca2+ in sophisticated scenarios that regulate a range of processes in excitable cells throughout the body, including muscle contraction and relaxation, endocrine regulation of metabolism, learning and memory, and cell death. One or more Ca2+ ATPases and two types of ER membrane Ca2+ channels (inositol trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors) are the major proteins involved in ER Ca2+ uptake and release, respectively. There are also direct and indirect interactions of ER Ca2+ stores with plasma membrane and mitochondrial Ca2+-regulating systems. Pharmacological agents that selectively modify ER Ca2+ release or uptake have enabled studies that revealed many different physiological roles for ER Ca2+ signaling. Several inherited diseases are caused by mutations in ER Ca2+-regulating proteins, and perturbed ER Ca2+ homeostasis is implicated in a range of acquired disorders. Preclinical investigations suggest a therapeutic potential for use of agents that target ER Ca2+ handling systems of excitable cells in disorders ranging from cardiac arrhythmias and skeletal muscle myopathies to Alzheimer disease.
The oxidative metabolism of hydralazine by rat liver microsomes.

Previous observations have demonstrated a relationship between the toxicity of the antihypertensive drug, hydralazine (HP), and acetylator phenotype, suggesting a role for metabolism in the adverse effects of HP. Experiments were done to characterize the metabolism of HP by rat liver microsomes using a newly developed HPLC assay. HP was metabolized by rat liver microsomes to products identified by HPLC and mass spectroscopy as s-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine (TP), 3-methyl-s-triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine (MTP), phthalazine (P), and phthalazinone (PZ). An unknown metabolite was also formed. P, PZ, and the unknown metabolite were established as oxidation products of HP using the model oxidative systems, metal-catalyzed autooxidation and horseradish peroxidase. The results of incubations with [14C]HP indicated that P and the unknown metabolite were quantitatively the major metabolites and were produced in similar quantities by rat liver microsomes. The structure of the unknown metabolite based on mass spectral analyses is proposed to be a dimerization product consisting of P and 1-aminophthalazine. Production of all the microsomal metabolites, except TP, required NADPH and decreased when incubations were done with heat-treated microsomes or under an atmosphere of nitrogen or carbon monoxide. Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital increased the rate of formation of all the metabolites except TP. In contrast, pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene or Arochlor 1254 had no effect on P, PZ, TP, or MTP formation and decreased formation of the dimer. Pretreatment with piperonyl butoxide had no effect on the formation of P, PZ, TP, or MTP but decreased formation of the dimer by approximately 50%. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Portable Storage and Data Loss

Data loss or leakage occurs in many organizations, frequently with significant impacts, both in terms of incident-handling costs and of damage to the organization's reputation. In this paper, the author considers information leakage related to portable storage - for example, your laptop hard-disk - and what might best mitigate that. This article briefly considers some recent incidents, describe practical mitigation steps, and look at how we might plan, in advance, for handling such events.
A randomized controlled trial of oral heme iron polypeptide versus oral iron supplementation for the treatment of anaemia in peritoneal dialysis patients: HEMATOCRIT trial.

BACKGROUND Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that heme iron polypeptide (HIP) might represent a promising, novel oral iron supplementation strategy in chronic kidney disease. The aim of this multi-centre randomized controlled trial was to determine the ability of HIP administration to augment iron stores in darbepoetin (DPO)-treated patients compared with conventional oral iron supplementation. METHODS Adult peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients treated with DPO were randomized 1:1 to receive two capsules daily of either HIP or ferrous sulphate per os for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was transferrin saturation (TSAT). Secondary outcomes comprised serum ferritin, haemoglobin, DPO dose and responsiveness, and adverse events. RESULTS Sixty-two patients were randomized to HIP (n = 32) or ferrous sulphate (n = 30). On intention-to-treat analysis, the median (inter-quartile range) TSAT was 22% (16-29) in the HIP group compared with 20% (17-26) in controls (P = 0.65). HIP treatment was not significantly associated with TSAT at 6 months on multivariable analysis (P = 0.95). Similar results were found on per-protocol analysis and subgroup analysis in iron-deficient patients. Serum ferritin levels at 6 months were significantly lower in the HIP group (P = 0.003), while the cost of HIP was 7-fold higher than that of ferrous sulphate. No other differences in secondary outcomes were observed. CONCLUSIONS HIP showed no clear safety or efficacy benefit in PD patients compared with conventional oral iron supplements. The reduction in serum ferritin levels and high costs associated with HIP therapy suggest that this agent is unlikely to have a significant role in iron supplementation in PD patients.
Display device having plasmonic color filters and photovoltaic capabilities

The plasmon optical spectral filter device for filtering an electromagnetic wave by a due to a selected switch, the optical garnish between the free space wavelength and a spatially limited plasmon mode on nano resonator is provided. In addition, two times more efficient than conventional transmission color filter of the colorant-based color filter; Or that (e.g., energy harvesting used in reflective displays) can be designed to serve as a reflective color filter for a display apparatus, a thin film stack, the color filter is further provided. In another variation, the novel reflective display colored display can be seen in direct sunlight, it is possible to harvest the incident light and at the same time generating power. Method of manufacturing such a plasmon optical spectral filter apparatus is also provided.
Real-Time Emotional Speech Processing for Neurorobotics Applications

The ability for humans to understand and process the emotional content of speech is unsurpassed by simulated intelligent agents. Beyond the linguistic content of speech are the underlying prosodic features naturally understood by humans. The goal of emotional speech processing systems is to extract and classify human speech for these so called paralinguistic elements. Presented here is a proof-of-concept system designed to analyze speech in real-time for coupled interactions with spiking neural models. Based on proven feature extraction algorithms, the resulting system provides two interface options to running simulations on the NeoCortical Simulator. Some basic tests using new recordings as well as a subset from a published emotional database were completed with promising results.
Zeroing in on the Dark Side of the American Dream

Recent research has demonstrated that aspiring to the American Dream of financial success has negative consequences for various aspects of psychological well-being. The present longitudinal study examining the relation between the goal for financial success, attainment of that goal, and satisfaction with various life domains found that the negative impact of the goal for financial success on overall life satisfaction diminished as household income increased. The negative consequences of the goal for financial success seemed to be limited to those specific life domains that either concerned relationships with other people or involved income-producing activities, such as one's job; satisfactions with two of those life domains, however, were among the strongest predictors of overall life satisfaction in this sample of well-educated respondents in their late 30s. The negative consequences were particularly severe for the domain of family life; the stronger the goal for financial success, the lower the satisfaction with family life, regardless of household income.
Assessment of protein binding with magnetic microrobots in fluid

For applications such as targeting therapeutic nanocarriers to specific tissues, as well as for the more general problem of assessing binding affinity between proteins, it is important to discover tools which may be used for both micromanipulation as well as force microscopy. In this work, we measure picoscale forces using microscale robots, using antibody-coated microbead probes as an interface. We develop a model for a detailed understanding of the relationship between robot velocity and applied force, and apply this to the measurement of binding forces between antibody-coated beads and protein-coated glass slides. We also verify binding between specific antibody/protein combinations relative to untargeted control combinations, and we measure the rate at which this binding occurs. This offers a truly novel technique for measuring binding forces between proteins.
Contribution of multiple inert gas elimination technique to pulmonary medicine. 5. Ventilation-perfusion relationships in acute respiratory failure.

The optimum approach to therapy in acute respiratory failure resulting either from the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or from severe bacterial pneumonia remains a challenge for the clinician. Such therapy is essentially supportive until the basic lung injury resolves. Effective respiratory support should be provided, taking into account the physiopathological process underlying the altered pulmonary gas exchange. A precise knowledge of the mechanisms of arterial hypoxaemia is therefore essential. As mentioned in a previous review in this series,' standard blood gases and derived indices of pulmonary gas exchange such as the venous admixture (Qva/QT) and the physiological dead space (VD/VT) do not permit clear differentiation between shunt and units with low ventilation-perfusion ratios (VA/Q), as well as between regions having little (high VA/Q) or no perfusion (VA/Q of infinity that is, anatomical dead space), as the cause of altered gas exchange. The multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET)23 takes advantage, not only in recovering the distribution of VA/Q ratios, but in controlling all the other factors determining arterial blood gases including shunt, VA/Q mismatch, limitation of diffusion ofoxygen, and extrapulmonary factors including ventilation, cardiac output, oxygen uptake, haemoglobin, acid-base status, P50 and blood temperature. However, the MIGET if it has been a milestone in the comprehensive approach of the mechanisms of altered gas exchange in acute respiratory failure remains to be interpreted cautiously when both distributions of ventilation and perfusion are altered simultaneously by a pathological process or by pharmacological and therapeutic interventions. The only way to separate alteration in one of these distributions from the other is to perform a simultaneous determination by an independent method, either that of the ventilation distribution or of the perfusion distribution.4 Depending on the model used by the MIGET that constrains all alveoli to have 1 of 50 VA/Q values evenly spaced on a logarithmic scale, the ventilation distribution and the perfusion distribution are linked together. In order to illustrate the limitation due to the interdependence between these two distributions in the recovered VA/Q distribution by the MIGET, VA/Q isopleths are plotted on a ventilation versus perfusion diagram (fig 1). For a high VA/Q ratio the slope of the isopleth is steep and a considerable effect on distribution of VA/Q could arise either from subtle changes in blood flow4 or from huge changes in ventilation. Conversely, for a low VA/Q the slope is shallow and a change in VA/Q distribution could result from an easily detectable drop in perfusion or equally from a subtle reduction in ventilation (fig 1). In addition, acetone used by the MIGET to explore high VA/Q areas and dead space is highly soluble in water and consequently easily lost in the conducting airways5 or in the tubing of the ventilator in
Robustness analysis of controller designed for first, second and third order delayed process model

Disturbances and uncertainties in the system create a barrier to the healthier performance of the process industries. The large effects can be observed in the fundamental time response characteristics i.e. transient and steady state characteristics of the system. Hence, the need of robust controller arises, application of which makes system ineffective to the invasion of uncertainties in the process territory. In this paper a first order system with delay is considered and SOPDT and TOPDT models are derived from FOPDT process model using Skogestad's half rule. PID controller is designed for all the three process models using numerous tuning methods and system set point tracking is analyzed. Further robustness subject is studied for all the designed controllers.
[Relevancy between liver injury, serum HBV-DNA, and intrahepatic HBcAg in young male chronic HBV carriers].

BACKGROUND/AIMS Although the viral load is correlated with HBcAg, liver injury was not correlated to viral load in HBeAg positive patient. We aimed to study the inter-relationship of clinical parameters such as the level of HBV-DNA, the level of aminotransferase, intrahepatic expression of HBcAg and severity of histological liver damage in the young male chronic HBV carriers according to HBeAg status. METHODS The study group included 85 young male patients (mean age: 19.8) with biopsy-proven chronic hepatitis B (HBeAg-positive group: n=60, HBeAg-negative group: n=25). RESULTS Serum levels of HBV-DNA and the expression of intrahepatic HBcAg in the HBeAg-positive group were significantly higher than in the HBeAg-negative (p<0.001), but fibrosis score was lower (p<0.01). Serum levels of HBV-DNA positively correlated with lobular activity, portal/periportal activity, biochemical activities in the HBeAg-negative group but negatively correlated in the HBeAg-positive group. There were no significant differences in histological activity according to the pattern of expression of intrahepatic HBcAg in both groups. The lobular activity correlated positively with biochemical activity in both groups, and portal/periportal activity correlated with biochemical activity only in the HBeAg-positive group. CONCLUSIONS There are close correlations among liver injury, intrahepatic expression of HBcAg, and detectable HBV-DNA in the young male chronic HBV carriers with HBeAg-negativity, but in the HBeAg-positive group, the correlations are diversified.