Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of preanalytical factors on the molecular size of cell-free DNA in blood.

Recently, plasma DNA analysis has been increasingly explored for different clinical diagnostic purposes. Previous studies have shown that the concentration of plasma DNA is increased in patients with neoplastic diseases (1), pregnancy-related complications (2)(3), trauma(4), and certain autoimmune diseases (5). In addition to quantitative analysis, qualitative changes in plasma DNA have also been investigated in different physiologic and pathologic conditions. In this regard, our group has shown that fetal DNA is shorter than the maternal counterpart in the plasma of pregnant women (6), and this has allowed the enrichment of fetal DNA from maternal plasma by size fractionation (7). It has also been shown that plasma DNA fragments are longer in patients suffering from a variety of neoplastic diseases (8). In addition, circulating Epstein–Barr virus DNA molecules in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma have been found to consist mainly of short DNA fragments <180 bp in size (9). Because the samples collected from patients and healthy controls in these studies were usually collected at different time points and under different conditions, it is important to ensure that the observed variations in the sizes of plasma DNA are the result of biological changes rather than artifacts attributable to differences in sample handling. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of several preanalytical factors, including clotting, delayed separation of blood cells from plasma, freezing–thawing, and storage, on the integrity of circulating cell-free DNA. We recruited 27 healthy volunteers for modules 1 to 4 of the study. Venous blood (30 mL) was collected from each volunteer into eight tubes containing EDTA and one plain tube. The samples serving as references were processed immediately after collection. Plasma was separated from the blood cells by centrifugation at 1600 g for 10 min, and the plasma was then microcentrifuged at 16 000 g …
The Role of Aspirin in Childhood Tuberculous Meningitis

Arterial stroke is the main cause of poor outcome in childhood tuberculous meningitis. Aspirin has an antithrombotic action at low dose and anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are dose-related. The aim of the study was to explore the possible benefits of aspirin in children with tuberculous meningitis. A total of 146 consecutive children with a diagnosis of probable tuberculous meningitis were studied. Patients were randomized into 3 groups: (1) placebo group, (2) low-dose aspirin group, and (3) high-dose aspirin group. Twenty-nine additional patients who received aspirin before admission were excluded from the randomized study, but continued on low-dose aspirin. Aspirin, irrespective of dose, did not show any significant benefit regarding morbidity (hemiparesis and developmental outcome) and mortality. Aspirin was well tolerated, but 1 death was probably related to aspirin. The fact that the outcome of the high-dose aspirin group compared favorably with the other treatment groups despite younger age and more severe neurological involvement at baseline needs further investigation.
Evaluation of Biological Value and Appraisal of Polyphenols and Glucosinolates from Organic Baby-Leaf Salads as Antioxidants and Antimicrobials against Important Human Pathogenic Bacteria

The present investigation has been carried out to investigate the biological role of four different types of baby-leaf salads and to study their potential as natural sources of antioxidants and antimicrobials against several isolates from important human pathogenic bacteria. Four single types of salads (green lettuce, red lettuce, rucola and watercress) and two mixtures [(1) red lettuce+green lettuce; (2) green lettuce + red lettuce + watercress + rucola] were assayed. The HPLC analysis revealed interesting levels of polyphenols and glucosinolates. The results showed a significant variation (p < 0.05) of polyphenols and glucosinolates with plant material. Nine different types of polyphenols grouped in three major classes were found: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and dicaffeoyltartaric acid (phenolic acids); quercitin-3-O-rutinoside, quercitin-3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and isorhamnetin (flavonoids); and cyanidin-3-glucoside (anthocyanins). Only three different glucosinolates were found: glucoraphanin; gluconasturtiin and 4-methoxy-glucobrassicin. A positive correlation was detected between polyphenol contents and antioxidant activity. Red lettuce and mixture 1 were the baby-leaf salads with the highest antioxidant potential. As for the antimicrobial activity, the results showed a selective effect of chemicals against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus were the bacteria most affected by the phytochemicals. Based on the results achieved baby-leaf salads represent an important source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial substances.
Prenatal sex ratios influence sexual dimorphism in a reptile.

The prenatal environment influences offspring traits in a variety of ways and in a wide range of taxa. For example, maternal allocation of steroids to the eggs influences offspring traits in birds, and in some mammals the intrauterine position influences morphological, behavioural, and physiological traits due to sex-related steroid transfer between sibling fetuses. We show that similar phenomena occur in the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara), a viviparous reptile. Females developing in male-biased clutches had a more masculine allometry (relatively larger heads) at parturition than females developing in female-biased clutches. Males were correspondingly feminized in female-biased clutches. The effects could either be due to diffusion of steroids produced by the offspring or by a general tendency for females to allocate steroids according to the sex ratio of her clutch. Subsequent to parturition, the sexes differed in their growth trajectories depending on sex ratio environment. In males, the difference in allometry between sex ratio environments remained over time, whereas in females the corresponding effect disappeared.
Balancing control of PV power and dispersed generators using H∞ control

Recently, dispersed generators have been installed in distribution network to supply power to commercial facilities. Renewable energy generation contains output power fluctuations and distributed generator produces sluggish response for power demand. In order to overcome these problems, an ultra capacitor energy storage system is used for compensating instantaneous power imbalance. However, large capacity ultra capacitor energy system results increasing facility cost. In addition, PPSs (Power Producer and Supplier) that own these generators are supposed to achieve 30-minute balancing control for stable supply of electric power. This paper proposes the control system to achieve both 30-minute balancing control and interconnection point power flow control by using fuel cell and ultra capacitor based on H∞ control theory. Besides, the remaining storage energy of the ultra capacitor is controlled to be constant to maintain compensation capability. The effectiveness of the proposed control system is verified by using simulation results.
Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology a Hybrid Algorithm for Finding Shortest Path in Network Routing

Classical algorithms have been used to search over some space for finding the shortest paths problem between two points in a network and a minimal weight spanning tree for routing. Any classical algorithm deterministic or probabilistic will clearly used O(N) steps since on the average it will measure a large fraction of N records. Quantum algorithm is the fastest possible algorithm that can do several operations simultaneously due to their wave like properties. This wave gives an O(N) steps quantum algorithm for identifying that record, where was used classical Dijkstra's algorithm for finding shortest path problem in the graph of network and implement quantum search. Also we proposed the structure for non-classical algorithms and design the various phases of the probabilistic quantum-classical algorithm for classical and quantum parts. Finally, we represent the result of implementing and simulating Dijkstra's algorithm as the probabilistic quantum-classical algorithm.
Outage Analysis of Multihop Relay Systems in Interference-Limited Nakagami- $m$ Fading Channels

In this paper, we study the outage probability of multihop transmission systems with amplify-and-forward (AF) and decode-and-forward (DF) relaying protocols operating over a Nakagami-m fading environment in the presence of cochannel interference. We consider the case of interference-limited relays with ideal AF relay gains based on the inverse of the fading amplitude of the desired signal in the previous link. For an arbitrary but fixed number of Nakagami-distributed interferers per hop, we derive a closed-form expression for the outage probability of an N-hop AF relaying system in terms of the multivariate Lauricella function FB(N) that can be evaluated with commonly available computer software. Moreover, the outage performance of an N-hop DF relaying system is also derived in closed form, and the two performances are compared. Simulation results are also provided to demonstrate the accuracy of the analytical expressions.
A Gender Not Listed Here: Genderqueers, Gender Rebels, and OtherWise in the National Transgender Discrimination Survey Author:

Genderqueer individuals suffer discrimination and violence at similar, and sometimes even higher rates, than transgender-identified individuals, according to a new study published by the LGBTQ Policy Journal at the Harvard Kennedy School. The findings are based on data from the 2008 National Transgender Discrimination Survey (NTDS), a study undertaken by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality, where respondents were allowed to write in their own gender if the predetermined categories did not represent them. While genderqueer respondents fared the same or better than other NTDS respondents by some measures, they notably fared worse by others. As compared to transgender-identified survey respondents, genderqueer were people more likely to: Suffer physical assaults (32% compared to 25%)Survive sexual assault in K-12 education (16% compared to 11%)Face police harassment (31% compared to 21%)Be unemployed (76% compared to 56%)Avoid healthcare treatment for fear of discrimination (36% compared to 27%)
Personality Subtypes in Disruptive Adolescent Males

This study examined whether personality differences might account for meaningful heterogeneity within and across DSM-IV diagnostic categories for disruptive adolescent boys. In a broader study of personality pathology in adolescence, a national sample of 293 clinicians completed the Shedler-Westen Assessment Procedure 200-A on randomly selected outpatients aged 14 to 18 in their care. Of 138 boys in the sample, 71 had a diagnosis of Disruptive Behavior Disorders or a history of arrests. Q-factor analysis identified 3 personality subtypes within this subsample: psychopathic (n = 28), social outcast (n = 22), and impulsive delinquent (n = 17). The subtypes differed on external criterion variables indicative of a valid taxonomic distinction, notably personality ratings, clinician-report child behavior checklist subscale scores, and etiologic variables. Personality subtypes converged with subtypes of delinquent boys identified by longitudinal research, and they showed substantial incremental validity in predicting adaptive functioning beyond Disruptive Behavior Disorders diagnoses. Results suggest that dimensional personality assessment in disruptive/delinquent adolescent boys provides information beyond existing diagnoses that may prove useful in prevention, clinical conceptualization, and treatment.
Leveraging GPUs using cooperative loop speculation

Graphics processing units, or GPUs, provide TFLOPs of additional performance potential in commodity computer systems that frequently go unused by most applications. Even with the emergence of languages such as CUDA and OpenCL, programming GPUs remains a difficult challenge for a variety of reasons, including the inherent algorithmic characteristics and data structure choices used by applications as well as the tedious performance optimization cycle that is necessary to achieve high performance. The goal of this work is to increase the applicability of GPUs beyond CUDA/OpenCL to implicitly data-parallel applications written in C/C++ using speculative parallelization. To achieve this goal, we propose Paragon: a static/dynamic compiler platform to speculatively run possibly data-parallel portions of sequential applications on the GPU while cooperating with the system CPU. For such loops, Paragon utilizes the GPU in an opportunistic way while orchestrating a cooperative relation between the CPU and GPU to reduce the overhead of miss-speculations. Paragon monitors the dependencies for the loops running speculatively on the GPU and nonspeculatively on the CPU using a lightweight distributed conflict detection designed specifically for GPUs, and transfers the execution to the CPU in case a conflict is detected. Paragon resumes the execution on the GPU after the CPU resolves the dependency. Our experiments show that Paragon achieves 4x on average and up to 30x speedup compared to unsafe CPU execution with four threads and 7x on average and up to 64x speedup versus sequential execution across a set of sequential but implicitly data-parallel applications.
The Complexity of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis: The Role of RAGE as Therapeutic Target to Promote Neuroprotection by Inhibiting Neurovascular Dysfunction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are prominent pathological features of AD. Aging and age-dependent oxidative stress are the major nongenetic risk factors for AD. The beta-amyloid peptide (Aβ), the major component of plaques, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are key activators of plaque-associated cellular dysfunction. Aβ and AGEs bind to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which transmits the signal from RAGE via redox-sensitive pathways to nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). RAGE-mediated signaling is an important contributor to neurodegeneration in AD. We will summarize the current knowledge and ongoing studies on RAGE function in AD. We will also present evidence for a novel pathway induced by RAGE in AD, which leads to the expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), providing further evidence that pharmacological inhibition of RAGE will promote neuroprotection by blocking neurovascular dysfunction in AD.
Caustics of catadioptric cameras

Conventional vision systems and algorithms assume the camera to have a single viewpoint. However, sensors need not always maintain a single viewpoint. For instance, an incorrectly aligned system could cause non-single viewpoints. Also, systems could be designed to specifically deviate from a single viewpoint to trade-off image characteristics such as resolution and field of view. In these cases, the locus of viewpoints forms what is called a caustic. In this paper, we present an in-depth analysis of caustics of catadioptric cameras with conic reflectors. Properties of caustics with respect to field of view and resolution are presented. Finally, we present ways to calibrate conic catadioptric systems and estimate their caustics from known camera motion.
The Effects of Acute Tryptophan Depletion and Psychological Traits on Cardiovascular and Mood Responses to Interpersonal Conflict

The present study investigated the effects of serotonin and psychosocial factors including Cook-Medley hostility, Trait anger, Trait anxiety, and Beck depression scores on cardiovascular and mood responses to interpersonal stress. Eighty-five males and females participated in either an acute tryptophan depletion, a procedure that lowers brain serotonin levels, or a sham tryptophan depletion. They were subsequently exposed to an interpersonal conflict stressor. Cardiovascular and mood measures were recorded at baseline, post-depletion pre-stress, during the stressor, and during recovery. All participants exhibited heightened cardiovascular responses as well as increased anxious, hostile, and depressed mood to the interpersonal conflict. Effects of depletion on cardiovascular reactivity were observed exclusively during recovery. Effects of depletion on negative mood were found at rest and during stress with increased negative affect in the depleted versus balanced condition. Interactions between tryptophan depletion and psychological factors other than hostility were also observed. Greater negative mood responses were found in depleted individuals with high scores on anger, anxiety, and depression factors. Overall, these findings suggest that the effect of serotonin on the stress response may be modulated by psychological factors. Implications for future research on the interaction between serotonin, psychological factors, cardiovascular reactivity, and mood are discussed.
The Usage of Augmented Reality Smartglasses: The Role of Perceived Substitutability

Augmented reality smartglasses (ARSG) allow users to place virtual 3D representations of real objects, i.e., holograms, into a user’s physical surroundings. For example, users can choose to place a virtual clock on their wall instead of the real physical object. We argue that being able to have fewer physical devices and products by replacing these objects with holograms offers multiple utilitarian and hedonic benefits. More specifically, we postulate that Perceived Substitutability, the extent to which a person believes that ARSG are able to substitute his/her real-life objects with virtual ones, is a positive influence factor of both Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Enjoyment, thus indirectly influencing ARSG usage. After collecting 109 questionnaires about Microsoft HoloLens and applying a SEM approach, our research model is confirmed, suggesting that manufacturers need to emphasize the utilitarian and hedonic benefits of their ARSG as well as promote their device’s capability of substituting physical objects.
Drei Jahre Master Online Digitale Forensik: Ergebnisse und Erfahrungen

Der " Master Online Digitale Forensik" ist ein berufsbegleitendes Studi- enangebot der Hochschule Albstadt-Sigmaringen, welches das zunehmend relevante Gebiet der IT-Forensik adressiert. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Entstehungsgeschich- te und das Konzept dieses Studiengangs, der in Kooperation mit zwei Universit¨ aten betrieben wird. Auserdem werden die Erkenntnisse und Erfahrungen der ersten vier Jahre zusammengefasst.
Interactive type debugging in Haskell

In this paper we illustrate the facilities for type debugging of Haskell programs in the Chameleon programming environment. Chameleon provides an extension to Haskell supporting advanced and programmable type extensions. Chameleon maps the typing problem for a program to a system of constraints each attached to program code that generates the constraints. We use reasoning about constraint satisfiability and implication to find minimal justifications of type errors, and to explain unexpected types that arise. Through an interactive process akin to declarative debugging, a user can track down exactly where a type error occurs. The approach handles Hindley/Milner types with Haskell-style overloading. The Chameleon system provides a full implementation of our flexible type debugging scheme which can be used as a front-end to any existing Haskell system.
A research-driven approach to undergraduate robotics education

Robotics is a rapidly-progressing and applied subject. This paper advocates for a researchdriven model for modern robotics course design that, based on a principled approach, prepares students to consider and adopt recent results in their mechatronics applications. This view provides a rubric for defining a sufficient set of topics that give a broad overview of robotic technologies and provides a foundation for later (undergraduate) research experience. To address the inherently multidisciplinary nature of robotics, a modular co-teaching model is adopted in which separate sections are taught by different lecturers, who potentially span various academic departments. Evidence supporting this approach is illustrated from case studies of student projects in The University of Sydney’s Experimental Robotics course, MTRX 4700. Standard course surveys and class uptake over the past five years has been positive with the introduction of team teaching giving a 10% improvement in overall student perception. By providing an engaging topic, a research approach, extensive mentorship, and an open-ended problem, the course not only meets learning objectives, but also promotes a research foundation supporting later undergraduate research opportunities.
The Politics of Union Decline: The Contingent Determinants of Union Recognition Elections and Victories

Despite the close political regulation of union recognition disputes, sociologists have paid little attention to recent political determinants of success in these contests. A state-centered political-opportunity approach suggests that if conservative political officials can reduce the number of union recognition elections, union organization will be blocked. Partly because many labor scholars claim there was a postwar departure in labor movement fortunes, we attempt to detect and model a contingent break in the relationship between Republican control of the presidency and these elections using interactive specifications. Our findings show that shortly after the conservative, anti-union Reagan administration took office, recognition elections, and union victories in these elections, fell sharply. With macroeconomic and other determinants held constant, other political conditions with explanatory power include congressional oversight committee ideology and conservative appointments to the key regulatory agency. Our findings support political accounts and also suggest that unions' failures to organize new workplaces were sustained by subsequent conservative administrations.
Dysfunctional Endothelial Nitric Oxide Biosynthesis in Healthy Smokers With Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilatation

Background—The mechanisms involved in the dysfunction of both endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDV) and NO biosynthesis related to smoking are unclear. In this study, EDV was assessed in healthy smokers and nonsmokers in vivo and, using serum from the same individuals, was related to the NO biosynthetic pathway in vitro. Methods and Results—Flow-mediated EDV of the brachial artery was measured in 23 male patients (8 nonsmokers and 15 smokers). Serum was collected, added to confluent (≈85%) monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and incubated for 12 hours. Basal and substance P–stimulated NO production was measured. The HUVECs used for measuring basal NO production were lysed, and both endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression and eNOS activity were determined. EDV was lower in smokers compared with nonsmokers (P <0.001). HUVECs treated with serum from smokers compared with nonsmokers showed significantly lower basal (P <0.0001) and stimulated (P <0.02) NO production, higher eNOS expression (P <0.0001), but lower eNOS activity (P <0.004). There was a significant positive correlation between in vivo EDV and in vitro substance P–stimulated NO production (rho=0.57, P <0.01) and between basal NO production and eNOS activity (r =0.54, P <0.008) and a negative correlation between basal NO production and eNOS protein expression (r =−0.60, P <0.003). Conclusions—This is the first study to combine an in vivo model with a near-physiological in vitro model to demonstrate an association between decreased NO production and reduced EDV. Cigarette smoking was associated with reduced EDV, NO generation, and eNOS activity in the presence of increased eNOS protein expression.