Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Compact and rapid detection quenching circuit for SPAD arrays

An innovative active-quenching circuit for single photon avalanche diode is presented. A differential amplification circuit based on offset control scheme is adopted to realize rapid avalanche signal discrimination. In order to save the die area, a voltage-controlled transistor acting as a sensing resistance is used. Compared with other traditional circuits, the proposed circuit does not need reference voltage and can realize low threshold voltage comparison. Therefore, it preserves the advantages of compact area and rapid detection, which can be applied in array situation.
Secretory products of central nervous system glial cells induce Schwann cell proliferation and protect from cytokine‐mediated death

There continues to be interest in Schwann cells (SC) as a possible source of myelinating cells for transplantation into the central nervous system (CNS) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury. It has been suggested that CNS glial cells interfere with SC migration, survival, maturation, and clinically significant remyelination in the CNS. To investigate the effects of CNS glial cells on SC, we examined the effects of serum‐free supernatants obtained from rat mixed CNS glial cultures on rat neonatal SC cultures. Supernatants from 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐day CNS glial cultures induced proliferation of SC assayed at 5 days in vitro but did not induce SC differentiation as measured by induction of surface expression of galactolipids (GalL). High concentrations of cAMP simulate many of the effects of axolemma on SC; CNS glial cell supernatants did not inhibit cAMP induction of SC differentiation. CNS glial cell supernatants had no apparent effect on SC viability at 48 hr as measured by trypan blue exclusion. We have previously demonstrated that incubation of SC with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) + tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induces SC death via apoptosis. We now show that CNS glial supernatants inhibits TGF‐β1/TNF‐α‐induced SC death. Our data show that soluble products of CNS glial cells do not induce or inhibit SC differentiation or increase cell death but have the potential to increase proliferation of SC and their resistance to cytokine‐mediated death, and thus may affect the outcome of SC transplantation into the CNS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CTLA-4 in Filarial Infections: Implications for a Role in Diminished T Cell Reactivity

To determine the role that CTLA-4 might play in mediating the diminished parasite Ag-specific T cell responsiveness that is characteristically seen in filaria-infected patients, several study populations and methods were used. First, quantitative assessment of mRNA expression determined that PBMC from uninfected adolescents exposed in utero to microfilarial (Mf) Ag demonstrated a strong up-regulation of CTLA-4 to the Mf stage of the parasite in contrast to that observed in cells from children born of uninfected mothers (p = 0.005). Next, the frequency of CTLA-4 expression was examined using flow cytometry in cells from filaria-infected and -uninfected individuals ex vivo. Individuals born in filarial endemic regions of the world (with long-standing infections) had greater percentages of CD4+CTLA-4+ cells than did expatriate infected or uninfected individuals (p = 0.005 and 0.05, respectively); in addition, Mf+ patients demonstrated higher frequencies of CD4+CTLA-4+ and CD8+CTLA-4+ cells (p = 0.027 and 0.037, respectively) than did Mf− infected individuals. Of interest, the greatest intensity of CTLA-4 expression occurred in CD4+CD25+ cells, a population purported to include suppressor cells. Finally, in vitro blocking of CTLA-4 expression in PBMC from filaria-infected individuals induced a mean increase of 44% in IL-5 production to Mf Ag, whereas there was a concurrent mean decrease of 42% in IFN-γ production, suggesting that CTLA-4 also acts to alter the Th1/Th2 balance in filaria-infected individuals. Together, these data indicate a significant role for CTLA-4 in regulating the host response to filarial infections and that factors such as length of exposure and patency are important codeterminants.
Reliability Evaluation of a Network with Delay

In a computer or communication network, the reliability and transfer-delay of communication are important measures of performance. This paper describes a method of evaluating the reliability of a network with delay. When network elements fail, delay is defined as the length of the shortest remaining path between two specified nodes. We find the occurrence probability of events that a central node can communicate with a group of terminal nodes so that a specified delay is not exceeded. The desired events are mutually exclusive and contain a tree. Our algorithm efficiently generates all the events by noting network topology. The paper includes the case of several central nodes.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Directed Transgastric Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography or EUS: Mid-Term Analysis of an Emerging Procedure

Background/Aims Performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who have undergone Rouxen-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is challenging. Standard ERCP and enteroscopy-assisted ERCP are associated with limited success rates. Laparoscopy- or laparotomy-assisted ERCP yields improved efficacy rates, but with higher complication rates and costs. We present the first multicenter experience regarding the efficacy and safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) or EUS. Methods All patients who underwent EDGE at two academic centers were included. Clinical success was defined as successful ERCP and/or EUS through the use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). Adverse events related to EDGE were separated from ERCP- or EUS-related complications and were defined as bleeding, stent migration, perforation, and infection. Results Sixteen patients were included in the study. Technical success was 100%. Clinical success was 90% (n=10); five patients were awaiting maturation of the fistula tract prior to ERCP or EUS, and one patient had an aborted ERCP due to perforation. One perforation occurred, which was managed endoscopically. Three patients experienced stent dislodgement; all stents were successfully repositioned or bridged with a second stent. Ten patients (62.5%) had their LAMS removed. The average weight change from LAMS insertion to removal was negative 2.85 kg. Conclusions EDGE is an effective, minimally invasive, single-team solution to the difficulties associated with ERCP in patients with RYGB.
Prevalence of snoring in Taichung area: an epidemiological study.

BACKGROUND Snoring is the cardinal symptom of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). To our knowledge, no epidemiological data of sleep-disordered breathing in Taiwan is reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of snoring in the area of Taichuing, Taiwan. METHODS Data were collected from a random sample of Taichung area residents listed in the Taichung Resident Telephone Directory. Questions were asked by telephone and the answers were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS Among the 1,252 people who were successfully interviewed, 606 were males and 646 were females. The overall prevalence of snoring was 46.8%, while habitual snorers accounted for 13.8%. The prevalence of snoring among males was higher than females (57% vs. 37%, p < 0.001). In addition, adults aged 40-59 years were more likely to snore (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Snoring in the area of Taichung, Taiwan is more prevalent in middle-aged adults, especially men. How to ascertain those who have OSAS economically and efficiently requires further investigation.
Accurate correction of surface noises of polygonal meshes

In this paper we propose a new algorithm for accurate correction of surface noises of polygonal meshes. It consists of three basic components: (a) feature‐preserving pre‐smoothing; (b) partitioning of feature and non‐feature regions; (c) second‐order predictor for non‐feature regions and median filter for feature regions. The unique contributions of our approach include (a) an idea of partitioning an input surface into feature and non‐feature regions so that different smoothing algorithms, which are best suited for either feature or non‐feature regions can be, respectively, applied; (b) a second‐order predictor that provides higher smoothing accuracy and better convergence on smoothly curved surfaces. In comparison with several existing algorithms, our algorithm is evaluated quantitatively in terms of surface normal and vertex distance error metrics. Numerical experiments indicate the effectiveness of our approach in the aspects of convergence and accuracy. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human papillomavirus type‐16 variants in Quechua aboriginals from Argentina

Cervical carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death in Quechua indians from Jujuy (northwestern Argentina). To determine the prevalence of HPV‐16 variants, 106 HPV‐16 positive cervical samples were studied, including 33 low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 28 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 9 invasive cervical cancer (ICC), and 36 samples from women with normal colposcopy and cytology. HPV genome variability was examined in the L1 and E6 genes by PCR‐hybridization. In a subset of 20 samples, a LCR fragment was also analyzed by PCR‐sequencing. Most variants belonged to the European branch with subtle differences that depended on the viral gene fragment studied. Only about 10% of the specimens had non‐European variants, including eight Asian‐American, two Asian, and one North‐American‐1. E6 gene analysis revealed that 43% of the samples were identical to HPV‐16 prototype, while 57% corresponded to variants. Interestingly, the majority (87%) of normal smears had HPV‐16 prototype, whereas variants were detected mainly in SIL and ICC. LCR sequencing yielded 80% of variants, including 69% of European, 19% Asian‐American, and 12% Asian. We identified a new variant, the Argentine Quechua‐51 (AQ‐51), similar to B‐14 plus two additional changes: G7842→A and A7837→C; phylogenetic inference allocated it in the Asian‐American branch. The high proportion of European variants may reflect Spanish colonial influence on these native Inca descendants. The predominance of HPV‐16 variants in pathologic samples when compared to normal controls could have implications for the natural history of cervical lesions. J. Med. Virol. 69:546–552, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Scaled Thermal-Diffusivity-Based 16 MHz Frequency Reference in 0.16 µm CMOS

This paper presents a 16 MHz frequency reference that exploits the well-defined thermal diffusivity of IC-grade silicon. After a room temperature trim, its absolute inaccuracy is ±0.1% from -55°C to 125°C (24 samples), while its cycle-to-cycle jitter is less than 45 ps (rms) at a power dissipation of 2.1 mW from a 1.8 V supply. The reference occupies 0.5 mm<sup>2</sup> in a 0.16 μ m standard CMOS process. Compared to a previous design in an older 0.7 μm CMOS process, it achieves 10× higher frequency, 7× less jitter, 3.7× less power, and 12x less chip area, while maintaining the same level of accuracy.
Publication bias: evidence of delayed publication in a cohort study of clinical research projects

Abstract Objectives: To determine the extent to which publication is influenced by study outcome. Design: A cohort of studies submitted to a hospital ethics committee over 10 years were examined retrospectively by reviewing the protocols and by questionnaire. The primary method of analysis was Cox's proportional hazards model. Setting: University hospital, Sydney, Australia. Studies: 748 eligible studies submitted to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee between 1979 and 1988. Main outcome measures: Time to publication. Results: Response to the questionnaire was received for 520 (70%) of the eligible studies. Of the 218 studies analysed with tests of significance, those with positive results (P<0.05) were much more likely to be published than those with negative results (P0.10) (hazard ratio 2.32 (95% confidence interval 1.47 to 3.66), P=0.0003), with a significantly shorter time to publication (median 4.8 v 8.0 years). This finding was even stronger for the group of 130 clinical trials (hazard ratio 3.13 (1.76 to 5.58), P=0.0001), with median times to publication of 4.7 and 8.0 years respectively. These results were not materially changed after adjusting for other significant predictors of publication. Studies with indefinite conclusions (0.05 P<0.10) tended to have an even lower publication rate and longer time to publication than studies with negative results (hazard ratio 0.39 (0.13 to 1.12), P=0.08). For the 103 studies in which outcome was rated qualitatively, there was no clear cut evidence of publication bias, although the number of studies in this group was not large. Conclusions: This study confirms the evidence of publication bias found in other studies and identifies delay in publication as an additional important factor. The study results support the need for prospective registration of trials to avoid publication bias and also support restricting the selection of trials to those started before a common date in undertaking systematic reviews. Key messages This retrospective cohort study of clinical research projects confirms the findings of publication bias found in previous studies Delay in the publication of studies with negative results has been identified as an additional important factor in publication bias With the recognised importance of evidence based medicine, these results have important implications for the selection of studies included in systematic reviews Prospective registration of clinical research projects will avoid many of the problems associated with publication bias However, it is also important to restrict inclusion in systematic reviews to studies started before a certain date to allow for the delay in completing studies with negative results
Assessment of Reinforcing Effects of Benztropine Analogs and Their Effects on Cocaine Self-Administration in Rats: Comparisons with Monoamine Uptake Inhibitors

Benztropine (BZT) analogs inhibit dopamine uptake but are less effective than cocaine in producing behavioral effects predicting abuse liability. The present study compared reinforcing effects of intravenous BZT analogs with those of standard monoamine uptake inhibitors and the effects of their oral pretreatment on cocaine self-administration. Responding of rats was maintained by cocaine [0.032–1.0 mg/kg/injection (inj)] or food reinforcement under fixed-ratio five-response schedules. Maximal rates of responding were maintained by 0.32 mg/kg/inj cocaine or substituted methylphenidate, with lower rates maintained at lower and higher doses. The N-methyl BZT analog, AHN 1-055 (3α-[bis(4′-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-tropane), also maintained responding (0.1 mg/kg/inj), although maximal rates were less than those with cocaine. Responding was not maintained above vehicle levels by the N-allyl, AHN 2-005 (N-allyl-3α-[bis(4′-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-tropane), and N-butyl, JHW 007 [N-(n-butyl)-3α-[bis(4′-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-tropane], BZT analogs, and it was not maintained with nisoxetine or citalopram. Presession treatment with methylphenidate (3.2–32 mg/kg) dose-dependently shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-effect curve leftward, whereas nisoxetine and citalopram effects were not significant. An intermediate dose of AHN 1-055 (32 mg/kg) increased responding maintained by low cocaine doses and decreased responding maintained by higher doses. A higher dose of AHN 1-055 completely suppressed cocaine-maintained responding. Both AHN 2-005 and JHW 007 dose-dependently (10–32 mg/kg) decreased cocaine self-administration, shifting its dose-effect curve down. Decreases in cocaine-maintained responding occurred at doses of methylphenidate and BZT analogs that left food-maintained responding unchanged. During a component in which injections were not available, methylphenidate and AHN 1-055, but not AHN 2-005 or JHW 007, increased response rates. These findings further support the low abuse liability of BZT analogs and their potential development as medications for cocaine abuse.
Factors influencing the use of adequately iodated salt in Ghana

Ghana is one of the largest producers of salt in West African region yet, access to and the use of adequately iodized salt is not widespread. Using the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2006, this paper examined the factors influencing the use of adequately iodized salt in Ghana. Factors that influence the use of adequately iodized salt included knowledge, access to information and the wealth status. Where access to formal education opportunities were not available, access to information through media still served as an important instrument to educate the public and increase the community’s knowledge on the nutritional value of consuming adequately iodized salt. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the cost of iodized salt should be reduced to make it more affordable particularly for the poor since wealth is an important factor influencing the use of adequately iodized salt. Furthermore, monitoring and ensuring enforcement of the law of salt fortification with iodine would help Ghana achieve universal salt iodisation. Key words: Ghana, iodine, iodized salt, wealth, education, media.
Programmable voltage-output, floating-gate digital-analog converter

In this paper, we describe implementations of binary-weighted and equal capacitance floating gate digital-analog converters (FGDACs). We improve the accuracy of charge amplifier DAC circuits and reduce their large element spread by utilizing epots in their implementations. We analyze these circuits and present experimental data from the chips that were fabricated in 0.5/spl mu/m CMOS process available through MOSIS. The characterization results prove that by using the equal capacitance FGDAC structure, we can obtain very accurate results while eliminating the problems caused by the large element spread.
Novel Screening Agar for Detection of Vancomycin-Nonsusceptible Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT In January 2006, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) updated breakpoints for vancomycin susceptibility testing for Staphylococcus aureus such that an MIC greater than 2 mg/liter was considered to represent nonsusceptibility to vancomycin. Previously, an MIC of 4 mg/liter had been considered to represent susceptibility. Additionally, in 2009, the CLSI altered the guidelines for staphylococci such that disk diffusion was no longer an acceptable means for testing vancomycin susceptibility in these organisms. To accommodate the change in breakpoints and methodological updates, we designed a medium consisting of brain heart infusion agar with 3 mg/liter vancomycin (BHI-V3) to screen for isolates of S. aureus with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin. We challenged this medium using a previously characterized collection of 100 isolates of S. aureus, including 55 vancomycin-susceptible isolates and 45 isolates representing vancomycin-intermediate strains of S. aureus (VISA) (with vancomycin MICs of 4 mg/liter or greater). All of the VISA isolates grew on the agar, for 100% sensitivity. Nineteen vancomycin-susceptible isolates also grew on the agar, for 65% specificity. We then incorporated BHI-V3 into clinical practice. In the first 60 days postimplementation, we identified 17 potential VISA isolates out of 421 S. aureus isolates tested. Thirteen out of the 17 were confirmed to represent VISA isolates. In light of the excellent sensitivity of this medium, we recommend that clinical laboratories incorporate BHI-V3 to screen for vancomycin-nonsusceptible isolates of S. aureus.
Motivinhalte und Handlungs- versus Lageorientierung

Zusammenfassung: Personen unterscheiden sich darin, wie stark sie ihr Selbst als autonom und unabhangig vom sozialen Kontext (Independente) oder aber als sozial und verbunden mit dem Kontext (Interdependente) definieren. Wahrend die Auswirkungen der Selbstkonstruktion auf kognitive Variablen Gegenstand zahlreicher Studien gewesen sind, wurden mogliche Beziehungen zu motivationalen Prozessen bisher kaum gepruft. Es werden drei Studien vorgestellt, in denen Zusammenhange zwischen Personunterschieden in motivationalen/volitionalen Tendenzen und interindividuellen Unterschieden in der Art der Selbstkonstruktion untersucht wurden. Unsere Annahme war, dass sich Independente von Interdependenten sowohl in den Inhalten unterscheiden, die in ihren Motiven dominieren, als auch darin, auf welche Art und Weise sie Handlungsabsichten in die Tat umsetzen. Erwartungsgemas waren Interdependente starker anschlussmotiviert und weniger leistungsmotiviert, und sie zeigten sich starker durch Furcht vor Misserfolg motiviert al.
Tasa de descuento social y evaluación de proyectos: algunas reflexiones prácticas para América Latina y el Caribe

La elección de la tasa social de descuento constituye uno de los elementos críticos en los procesos de evaluación de proyectos públicos, y en particular en el análisis costo-beneficio sobre el que aún persisten algunos problemas prácticos y cuestiones a resolver de especial interés. El presente documento aborda el rol de la tasa de descuento en la evaluación de proyectos, atendiendo a las diferentes metodologías existentes y a las implicaciones teóricas y prácticas que tiene tanto para autoridades nacionales como para organismos multilaterales.
Working Memory Capacity and Overgeneral Autobiographical Memory in Young and Older Adults

ABSTRACT The objectives of this study are to compare the Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) performance of two healthy samples of younger and older adults and to analyse the relationship between overgeneral memory (OGM) and working memory executive processes (WMEP) using a structural equation modelling with latent variables. The AMT and sustained attention, short-term memory and working memory tasks were administered to a group of young adults (N = 50) and a group of older adults (N = 46). On the AMT, the older adults recalled a greater number of categorical memories (p = .000) and fewer specific memories (p = .000) than the young adults, confirming that OGM occurs in the normal population and increases with age. WMEP was measured by reading span and a working memory with sustained attention load task. Structural equation modelling reflects that WMEP shows a strong relationship with OGM: lower scores on WMEP reflect an OGM phenomenon characterized by higher categorical and lower specific memories.
Health Capital and the Prenatal Environment: The Effect of Maternal Fasting During Pregnancy

We use the Islamic holy month of Ramadan as a natural experiment in fasting and fetal health. In Michigan births 1989-2006, we find prenatal exposure to Ramadan among Arab mothers results in lower birthweight and reduced gestation length. Exposure to Ramadan in the first month of gestation is also associated with a sizable reduction in the number of male births. In Census data for Uganda, Iraq, and the US we find strong associations between in utero exposure to Ramadan and the likelihood of being disabled as an adult. Effects are particularly large for mental (or learning) disabilities. We also find significant effects on proxies for wealth, earnings, the sex composition of the adult population, and more suggestive evidence of effects on schooling. We find no evidence that negative selection in conceptions during Ramadan accounts for our findings, suggesting that avoiding Ramadan exposure during pregnancy is costly or the long-term effects of fasting unknown.