Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generative Models of Segregation: Investigating Model-Generated Patterns of Residential Segregation by Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status

This article considers the potential for using agent models to explore theories of residential segregation in urban areas. Results of generative experiments conducted using an agent-based simulation of segregation dynamics document that varying a small number of model parameters representing constructs from urban-ecological theories of segregation can generate a wide range of qualitatively distinct and substantively interesting segregation patterns. The results suggest how complex, macro-level patterns of residential segregation can arise from a small set of simple micro-level social dynamics operating within particular urban-demographic contexts. The promise and current limitations of agent simulation studies are noted and optimism is expressed regarding the potential for such studies to engage and contribute to the broader research literature on residential segregation. [An appendix to this article is featured as an online supplement at the publisher's website. ]
E. coli ribosomes with a C912 to U base change in the 16S rRNA are streptomycin resistant.

Resistance to streptomycin (Sm) of Euglena gracilis chloroplasts can be due to a single C to T transition of the 16S rRNA gene in an invariant position which is equivalent to C912 of the Escherichia coli 16S rRNA. Since Euglena chloroplasts cannot be transformed we introduced, by site‐directed mutagenesis, a C912 to T transition in the cloned rrnB operon (pKK3535) of E. coli and used this new construct (pEM109) in transformation experiments. Transformed E. coli cells were selected for Sm resistance by colony plating and stepwise increase of Sm up to 25 micrograms/ml of culture medium. Several Sm‐resistant colonies were obtained. Ribosomes were isolated from pEM109‐transformed Sm‐resistant and pKK3535‐transformed Sm‐sensitive cells. The ribosomes were assayed in vitro for Sm‐induced misreading of poly(U) mRNA. We isolated 16S rRNA and sequenced the crucial RNA region by reverse transcription. The results clearly show that ribosomes from Sm‐resistant cells correctly read the poly(U) mRNA in the presence of 25 micrograms Sm/ml of reaction mixture and the 16S rRNA contains the C912 to U transition. We conclude that C912 is involved in a translation step(s) which is (are) sensitive to streptomycin.
A 45nm dual-port SRAM with write and read capability enhancement at low voltage

This paper presents circuit techniques to improve write and read capability for dual-port SRAM design fabricated in a 45nm low-power process. The write capability is enhanced by negative write biasing without any reduction in the cell current for the other port. The result shows 12% better improvement with just 1.9% area overhead. This technique has been verified successfully on 65nm and 45nm SRAM chip and improved 120mV lower at 95% yield of minimum operation voltage than a conventional one. The read capability is enhanced by cell current boosting and word line voltage lowering schemes. The SNM is also enhanced significantly. The target is to work below 0.8V with the worst process corner variation.
Limitations of therapy and a guarded prognosis in an American cohort of Takayasu arteritis patients.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical, laboratory, and radiographic manifestations of Takayasu arteritis (TA) in a cohort from the US, evaluate the response to interventions, remission and relapse rates, and disease progression, and compare these observations with those from other cohorts in the US, Japan, India, Italy, and Mexico. METHODS Seventy-five patients were retrospectively studied using a uniform database that included clinical, laboratory, and imaging data. Vascular imaging studies were performed at least yearly to monitor disease progression. RESULTS Common manifestations at disease onset included loss or asymmetry of pulses (57%), limb blood pressure discrepancy (53%), and bruits (53%). Eleven percent of patients were asymptomatic prior to disease diagnosis. Initial angiographic studies showed aortic abnormalities in 79% of patients and frequent involvement of the subclavian (65%) and carotid (43%) arteries.Ninety-three percent of longitudinally followed patients attained disease remission of any duration, but only 28% sustained remission of at least 6 months' duration after prednisone was tapered to <10 mg daily. Both angioplasty and vascular surgery were initially successful, but recurrent stenosis occurred in 78% of angioplasty and 36% of bypass/reconstruction procedures. More than two-thirds of patients had difficulty performing routine daily activities and approximately one-fourth of all patients were unable to work. Our cohort was similar to the National Institutes of Health, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican cohorts in terms of the predominance of female subjects and disease manifestations, but differed from the Indian cohort in that the latter group had a higher frequency of male subjects, abdominal aorta and renal artery involvement, and hypertension. CONCLUSION Although improvement of symptoms in TA usually follows glucocorticoid therapy, relapses usually occur with dosage reduction. Attempts to restore vascular patency are often initially successful, but restenosis occurs frequently. Chronic morbidity and disability occur in most patients with TA in the US.
Effects of dietary concentration and degree of polyunsaturation of dietary fat on endogenous synthesis and deposition of fatty acids in chickens

1. Two experiments were performed to assess the effect of different amounts of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on fatty acid composition of chickens. The contribution of de novo fatty acid synthesis to fatty acid profile was also estimated. 2. In trial 1, different fat sources were blended in different ratios allowing a gradient of dietary PUFA (from 15 to 61 g/kg), keeping added fat constant (9%). In trial 2, PUFA-rich oil was added at increasing inclusion rates (2, 4, 6 and 8%), achieving a dietary PUFA content ranging between 27 and 59 g/kg. 3. Increasing dietary PUFA inclusion resulted in an increase in PUFA deposition, with higher efficiency when dietary fat also provided saturated (SFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids (trial 1). 4. Increasing dietary PUFA in both trials resulted in a decrease in SFA and MUFA concentration in the whole body. 5. The estimated deposition of fatty acids from de novo synthesis was reduced when dietary fat content increased from 0 to 10%, varying between 35·34 and 17·66% for SFA and between 52·70 and 7·01% for MUFA in the whole body. The greater variation range for the MUFA supports the existence of a mechanism maintaining the SFA: (MUFA + PUFA) ratio within a specific range in biological membranes.
Infectious disease. Approval of novel TB drug celebrated--with restraint.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug, bedaquiline, for only patients who have multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, which can require up to 2 years of treatment. It is the first new tuberculosis drug to be green-lighted in more than 40 years, but the celebration was tempered as sobering challenges face the drug9s wide scale use.
Dual-band planar inverted F antenna for laptop computers

This paper describes the analysis and design of a dual-band planar inverted F antenna for laptop computers. This antenna has desirable characteristics for use in IEEE802.11b and IEEE802.11a wireless LAN. The computed results (required gain, input characteristics and far-field pattern) are given. The dual-band planar inverted F antenna, mounted in a laptop computer has been demonstrated to operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5.2 GHz bands with |S/sub 11/| less than -9.5 dB.
Hipertensión arterial: hechos esenciales

Resumen La hipertensión arterial (HTA) es una afección de alta prevalencia y elevada morbimortalidad. Su manejo debe ser individualizado según el riesgo cardiovascular total de cada paciente. Se han formulado recomendaciones para el uso de diferentes métodos de toma de la presión arterial (PA) (consultorio, domicilio, MAPA) con objetivos tanto diagnósticos como pronósticos y de orientación terapéutica. Hay acuerdo en iniciar un cambio de estilo de vida en todo paciente hipertenso o con PA normal alta. El momento de inicio de tratamiento farmacológico así como las metas de PA a alcanzar son puntos controvertidos aunque se formulan recomendaciones específicas. El mayor beneficio logrado en términos de reducción de eventos adversos en el tratamiento de la HTA depende de la magnitud del descenso de las cifras tensionales logrado. Hay, sin embargo, indicaciones y contraindicaciones definidas para el uso de ciertos tipos de fármacos antihipertensivos en situaciones clínicas particulares. Creemos que el concepto más importante a transmitir sobre el tratamiento de la HTA es muy simple: descendamos las cifras tensionales del paciente, si es posible, hasta llegar a las metas, pero aunque no logremos llegar a las mismas, igualmente estaremos disminuyendo en forma marcada su riesgo.
Concise Review Biomaterials & Bioengineering: Chemical-Biological Interactions of the Resin Monomer Triethyleneglycol-dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)

Most dental resinous materials contain high quantities of the diluent monomer triethyleneglycol-dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). Due to its 'hydrophilic' nature, significant amounts of this substance leach into an aqueous environment, such as the oral cavity. Therefore, it is hypothesized that TEGDMA frequently interferes with oral and/or systemic tissues. In vitro studies revealed that TEGDMA is considerably cytotoxic in various cell cultures. It has also been observed that TEGDMA can easily penetrate membranes and subsequently may react with intracellular molecules. The formation of glutathione-TEGDMA adducts is of specific interest, since the nearly complete exhaustion of this molecule significantly reduces its cellular detoxifying potency. Large deletions of DNA sequences were caused by TEGDMA, resulting in high mutation frequency. In addition, TEGDMA has been identified as an important resinous sensitizer in patients and professionals. Taken together, available in vitro information, in vivo studies with animals, and clinical data as well indicate that TEGDMA may contribute considerably to local and systemic adverse effects caused by dental resins.
System analysis of 2.4 GHz IEEE 802.15.4 compliant frequency synthesizer

This paper presents a detailed system design of PLL frequency synthesizer. The PLL is designed for 2.4 GHz unlicensed industrial, scientific, and medical band (ISM band) IEEE 802.15. 4 Zigbee transceiver. The PLL system analysis is meant for Zero-IF transceiver. Hand calculations and assumptions are discussed then validated by ADS (Advanced Design System) simulations.
Pre-negotiated influences on business-IT alignment in a project setting

Joint-venture alliance project partners have different and sometimes conflicting goals and incentives, and project members often have short project stays and weak allegiance to overall project goals. Given this, the sources of alignment required for the diffusion of selected and mandated ICT on projects appears to be limited. We ask, how are individual, organizational and project incentives aligned so that ICT is diffused in projects to achieve coordination and success? The results from this exploratory study conclude that alignment occurs from the external and pre-negotiated influences of goal, work output, work value, technological expectations, and professional peers which aids in the diffusion of technology in project settings. The study findings contribute to various theories of diffusion and the implications for managers is to understand and employ these pre-negotiated influencers to shape ICT diffusion and acceptance in projects.
Internet support groups for depression: a 1-year prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE This study described the characteristics of users of Internet-based depression support groups and assessed whether use predicts change in depression symptoms and social support. METHOD Users (N=103) of these groups were recruited into the study cohort and followed prospectively. Demographic characteristics, support group use, depression care, score on the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, and score on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D Scale) were assessed by Internet survey at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. RESULTS Users' demographic characteristics included median age of 40 years, 78.6% women, and 56.3% unmarried. Most (86.4%) were currently depressed (CES-D Scale score >22). Over 50% of participants heavily used the support group (5 or more hours in 2 weeks), and 37.9% preferred online communication to face-to-face counseling. Social support scores were low, compared with those from other studies of primary care patients with depression. The overall follow-up rate was 81.6% at 6 or 12 months. During follow-up, 72.6% of responders still participated in the online group; 81.0% were still receiving face-to-face depression care. Heavy users of the Internet groups were more likely to have resolution of depression (CES-D Scale score < or =22) during follow-up than less frequent users, after adjustment for age, gender, employment, and baseline CES-D Scale score with logistic regression. Social support scores did not change during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Users had high depression severity scores, were socially isolated, and perceived considerable benefit from the group. Internet depression support groups warrant continued research regarding supplementation of face-to-face depression care.
The frequency natural antisense transcript first promotes, then represses, frequency gene expression via facultative heterochromatin

Significance The circadian clock is predominantly regulated by transcriptional negative feedback, where the protein(s) arising from the central clock gene(s) inhibit their own expression. In Neurospora and mammals, the clock genes have natural antisense transcripts (NATs): long noncoding RNAs that overlap and are expressed in opposite orientation to the protein coding genes. Previously, we demonstrated that Neurospora frequency NAT is needed for normal DNA methylation. This report demonstrates that proper regulation of the frequency antisense transcript is needed to establish repressive heterochromatin. However, prior to establishing heterochromatin, NAT expression creates a transcriptionally permissive state that helps promote sense transcript expression. Broader implications indicate that NATs, in general, may first promote sense gene expression prior to establishing heterochromatin. The circadian clock is controlled by a network of interconnected feedback loops that require histone modifications and chromatin remodeling. Long noncoding natural antisense transcripts (NATs) originate from Period in mammals and frequency (frq) in Neurospora. To understand the role of NATs in the clock, we put the frq antisense transcript qrf (frq spelled backwards) under the control of an inducible promoter. Replacing the endogenous qrf promoter altered heterochromatin formation and DNA methylation at frq. In addition, constitutive, low-level induction of qrf caused a dramatic effect on the endogenous rhythm and elevated circadian output. Surprisingly, even though qrf is needed for heterochromatic silencing, induction of qrf initially promoted frq gene expression by creating a more permissible local chromatin environment. The observation that antisense expression can initially promote sense gene expression before silencing via heterochromatin formation at convergent loci is also found when a NAT to hygromycin resistance gene is driven off the endogenous vivid (vvd) promoter in the Δvvd strain. Facultative heterochromatin silencing at frq functions in a parallel pathway to previously characterized VVD-dependent silencing and is needed to establish the appropriate circadian phase. Thus, repression via dicer-independent siRNA-mediated facultative heterochromatin is largely independent of, and occurs alongside, other feedback processes.
Identification of lipoprotein families in a variant of human plasma apolipoprotein A deficiency.

This study describes the plasma lipoprotein system of a 48-year-old female patient with diffuse plane xanthoma and a deficiency of ApoA, the major apolipoprotein in HDL. In addition to the skin lesions, the patient exhibited hepatomegaly, corneal opacity and coronary insufficiency. Her tonsils were normal in appearance. Histochemical tests revealed intracellular deposition of free and ester cholesterol in the foam cells of skin lesions and rectal tumors. The patient had normal cholesterol and variable but elevated triglyceride levels in the plasma. The concentration of HDL was 1% of that reported for normal female subjects. In contrast, the concentration of VLDL was five times and that of LDL1 ten times higher than those of normal subjects. Increased concentrations of VLDL and LDL1 may be related to a reduced level of lipoprotein lipase. The level of LDL2 was normal, but its composition was characterized by a relatively high content of triglyceride and protein and a low content of cholesterol ester and ph.
Iranian women in science: a gender study of scientific productivity in an Islamic country

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to explore and test gender differences in the authorship of Iranian journal articles.Design/methodology/approach – A list of articles published by Iranian authors in ISI journals in 2003 was obtained from the Web of Science. The names of authors were searched in a specific database as well as the web to find their first names and hence their gender. The articles were then broken down by gender and subject category. International collaborations of the authors were also investigated.Findings – The productivity of female authors at the individual level as measured by article per author share was lower than male authors. In total, females accounted for 6 per cent and males for 94 per cent of the articles published in 2003. A chi‐square test showed that female contribution was significantly lower than expected.Originality/value – The study is the first to investigate gender participation in scientific productivity in Iran and most likely in a Muslim country. The article highli.
Blind separation of voice modulated single-side-band using the multi-target variable modulus algorithm

This paper introduces a blind algorithm for adaptive array processing, the multi-target variable modulus algorithm (MT-VMA), which can blindly separate multiple voice-modulated single-side-band (SSB) signals in the presence of strong co-channel interference. This algorithm does not require estimation of direction of arrival (DOA) or receiver calibration data to separate the signals-of-interest (SOIs). The paper presents simulations results demonstrating the use of the MT-VMA to blindly separate six overlapped SSB voice signals received by a six-element antenna array in the HF frequency band.
Low Dose Effects in Psychopharmacology: Ontogenetic Considerations

Low doses of psychoactive drugs often elicit a behavioral profile opposite to that observed following administration of more substantial doses. Our laboratory has observed that these effects are often age-specific in rats. For instance, whereas moderate to high doses of the dopamine agonist apomorphine increase locomotion, suppressed locomotor activity is seen following low dose exposure, with this low dose effect not emerging consistently until adolescence. A somewhat earlier emergence of a low dose “paradoxical” effect is seen with the 5HT1a receptor agonist, 8-OH-DPAT, with late preweanling, but not neonatal, rats showing increases in ingestive behavior at low doses but suppression at higher doses. In contrast to these ontogenetic increases in expression of low dose drug effects, low dose facilitation of social behavior is seen following ethanol only in adolescent rats and not their mature counterparts, although suppression of social interactions at higher doses is seen at both ages. This hormesis-like low dose stimulation appears related in part to overcompensation, with brief social suppression preceding the subsequent stimulation response, and also bears a number of ontogenetic similarities to acute tolerance, a well characterized, rapidly emerging adaptation to ethanol. Implications of these and other ontogenetic findings for studies of hormesis are discussed.
Performance Measures for Assessing Contour Trackers

In this paper we present techniques to compare the quality of tracking performances of B-spline based contour trackers. Three trackers reported to give good tracking performance have been considered for our empirical evaluation. They are the CONT-IMM tracker, the Condensation tracker and the Baumberg's tracker. Four different test conditions were set and for each test, the tracking performance of each tracker was measured against four performance measures. The results presented have revealed some interesting findings about the performance of the trackers under various conditions.
Dynamics and Spectra of Monolithic Mode-Locked Laser Diodes Under External Optical Feedback

In this paper, the effect of external optical reflection on the dynamic regimes and spectral properties of Fabry-Perot and distributed Bragg reflector monolithic mode-locked laser diodes is investigated numerically. The relation of the findings to experimental results is discussed, and optimizing the laser construction for reducing the feedback effects is also assessed.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipomannan blocks TNF biosynthesis by regulating macrophage MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) and microRNA miR-125b

Contact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) with the immune system requires interactions between microbial surface molecules and host pattern recognition receptors. Major M.tb-exposed cell envelope molecules, such as lipomannan (LM), contain subtle structural variations that affect the nature of the immune response. Here we show that LM from virulent M.tb (TB-LM), but not from avirulent Myocobacterium smegmatis (SmegLM), is a potent inhibitor of TNF biosynthesis in human macrophages. This difference in response is not because of variation in Toll-like receptor 2-dependent activation of the signaling kinase MAPK p38. Rather, TB-LM stimulation leads to destabilization of TNF mRNA transcripts and subsequent failure to produce TNF protein. In contrast, SmegLM enhances MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 phosphorylation, which is critical for maintaining TNF mRNA stability in part by contributing microRNAs (miRNAs). In this context, human miRNA miR-125b binds to the 3′ UTR region of TNF mRNA and destabilizes the transcript, whereas miR-155 enhances TNF production by increasing TNF mRNA half-life and limiting expression of SHIP1, a negative regulator of the PI3K/Akt pathway. We show that macrophages incubated with TB-LM and live M.tb induce high miR-125b expression and low miR-155 expression with correspondingly low TNF production. In contrast, SmegLM and live M. smegmatis induce high miR-155 expression and low miR-125b expression with high TNF production. Thus, we identify a unique cellular mechanism underlying the ability of a major M.tb cell wall component, TB-LM, to block TNF biosynthesis in human macrophages, thereby allowing M.tb to subvert host immunity and potentially increase its virulence.