Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numbers of neurons and glia in mature rat somatosensory cortex: Effects of prenatal exposure to ethanol

Stereological methods were used to examine the consequences of prenatal exposure to ethanol on the structure of area 3, primary somatosensory cortex, of the mature hooded rat. Pregnant rats were fed a liquid diet containing 6.7% (v/v) ethanol (Et), pairfed an isocaloric liquid control diet (Ct), or fed a diet of chow and water (Ch). Cresyl violet‐stained sections of 3‐month‐old pups were examined. The corrected mean size of the cell bodies of neurons in layers other than layer V was significantly smaller in the Ettreated rats; conversely, the mean somatic size of glia in each layer was significantly larger in the Ettreated rats. The laminar cell packing density for neurons and glia, however, was similar in rats from both treatment groups. The overall volume of area 3 and the volume of individual layers were about 33% smaller in Et‐treated rats than in the pair‐fed controls. Thus, the estimated total number of neurons in Et‐treated rats (1.79*106) was significantly fewer than in Chtreated rats (2.77*106) and in Ct‐treated rats (2.66*106). The total number of glia also was about 30% fewer in Et‐treated rats than in the controls. Not all layers were affected equivalently. The space occupied by the neuropil was significantly greater in Et‐treated rats, but only in layers II/III, IV, and VI; hence, the cell body/neuropil ratio in these layers was less in Et‐treated rats than in the controls. Therefore, microcephaly caused by prenatal exposure to ethanol results not only from a miniaturization of the brain, but also from a permanent abnormal organization of cerebral cortex.
A fuzzy membership function circuit in SC technique

A new Switched Capacitor Membership Function circuit, which is based on an offset insensitive SC amplifier and presents triangular-shape transcharacteristics, is proposed. Thanks to the SC approach a good precision, which is independent of process tolerances, is achieved. The circuit was realised in a 1.2-/spl mu/m standard CMOS technology and both simulations and experimental data were carried out. Good agreement is shown between expected and measured values.
[Efficacy of omalizumab in patients with severe asthma using the asthma health questionnaire and asthma control test].

BACKGROUND The efficacy of anti-IgE antibody, omalizumab, was studied in patients with severe bronchial asthma. There have been reports stating that although omalizumab could not improve objective results, it has shown improvements in subjective symptoms of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of omalizumab in severe bronchial asthma. METHODS Thirteen patients were enrolled. Omalizumab was administered subcutaneously every 2 or 4 weeks based on serum IgE level and body weight of each patient. Pulmonary function tests, Asthma Control Test (ACT), Asthma Health Questionnaire-JAPAN (AHQ-JAPAN), number of emergency visits and dosage of methylprednisolone during a 16-week period were compared to the previous year. We examined the correlations between respiratory function, and ACT and AHQ-JAPAN. RESULTS Treatment with omalizumab did not improve lung function. AHQ and ACT over the 16-week period significantly improved compared to baseline (p<0.01). The number of emergency visit and doses of methylprednisolone were significantly reduced compared to the previous year (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Although treatment with omalizumab could not improve lung function, AHQ and ACT during the 16-week study period had significantly improved compared to baseline. Omalizumab significantly reduced the number of emergency visits and dosages of methylprednisolone.
Wet heat exposure: a potentially reversible cause of low semen quality in infertile men.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the recovery of semen quality in a cohort of infertile men after known hyperthermic exposure to hot tubs, hot baths or whirlpool baths. MATERIALS AND METHODS A consecutive cohort of infertile men had a history remarkable for wet heat exposure in the forms of hot tubs, Jacuzzi or hot baths. Clinical characteristics and exposure parameters were assessed before exposure was discontinued, and semen parameters analyzed before and after discontinuation of hyperthermic exposure. A significant seminal response to withdrawal of hyperthermia was defined as >or= 200% increase in the total motile sperm count (TMC = volume x concentration x motile fraction) during follow-up after cessation of wet heat exposure. RESULTS Eleven infertile men (mean age 36.5 years, range 31-44) exposed to hyperthermia were evaluated pre and post-exposure. Five patients (45%) responded favorably to cessation of heat exposure and had a mean increase in total motile sperm counts of 491%. This increase was largely the result of a statistically significant increase in sperm motility from a mean of 12% at baseline to 34% post-intervention (p = 0.02). Among non-responders, a smoking history revealed a mean of 5.6 pack-years, compared to 0.11 pack-years among responders. The prevalence of varicoceles was similar in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS The toxic effect of hyperthermia on semen quality may be reversible in some infertile men. We observed that the seminal response to exposure elimination varies biologically among individuals and can be profound in magnitude. Among non-responders, other risk factors that could explain a lack of response to elimination of hyperthermia should be considered.
Focused Single-Session Psychotherapy: A Review of the Clinical and Research Literature

more than 40 papers that address some aspect of this form of very brief psychotherapy have been located in two archival data sets (PsycINFO and MEDLINE). The literature consists of clinical overviews, program descriptions and case presentations, and a few uncontrolled and controlled outcome studies. Single-session psychotherapy has been practiced from a wide variety of theoretical perspectives with no evidence thus far that any specific perspective is superior to any other. Single-session psychotherapy has been found to be somewhat effective for intrapsychic difficulties, interpersonal conflicts, and as an adjunct treatment for medical disorders, and has been shown to be useful for the treatment of children and adolescents as well as adults. Between one-third and one-half of randomly selected clients seen in single-session psychotherapy report being sufficiently helped by the experience so that the therapeutic episode can be terminated. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 1:75–86 (2001)]
A NEW LOWER BOUND FOR SCHEDULING OF FMS BASED ON AGV MATERIAL HANDLING

Abstract This paper addresses the simultaneous job input sequencing and vehicle dispatching problems in flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) using a single device Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS). A Branch and Bound approach based on simulation has been previously developed. However, efficient easily computable lower bounds are still required to provide solutions for small and medium size problems. In this paper a new lower bound is proposed and benchmarks proved that this lower bound outperforms the lower bound previously published.
Using linked open data to enhance the discoverability, functionality and impact of Emblematica Online

Purpose Early Modern emblem books are primary sources for scholars studying the European Renaissance. Linked Open Data (LOD) is an approach for organizing and modeling information in a data-centric manner compatible with the emerging Semantic Web. The purpose of this paper is to examine ways in which LOD methods can be applied to facilitate emblem resource discovery, better reveal the structure and connectedness of digitized emblem resources, and enhance scholar interactions with digitized emblem resources. Design/methodology/approach This research encompasses an analysis of the existing XML-based Spine (emblem-specific) metadata schema; the design of a new, domain-specific, Resource Description Framework compatible ontology; the mapping and transformation of metadata from Spine to both the new ontology and (separately) to the pre-existing Schema.org ontology; and the (experimental) modification of the Emblematica Online portal as a proof of concept to illustrate enhancements supported by LOD. Findings LOD is viable as an approach for facilitating discovery and enhancing the value to scholars of digitized emblem books; however, metadata must first be enriched with additional uniform resource identifiers and the workflow upgrades required to normalize and transform existing emblem metadata are substantial and still to be fully worked out. Practical implications The research described demonstrates the feasibility of transforming existing, special collections metadata to LOD. Although considerable work and further study will be required, preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of LOD for both users and libraries. Originality/value This research is unique in the context of emblem studies and adds to the emerging body of work examining the application of LOD best practices to library special collections.
Requirements capture as a cooperative activity

There is an interesting recognition that software development is not merely a mathematical or technological challenge, but a complex social process. The social process at the earliest stages of software development, i.e., scoping and capturing requirements, is examined. Some of the problems that can arise when insufficient attention is paid to the social process are considered together with alternative team structures. A cooperative requirements capture method called user skills task match (USTM) is presented, in which the social process is explicitly managed through use of a human facilitator and which provides a structured approach to the management of the requirements capture task. The cooperative approach is illustrated using a case study from the electricity distribution industry within the UK. <<ETX>>
INFLUENCE OF PESTICIDES ON NITROGEN FIXING BACTERIA

Pesticide use is effective for the protection of plants from pest, but the extensive use of pesticide over the past four decades has resulted in the disturbance of natural biological system. Some pesticides used in agriculture can be harmful to nitrogen fixing bacteria. The objective of the present study was to study the effect of pesticides on nitrogen fixing bacteria. The study was actually carried out for observing the effect of pesticides Hilcyperil and Nuvan on desired nitrogen fixing bacteria, Rhizobium spp. and Azotobacter spp. which are very essential for the growth of plant as well as for more yields. Nuvan pesticide greatly inhibited the growth of both the nitrogen fixing bacteria as compared to that of Hilcyperil. It is concluded from this study that the pesticides have differential effect on the growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria, and their action vary at different sites. Indication has been observed that the pesticides which are under field condition possibly due to its high toxic nature reduced the population of these bacteria under field
WRAN and LTE comparison in rural environments

Digital Dividend refers to frequency bands that currently are being occupied by conventional analog television that will be free after the analogue switch off and digital TV deployment. This paper discusses the importance of the 700 MHz band to achieve coverage goals and enhance rural development and economy by increasing levels of broadband Internet access. We performed a technical comparison of two technologies: LTE as a commercial positioned standard, and 802.22 as a new proposed and interesting. Simulation results are obtained operating in the 700 MHz band in rural areas, and finally there are conclusions.
Information security behaviors of smartphone users in China: an empirical analysis

Purpose Understanding user behavior is increasingly critical for information security in the use of smartphones. There is, however, lack of empirical studies about the behavior of smartphone users for information security in China. The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical analysis of the behavior of smartphone users in China in relation to information security. Design/methodology/approach A review of the related literature is conducted, leading to the development of a questionnaire for investigating the behavior of smartphone users. An online survey of the smartphone users in China is conducted. The collected data are analyzed with the use of descriptive analysis and Pearson’s chi-square test to better understand the behavior of smartphone users on information security. Findings The paper shows that there are serious concerns about information security in the use of smartphones in China including the ignorance of security information in downloading and using applications, inadequate phone settings, inappropriate enabling of add-on utilities and lack of proper disaster recovery plans. The study also reveals that there is a significant difference between different groups of users on information security in smartphone use. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on a purposeful sample of smartphone users in China. It is exploratory in nature. Practical implications The paper can lead to a better understanding of the behavior of smartphone users and information security in China and provide relevant government departments and institutions with useful information for developing appropriate strategies and policies and designing specific training programs to improve information security in the smartphone use. Originality/value This paper is the first of this kind to collect quantitative data from users in China for better understanding the behavior of smartphone users on information security. It provides insight towards the adoption of various measures for information security from the perspective of smartphone users in China.
Expression of integrin receptors on 45 clinical neuroblastoma specimens

Immunohistological expression of integrins has been analyzed on 45 neuroblastoma specimens representative of the different clinical and histological forms of the tumor. None of the specimens expressed the α5 chain of the integrins. The β1 chain was expressed on all specimens, the α1 chain on 44 specimens and the α3 chain on 42; the 4 specimens which lacked α1 or α3 were stage‐4 neuroblastomas. The α2 chain was expressed on 18 specimens, and the α6 chain on 17;15 reacted with both. Their reactivity was related to the maturation of the tumor rather than the stage of the disease: they were expressed on lowgrade, well‐differentiated specimens; stage 3‐4 neuroblastoma specimens analyzed at diagnosis were negative, but usually expressed both chains when analyzed after in vivo differentiation by chemotherapy. αv reacted with 18 specimens and β3 with 12, without strict relation with the stage of the disease and/or its degree of differentiation; 9 well‐differentiated specimens expressed the β4 chain; only 4 well‐differentiated specimens expressed the α4 chain. The 4 specimens which lacked α1‐β1 or α3‐β1 expression had n‐myc amplification, whereas those which expressed either α4, β4, β3, or αv had no amplification. Furthermore, the expression of the 3 heterodimers α4‐β1, αv‐β3 and α6‐β4 was essentially observed on primary tumors which developed in the mediastinum. The expression of α2‐β1 and α6‐β1 was observed on both n‐myc‐positive and ‐negative specimens. β1 and α3, were diffusely expressed on all counterparts of these tumors, from undifferentiated neuroblasts to ganglion and Schwann cells. The α1 chain reacted with undifferentiated and intermediate neuroblasts as well as with Schwann cells, but ganglion cells were negative. α2 and α6 chains were negative on undifferentiated neuroblasts, variably expressed on intermediate neuroblasts, and restricted to Schwann cells in ganglioneuroma. The expression of α4 and β4 was restricted to Schwann cells. αv and β3 occasionally reacted with undifferentiated and intermediate neuroblasts; αv was strongly positive on Schwann cells but negative on ganglion cells, whereas β3 was positive on both neuronal and non‐neuronal populations.
Gastric acid secretion of normal Japanese subjects in relation to Helicobacter pylori infection, aging, and gender

Background: In Japan, where the incidence of gastric cancer is high, Helicobacter pylori infection could affect gastric acid secretion differently from that in Western countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between H. pylori infection, acid secretion, aging, and gender in normal Japanese subjects. Methods: The study comprised 193 Japanese subjects who had undergone routine endoscopy. Gastrin‐stimulated acid output was performed during the routine endoscopic examination using the endoscopic method of gastric acid secretory testing (EGT: endoscopic gastrin test), which has been reported previously. H. pylori status was determined by histology, rapid urease test, and serology. Results: Mean EGT values were 3.9 ± 1.5 mEq/10 min in H. pylori‐negative men, 1.6 ± 2.5 in H. pylori‐positive men, 2.2 ± 0.9 in H. pylori‐negative women, and 1.5 ± 1.2 in H. pylori‐positive women. Although acid secretion was lower in H. pylori‐positive subjects compared with H. pylori‐negative subjects in both men and women, the decrease was more marked in men with H. pylori infection. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that aging is positively associated with gastric acid secretion in the H. pylori‐negative subjects, whereas a negative association was found between them in the H. pylori‐positive subjects. Conclusions: In Japanese subjects, aging affects gastric acid secretion differently depending on the status of H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection showed a stronger inhibitory effect on the acid secretion in men than in women. This gender‐related difference in the susceptibility of acid secretion to H. pylori infection may explain the higher rates of gastric cancer in men in Japan.
High-speed manipulation by using parallel wire-driven robots

A new type of a parallel wire-driven robot is proposed in order to reach ultra-high speed. The driving principle of parallel wire systems is described. Since wires can only pull and not push on an object, at least n+1 wires are needed in order to move the object in a n-dimensional space. In this paper, taking account of the effect of such redundancy on actuation, the motion stability in wire length coordinates is analyzed by using a Lyapunov function. Using “Vector Closure”, it is proven that the hand position and orientation converge to the corresponding desired values and the internal force also converges to the desired one. Moreover, by making good use of non-linear elasticity of parallel wire driven robots, it is claimed that the internal force arising from redundant actuation can effectively reduce vibration when the high-speed robot stops at desired points. As a result, ultra-high speed with more than 40 g(g:gravitational acceleration) can be attained by using relatively small actuators.
Blanquerna, Cambra y Felisia: Tres nuevos cultivares autógamos de almendro

Se describen tres nuevos cultivares de almendro procedentes del programa de mejora genetica del SIA de la DGA que se caracterizan por su autogamia, lo que permite su cultivo en plantaciones monovarietales, asi como por la ausencia de pepitas dobles en su fruto. Sus distintas epocas de floracion las hacen recomendables para distintas zonas de cultivo. Asi mismo, las caracteristicas de la pepita ofrecen distintas posibilidades comerciales.
The unusual glitch recoveries of the high-magnetic-field pulsar J1119−6127

Providing a link between magnetars and radio pulsars, high-magnetic-field neutron stars are ideal targets to investigate how bursting/magnetospheric activity and braking torque variations are connected to rotational glitches. The last spin-up glitch of the highly magnetized pulsar J1119−6127 back in 2007 was the first glitch in a rotationally powered radio pulsar to be accompanied by radiative changes. Moreover, it was followed by an uncommon glitch relaxation that resulted in a smaller spin-down rate relative to the prediction of the pre-glitch timing model. Here, we present four years of new radio timing observations and analyse the total of 16 years of timing data for this source. The new data uncover an ongoing evolution of the spin-down rate, thereby allowing us to exclude permanent changes in the external or internal torque as a standalone cause of the peculiar features of the glitch recovery. Furthermore, no additional variations of the radio pulse profile are detected, strengthening the association of the previously observed transient emission features with the glitching activity. A self-consistent measurement of the braking index yields a value n ≃ 2.7, indicating a trajectory in the P−P˙ plane inclined towards the magnetars. Such a potential evolutionary link might be strengthened by a, possibly permanent, reduction of ∼15 per cent in n at the epoch of the 2007 glitch.
Expression and Characterization of the 66-Kilodalton (NQO3) Iron-Sulfur Subunit of the Proton-translocating NADH-Quinone Oxidoreductase of Paracoccus denitrificans(*)

The proton-translocating NADH-quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) of Paracoccus denitrificans is composed of at least 14 dissimilar subunits which are designated NQO1-14 and contains one noncovalently bound FMN and at least five EPR-visible iron-sulfur clusters (N1a, N1b, N2, N3, and N4) as prosthetic groups. Comparison of the deduced primary structures of the subunits with consensus sequences for the cofactor binding sites has predicted that NQO1, NQO2, NQO3, NQO9, and probably NQO6 subunits are cofactor binding subunits. Previously, we have reported that the NQO2 (25 kDa) subunit was overexpressed as a water-soluble protein in Escherichia coli and was found to ligate a single [2Fe-2S] cluster with rhombic symmetry (g = 1.92, 1.95, and 2.00) (Yano, T., Sled', V. D., Ohnishi, T., and Yagi, T.(1994) Biochemistry 33, 494-499). In the present study, the NQO3 (66 kDa) subunit, which is equivalent to the 75-kDa subunit of bovine heart Complex I, was overexpressed in E. coli. The expressed NQO3 subunit was found predominantly in the cytoplasmic phase and was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and anion-exchange chromatography. The chemical analyses and UV-visible and EPR spectroscopic studies showed that the expressed NQO3 subunit contains at least two distinct iron-sulfur clusters: a [2Fe-2S] cluster with axial EPR signals (g = 1.934 and 2.026, and L = 1.8 and 3.0 millitesla) and a [4Fe-4S] cluster with rhombic symmetry (g = 1.892, 1.928, and 2.063, and L = 2.40, 1.55, and 1.75 millitesla). The midpoint redox potentials of [2Fe-2S] and [4Fe-4S] clusters at pH 8.6 are −472 and −391 mV, respectively. The tetranuclear cluster in the isolated NQO3 subunit is sensitive toward oxidants and converts into [3Fe-4S] form. The assignment of these iron-sulfur clusters to those identified in the P. denitrificans NDH-1 enzyme complex and the possible functional role of the NQO3 subunit is discussed.
Response to hepatitis B vaccine in a cohort of Gambian children

In a cohort of 1000 Gambian children immunized with four doses of 10 μg of plasma-derived hepatitis B virus vaccine, 44 subjects (4.4%) showed no response (<10 mIU/ml; 6 subjects) or low specific antibody response (10 to 99 mIU/ml; 38 subjects) to hepatitis B surface antigen. Serologic indices, potentially correlated with low immunologic response, were investigated in sera obtained from these children and in sex-, age and village-matched controls who showed a normal response. The presence of circulating immune complexes in similar proportion of responding and poorly responding children together with a low prevalence of rheumatoid factors suggested that polyclonal B cell activation was not correlated with the subnormal humoral response. Concentrations of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) and IgG subclasses did not differ in the two groups. Some of the African prevalent Ig allotypes were determined, but no significant differences in the two groups were found. The humoral response to hepatitis B surface antigen did not correlate with the response to tetanus toxoid.