Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Within-Session Rates of Responding When Reinforcer Magnitude Is Changed Within the Session

In the present experiment, the authors investigated the idea that within-session changes in operant response rates occur because subjects sensitize and then habituate to the reinforcer. If that is true, then altering an aspect of the reinforcer within the session should alter the observed within-session responding. The authors tested that idea by having rats press a lever for 2 food-pellet reinforcers delivered by a variable-interval 120-s schedule during 60-min baseline sessions. In treatment conditions, the magnitude of the reinforcer was halved (1 pellet) or doubled (4 pellets) 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 min into the session. That magnitude of reinforcement then remained in effect for the rest of the session. Altering reinforcer magnitude altered the rates of responding within the session in a fashion consistent with the habituation explanation, that is, response rates increased, relative to baseline, when the magnitude of reinforcement was increased. They decreased when the magnitude was decreased. Those results were seemingly inconsistent with the competing idea that within-session decreases in responding rates are produced by satiation.
A digitally programmable on-chip RC-oscillator in 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS logic process

The design of a process compensated RC on-chip oscillator with internally generated current and voltage references is presented. The oscillator provides a selectable clock (30 MHz to 36 MHz) with digital trimming to minimize process variations (/spl plusmn/45% in resistance value and /spl plusmn/15% in capacitance value). After fine-tuning, the oscillator guarantees less than /spl plusmn/2% frequency variation from 0 to 80 degrees, when operating down to 2 V. A 5-bit programmable fringe capacitor array was custom designed and modeled to overcome the lack of reliable capacitance devices in logic processes. The module was implemented in a 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS logic process, occupies an area of 444/spl times/280 /spl mu/m/sup 2/ (bandgap excluded) and requires no external reference or components.
CLOMIPHENE CITRATE IN THE TREATMENT OF IDIOPATHIC OR FUNCTIONAL HYPOGONADOTROPIC HYPOGONADISM IN MEN: A CASE SERIES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.

OBJECTIVE Late-onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (LOH) is a complex, heterogeneous entity. Whenever treatment is indicated, the endocrine literature has recommend testosterone replacement. We present our experience with clomiphene citrate treatment in patients with LOH and a review of the literature. METHODS This retrospective case series included 18 male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, roughly according to the European Male Aging Study criteria for LOH, attended at an academic hospital outpatient clinic. Data were retrieved from the patients' electronic medical records. RESULTS The patients' mean age (±SD) was 44.3 ± 6.3 years (range 21-67 years) referred for evaluation of low testosterone together with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue or tiredness, anxiety, and osteoporosis. Clomiphene was initially prescribed at doses between 25 mg 3 times a week and 50 mg/day. At 6 to 8 weeks following initiation of treatment, mean basal total-testosterone increased from 7.6 ± 2.6 to 19.3 ± 5.2 nmol/L (P<.0001). Mean basal luteinizing hormone (LH) increased from 2.7 ± 2.1 to 8.3 ± 3.5 nmol/L (P<.0001). Mean basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increased from 4.2 ± 3.6 to 8.6 ± 6.2 nmol/L (P = .007). Testosterone and LH responses were invariably observed, including 2 patients with history of nonpituitary cranial pathologies, 2 with somewhat elevated FSH, and 1 with an eating disorder. Twelve (67%) patients reported improvement in symptoms. Side effects included transient nipple tenderness in 1 patient. CONCLUSION Available data suggest that clomiphene is an efficient and convenient alternative to testosterone replacement therapy in a substantial subset of patients with LOH. Additional long-term controlled studies should further establish the role of clomiphene in LOH. ABBREVIATIONS FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone LH = luteinizing hormone LOH = late-onset hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Multiple-Valued Time-Based Architecture for Serial Communication Links

A new multi-level differential-time-signaling (DTS) architecture for serial communication links is presented in this paper. The proposed system concentrates the transmitted signal energy in a smaller bandwidth than conventional architectures, allowing higher data rates for a given channel, and uses simple circuitry compared to other serial links, resulting in less power consumption and chip area. A 6-bit 3Gb/s three-level DTS link has been simulated using Cadence tools in a mixed-signal 90nm CMOS process. The eye diagrams of the transmitted signal and of the received signal at the end of a 40-inch FR-4 channel are presented. The spectral energy content in the transmitted signal is compared to our two-level DTS architecture and to the standard Serializer/Deserializer (SerDes) architecture to illustrate the advantages.
The treatment of sinusitis following maxillary sinus grafting with the association of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and an intra-oral approach.

AIM OF THE STUDY To present the results of a prospective study on the management of infectious complications following maxillary sinus floor elevation procedures with a combined endoscopic (FESS) and intra-oral approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS From 2005 to 2009, twenty consecutive patients were diagnosed for sinusal chronic infectious complications refractory to medical treatment following maxillary sinus floor elevation and grafting procedures. All patients were treated with a combination of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) through a transnasal approach and an intra-oral approach, performed by an ear, nose, and throat team and an oral and maxillofacial team, respectively, in the same surgical session under general anesthesia. RESULTS In 16 of 20 patients, the 4-week endoscopic control demonstrated a complete clinical healing and recovery of the normal sinus ventilation and drainage. In two patients, the persisting sinusitis at the 4-week control was successfully treated (8th week) with an antibiotic therapy based on the antibiogram carried out on the bacterial culture obtained by the aspiration of the sinusal content. In one patient, the persisting sinusitis (3 months after surgery) was successfully treated with the aspiration of the infectious material from the maxillary sinus. In one patient, finally, it was necessary to perform a second combined surgical treatment to treat the persisting sinusitis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In this study, a relevant number of cases of chronic infectious complications following sinus floor elevation procedures are presented. To the authors' knowledge, it is the first time that well-defined treatment protocols based on a combined endoscopic (FESS) and intra-oral surgical approach are proposed. The positive, albeit preliminary, results obtained in this study seem to validate this treatment modality.
Optospintronics in Graphene via Proximity Coupling

The observation of micrometer size spin relaxation makes graphene a promising material for applications in spintronics requiring long-distance spin communication. However, spin dependent scatterings at the contact/graphene interfaces affect the spin injection efficiencies and hence prevent the material from achieving its full potential. While this major issue could be eliminated by nondestructive direct optical spin injection schemes, graphene’s intrinsically low spin–orbit coupling strength and optical absorption place an obstacle in their realization. We overcome this challenge by creating sharp artificial interfaces between graphene and WSe2 monolayers. Application of circularly polarized light activates the spin-polarized charge carriers in the WSe2 layer due to its spin-coupled valley-selective absorption. These carriers diffuse into the superjacent graphene layer, transport over a 3.5 μm distance, and are finally detected electrically using Co/h-BN contacts in a nonlocal geometry. Polarization-dependent measurements confirm the spin origin of the nonlocal signal. We also demonstrate that such signal is absent if graphene is contacted to bilayer WSe2 where the inversion symmetry is restored.
Effect of Cross-Linking on Corneal Thickness in Patients With Corneal Edema

Purpose: To investigate the pachymetric changes of collagen cross-linking in corneas with edema because of endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Interventional case series included 25 eyes of 25 consecutive patients with corneal edema for at least 4 months related to Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, corneal graft failure, and postoperative bullous keratopathy. Central corneal thickness was measured preoperatively, 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure by ultrasound pachymetry and optical coherence tomography. Results: Mean central corneal thickness measured by ultrasound pachymetry decreased after corneal cross-linking (mean ± SD): 712.0 ± 99.7, 618.3 ± 103.0, and 657.5 ± 114.8 for preoperative, 1-, and 3-month follow-up, respectively. Differences between preoperative value and 1- and 3-month follow-up values were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Similar results were found with the optical coherence tomography (mean ± SD): 777.3 ± 131.0, 711.6 ± 133.1, 746.4 ± 142.4, and 830.6 ± 198.7, for preoperative, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up values, respectively. Fourteen patients (56%) developed new epithelial bullae after 3 months; 11 patients (44%) remained asymptomatic until their last visit. Conclusion: Corneal cross-linking showed to be a safe procedure and potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of corneal edema.
Early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in southeastern Nigeria: prevalence of HIV infection among HIV-exposed babies.

BACKGROUND Vertical transmission of HIV-1 is responsible for a high level of infant mortality necessitating early infant diagnosis. Serologic tests are not useful because of persistence of maternal antibodies in infants. Amplification of the integrated viral genome by PCR is the preferred method of diagnosis of HIV infection in these children. OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of HIV among a cohort of HIV-exposed babies. METHODS HIV-exposed infants were recruited for DNA PCR (early infant diagnosis). Babies were enrolled from six weeks of age. Relevant data were collected with the aid of a proforma. Mothers were given pre-test counselling. Heel or finger prick samples of blood on Whatman filter paper were used for DNA PCR testing. RESULTS Data on the initial 304 babies enrolled for DNA PCR were analyzed. Seven (3.6%) of 192 mother-baby pairs who had received requisite prophylactic anti-retrovirals (PARV) were PCR-positive. In 23 (8.7%) PCR positive babies, their mothers received PARV but the babies had no post exposure prophylaxis (PEP), while two (12.5%) of 16 babies who had received PARV without their mothers turned out PCR-positive. Thirty nine (53.4%) of 73 mother-baby pairs who had no PARV were infected. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate was 35.5%. In these babies five (18.5%) were infected, while 288 (75%) of babies were exclusive formula fed (EFF), out of which 11 (4.8%) were infected. Forty-seven (15.5%) of the babies were mixed-fed, and 32 (68.0%) of them were infected. CONCLUSION Prophylactic ARV in mothers and babies gave a marked reduction in Mother-to-Child-Transmission (MTCT) rate. Feeding BMS conferred a superior protection against (MTCT) than EBF.
Cardiospheres Recapitulate a Niche‐Like Microenvironment Rich in Stemness and Cell‐Matrix Interactions, Rationalizing Their Enhanced Functional Potency for Myocardial Repair

Cardiac stem cells (CSCs) are promising candidates for use in myocardial regenerative therapy. We test the hypothesis that growing cardiac‐derived cells as three‐dimensional cardiospheres may recapitulate a stem cell niche‐like microenvironment, favoring cell survival and enhancing functional benefit after transplantation into the injured heart. CSCs and supporting cells from human endomyocardial biopsies were grown as cardiospheres and compared with cells cultured under traditional monolayer condition or dissociated from cardiospheres. Cardiospheres self‐assembled into stem cell niche‐like structures in vitro in suspension culture, while exhibiting greater proportions of c‐kit+ cells and upregulated expression of SOX2 and Nanog. Pathway‐focused polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, quantitative real‐time PCR, and immunostaining revealed enhanced expression of stem cell‐relevant factors and adhesion/extracellular‐matrix molecules (ECM) in cardiospheres including IGF‐1, histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), Tert, integrin‐α2, laminin‐β1, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Implantation of cardiospheres in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse hearts with acute infarction disproportionately improved cell engraftment and myocardial function, relative to monolayer‐cultured cells. Dissociation of cardiospheres into single cells decreased the expression of ECM and adhesion molecules and undermined resistance to oxidative stress, negating the improved cell engraftment and functional benefit in vivo. Growth of cardiac‐derived cells as cardiospheres mimics stem cell niche properties with enhanced “stemness” and expression of ECM and adhesion molecules. These changes underlie an increase in cell survival and more potent augmentation of global function following implantation into the infarcted heart. STEM CELLS 2010;28:2088–2098
Design and implementation of smart irrigation system for groundwater use at farm scale

Recently there has been an excessive groundwater pumping and seawater intrusion in the costal aquifers of Oman. To deal with this problem, a fully automated and wireless irrigation control system that avoids subjective decisions about irrigation volumes and timing was developed. All fields in the farm are accessible via TCP/IP protocol. Each farm has a Single Collecting Node for data collection connected to a host computer. All nodes in a crop are connected to Xbee network and considered as Slave Nodes except one termed Master Node. The Master Node includes two sensors and a solenoid valve. The Master Node controls the irrigation of the field with a same crop sequentially using slave nodes. Both the Xbee network and the solenoid valves are powered by a lithium battery with photovoltaic charging panels. The irrigation control and monitoring program is implemented in the host computer in the farm, which monitors the states of all crops and controls the valves using a threshold and timers. The smart irrigation system has been installed in 14 farms.
Factors influencing perception of effort (session rating of perceived exertion) during elite soccer training.

PURPOSE The aim of the current study was to identify the external-training-load markers that are most influential on session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of training load (RPE-TL) during elite soccer training. METHODS Twenty-two elite players competing in the English Premier League were monitored. Training-load data (RPE and 10-Hz GPS integrated with a 100-Hz accelerometer) were collected during 1892 individual training sessions over an entire in-season competitive period. Expert knowledge and a collinearity r < . 5 were used initially to select the external training variables for the final analysis. A multivariate-adjusted within-subjects model was employed to quantify the correlations of RPE and RPE-TL (RPE × duration) with various measures of external training intensity and training load. RESULTS Total high-speed-running (HSR; >14.4 km/h) distance and number of impacts and accelerations >3 m/s2 remained in the final multivariate model (P < .001). The adjusted correlations with RPE were r = . 14, r = . 09, and r = . 25 for HSR, impacts, and accelerations, respectively. For RPE-TL, the correlations were r = . 11, r = . 45, and r = . 37, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The external-load measures that were found to be moderately predictive of RPE-TL in soccer training were HSR distance and the number of impacts and accelerations. These findings provide new evidence to support the use of RPE-TL as a global measure of training load in elite soccer. Furthermore, understanding the influence of characteristics affecting RPE-TL may help coaches and practitioners enhance training prescription and athlete monitoring.
Developers’ price setting behaviour in urban residential redevelopment projects

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether developers’ ask lower prices on homes in redevelopment sites than they do on similar units in smaller developments completed over a shorter time span. It also investigates whether developers price units differently at different stages of the redevelopment process. The development of designated redevelopment areas often consists of multiple projects spread across several years, some in parallel, some sequential. New units are put on the market in a piecemeal fashion, and infrastructure, shared green spaces and shared facilities are installed successively. Design/methodology/approach A hedonic price model is used to analyse sales prices of 7,000 new apartments in Oslo sold between 2011 and 2015, all else being equal. The paper distinguishes between infill as one-stage projects, and multi-staged competitive and multi-staged monopolistic redevelopments. Findings Dwellings in redevelopment projects sell at a lower price than similar dwellings in infill projects. In competitive redevelopments, those in charge of the last projects put a slightly higher price on apartments. In redevelopments involving only one developer, the last stages ask the lowest prices. Research limitations/implications This research expands our understanding of developers’ pricing behaviour. Developers supplying housing for the private market through redevelopments land are willing to take risks particularly in the initial stage. Practical implications The findings indicate that credit institutions financing developers’ projects need to take into account the structure of selling prices, including lower prices and higher risk of pursuing redevelopment projects. Social implications Gaining a better understanding of developers’ pricing behaviour deepens our insights into the dynamics of market-led urban brownfield developments; this knowledge may moreover inform policies on sustainable urban growth. Originality/value An original investigation of housing transactions in urban brownfield sites in Oslo provides fresh insights into developers’ pricing behaviour.
Modified dexamethasone suppression-corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test: A pilot study of young healthy volunteers and implications for alcoholism research in adolescents and young adults

The key neuroendocrine component of a response to stress is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system. Abnormalities in the HPA system have been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism and suicide. The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) is the most frequently used test to assess HPA-system function in psychiatric disorders. This neuroendocrine test consists of the administration of a low dose of dexamethasone at 11 pm and the measurement of cortisol levels at one or more time points on the following day. After corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) became available for clinical studies, the DST was combined with CRH administration. In this test, patients are pretreated with a single dose of dexamethasone at 11 pm and receive human CRH intravenously at 3 pm the following day. The resulting DST-CRH test proved to be much more sensitive in detecting HPA system alterations than the DST. We have modified the DST-CRH test and used ovine CRH instead of human CRH in a pilot study of a group of young healthy volunteers. Results indicated that it produces results similar to the results obtained with human CRH. This suggests that ovine CRH can be used in psychiatric research. Alcoholism is associated with abnormalities in HPA function. Nonalcoholic subjects with a family history of alcoholism exhibit lower plasma ACTH and beta-endorphin as well as lower ACTH, cortisol, and beta-endorphin responses to psychological stress and CRH stimulation. This suggests that in children of alcoholics, alterations in the mechanisms that regulate HPA axis activity predate the development of alcohol dependence and may be considered inherited traits. Therefore, studies of the HPA system in persons at risk for alcoholism may help understand the neurobiological mechanisms of predisposition to alcoholism.
Inhibitory action of haloperidol, spiperone and SCH23390 on calcium currents in rat retinal ganglion cells

Patch-Clamp measurements in the whole-cell configuration were performed on isolated rat retinal ganglion cells to record voltage-activated calcium currents in the presence of dopamine antagonists. We report here that, in the absence of dopamine, application of the receptor antagonists haloperidol, spiperone and SCH23390 reduced calcium influx between 8% and 77%. The effect was fully reversible. After application of haloperidol and SCH23390, Ca2+ currents (ICa) recovered rapidly and completely within 30 s of washing. Current recovery after application of spiperone was completed only after 2 min of washing. I-V plots showed no change in the voltage-dependence of ICa during drug application. Also current kinetics remained unaffected by the dopamine antagonists.
Information Hiding Based on Intra Prediction Modes for H.264/AVC

This paper presents a novel information hiding algorithm for H.264/AVC, taking advantage of the specific features of this advanced video compression standard. The algorithm hides 1 bit in each qualified intra 4x4 luma block by modifying intra 4x4 prediction modes (I4-modes) based on the mapping between I4-modes and hiding bits. Information hiding rate is controlled by a parameter, embedding strength, which is also embedded into bitstream. Hidden information can be retrieved by decoding the intra prediction modes from bitstream, requiring neither original media nor complete video decoding. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm almost has no impact on video quality and video stream features. A comparatively high data hiding rate is obtained with a little increase on bit rate.
Increased oxidative stress as a mechanism for decreased BDNF levels in acute manic episodes.

OBJECTIVE AND METHOD There is a growing amount of data indicating that alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and increased oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. In light of recent evidence demonstrating that brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are decreased in situations of increased oxidative stress, we have examined the correlation between serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a measure of lipid peroxidation, and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in bipolar disorder patients during acute mania and in healthy controls. RESULTS Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels were negatively correlated in bipolar disorder patients (r = -0.56; p = 0.001), whereas no significant correlation was observed in the control group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that alterations in oxidative status may be mechanistically associated with abnormal low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor observed in individuals with bipolar disorder.