Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation for 4 months decreases the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). STUDY DESIGN Sixty-three 6- to-12-year-old children with ADHD, all receiving effective maintenance therapy with stimulant medication, were assigned randomly, in a double-blind fashion, to receive DHA supplementation (345 mg/d) or placebo for 4 months. Outcome variables included plasma phospholipid fatty acid patterns, scores on laboratory measures of inattention and impulsivity (Test of Variables of Attention, Children's Color Trails test) while not taking stimulant medication, and scores on parental behavioral rating scales (Child Behavior Checklist, Conners' Rating Scale). Differences between groups after 4 months of DHA supplementation or placebo administration were determined by analysis of variance, controlling for age, baseline value of each outcome variable, ethnicity, and ADHD subtype. RESULTS Plasma phospholipid DHA content of the DHA-supplemented group was 2.6-fold higher at the end of the study than that of the placebo group (4.85 +/- 1.35 vs 1.86 +/- 0.87 mol % of total fatty acids; P <.001). Despite this, there was no statistically significant improvement in any objective or subjective measure of ADHD symptoms. CONCLUSION A 4-month period of DHA supplementation (345 mg/d) does not decrease symptoms of ADHD.
The Monetary Policy of the ECB: Caring for the Weakest Links

This paper investigates the extent to which national economic conditions matter in the ECB's decision process. We employ various decision models to aggregate counterfactual national interest rates based on Taylor rule estimates and test which of the resulting interest paths fits best to the actual monetary policy in the euro area. As a novel feature, we introduce decision models where countries that fare economically worse than the euro area average obtain a higher weight in the decision process. Our results suggest that these models explain actual ECB policy better than GDP‐based bargaining models that have been highlighted in the previous literature. Thus, the ECB seems to have emphasized the needs of countries that face an economic crisis disproportionately highly even before the advent of the financial crisis.
HMM: hybrid multipolling mechanism with pre-allocation admission control for real-time transmissions in WLANs

The needs of multimedia applications inspirits the IEEE 802.11e MAC protocol as an emerging supplement to WLANs for supporting QoS transmissions. In recent years, the demand for supporting real-time communications has become more and more important in multimedia wireless networks. However, the IEEE 802.11e standard does not provide a sufficient real-time scheduling algorithm to support dynamic admission control of the bounded delay requirements of real-time traffic. Thus, in this paper, we propose a dynamic requirement allocation scheme named hybrid multipolling mechanism (HMM). which is based on the hybrid coordination function (HCF) of the IEEE 802.11e, to enhance the utilization of network bandwidth. Moreover, in order to make better use of the HMM, we provide an admission control, named pre-allocated admission control (PAC), to provide more real-time services. The simulation results show that the proposed HMM increases the channel utilization and reduces the control overhead very well. We also show that our scheme guarantees time bounded services as well as maximizes the network utilization.
A Bit Allocation Optimization Method for ROI Based Image Compression with Stable Image Quality

By assigning different quality to ROI (Region of Interest) and ROB (Region of Background), the ROI based image compression can provide higher quality for important regions with higher compression rate on entire image. However, the quality relation between ROI and ROB is usually defined empirically and hardly to be adaptive to all images. Great diversity among background regions is easy to cause unstable quality of the compressed images. This paper proposed a bit allocation optimization method for ROI based image compression. Using image redundancy analysis, the relationship of ROI and ROB in bit allocation is determined. Then, bit rates of ROI and ROB are adjusted adaptively. An application dependent learning based optimization model is trained to support the adjustment. As a result, the stable reconstructed image quality is obtained for different images. The experiment shows that it decreases average standard deviation of reconstructed image quality.
Long‐Term Antibody Production Is Sustained by Antibody‐Secreting Cells in the Bone Marrow following Acute Viral Infection a

Acute viral infection of humans induces virus-specific serum antibody production that often persists for decades. To better understand the nature of this long-term antiviral antibody response, we studied antiviral antibody production of mice acutely infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Although this viral infection is resolved within 2 weeks, virus-specific serum antibody levels were maintained for > 300 days postinfection. The anatomic site of long-term antibody production was identified using an ELISPOT assay to quantitate LCMV-specific antibody-secreting cells (ASC). The initial antiviral ASC response in the spleen peaked at 8 days postinfection and then declined sharply, with less than 10% of the day 8 ASC population remaining after 60 days. Although no LCMV specific ASC were detected in the bone marrow at day 8, virus-specific ASC began accumulating in the bone marrow by 15 days postinfection. By day 60, approximately 10-fold more antiviral ASC were present in the bone marrow than in the spleen, and the bone marrow remained the major site of antibody production for > 10 months postinfection. To further characterize the LCMV-specific antibody response, the relative percentage of each IgG subclass (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3) was determined. IgG2a was the predominant IgG subclass produced during LCMV infection, and the IgG subclass profile of virus-specific ASC in the spleen and bone marrow matched the IgG subclass profile of virus-specific IgG in the serum. Following a secondary infection with LCMV, splenic ASC numbers increased rapidly with a peak at 5 days after secondary infection. This was followed by a sharp decline in ASC numbers by day 15. In contrast, virus-specific ASC numbers in bone marrow remained essentially unchanged during the acute phase of the secondary infection but increased approximately twofold at day 15, corresponding to a twofold increase in virus-specific serum antibody levels. These results indicate that following a primary viral infection or upon reexposure to a virus, the initial antibody response occurs in the spleen, but long-term antiviral antibody production is maintained in the bone marrow.
A 60 GHz 19.6 dBm Power Amplifier With 18.3% PAE in 40 nm CMOS

This letter reports a fully integrated 60 GHz power amplifier (PA) implemented in TSMC 40 nm CMOS technology. This PA is based on a three-stage two-way differential topology with an output transformer-based power combining network. This topology improves layout symmetry and mitigates parasitic effects between different signal paths to increase overall efficiency. The use of parasitic coupling capacitors inside a vertically-coupled transformer can increase impedance transformation ratio. This PA achieves 20.3 dB power gain, 19.6 dBm output power with 18.3% peak PAE, and 12 GHz bandwidth.
Probable Biomarker Identification Using Recursive Feature Extraction and Network Analysis

Biomarkers have tremendous potential in different phases of treatment such as risk assessment, screening/detection, diagnosis and patient's response prediction. In this paper, we present an approach for development of a generic tool for an end to end analysis of expression data to identify the probable biomarkers. We follow machine learning as well as network analysis approaches in parallel. We use statistical techniques as preliminaries for quality analysis, followed by the feature (gene) selection approach. For network analysis techniques we use measures such as eigen centrality, closeness centrality and betweenness centrality to filter the most influential mutated genes which act as biomarkers.
Probable Deceleration of Progression of Simian AIDS Affected by Opiate Dependency: Studies With a Rhesus Macaque/SIVsmm9 Model

Objectives:To determine effects of opiate dependency on development of simian AIDS. Design:Assessments of viral, immune, and clinicopathological status were conducted on rhesus macaques before and after establishment of opiate dependency and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, sooty mangabey, strain-9 (SIVsmm9) infection. Controls received saline. Methods:Blood was collected at baseline, before opiate dependencies, and viral infections were established and then after SIVsmm9 infection, longitudinally, through 216 weeks. Plasma viral titers were assessed using the branched chain DNA assay and CD4 and CD8 counts via cytofluorometry. Clinicopathological assessments of AIDS were founded on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other selected criteria. Results:AIDS progression rates seemed to be decelerated and survival times increased by opiate dependency. Mean viral titers were unaffected by opiate exposure. Opiate-dependent monkeys that evidenced high initial viral titers survived significantly longer than controls. Several opiate-dependent monkeys maintained high viral titers for atypically extended durations. Several (5/19) opiate-dependent monkeys died or were removed early from the study due to “non-AIDS” causes. Conclusions:Long-term opiate dependency seemed to decelerate the rate of progression to AIDS in the SIVsmm9 monkey model. This effect was most evident in monkeys with high initial viral titers/set points. “Non-AIDS” morbidities and mortalities were noted as potential confounds of epidemiological assessments of the role of opiates in HIV/AIDS.
Maturation of the axonal plasma membrane requires upregulation of sphingomyelin synthesis and formation of protein–lipid complexes

Neuronal maturation is a gradual process; first axons and dendrites are established as distinct morphological entities; next the different intracellular organization of these processes occurs; and finally the specialized plasma membrane domains of these two compartments are formed. Only when this has been accomplished does proper neuronal function take place. In this work we present evidence that the correct distribution of a class of axonal membrane proteins requires a mechanism which involves formation of protein–lipid (sphingomyelin/cholesterol) detergent‐insoluble complexes (DIGs). Using biochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy we now show that in developing neurons the randomly distributed Thy‐1 does not interact with lipids into DIGs (in fully developed neurons the formation of such complexes is essential for the correct axonal targeting of this protein). Using lipid mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography we show that the DIG lipid missing in the developing neurons is sphingomyelin, but not cholesterol or glucosylceramide. Finally, by increasing the intracellular levels of sphingomyelin in the young neurons the formation of Thy‐1/DIGs was induced and, consistent with a role in sorting, proper axonal distribution was facilitated. These results emphasize the role of sphingomyelin in axonal, and therefore, neuronal maturation.
Public Opinion and Sentencing

When put in a judge’s shoes, the public would give similar or lower sentences Sentencing attracts a lot of public debate. While public surveys show that, in abstract terms, most people think that sentences imposed by the courts are too lenient, research demonstrates that: • public opinion about sentencing is largely built on widely held misconceptions about crime and sentencing; and • when people are provided with more information on a particular case – similar to the information a judge would have – they would impose a very similar sentence to the judge. In fact, a detailed study showed that, when provided with more information about four actual cases, the public would have given lower sentences in 3 out of the 4 cases.
Segregation Analysis of Prostate Cancer in France: Evidence for Autosomal Dominant Inheritance and Residual Brother‐brother Dependence

Four segregation analyses concerning prostate cancer (CaP), three conducted in the United States and one in Northern Europe, have shown evidence for a dominant major gene but with different parameter estimates. A recent segregation analysis of Australian pedigrees has found a better fit of a two‐locus model than single‐locus models. This model included a dominantly inherited increased risk that was greater at younger ages and a recessively inherited or X‐linked increased risk that was greater at older ages. Recent linkage analyses have led to the detection of at least 8 CaP predisposing genes, suggesting a complex inheritance and genetic heterogeneity.
Phytoremediation of groundwater contaminated with pesticides using short-rotation willow crops: A case study of an apple orchard

ABSTRACT The occurrence of pesticides in groundwater represents an important health issue, notably for population whose drinking water supply source is located in agricultural areas. However, few solutions have been considered with regard to this issue. We tested the efficacy of a vegetal filtering system made of shrub willows planted at a high density (16,000 plants ha−1) to filter or degrade pesticides found in the groundwater flowing out of an apple orchard. Ethylene urea (EU), ethylene thiourea (ETU), tetrahydrophthalimide (THPI), atrazine, and desethylatrazine were monitored in the soil solution in willow and control plots over one growing season. ETU and atrazine concentrations were lower in the willow plots relative to the control plots, whereas desethylatrazine concentration was higher in the willow plots. No significant difference was detected for EU and THPI. Furthermore, pesticide concentrations displayed complex temporal patterns. These results suggest that willow filter systems can filter or degrade pesticides, notably ETU and atrazine, and could be used for phytoremediation purposes. Yet, this potential remains to be quantified with further studies using experimental settings allowing more estimation in time and space.
Tendon matrix composition and turnover in relation to functional requirements

Tendons are dense regular connective tissue structures that are defined based on their anatomical position of connecting muscle to bone. Despite these obvious commons features tendons from different locations within the body show remarkable variation in terms of their morphological, molecular and mechanical properties which relates to their specialized function. An appreciation of these differences is necessary to understand all aspects of tendon biology in health and disease. In our work, we have used a combination of mechanical assessment, histological measurements and molecular analysis of matrix in functionally distinct tendons to determine relationships between function and structure. We have found significant differences in material and molecular properties between spring‐like tendons that are subjected to high strains during locomotion and positional tendons which are subjected to much lower strains. Furthermore, we have data to suggest that not only is the matrix composition different but also the ability of cells to synthesize and degrade the matrix (matrix turnover) varies between tendon types. We propose that these differences relate to the magnitude of strain that the tendon experiences during normal activities in life. Tendon cells may be preprogrammed during embryological development for the strain they will encounter in life or may simply respond to the particular strain environment they are subjected to. The elucidation of controlling mechanisms resulting in tendon cell specialization will have important consequences for cell based therapies and engineering strategies to repair damaged tendons.
Direct Measurement of SET Pulse Widths in 0.2- $\mu$m SOI Logic Cells Irradiated by Heavy Ions

Heavy-ion-induced SET-pulse widths in NOR-logic cells fabricated by a 0.2-mum FD-SOI technology are directly measured by using an on-chip self-triggering flip-flop circuit. The pulse widths are distributed from 0.3 to 1.0 ns under a constant LET of 40 MeVmiddot cm 2/mg
Is Video Laryngoscope-Assisted Flexible Tracheoscope Intubation Feasible for Patients with Predicted Difficult Airway? A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND:Failed intubation may result in both increased morbidity and mortality. The combination of a video laryngoscope and a flexible tracheoscope used as a flexible video stylet may improve the success rate of securing a difficult airway. We tested the hypothesis that this combination is a feasible way to facilitate intubation in patients with a predicted difficult airway in that it will shorten intubation times and reduce the number of intubation attempts. METHODS:We conducted a randomized, prospective trial in 140 patients with anticipated difficult airways undergoing elective or urgent surgery. After insertion of video laryngoscope, patients were randomly assigned to either having their tube placed with the use of a preformed stylet (control group) or with a flexible tracheoscope (intervention group). The primary outcome measures were time to successful intubation and number of intubation attempts. RESULTS:The number of intubations requiring 2 or more intubation attempts was similar in the 2 groups (14% control vs 13% intervention, P = 1.0); the number of patients requiring 3 or more intubation attempts was not significantly different (8.6% control vs 1.4% intervention, P = 0.12). Distribution for time to intubation also did not differ between the control (median of 66 seconds, interquartile range 47–89) and the intervention group (median of 71 seconds, interquartile range 52–100; P = 0.35). In the control group, 4 patients, all with cervical spine pathology, had the trachea intubated successfully with the video laryngoscope plus flexible tracheoscope after 3 failed attempts with video laryngoscope and rigid stylet. For these 4 patients, time from the decision to change the intubation method to successful intubation with a flexible tracheoscope was 36 ± 14 seconds. Overall success probability for cervical spine patients was 100% (20/20) in the intervention group and 80% (16/20) in the control group, with an exact 95% confidence interval for the difference of 1.4% to 44%, P = 0.04. CONCLUSIONS:Flexible tracheoscope-assisted video laryngoscopic intubation is a feasible alternative to video laryngoscope only intubation in patients with predicted difficult airways. A flexible tracheoscope used in combination with video laryngoscope may also further increase the success rate of intubation in select patients with a proven difficult airway, particularly when in-line stabilization is required.
The gene responsible for borate cross-linking of pectin Rhamnogalacturonan-II is required for plant reproductive tissue development and fertilization

Deficiencies in boron, a microelement that is essential for the growth and development of higher plants, often cause problems in reproductive growth. Rhamnogalacturonan-II (RG-II) in cell wall pectin acts as the sole receptor for boron in plant cells, forming a borate cross-linked RG-II dimer (dRG-II-B), but the physiological functions of dRG-II-B remain unknown. We have previously shown that the pectin glucuronyltransferase 1 gene NpGUT1, which is involved in the biosynthesis of RG-II sugar chains, is essential for the formation of the RG-II-B complex, resulting in tight intercellular attachment in meristematic tissues. Because NpGUT1 expression was found to be abundant in reproductive organs in addition to meristematic tissues, we analyzed the expression and functions of NpGUT1 in more detail in tobacco reproductive tissues. Specific NpGUT1 expression was detected in the tapetum of flower buds and in the pollen, pollen tube tips, and transmitting tissue of the pistils of flowers. Dexamethasone-induced expression of the NpGUT1 antisense gene in flower buds resulted in the formation of sterile flowers with aberrant development of pollen and transmitting tissue. Pollen tubes could not pass through pistils with aborted transmitting tissue, and expression of an NpGUT1 antisense gene in germinating pollen inhibited pollen tube elongation, accompanied by the absence of pectin RG-II and boron in the pollen tube tip. These results indicate that expression of NpGUT1 is required for the development and functions of male and female tissues.
Direct weakening of tropical circulations from masked CO2 radiative forcing

Significance The response of the atmospheric circulation to anthropogenic carbon dioxide changes has consequences for socially important aspects of climate, including rainfall and hurricane development. A substantial body of literature relates circulation weakening to temperature changes; however, it has been recently discovered that there is also a direct weakening of tropical overturning circulations from increased carbon dioxide concentration, which are independent of temperature changes. However, the cause of this direct slowing of the circulation has not been revealed. Here, I introduce a physical mechanism for the direct circulation weakening that accounts for its ubiquity across climate simulations. The previously unidentified mechanism is demonstrated across a hierarchy of atmospheric simulations including those used in the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Climate models robustly simulate weakened mean circulations of the tropical atmosphere in direct response to increased carbon dioxide (CO2). The direct response to CO2, defined by the response to radiative forcing in the absence of changes in sea surface temperature, affects tropical precipitation and tropical cyclone genesis, and these changes have been tied to the weakening of the mean tropical circulation. The mechanism underlying this direct CO2-forced circulation change has not been elucidated. Here, I demonstrate that this circulation weakening results from spatial structure in CO2’s radiative forcing. In regions of ascending circulation, such as the intertropical convergence zone, the CO2 radiative forcing is reduced, or “masked,” by deep-convective clouds and high humidity; in subsiding regions, such as the subtropics, the CO2 radiative forcing is larger because the atmosphere is drier and deep-convective clouds are infrequent. The spatial structure of the radiative forcing reduces the need for the atmosphere to transport energy. This, in turn, weakens the mass overturning of the tropical circulation. The previously unidentified mechanism is demonstrated in a hierarchy of atmospheric general circulation model simulations with altered radiative transfer to suppress the cloud masking of the radiative forcing. The mechanism depends on the climatological distribution of clouds and humidity, rather than uncertain changes in these quantities. Masked radiative forcing thereby offers an explanation for the robustness of the direct circulation weakening under increased CO2.