Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fault isolation for nonisolated blocks

We consider circuits represented as interconnections of logic blocks. In such circuits, the goal of fault isolation is to identify which one of the blocks is faulty based on a faulty output response produced by the circuit. We study this issue and demonstrate that perfect or close-to-perfect fault isolation is possible with tests that propagate fault effects through pairs of blocks. We relate this phenomenon to the numbers of fault effects observed on the circuit outputs for faults in different blocks. For cases where fault isolation is not perfect, we insert observation points to ensure perfect fault isolation. We also study the number of tests required to achieve perfect fault isolation. The study is performed for single stuck-at faults in combinational (or full scan) blocks.
Opportunities and challenges for mesenchymal stem cell-mediated heart repair

Purpose of review Mesenchymal stem cells (or multipotent stromal cells) are emerging as a potent cell type for cardiac cell therapy. This review describes the potential of cardiac mesenchymal stem cell therapy, but also highlights some recently discovered less favorable mesenchymal stem cell characteristics. Recent findings Mesenchymal stem cells exert a beneficial effect on cardiac function upon administration to the ischemic myocardium. The mode of action does not seem to involve differentiation into cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. A robust effect on revascularization and remodeling is observed, however, most likely mediated by paracrine factors. Recently identified drawbacks associated with cardiac mesenchymal stem cell therapy include differentiation into unwanted mesenchymal cell types such as osteocytes and adipocytes, the occurrence of cytogenetic instability upon prolonged expansion, and immunization when used in an allogeneic setting. Summary The application of mesenchymal stem cells is a novel strategy with therapeutic potential for cardiac repair. Strategies are needed, however, to optimize their therapeutic potential while minimizing their potential clinical risks.
Effect of antihypertensive treatment on the left ventricular isomyosin profile in one-clip, two kidney hypertensive rats.

In order to investigate the cardiac effects of antihypertensive therapies in one-clip two-kidney hypertension in rats, we compared the consequences on myosin isoenzyme profile and on left ventricular hypertrophy of two treatments: one was a new converting enzyme inhibitor (S9490), the second a more standard tripletherapy associating clonidine, dihydralazine and furosemide. The two treatments were initiated 4 weeks after clipping and administered during 5 weeks. During the treatment period average systolic blood pressure was 215 +/- 32 mmHg in the hypertensive untreated group (HC2, n = 12) and 144 +/- 13 mm Hg in the CEI group (HT1, n = 13), which is not significantly different from the value found in the sham-operated group (139 +/- 4 mm Hg, C2, n = 13). Blood pressure was lowered only to 173 +/- 18 mm Hg in the group treated with tripletherapy (HT2, n = 12). The left ventricular weight decreased significantly in the CEI-treated group toward values similar to those of the sham-operated animals (2.2 +/- 0.13 mg/g vs. 1.9 +/- 10 mg/g, respectively NS), whereas it did not change in the tripletherapy group when compared to the untreated hypertensive animals despite the fall in blood pressure. In the hypertensive untreated rats the percentage of V1 isoenzyme of cardiac myosin was lower than in the sham-operated group (42.8 +/- 9.0% vs. 57.5 +/- 7.6% P less than .001). In parallel the V3 form of cardiac myosin increased (24.1 +/- 7.4% vs. 15.7 +/- 4.3%, P less than .001). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Time Course of Corneal Topographic Changes in the First Week of Overnight Hyperopic Orthokeratology

Purpose. To investigate the time course of refractive and corneal topographic changes in overnight hyperopic orthokeratology (OK). Methods. Ten young adult subjects were fitted with rigid hyperopic OK lenses (BE Enterprises, Capricornia) targeted to correct +1.50 D, in one eye only. The fellow eye acted as a non–lens wearing control. Lenses were worn overnight over a 7-day period and changes in subjective refraction and corneal topography were measured on lens removal (am) and 8 h after lens removal (pm). After a 2-week washout period, eight subjects repeated the study with the same lens design targeted to correct +3.50 D. Central corneal thickness was measured in this group using an ultrasound pachometer. Results. There were statistically significant changes from baseline in all variables at all visits in lens wearing eyes. The central cornea steepened, and the mid-peripheral cornea flattened after one night of wear for both refractive targets, with greater effect and greater retention of effect by day 7. The +1.50 D refractive target was reached by day 7. However, the +3.50 D target was not reached, and showed greater variability in outcomes. There was no statistically significant change in central corneal thickness with the +3.50 D target lens at pm visits on days 1 or 7. Conclusions. The time course of refractive and corneal topographic changes in hyperopic OK is analogous to myopic OK. Most change in refractive and topographic variables occurs on day 1, with regression of effect during the day but greater retention of effect by day 7. Refractive outcomes were less predictable with the +3.50 D compared with the +1.50 D target lens. There was no change from baseline in central corneal thickness at pm visits despite significant retention of OK effect. This suggests that the primary corneal change in hyperopic OK may be mid-peripheral corneal thinning rather than central corneal thickening.
Adrenoleukodystrophy: Impaired Oxidation of Very Long Chain Fatty Acids in White Blood Cells, Cultured Skin Fibroblasts, and Amniocytes

Summary: We compared the formation of 14CO2 from [I-14C]fatty acids in homogenates of cultured skin fibroblasts and white blood cells from 25 patients with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) and from 24 controls. The ALD group included 16 boys with childhood ALD, five men with adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), and two boys and two girls with neonatal ALD. The substrates were unbranched saturated fatty acids ranging in chain length from 16-26 carbons. From C24:0, the radioactive CO2 production by homogenates of ALD fibroblasts and white blood cells was 17% and 37% of control, respectively, and from C26:0 it was 17% of control in ALD fibroblasts. The CO2 evolution from palmitate (C16:0) in the ALD was identical to the control group; for C18:0, the value for ALD cells was 76% of control, and fatty acids with chain lengths between C18:O and C24:0 gave intermediate results. Results for childhood ALD patients were similar to those for the AMN patients. More limited studies with cultured amniocytes of fetuses with childhood ALD gave results similar to those obtained with cultured skin fibroblasts, and results with neonatal ALD patients appeared to be the same as for childhood ALD and AMN. Studies of three women who were carriers for childhood ALD gave values intermediate between ALD and control. The total C26:0 levels in ALD cultured skin fibroblasts and white blood cells were 4-6 times that of control; the total C24:0 levels were increased 10-30%, whereas the C22:0 levels were unchanged.The results suggest that ALD patients have a defect in the oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (C24:0 and longer) but not for the degradation of fatty acids with a chain length of 18 carbons or less. Such a defect could account for the accumulation of the very long chain fatty acids in a variety of tissues and lipid moieties. The accumulation of these fatty acids, coupled with the metabolic data presented here, suggests that normal catabolism of very long chain fatty acids involves a metabolic pathway which is distinct from that for other fatty acids, and that this pathway is genetically deficient in patients with ALD.
[Family function and its relationship with clinical prognosis in patients with major depressive disorder].

OBJECTIVE To explore characteristics of family function in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and to evaluate relationships between family function and prognosis of major depressive episode (MDE). Methods: Forty-six patients with MDD were recruited in the outpatient or inpatient departments of Wuhan Mental Health Center from September 1, 2014 to August 31, 2015. At the baseline, the patients and their co-resident family members were interviewed for psychiatric screening and diagnosis, and the family function of each patient's family was assessed by Family Assessment Device (FAD). After clinic service or hospitalization, the patients were followed up by telephone until they recovered from the MDE (within 12 months since the follow-up) or for 12 months if they had not achieved remission. Forty-two mentally healthy subjects, with no family members diagnosis for psychiatric diseases, and matched with MDD patients for age, sex, number of children, family roleand socioeconomic status, were recruited from a community. The family function of the MDD families and the controls were compared by independent sample-T test, and the relationship between family function and duration of the MDE was analyzed by Pearson's correlation. Results: MDD families exhibited higher FAD scores in 5 dimensions than control families except for affective involvement and behavior control (P<0.01). Patients with relatively good family function showed significantly shorter duration of MDE and higher proportion of remission within 6 months since the follow-up (P<0.01 and P<0.05). All the dimensions of FAD demonstrated significant positive correlation with the duration of MDE except for the behavior control. Conclusion: Families with MDD patients show impairments in multiple dimensions of family function, and the family functions of MDD patients are correlated with the prognosis of MDE. Improvement of family function may contribute to better prognosis of MDD.
The Myelin-Associated Oligodendrocytic Basic Protein Region MOBP15–36 Encompasses the Immunodominant Major Encephalitogenic Epitope(s) for SJL/J Mice and Predicted Epitope(s) for Multiple Sclerosis-Associated HLA-DRB1*15011

Autoimmune response to the myelin-associated oligodendrocytic basic protein (MOBP), a CNS-specific myelin constituent, was recently suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The pathogenic autoimmune response to MOBP and the associated pathology in the CNS have not yet been fully investigated. In this study, we have characterized the clinical manifestations, pathology, T cell epitope-specificity, and TCRs associated with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced in SJL/J mice with recombinant mouse MOBP (long isoform, 170 aa). Analysis of encephalitogenic MOBP-reactive T cells for reactivity to overlapping MOBP peptides defined MOBP15–36 as their major immunodominant epitope. Accordingly, MOBP15–36 was demonstrated to be the major encephalitogenic MOBP epitope for SJL/J mice, inducing severe/chronic clinical EAE associated with intense perivascular and parenchymal infiltrations, widespread demyelination, axonal loss, and remarkable optic neuritis. Molecular modeling of the interaction of I-As with MOBP15–36, together with analysis of the MOBP15–36-specific T cell response to truncated peptides, suggests MOBP20–28 as the core sequence for I-As-restricted recognition of the encephalitogenic region MOBP15–36. Although highly focused in their epitope specificity, the encephalitogenic MOBP-reactive T cells displayed a widespread usage of TCR Vβ genes. These results would therefore favor epitope-directed, rather than TCR-targeted, approaches to therapy of MOBP-associated pathogenic autoimmunity. Localization by molecular modeling of a potential HLA-DRB1*1501-associated MOBP epitope within the encephalitogenic MOBP15–36 sequence suggests the potential relevance of T cell reactivity against MOBP15–36 to MS. The reactivity to MOBP15–36 detected in MS shown here and in another study further emphasizes the potential significance of this epitope for MS.
Protective effect of hepatitis B virus-active antiretroviral therapy against primary hepatitis B virus infection

Objective:Current guidelines advise to vaccinate every hepatitis B virus (HBV)-susceptible HIV patient against HBV until sufficient antibody titers have been reached. However, in this era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), acute HBV infection rarely occurs in patients who lack this immune protection. We analyzed whether HBV-active cART (lamivudine, emtricitabine, tenofovir) might work as a preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to explain this effect. Methods:From our HIV cohort at the Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis hospital (N = 2942), patients were selected retrospectively for negative HBV serology (HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc-negative) at cohort entry. Men who have sex with men (MSM) with a second HBV serology available were included for analysis. The incidence of anti-HBc conversion was determined and correlated with the use of HBV-active drugs. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used to compare HBV-free survival for MSM. Results:In total, 33 HBV infections occurred in 381 eligible MSM over a median follow-up of 2470 days (interquartile range 1146–3871.5). The incident rate per 100 patient-years of follow-up was 1.10 overall, but differed strongly dependent on the use of HBV-active drugs: 2.85/100 patient-years of follow-up in the absence of HBV-active drugs, 1.36 when only lamivudine was used, and 0.14 in the presence of tenofovir. Furthermore, HBV-free survival rate was significantly higher when HBV-active cART was used, in particular when this HBV-active cART contained tenofovir (log-rank P <0.001). Conclusion:Our findings demonstrate that HBV-active cART protects against the occurrence of de-novo HBV infection, most strongly when tenofovir is used.
Redundant mechanisms mediate bristle patterning on the Drosophila thorax

The thoracic bristle pattern of Drosophila results from the spatially restricted expression of the achaete-scute (ac-sc) genes in clusters of cells, mediated by the activity of many discrete cis-regulatory sequences. However, ubiquitous expression of sc or asense (ase) achieved with a heterologous promoter, in the absence of endogenous ac-sc expression, and the activity of the cis-regulatory elements, allows the development of bristles positioned at wild-type locations. We demonstrate that the products of the genes stripe, hairy, and extramacrochaetae contribute to rescue by antagonizing the activity of Sc and Ase. The three genes are expressed in specific but overlapping spatial domains of expression that form a prepattern that allows precise positioning of bristles. The redundant mechanisms might contribute to the robustness of the pattern. We discuss the possibility that patterning in trans by antagonism is ancestral and that the positional cis-regulatory sequences might be of recent origin.
Recurrent second trimester pregnancy loss: evaluation and management

Purpose of reviewRecurrent pregnancy loss usually refers to first trimester losses. The present article describes the importance of a thorough evaluation for any patient presenting with a second trimester loss, and reviews current data regarding evidence-based evaluation and management for those families who have had recurrent episodes of second trimester losses. A management protocol is presented to guide management of a current pregnancy with a history of recurrent second trimester losses. Recent findingsPrevious literature has focused on isolated causes of second trimester loss and management. The present review incorporates all presentations of loss into a stepwise evaluative and management paradigm. SummaryThis comprehensive literature review and management protocol will provide the clinician with a thorough, systematic, and practical approach to the patient with recurrent pregnancy loss in order to maximize her chance of optimal pregnancy outcome.
Support to aging parents and grown children in Black and White families.

PURPOSE Black and White middle-aged adults typically are in a pivot position of providing support to generations above and below. Racial differences in support to each generation in the family remain unclear, however. Different factors may account for racial differences in support of grown children versus aging parents. DESIGN AND METHODS Middle-aged adults (aged 40-60 years; 35%, n = 216 Black and 65%, n = 397 White) rated social support they provided each aging parent and grown child. Participants reported background characteristics representing their resources and measures of needs for each family member. Interviews also assessed beliefs about obligation to support parents and grown children and rewards from helping. RESULTS Multilevel models revealed White middle-aged adults provided more support to grown children than Black middle-aged adults. Demands from offspring, beliefs about support, and rewards from helping explained these racial differences. Black middle-aged adults provided more support to parents than White middle-aged adults. Beliefs about support and feelings of personal reward from providing support explained this difference but resources and demands did not. IMPLICATIONS Racial differences varied by generation (parent or offspring). The prolonged transitions common for White young adults explained racial differences in support of offspring. Middle-aged adults may treat support of parents as more discretionary, with cultural ideas about obligation and personal rewards guiding behaviors.
An analytical approach for traffic modeling in mixed service architectures

In network development problems can be encountered considering plans and projects that will provide satisfying QoS for different circumstances, different types of users, and different traffic flow profiles. It is necessary to develop satisfying mathematical model which will provide connections between QoS and network parameters. In this paper we will look into traffic with variable intensity which can effectively be described using Markov Modular Poisson Processes (MMPP). We will offer new analytical model, and using graphs we will show losses function depending on network parameters.
Analyses of a satiety factor NUCB2/nesfatin-1; gene expressions and modulation by different dietary components in dogs

Nesfatin-1 is an anorexic peptide derived from a precursor, nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), which is distributed in various organs, coexists with ghrelin in the gastric X/A-like cells and closely relates to an appetite control in rodents and humans. Nesfatin-1 may be a significant factor addressing the satiety also in veterinary medicine, however, there are few reports about nesfatin-1 in dogs. In the present study, we detected canine NUCB2/nesfatin-1 mRNA in various tissues, especially abundant in pancreas, gastrointestinal tracts, testis and cerebellum. We examined circulating nesfatin-1 concentrations and NUCB2/nesfatin-1 mRNA expressions in upper gastrointestinal tracts (gastric corpus, pyloric antrum and duodenum) in dogs fed on different types of diets. Plasma nesfatin-1 concentrations in the dogs were approximately 4 ng/ml and they did not change after feeding through the study, however, NUCB2/nesfatin-1 mRNA expressions in pyloric antrum were 1.84-fold higher in the dogs fed on a High fiber/High protein diet (P<0.001), 1.48-fold higher in the dogs fed on a High fat/Low protein diet (P<0.05) and 1.02-fold higher in the dogs fed on a Low fat/High carbohydrate diet (not significant) comparing to those on a control diet. It was concluded that High fiber/High protein and High fat/Low protein diets increased NUCB2/nesfatin-1 production in canine gastrointestinal tracts. These results may set the stage for further investigations of canine NUCB2/nesfatin-1, which may relate to satiety effects in dogs.
Electro-thermal co-design of chip-package-board systems

We propose an innovative thermal modeling approach that takes into account different “levels-of-knowledge” as they become available during the design phases of microelectronic systems. There are many tools available for thermal simulations which are well-suited for high-precision modeling. However, their applicability severely diminishes if CAD models are not available or modeling time is limited. Especially for electro-thermal co-design, where several spins between modeling and simulation are required, modeling time quickly becomes prohibitively large. By a combination of different techniques our solution offers fast and intuitive modeling, continuous addition of detail, very short simulation times, and open interfaces. In this paper we present our thermal modeling approach based on constructive solid geometry (CSG). We discuss advantages and limits of this solution and demonstrate its performance on an example of industrially-relevant complexity.
Switched capacitor converter fed SRM drive with power factor correction

In this paper, a switched capacitor (SC) buck boost converter is proposed as a front end converter for power factor correction at AC mains in switched reluctance motor (SRM) drive. Aiming at low power household applications, SRM is demonstrated as one of the fine selection because of its simple construction and winding free rotor. On the selection part, a buck boost converter serves the best results when controlled output voltage is required over wide speed range of SRM drive. The speed of SRM is controlled by varying the DC-bus voltage appearing across the midpoint converter which is used to drive 4-phase SRM. The proposed converter working in discontinuous inductor current mode is used to regulate the DC output voltage and improves the power quality at the AC mains. Total harmonic distortion (THD) of input current at AC mains when SRM is fed by a diode bridge rectifier is observed of the order of 70% to 80% which violates standards for power quality, which is brought down below 5% to meet an IEEE-519 standard.
Association between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 Gly388Arg Polymorphism and Ischaemic Stroke

Objective: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) play important roles in the vascular system. The FGFR4 rs351855 (Gly388Arg) poly morphism has been shown to be a risk factor for many diseases. This case-control study investigated the association between the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism and susceptibility to ischaemic stroke in the Chinese population. Methods: The FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in patients with ischaemic stroke and healthy controls. Results: Frequencies of genotypes GA and AA, and prevalence of the A allele, were significantly lower in ischaemic stroke patients (n = 952) than in controls (n = 986). Genotype AA and allele A were significantly more frequent in stroke patients with, than in those without, diabetes. Conclusion: These results suggested that the GA genotype, AA genotype and A allele of FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism are all associated with decreased risk of ischaemic stroke in the Chinese population.
Acute Anticonvulsant Effects of Diphenylhydantoin, Phenobarbital, and Carbamazepine: A Combined Electroclinical and Serum Level Study in Amygdaloid Kindled Cats and Baboons

This preliminary study utilizing the kindling model of established epilepsy has provided information about the most effective routes of administration for diphenylhydantoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine in baboons and cats. The time of peak plasma levels for these drugs has been demonstrated in these animals so that experimental protocols can be designed to deliver the agents at appropriate times prior to the kindling stimulation. In addition, dose‐effectiveness data is presented for these species. In 1 baboon, phenobarbital was also seen to suppress photosensitive seizures. The potential usefulness of the kindling model in anticonvulsant research is suggested.