Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microglial Gene Expression Alterations in the Brains of Patients with Psychiatric Disorders

As recent studies have shown that microglia play a key role in inflammation and immunological challenges as well as have broader roles in synaptic modulation in the brain, studies on psychiatric disorders have increasingly focused on microglia. Microglial abnormalities have consistently been observed in psychiatric postmortem brain studies, including altered microglial activation and changes in the protein and mRNA expression levels of microglial marker molecules, such as major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR (HLA-DR), complement receptor type 3 (CD11b), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1), macrosialin (CD68) and glucose transporter type 5 (GLUT5). Microglial abnormalities have also been observed in positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Recent advances in omics-based microglial gene expression profiling of psychiatric brains may elucidate microglial involvement in the pathogeneses of psychiatric disorders. In the present paper, we review the current status of research on expression profiling of microglia-relevant molecules in psychiatric postmortem and imaging studies and we discuss future research directions.
Novel mutations in the pheA gene of Escherichia coli K-12 which result in highly feedback inhibition-resistant variants of chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydratase

The bifunctional enzyme chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydratase (EC 5.4.99.5/4.2.1.51), which is encoded by the pheA gene of Escherichia coli K-12, is subject to strong feedback inhibition by L-phenylalanine. Inhibition of the prephenate dehydratase activity is almost complete at concentrations of L-phenylalanine greater than 1 mM. The pheA gene was cloned, and the promoter region was modified to enable constitutive expression of the gene on plasmid pJN302. As a preliminary to sequence analysis, a small DNA insertion at codon 338 of the pheA gene unexpectedly resulted in a partial loss of prephenate dehydratase feedback inhibition. Four other mutations in the pheA gene were identified following nitrous acid treatment of pJN302 and selection of E. coli transformants that were resistant to the toxic phenylalanine analog beta-2-thienylalanine. Each of the four mutations was located within codons 304 to 310 of the pheA gene and generated either a substitution or an in-frame deletion. The mutations led to activation of both enzymatic activities at low phenylalanine concentrations, and three of the resulting enzyme variants displayed almost complete resistance to feedback inhibition of prephenate dehydratase by phenylalanine concentrations up to 200 mM. In all four cases the mutations mapped in a region of the enzyme that has not been implicated previously in feedback inhibition sensitivity of the enzyme.
Gonads and Singing Play Separate, Additive Roles in New Neuron Recruitment in Adult Canary Brain

New neurons are constantly added to the high vocal center (HVC) of adult male canaries, Serinus canaria. Singing and testosterone (T) are known to promote this addition, but it is not known whether either variable can act on its own and what is their effect when acting together. We studied this question by castrating adult male canaries in late summer and quantifying their song in early fall. Intact birds served as controls. A 5 d systemic treatment of two daily injections of the cell birth marker 3H-thymidine started 10 d after surgery. Twenty days after the first3H-thymidine injection and for a period of 1 month, we quantified the singing of all birds, which were then killed. Amount of singing, syllable diversity, and song stability were similar in intacts and castrates. When castrates and intacts that sang comparable amounts were compared, the number of 3H-labeled HVC neurons was 2.6 times higher in intacts than in castrates. In castrates with plasma T levels that were undetectable, the mean amount of singing was positively related to the number of new neurons. We suggest that singing and gonadal factors promote, separately, the recruitment of new neurons and that when they exert this effect together they do so in an additive manner.
Catalysts for Direct Decomposition of NOx in Exhausts

Abstract : Eltron Research, Inc., is pursuing the rational development of catalysts for direct (reagentless) decomposition of NOx. This is the most economical imaginable approach for post-combustion removal of nitrogen oxides because costs for reagent and reagent delivery (i.e., ducting, etc.) are eliminated, and catalysts demonstrating activity to the present time are inexpensive ($1-$4/lb). The decomposition of nitrogen oxides in simulated exhaust streams over new brownmillerite catalysts has been examined in a range of temperatures and residence times. Results are indicative of the occurrence of reagentless activity in gas streams containing up to 16 percent oxygen. Performance was nonmonotonic in temperature, with an activity maximum occurring between 550 and 600 deg C. For example, up to 90% conversion of NOx at 250 deg C and 130,000/h has been attained. Using CO as a reductant at 800,000/h and 1000 deg C , one catalyst removed 16 percent of 477 ppm NO in a stream also containing 16 percent oxygen. These results suggest the potential efficacy of the catalysts for the direct decomposition of nitrogen oxides in high-temperature (400-1000 deg C) exhaust gases in, e.g., gas turbine and diesel engines. In addition, the catalysts were found to be effective at oxidizing CO. The enhancement of activity obtained using carbon monoxide is particularly relevant in such applications.
management informations systems use in higher education environments

Although South African higher education institutions continue to invest heavily in IT and information systems; much of this systems are underutilised. The research aims to investigate the utilization of the management information systems (MIS). MIS in higher education have been adopted to input and output relevant information as well as to manage an institutional decision making effectively. That is, the management information systems provide information that is important to making business decisions for the institution. To help understand the utilization of the MISs, the Unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the contingency theory are used as lenses to support the study. Users’, fit, system, management and organisational characteristics are some of the constructs informing the research model. The use of MIS will be understood through interviews and closed ended questionnaires that will be distributed to users in higher education institutions in South Africa, particularly within the Gauteng province. The findings from the study will inform a conceptual model for the use of MIS in higher education environment. The paper envisages that the conceptual model will be of significant value.
A 94 GHz single-chip FMCW radar module for commercial sensor applications

A single-chip 94 GHz frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar module has been developed for high resolution sensing under adverse conditions and environments. The monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) includes a varactor tuned VCO with injection port, very compact transmit and receive amplifiers and a single-ended resistive mixer. To enable bidirectional operation of a single transmit-receive antenna a combination of a Wilkinson divider and a Lange coupler was integrated. The circuit features coplanar technology and cascode HEMTs for compact size and low cost. These techniques result in a particularly small over-all chip-size of only 2/spl times/3 mm/sup 2/. The packaged 94 GHz FMCW radar sensor achieved a tuning range of 6 GHz, an output power of 1 mW and a conversion loss of 5 dB. The RF performance of the radar module was successfully verified by real-time monitoring the time flow of a gas-assisted injection molding process.
GOOD FOOD, HEALTH, AND SUSTAINABILITY: AN INTRODUCTION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Global Challenges V Local Opportunities

This article provides an introduction into sustainability and health, with a focus on food. When health professionals integrate concepts of sustainability into life andwork, cobenefits can be leveraged, as healthpromoting services then also serve a greater cause V that of environmental protection, social justice, and economic viability. Regarding food, this may begin by simply considering the decisionmaking process when purchasing food. However, the process does not stop there, as considerations surrounding a more sustainable lifestyle in general, and adjusting eating patterns specifically, can be eye opening, while getting involved in the local food movement is life changing. The four environmental hotspots, meat, fish, biodiversity, and waste, will be discussed to raise awareness and build knowledge in health professionals. Resources and examples are given to help mobilize learners to take action.
Social support and smoking cessation and maintenance.

Deux etudes longitudinales, prospectives, examinent le role du soutien social dans le maintien de la decision de ne plus fumer: soutien d'un partenaire; existence d'un climat social encourageant le sevrage; participation a un reseau social. Part de chacun des facteurs dans le maintien de la decision et l'absence de rechute. Etudes psychometriques
The Estimated Probability of Dizygotic Twins: A Comparison of Two Methods

Abstract This study presents a general model of two binary variables and applies it to twin sex pairing data from 21 twin data sources to estimate the frequency of dizygotic twins. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between maximum likelihood and Weinberg's differential rule zygosity estimation methods. We explore the accuracy of these zygosity estimation measures in relation to twin ascertainment methods and the probability of a male. Twin sex pairing data from 21 twin data sources representing 15 countries was collected for use in this study. Maximum likelihood estimation of the probability of dizygotic twins is applied to describe the variation in the frequency of dizygotic twin births. The differences between maximum likelihood and Weinberg's differential rule zygosity estimation methods are presented as a function of twin data ascertainment method and the probability of a male. Maximum likelihood estimation of the probability of dizygotic twins ranges from 0.083 (95% approximate CI: 0.082, 0.085) to 0.750 (95% approximate CI: 0.749, 0.752) for voluntary ascertainment data sources and from 0.374 (95% approximate CI: 0.373, 0.375) to 0.987 (95% approximate CI: 0.959, 1.016) for active ascertainment data sources. In 17 of the 21 twin data sources differences of 0.01 or less occur between maximum likelihood and Weinberg zygosity estimation methods. The Weinberg and maximum likelihood estimates are negligibly different in most applications. Using the above general maximum likelihood estimate, the probability of a dizygotic twin is subject to substantial variation that is largely a function of twin data ascertainment method.
Lattice-basedmemory allocation for data-intensive signal processing applications

Many signal processing systems, particularly in the multimedia and telecom domains, are synthesized to execute data-intensive applications: their cost related aspects - namely power consumption, performance, and chip area - are heavily influenced, if not dominated, by the data access and storage aspects. This paper presents a memory allocation methodology for multidimensional signal processing applications, focusing on the problem of mapping the signals from the algorithmic specification into the physical memory such that the overall amount of data storage be reduced. This mapping approach is formally modeled, which is advantageous from the point of view of computational efficiency. This algorithm is currently embedded in an energy-awarememory allocation framework [1], which also performs the assignment of the multidimensional signals to the memory layers, the ultimate goal of the entire framework being the reduction of the energy consumption in the memory subsystem.
Two spectral sensitivity curves of Xenopus laevis obtained by using the melanophore response to light on white and black backgrounds

Xenopms laevis, the South African clawed toad, lives on the bottom of shallow ponds and streams, coming to the surface at long intervals for air. Its ability to change its skin coloration from parchment to nearly black, to match its background, mustmake it almost invisible to predatorywading birds. The eyes are set on top of the head, looking upwards, each eye tilted a few degrees forward and to the side (Schneider, 1957). Figure la illustrates this for a toad in a tank. The shaded sectors refer to the part of the field of view occupied by the background directly or reflected at the water surface. Figure lb shows the stimulus pattern on the retina, the background again being shown shaded, and the dry world contained within the white circle which subtends about 950 at the eye, the typical 'fish's eye view'. The skin colour change is produced by melanophores in the dermis, which contract to black dots on a pale animal or expand to form a black lacy net when the animal is black. In darkness the melanophores are intermediate between these conditions. Hogben & Slome (1931, 1936) showed that the colour change was mediated through the eye, and that the control of the melanophores was hormonal, not neural, and concluded that two antagonistic hormones were produced by the pituitary. At present only a melanophore-expanding hormone, Intermedin, has been identified directly (van Oordt & Burgers, 1958). The spectral sensitivity curve was first determined by Denton & Pirenne (Denton, 1951-2; Denton & Pirenne, 1954) for Xenopus on a black background, using two methods: one by determining the threshold of expansion of the web melanophores of pale toads, and the other by finding a behavioural threshold using the animals' light-avoidance reaction. These results are plotted in Fig. 3, with squares for the melanophore method, and crosses for the behavioural method, and both show maximal sensitivity near 550 m,u.
Multimodal Treatment for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Extremity OPEN ACCESS

Radical surgery for colorectal cancer is undoubtedly necessary for stages I, II and III and must consider the removal of the intestinal segment and the relative afferent lymph node stations affected by the tumor. This surgical technique called Complete Mesocolon Excision seems to satisfy an optimal oncological quality. The aim of this retrospective preliminary study is to verify the actual possibility of performing CME by laparoscopy on the left and right colon. After this fundamental requirement is met, the study aims to evaluate whether the laparoscopic technique is a valid alternative to the open approach, in terms of oncological quality. We retrospective analysed the chart of 38 pts affected by colon cancer. 20 patients underwent left resection. Of these, 9 in open surgery and 11 using the laparoscopic approach. The remaining 18 patients underwent right hemicolectomy, open for 14 of these, laparoscopic for the remaining 4. After check of the integrity of the mesocolon we collected data regarding the length of the removed colon, the distance of the tumor from the central vascular ligation, the peritoneal area and the number of lymph node removed. The statistic analysis of the samples was carried out using the Student's T test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney's U test, where appropriate. Our data showed despite a small sample size, that CME performed laparoscopically is oncologically equivalent to open CME. With sufficient training and experience, the laparoscopic approach seems to offer a lower number of complications with comparable results. Guerrini Gian Piero* and Bertola Giulio Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute (IRCCS) CRO Aviano (PN), Italy
Compact printed hepta-band monopole antenna for mobile devices

A novel compact internal hepta-band planar monopole antenna for mobile devices is presented. The antenna element occupy 35.5 mm × 15.5 mm and is installed on a small ground plane which is only 35.5 mm × 60 mm. Multi-resonant operation is achieved by one radiator which is comprised of two branches and a floating coupled element on the back side of the substrate. The achieved bandwidth of the proposed antenna covers nine wireless standards such as GSM, GPS, DCS, PCS, UMTS, Bluetooth, WLAN, WiMAX 2.5 GHz and WiMAX 3.5 GHz. Antenna parameters are presented to validate the proposed antenna. Low profile design is very suitable for multiband mobile communication systems.
The arginine‐nitric oxide pathway: A target for new drugs

A. Biochemical Studies . B. Nitric Oxide Synthas C. Molecular Biology of D. Substrates and Cofactors . E. Prototypical Inhibitors of NOS . F. Endogenous Inhibitors of NOS . G. Phosphorylative Regulation of NOS Activity . VI. Transduction Mechanisms of NO .
Power Allocation in MMSE Relaying over Frequency-Selective Rayleigh Fading Channels

This paper develops an amplify-and-forward relaying scheme for multiuser wireless cooperative networks under frequency-selective block-fading. Single-carrier frequency division multiple-access with frequency-domain equalization technique is employed at both the relay and destination to combat the inter-block and inter-symbol interference caused by multipath propagation. With the assumption that the full channel state information (CSI) is available at the destination, the relay only knows the uplink channels while no CSI is available at the sources, two power allocation schemes are developed for the relay: (i) to minimize the total transmit power at the relay while maintaining the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) for each user at the destination above a certain level, and (ii) to maximize the worst SINR among all the users subject to a constraint on total relay power. In the first problem, it is shown that SINR adaptation is needed not only to guarantee a feasible solution but also to significantly reduce the transmit power at the relay for certain channel conditions. In the second problem, a flexible multi-level water-filling scheme is developed, which can be easily modified to adapt to the different channel conditions as well as different quality-of-service provision strategies.
An efficient alternative to the stratified Cox model analysis

Consider a typical two‐treatment randomized clinical trial involving a time‐to‐event endpoint, with randomization stratified by a categorical prognostic factor (for example gender). At the design stage, it is often assumed that the treatment hazard ratio (HR) is constant across the strata, and the data are commonly analyzed using the stratified Cox proportional hazards model. We caution that this ubiquitous approach is needlessly risky because departures from the assumption of the HR being the same for all the strata can result in a notably biased and/or less powerful analysis. An alternative approach is proposed in which first the [log] HR is estimated separately for each stratum using an unstratified Cox model, and then the stratum‐specific estimates are combined for overall inference using either sample size or ‘minimum risk’ stratum weights. The advantages of the proposed two‐step analysis versus the common one‐step stratified Cox model analysis are illustrated using simulations that were conducted to support the design of a vaccine clinical trial. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuity of Medical Care, Health Insurance, and Nonmedical Advice in the First 3 Years of Life

ObjectivesThe study seeks to evaluate whether continuity in medical care provides a mechanism that contributes to increased parental awareness of the importance of dental services, nutrition, and child development and whether health insurance encourages such continuity. MethodsData pertaining to medical utilization and dental, child nutrition, and child development counseling were extracted from the National Maternal and Infant Health Survey, 1988 and the 1991 Longitudinal Follow-up. These data permit the investigation of whether having continuity in medical care for a child increases the likelihood that the child’s parent receives advice about dental health, nutrition, and child development. Restricting the analyses to Caucasian and African American women and excluding respondents with missing information on the child’s health care utilization yielded 7056 participants. We created a set of binomial logit models, with correction for clustering (due to sample design). These models jointly estimate the likelihood that a child was classified as having continuity of care and the likelihood that the child’s mother received advice about the 3 areas of interest. ResultsPrivate fee-for-service health insurance was found to increase the likelihood that a child receives continuity of care. When primary care was provided with high continuity of care, the probability that physicians provide mothers with dental, nutritional, and developmental advice was increased. ConclusionsThese results suggest that continuity of care may have important spillover effects beyond direct medical care by improving maternal information about child dental care, nutrition, and developmental issues.
A one-way text messaging intervention for obesity

Introduction Worldwide, there has been a startling increase in the number of people who are obese or overweight. Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and overall mortality. Mobile phone messaging is an important means of human communication globally. Because the mobile phone can be used anywhere at any time, mobile phone messaging has the potential to manage obesity. We investigated the effectiveness of a one-way text messaging intervention for obesity. Methods Participants' body mass index and waist circumference were measured at the beginning of the programme and again after 12 weeks. The text message group received text messages about exercise, dietary intake, and general information about obesity three times a week, while the control group did not receive any text messages from the study. Results Of the 80 participants, 25 subjects in the text message group and 29 participants in the control group completed the study. After adjusting for baseline body mass index, the body mass index was significantly lower in the text message group than in the control group (27.9 vs 28.3; p = 0.02). After adjusting for the baseline waist circumference, the difference of waist circumference between the text message group and control group was not significant (93.4 vs 94.6; p = 0.13). Discussion The one-way text messaging intervention was a simple and effective way to manage obesity. The one-way text messaging intervention may be a useful method for lifestyle modification in obese subjects.