Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An fMRI Study of Sex Differences in Regional Activation to a Verbal and a Spatial Task

Sex differences in cognitive performance have been documented, women performing better on some phonological tasks and men on spatial tasks. An earlier fMRI study suggested sex differences in distributed brain activation during phonological processing, with bilateral activation seen in women while men showed primarily left-lateralized activation. This blood oxygen level-dependent fMRI study examined sex differences (14 men, 13 women) in activation for a spatial task (judgment of line orientation) compared to a verbal-reasoning task (analogies) that does not typically show sex differences. Task difficulty was manipulated. Hypothesized ROI-based analysis documented the expected left-lateralized changes for the verbal task in the inferior parietal and planum temporal regions in both men and women, but only men showed right-lateralized increase for the spatial task in these regions. Image-based analysis revealed a distributed network of cortical regions activated by the tasks, which consisted of the lateral frontal, medial frontal, mid-temporal, occipitoparietal, and occipital regions. The activation was more left lateralized for the verbal and more right for the spatial tasks, but men also showed some left activation for the spatial task, which was not seen in women. Increased task difficulty produced more distributed activation for the verbal and more circumscribed activation for the spatial task. The results suggest that failure to activate the appropriate hemisphere in regions directly involved in task performance may explain certain sex differences in performance. They also extend, for a spatial task, the principle that bilateral activation in a distributed cognitive system underlies sex differences in performance.
Psychiatric symptoms and syndromes among adolescent children of parents with lithium-responsive or lithium-nonresponsive bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the initial course of psychiatric illness in the adolescent children of parents with bipolar disorder who were divided into two groups on the basis of their response to long-term lithium monotherapy. METHOD Proband parents met Research Diagnostic Criteria for bipolar illness and predetermined criteria for a clear response or nonresponse to lithium prophylaxis. All adolescent offspring were interviewed by a blinded interviewer using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children, and final diagnosis was made by blinded consensus. RESULTS Psychiatrically ill children of lithium-responsive parents tended to have affective disorders that remitted and followed a recurrent course. Psychiatrically ill children of lithium-nonresponsive parents, however, manifested a broad range of psychopathology, had high rates of comorbid illnesses, and experienced nonremitting affective illnesses. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that family history and course of illness are important factors to consider in the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of affective disorders.
Optimal capacitor placement and sizing in distorted radial distribution systems part I: System modeling and harmonic power flow studies

Shunt capacitors can be of great help in enhancing the performance of distribution systems. However, the addition of shunt capacitors may lead to high distortion levels causing damage to electric equipment of both the electric utility and customers. As a result, shunt capacitors should be optimally located and rated taking the presence of harmonics into account. The essential first step in solving the optimal placement and sizing problem is modeling system components in detail. In addition to system modeling, an efficient harmonic power flow program plays a vital role in studying system response characteristics when harmonics are being propagated in distribution systems. In this paper, part I in a series of three papers, three-phase representations of system components and a harmonic power flow algorithm (HPF) that exploits the unique characteristics of distribution systems are presented.
An Adaptive Median Filtering Algorithm for Range Image

Range abnormalies are the main problems that affect the quality of range image in a real-time detecting system. Before other steps for the image segmentation as well as the target recognition, the image must be processed by filters to remove the noise. Therefore, any method must be taken to fight against the noise and protect the edge and details of the target. The ultimate goal of algorithms to achieve is to become fast and efficient in the complex image processing, especially in the pretreatment of the range image.
Synthesis and Characterization of Potent and Selective μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists, [Dmt1, d-2-Nal4]endomorphin-1 (Antanal-1) and [Dmt1, d-2-Nal4]endomorphin-2 (Antanal-2)

To synthesize potent antagonists of the μ-opioid receptor, we prepared a series of endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 analogues with 3-(1-naphthyl)-d-alanine (d-1-Nal) or 3-(2-naphthyl)-d-alanine (d-2-Nal) in position 4. Some of these analogues displayed weak antagonist properties. We tried to strengthen these properties by introducing the structurally modified tyrosine residue 2,6-dimethyltyrosine (Dmt) in place of Tyr1. Among the synthesized compounds, [Dmt1, d-2-Nal4]endomorphin-1, designated antanal-1, and [Dmt1, d-2-Nal4]endomorphin-2, designated antanal-2, turned out to be highly potent and selective μ-opioid receptor antagonists, as judged on the basis of two functional assays, the receptor binding assay and the hot plate test of analgesia. Interestingly, another analogue of this series, [Dmt1, d-1-Nal4]endomorphin-1, turned out to be a moderately potent mixed μ-agonist/δ-antagonist.
An efficient CMOS operational amplifier for driving large capacitive loads

An efficient CMOS operational amplifier for driving large capacitive loads is presented here. It uses an auxiliary circuit to handle with the large input signals while the main amplifier will take charge of the small ones. The simulation results show that with 313.5 uW quiescent power consumption, the amplifier can deliver an average FOML of 14000V/us ldr pF/mW to capacitive loads in excess of 10 nF.
GPU accelerated Confocal microwave imaging algorithms for breast cancer detection

Confocal Microwave Imaging algorithms for the early detection of breast cancer are straight-forward to implement using general-purpose computing platforms. However, the large number of radar signals, higher sampling rate and ever-more sophisticated reconstruction algorithms can all significantly slow down the image formation process. This paper focuses on improved computational implementations of Confocal Microwave Imaging algorithms using Graphics Processing Units, in order to accelerate the image formation process. The GPU based implementations have been evaluated by comparing them with both CPU-based sequential implementations and CPU-based parallel implementations. The computational time was reduced by a factor of 250 compared to sequential implementation and a factor of 110 compared to a parallel CPU implementation.
Spatio-temporal analysis of multiview video

In this thesis, different approaches and algorithms are presented which aim at enabling and facilitating the analysis of multiview video. The temporal and spatial aspects of video are treated separately. The specific contributions are a novel, fully automatic video synchronization algorithm that is highly flexible and very robust against disturbing influences. Furthermore, the thesis introduces a universal framework to evaluate the precision of multiscale image features, as well as a new class of visual markers and two novel and highly efficient multiscale feature detectors.
Computer-assisted protein domain boundary prediction using the DomPred server.

Domain prediction from sequence is a particularly challenging task, and currently, a large variety of different methodologies are employed to tackle the task. Here we try to classify these diverse approaches into a number of broad categories. Completely automatic domain prediction from sequence alone is currently fraught with problems, but this should not be so surprising since human experts currently have significant disagreement on domain assignment even when given the structures. It can be argued that we should only test the domain prediction methods on benchmark data that human experts agree upon and this is the approach we take in this paper. Even for the data sets on which human experts agree, automatic structure-based domain assignment still cannot always agree, and so again it is still unlikely that domain prediction methods will reliably obtain correct results completely automatically. We make the argument that computer-assisted domain prediction is a more achievable goal. With this aim in mind, we present the DomPred server. This server provides the user with the results from two completely different categories of method (DPS and DomSSEA). In this paper, each method is individually benchmarked against one of the latest domain prediction benchmarks to provide information about their respective reliabilities. A variety of different benchmark scores are employed since the accuracy of a domain prediction method depends critically on what types of results one wishes to obtain (single/multi-domain classification, domain number, residue linker positions, etc.). Also both of these methods, implemented within the DomPred server, can suggest alternative domain predictions, allowing the user to make the final decision based on these results and applying their own background knowledge to the problem. The DomPred server is available from the URL:http://bioinf.cs. ucl.ac. uk/software.html.
[Latent TGF-beta 1 binding protein (LTBP-1); a new marker for intra-and extraocular PEX deposits].

BACKGROUND Pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome is a generalized process of the extracellular matrix characterized by the accumulation of an abnormal pathognomonic material in various intraocular and extraocular tissues. Whereas the intraocular manifestations can be directly diagnosed by biomicroscopic observations, the extraocular manifestations can presently only be diagnosed by electron microscopic methodology. In order to better evaluate the distribution and precise localization of PEX deposits in the various organ systems, we searched for a relatively specific immunohistochemical marker for PEX material on the light microscopic level. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eyes and tissue specimens of various organ systems (skin, heart, lungs, liver, kidney, abdominal aorta, cerebral artery, plexus choroideus, meninges) obtained from 4 organ donors with ocular PEX syndrome and age-matched control tissues were investigated by electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using antibodies against various elastic microfibrillar components. RESULTS Out of a panel of antibodies tested, the immunolabeling of both intra- and extraocular PEX deposits with antibodies against latent TGF-beta 1 binding protein (LTBP-1) was particularly prominent. In addition to the known intraocular sites of PEX material accumulations, focal plaque-like LTBP-1 positive deposits could be observed in the conjunctival stroma, optic nerve meninges, skin, heart muscle, lungs, kidney as well as in the adventitia of the aorta and cerebral artery from donors with PEX syndrome; such plaque-like deposits positive for LTBP-1 were not present in the control tissues. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of typical fibrillar PEX aggregates in the respective tissues. CONCLUSIONS Antibodies against LTBP-1 provide a new and relatively specific marker for PEX deposits both in intraocular and extraocular locations. Systematic screening of PEX accumulations in a larger number of extraocular tissue specimens obtained from PEX patients may help to elucidate the functional implications and consequences of the systemic manifestations.
Interactions of Cyclophilin with the Mitochondrial Inner Membrane and Regulation of the Permeability Transition Pore, a Cyclosporin A-sensitive Channel (*)

Mammalian mitochondria possess an inner membrane channel, the permeability transition pore (MTP), which can be inhibited by nanomolar concentrations of cyclosporin (CS) A. The molecular basis for MTP inhibition by CSA remains unclear. Mitochondria also possess a matrix cyclophilin (CyP) with a unique N-terminal sequence (CyP-M). To test the hypothesis that it interacts with the MTP, we have studied the interactions of CyP-M with rat liver mitochondria by Western blotting with a specific antibody against its unique N terminus. Although sonication in isotonic sucrose at pH 7.4 releases a large proportion of CyP-M, a sizeable CyP-M fraction sediments with submitochondrial particles at 150,000 × g. We show that the interactions of this CyP-M pool with submitochondrial particles are disrupted (i) by the addition of CSA, which inhibits the pore, but not of CSH, which does not, and (ii) by acidic pH condition, which also leads to selective inhibition of the MTP; furthermore, we show that the effect of acidic pH on CyP-M binding is prevented by diethylpyrocarbonate, which fully prevents the inhibitory effect of H on the MTP (Nicolli, A., Petronilli, V., and Bernardi, P.(1993) Biochemistry 32, 4461-4465). These data suggest that CyP-M binding is involved in opening of the MTP and that pore inhibition by CSA and protons may be due to unbinding of CyP-M from its putative binding site on the MTP. A role for CyP-M in MTP regulation is also supported by a study with a series of CSA derivatives with graded affinity for CyP. We show that with each derivative the potency at inhibition of the peptidylprolyl cis-trans-isomerase activity of CyP-M purified to homogeneity is similar to that displayed at inhibition of MTP opening, relative to that displayed by CSA. Decreased binding to CyP-M (but not CyP-A) and decreased efficiency at MTP inhibition is obtained by substitutions in position 8 while a 4-substituted, nonimmunosuppressive derivative is as effective as the native CSA molecule, indicating that calcineurin is not involved in MTP inhibition by CSA.
Survival of recombination-deficient mutants of Escherichia coli during incubation with nalidixic acid

The ability of several Escherichia coli strains deficient in recombination (rec) to survive in the presence of nalidixic acid was determined. Genetic blocks of the RecBC or the RecF pathways resulted in increased sensitivity to nalidixic acid when compared with the wild-type strain. Mutants lacking functional recA, recL, or recB recC recF genes showed the most rapid decrease in colony-forming ability when incubated with nalidixic acid. However, the uvrB gene also plays a role in maintaining cell viability.
The State-of-the-art of CSCW: CSCW Systems, cooperative work and organization

Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW) is a young research field, no more than ten years old, concerned with the development and use of computer systems to support cooperative working. Although researchers and practitioners in this area have many interests in common, there is a great deal of diversity in definitions of and approaches to CSCW. This diversity has arisen despite the clarity of intention of the early seminal papers that attempted to set the agenda for CSCW research. Ten years into the development of this research area, a number of tensions appear to be diluting this initial clarity. These tensions reveal themselves in apparent disjunctions between theoretical papers and statements of intent on the one hand and CSCW practice (research and design) on the other. In this paper a review of the state-of-the-art of CSCW is offered. Some existing systems, and related design and evaluation research, are described. Then three sources of the aforementioned tension are explored: the role of technology in driving or being derived from the science; conceptions of working and cooperative working in particular; and the relationship between CSCW and organization.
[Pseudotumoral presentation of multiple sclerosis].

INTRODUCTION Multiple sclerosis is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system with a variety of clinical and radiological presentations. Several cases have been reported of demyelinating processes mimicking a tumour of the central nervous system. OBSERVATION A 45-year-old man was admitted with acute right hemiparesis associated with intracranial hypertension syndrome. Initial CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a mass lesion in the left hemisphere. Combined, careful history taking, assessment of the clinical course and magnetic resonance imaging findings led to the final diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. COMMENTARY AND CONCLUSION This case report illustrates the wide variety of multiple sclerosis presentation. Recognition of the demyelinating tumor like lesions is essential; the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis should be considered in young adults with similar presentations.
A Pilot Study of the Trajectory of Functional Outcomes in Stroke Survivors: Implications for Home Healthcare

This longitudinal, prospective pilot study (N = 23) explored patterns of functional recovery using the functional independence measure (FIM) at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months poststroke. Results showed that the subcategory of self-care had the most observable improvement, whereas communication had the least improvement. Study results have implications for clinicians, as they are instrumental in assessment, and in determination of treatments and level of care required to promote optimal rehabilitation and recovery of function across all dimensions.
Concepts and limits for the miniaturization of silicon differential vibrating inertial micro-beam accelerometer

In this paper, an original differential VBA: the ISA-100 structure including an isolating system is presented in order to explore the fundamentals parameters for the miniaturization of such devices (4 to 1 mum thick beam). The bias stability of the sensor depends directly on the frequency stability of each beam, and thus requires a high quality factor Q. Q values up to 2.4 times 105 have been measured for 3 mum thick resonators. But high Q values are an advantage up to a certain extent. Indeed as the sensitive element gets thinner and Q values get higher, resonators are more susceptible to nonlinear effects. Experiments have revealed a nonlinear behaviour for a deflection lower than 10 nanometers. The influence of the Q-factor on the nonlinear behaviour of the VBA and then on its resolution (noise level) and frequency stability is studied.
Measurement and behavior of dual-polarization vegetation optical depth and single scattering albedo at 1.4- and 5-GHz microwave frequencies

A measurement procedure has been developed and tested to determine horizontal and vertical polarization radiative transfer properties, i,e. , single scattering albedo (/spl omega/) and optical depth (/spl tau/), of vegetation under field conditions. The procedure was applied to a wheat crop for a series of biomass densities. The measurements were done using two different radiometers (1.4 and 5 GHz) and for different view angles. The measurements and calculations indicated that the ratios of horizontal and vertical polarization radiative transfer properties (/spl alpha/=/spl Gamma//sub h///spl Gamma//sub /spl nu//, /spl alpha/'=/spl tau//sub h///spl tau//sub /spl nu// and /spl beta/=/spl omega/h//spl omega//sub /spl nu//) are slightly dependent on view angle. However, no significant dependence on biomass density could be discerned.
Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis in Japan

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS), the most serious and classical complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), was recognized soon after the introduction of PD. Within a little more than a decade after PD was first introduced in Japan, the country began experiencing an increasing number of EPS cases. The present paper discusses the clinical stages of EPS, the incidence of EPS in Japan and the as-yet incompletely understood mechanisms of its development, and EPS management and prevention.
Counting Strategies and Assimilation Effects in Short-Term Retention of Temporal Information

The purpose of the present research was to examine proactive interference in general and assimilation effects (i.e., shifts in constant error caused by prior responses) in particular, when subjects used covert counting to aid their retention of the temporal information. Visually presented durations of 1, 4, and 8 sec. were estimated by 18 subjects under the method of reproduction. Three retention intervals (i.e., immediate, 15, and 30 sec.) and three intertrial intervals (i.e., immediate, 15, and 30 sec.) were employed. Analysis of constant error provided no indication that proactive interference was operating in the retention of temporal information as there was no increase in error across trials, no increase in error for longer retention intervals, and no interaction between trials and retention intervals. Also, there was no change in variable error as the retention intervals lengthened for any temporal duration except for the 4-sec. criterion. Finally, the rate of counting (counting units/sec.) was different across the durations to be remembered. The major conclusion of the present research was that counting greatly facilitates retention of temporal information as compared to retention without such a time-aiding strategy.
The uncertain journey: women's experiences following a myocardial infarction.

Current literature indicates that women, and society in general, do not see coronary heart disease (CHD) as a serious concern for women. This lack of recognition seems, in part, to be related to a lack of research involving women as participants and in developing nursing knowledge specific to women and CHD. Although existing literature provides valuable insight into cardiac recovery, it does not clearly explore women's perceptions of their experiences in the early home convalescent recovery process following a myocardial infarction (MI). This study reports on the supportive-educative experiences of eight English speaking women, ages 33-61, in their early recovery process following an MI. Inductively generated data analysis has provided a means to understand the process of recovery from the perspective of these participants. Inherent in the participants' words, as they discussed their journeys with recovery, was an overwhelming sense of uncertainty while living with heart disease. For these women, their socially constructed knowledge dictated that women, and in particular, young women, did not experience heart attacks, and was, therefore, in conflict with their realities. The contradiction between the 'truths learned from others' and their MI experiences influenced, and was influenced by, the subsequent emerging themes of a 'rude awakening,' 'disconnected knowing,' and 'reconnecting self. ' Feminist research challenges tradition and offers nursing an opportunity to explore and investigate issues of importance to our profession in a different way. Nurses, as well as other health care professionals, need to be aware of the social construction of cardiac illness and women's experiences, as this knowledge has great implications for patient care from prevention to rehabilitation within the cardiac experience. Based on the results of this study, implications for nursing education, research and practice are discussed.
Power MOSFET failure mechanisms

Power MOSFET failure mechanisms are reviewed and discussed with emphasis on the parasitic bipolar transistor (BJT) turn on. The first two failure mechanisms reviewed result from high dV/sub DS//dt. The third failure mechanism results from the slow reverse recovery of the MOSFET body diode and the fourth is a single event breakdown due to inadequate voltage derating of the MOSFET. A condition for the parasitic BJT turn on is derived and used to discuss the failure mechanisms.