Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotection of γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor agonists via enhancing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (Ser847) phosphorylation through increased neuronal nitric oxide synthase and PSD95 interaction and inhibited protein phosphatase activity in cerebral ischemia

It is well documented that exitotoxicity induced by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation plays a pivotal role in delayed neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 region after transient global ischemia. However, the effect of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor activation is uncertain in ischemia brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the enhancement of GABA receptor activity could inhibit NMDA receptor‐mediated nitric oxide (NO) production by neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) in brain ischemic injury. The results showed that both the GABAA receptor agonist muscimol and the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen had neuroprotective effect, and the combination of two agonists could significantly protect neurons against death induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Coapplication of muscimol with baclofen not only enhanced nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation but also increased the interaction of nNOS with PSD95 at 6 hr and 1 day of reperfusion. Interestingly, the inhibitors of calcineurin and PP1/PP2A could enhance nNOS phosphorylation at Ser847 site at 1 day of reperfusion after ischemia but not at 6 hr of reperfusion. From these data, we conclude that GABA receptor activation could exert its neuroprotective effect through increasing nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation by different mechanisms at 6 hr and 1 day of reperfusion. The increased interaction of nNOS and postsynaptic density‐95 induced by GABA agonists is responsible for nNOS (Ser847) phosphorylation at both time points, but at 1 day of reperfusion the inhibition of protein phosphatase activity by GABA agonists also contributes to the neuroprotection. Our results suggest that GABA receptor agonists may serve as a potential and important neuroprotectant in therapy for ischemic stroke. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perception of Phosphenes and Flashed Alphabetical Characters is Enhanced by Single-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of Anterior Frontal Lobe: The Thalamic Gate Hypothesis

Single pulses of transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) restricted locally to the primary cortical areas for somatosensory and visual input, unlike the effects of repetitive stimulation, usually fail to elicit projected sensations. We tested the effect of sTMS over anterior frontal cortex in facilitating phosphenes from preceding sTMS over calcarine cortex, which alone was rarely effective in eliciting phosphenes. The combined sTMS elicited complex phosphenes, which changed with the site of frontal sTMS and the interstimulus interval. Our results show that sTMS over anterior frontal cortex also improved reporting of weakly illuminated, flashed four-letter stimuli, which permitted its statistical validation. We propose that the present demonstration of frontal cortical facilitation of visual awareness, when combined with the previous finding of projected paresthesias and sense of movement (Amassian et al, 1991 Brain 114 2505 – 2520), provide evidence of a general frontal opening effect on a thalamic gate. Opening this gate facilitates entry of information from primary cortical receiving areas to thalamus. Thereby, the reciprocal thalamocortical interrelations that subserve conscious awareness of sensory stimuli could be fostered.
Psychophysical tuning curves for very low centre frequencies

Noise with energy in the low-frequency range (i.e. below 200 Hz) is known to produce problems with annoyance and represents an environmental problem (Leventhall, 2004). Attempts to understand and predict problems produced by low-frequency noise require information about human frequency selectivity in the low-frequency range. However, there are few data on frequency selectivity for centre frequencies below 100 Hz. To estimate the characteristics of auditory tuning for very low frequencies, in this study psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs) were obtained for tonal and narrow-band noise maskers at centre frequencies (CFs) of 31.5, 40, 50, 63, and 80 Hz. For the tonal maskers, pairs of tones designed to produce modulation-detection-interference (MDI) were added to the masker, as a way to evaluate and reduce the effects of beats. For each subject, an equal-loudness-level contour was also obtained using closely spaced frequencies. This was used as a rough estimate of the shape of the individual middle-ear transfer function (METF) in the frequency range below 100 Hz. Preliminary results obtained using 9 subjects are described. Sharp tips were observed for some of the PTCs derived with the tonal maskers, probably reflecting the influence of beats. Addition of the MDI tones produced more regular and broad tips for cases where beating was evident. The PTCs obtained with the noise maskers were generally more regular around their tips. For both masker types, the overall shapes of the PTCs were broad, indicating that frequency selectivity at very low frequencies is relatively poor. Also, the PTCs were generally asymmetrical, with steeper lower skirts than upper skirts, an effect that became more pronounced as the CF was decreased. For the CFs of 31.5 and 40 Hz, the tips of the tuning curve did not occur at the CF, but at a higher frequency. The overall shapes of the tuning curves, and the degree to which tuning was affected at the lowest CFs, appear to be influenced by the shape of the (estimated) METF.
Multi-octave linear efficient GaN power amplifier

GaN RF technology has continued to demonstrate state-of-the-art power, efficiency, linearity, and low-noise performance in RF and mm-wave band. Here, we report on a multi-octave (100 MHz–8 GHz), linear nonuniform distributed amplifier (NDPA) in a MMIC architecture using scaled 120-nm short-gate-length GaN HEMTs. The linear NDPAs were built with six sections in a nonuniform distributed amplifier approach, where each cell consists of main and gm3 cells. The small signal gain was >10 dB over the band, with saturated CW output power of ∼35 dBm at Vdd = 17 V. The PAE improved by 7%–10% within the band compared to the previous NDPA with 150-nm gate-length GaN FETs. Based on two-tone testing, the linear NDPA showed improved OIP3 of ∼50 dBm, compared to OIP3 of 42 dBm for the NDPA without linearization. Under QPSK LTE waveform, the ACPR was improved by ∼10 dBc at average output power of 23 dBm, without digital pre-distortion.
A half-micron SRAM cell using a double-gated self-aligned polysilicon PMOS thin film transistor (TFT) load

An SRAM cell structure using stacked double-gated, self-aligned polysilicon PMOS thin-film transistors (TFT) is described. This memory cell has been realized in a half-micron, triple-poly, double-metal CMOS process; the cell area is 22.32 &mu;m2, adequate for 4-Mb SRAMs. The main features are: (i) self-aligned structure to precisely define the TFT channel, (ii) TFT drive current enhancement by double gate effect, and (iii) the realization of sub-micron channel length TFTs, which demonstrates the feasibility of this cell for the next-generation 16-Mb SRAM
TLE, the human homolog of groucho, interacts with AML1 and acts as a repressor of AML1-induced transactivation.

The AML1 gene encodes DNA-binding proteins that contain the Runt domain and is found at the breakpoints of some translocations associated with leukemias. It has been reported that AML1 plays pivotal roles in myeloid differentiation, probably through the transcriptional regulation of various hematopoietic genes. Here we demonstrate the physical and the functional interaction between AML1 and TLE1 (transducin-like Enhancer of split) human homolog of Groucho that is known to be a corepressor of Hairy-related proteins. TLE1 binds to AML1 through the Runt domain and the C terminus of AML1 that includes the VWRPY motif. The interaction is mainly mediated by the SP domain of TLE1. Moreover, TLE1 inhibits AML1-induced transactivation of the target promoters through the C terminus of AML1. These results suggest that TLE1 acts as a repressor of AML1 and provide important insights into the mechanism of the negative regulation of the AML1 functions in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis.
BUILDING FIRM-SPECIFIC ADVANTAGES IN MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS: THE ROLE OF SUBSIDIARY INITIATIVE

A central theme of much of the recent literature on the strategy of the multinational corporation (MNC) is the increasingly important role played by subsidiary companies as contributors to the development of firm-specific advantages. Traditional academic models that viewed subsidiaries as either ‘market access’ providers or as recipients of the parent company’s technology transfers (Vernon, 1966) gave way in the 1980s to richer conceptualizations in which subsidiaries tapped into leading-edge ideas, undertook important research and development work, and became active participants in the formulation and implementation of strategy (Bartlett and Ghoshal, 1986; Hedlund, 1986; Gupta and Govindarajan, 1994). The generation of firm-specific advantages, correspondingly, shifted from being the sole concern of the parent company to a collective responsibility for the corporate network.
Active microwave imaging of inhomogeneous bodies

A numerical method and experimental technique for microwave imaging of inhomogenous bodies is presented. This method is based on the interpretation of the diffraction phenomena and leads to tomographic reconstruction of the body under investigation. Various numerical examples are given on spatial impulse response, recognition of dielectric rods, inhomogeneous bodies, and simulated human arm. Different experimental results on dielectric rods and isolated animal organs are also given.
Phosphoproteome Analysis of Cardiomyocytes Subjected to &bgr;-Adrenergic Stimulation: Identification and Characterization of a Cardiac Heat Shock Protein p20

Abstract— Posttranslational modification of target substrates underlies biological processes through activation/inactivation of signaling cascades. To concurrently identify the phosphoprotein substrates associated with cardiac &bgr;-adrenergic signaling, the mouse myocyte phosphoproteome was analyzed using 2-D gel electrophoresis in combination with 32P autoradiography. Phosphoprotein spots, detected by silver staining, were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in conjunction with computer-assisted protein spot matching. Stimulation with isoproterenol (1 &mgr;mol/L for 5 minutes) was associated with maximal increases in myocyte contractile parameters, and significant stimulation of the phosphorylation of troponin I (190±23%) and succinyl CoA synthetase (160±16%), whereas the phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (48±10%), NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase (46±6%), heat shock protein 27 (18±3%), &agr;B-crystallin (20±3%), and an unidentified 26-kDa protein (29±7%) was significantly decreased, compared with unstimulated cells (100%). After sustained (30 minutes) stimulation with isoproterenol, only the alterations in the phosphorylation levels of troponin I and NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase were maintained and de novo phosphorylation of a phosphoprotein (≈20 kDa and pI 5.5) was observed. The tryptic peptide fragments of this phosphoprotein were sequenced using postsource decay mass spectrometry, and the protein was subsequently cloned and designated as p20, based on its high sequence homology with rat and human skeletal p20. The mouse cardiac p20 contains the conserved domain sequences for heat shock proteins, and the RRAS consensus sequence for cAMP-PKA substrates. LC-MS/MS phosphorylation mapping confirmed phosphorylation of Ser16 in p20 on &bgr;-agonist stimulation. Adenoviral gene transfer of p20 was associated with significant increases in contractility and Ca transient peak in adult rat cardiomyocytes, suggesting an important role of p20 in cardiac function. These findings suggest that cardiomyocytes undergo significant posttranslational modification via phosphorylation in a multitude of proteins to dynamically fine-tune cardiac responses to &bgr;-adrenergic signaling.
The ${\bf ALU}^{+}$ Concept: $N$-Type Silicon Solar Cells With Surface-Passivated Screen-Printed Aluminum-Alloyed Rear Emitter

Aluminum-doped p-type (Al-p<sup>+</sup>) silicon emitters fabricated by means of screen-printing and firing are effectively passivated by plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposited (PECVD) amorphous silicon (a-Si) and atomic-layer-deposited (ALD) aluminum oxide (Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) as well as Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/SiN<sub>x</sub> stacks, where the silicon nitride (SiN<sub>x</sub>) layer is deposited by PECVD. While the a-Si passivation of the Al-p<sup>+</sup> emitter results in an emitter saturation current density J<sub>0</sub>e of 246 fA/cm<sup>2</sup>, the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>/SiN<i>x</i> double layers result in emitter saturation current densities as low as 160 fA/cm<sup>2</sup>, which is the lowest J<sub>0</sub>e reported so far for screen-printed Al-doped p<sup>+</sup> emitters. Moreover, the Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> as well as the Al<sub>2</sub> O<sub>3</sub>/SiN<i>x</i> stacks show an excellent stability during firing in a conveyor belt furnace at 900<sup>°</sup>C. We implement our newly developed passivated Al-p<sup>+</sup> emitter into an n<sup>+</sup>np<sup>+</sup> solar cell structure, the so-called ALU<sup>+</sup> cell. An independently confirmed conversion efficiency of 20% is achieved on an aperture cell area of 4 cm<sup>2</sup> , clearly demonstrating the high-efficiency potential of our ALU<sup>+</sup> cell concept.
Modell der Bildentstehung mit HDR-Kameras

Kameras mit hohem Dynamikumfang („high-dynamic range came r s (HDR)“) werden zunehmend in der Computergraphik eingesetzt, um die Lichtv er ältnisse in realen Szenen zu erfassen. In der Bildanalyse ermöglichen solche Kameras Un tersuchungen, die Szenen mit großen Dynamikunterschieden betreffen. Beispiele sind Na chtf hrten im Automobil oder ein Blick in eine Flamme. Neben einer Reihe von Vorteilen, die ev ntuell auch neue Methoden und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten nach sich ziehen, ergeben sich du rch die Verwendung von HDRKameras und -Bildformaten ein Reihe von Problemen, wie etwa die Frage der Kalibrierung, die Verwendung der zusätzlichen Lichtinformation in der Bi ldverarbeitung oder die Frage der Einschränkung der Farbräume. Um Lösungen für diese Problem e vorzubereiten, werden im Rahmen dieses Beitrags die grundsätzlichen Modelle der Bil dverarbeitung und der Computergraphik vorund gegenübergestellt. Dadurch wird eine Basi s für ein gemeinsames Verständnis zum Thema Licht und Farbe der beiden Disziplinen begründet, auf dem die Bildverarbeitung und die Computergraphik gemeinsam aufbauen und voneinande r profitieren können. Abschließend wird eine Reihe von Ansätzen und Anwendungsmöglichkei ten skizziert, wie die Modelle entsprechend erweitert werden können, welche gemeinsamen Probleme im Kontext von HDR zu bewältigen sind und wie mögliche Ansätze zur Lösung ausse hen könnten.
Evolutionary Particle Filters: Model-free Object Tracking - Combining Evolution Strategies and Particle Filters

Tracking situations or more generally state estimation of dynamic systems arise in various application contexts. Usually the state-evolution equations are assumed to be known up to certain parameters. But what can be done if this is not the case? This paper presents an innovative approach to solve this difficult and complex situation by using the inherent tracking abilities of evolution strategies. Combining principles of particle filters and evolution strategies leads to a new type of algorithms: evolutionary particle filters. Their tracking quality is examined in simulations.
Effects of boric acid and humate supplementation on performance and egg quality parameters of laying hens

In this study, the effects of boric acid and humate supplementation into hen diets on egg production and quality parameters and blood cholesterol levels were examined. For this aim, totally 160, 40 weeks of age, Hyline-White 98 layers were randomly divided into control and 3 treatment groups each containing 40 birds and 10 replicates (each with 4 birds). There was no boric acid or humate supplementation to control group diets (basal diet) where as treatment groups were supplemented with (basal diet plus) 90 ppm boric acid or 1 g/kg humate, or combination of these two feed additives, respectively. The experimental period lasted in 14 weeks. End of the trial there were no significant effects of dietary boric acid and humate inclusion on feed intake, egg weights and yields, egg quality parameters (shell thickness, breaking strength, and shape index) compared with control. But feed conversion ratio for hens which were supplemented with humate showed negative results while combination humate and boric acid were showed positive result compare with control (p < 0.05). It was also determined that there were no effects of treatments on blood cholesterol levels. As a result, since hens which were fed with basal diet plus boric acid and humate combination showed better feed conversion ratio, these feed additives combination can added diets without any adverse effect for laying hens.
Self-Sensing Pneumatic Artificial Muscles for Feedback Control using the Inductance of “ Smart Braids ”

Measuring and controlling Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) without instrumented, mechanical structures can be challenging. This is the case, for example, when the actuators are used in soft, human exosuits [5]. “Smart Braids” measure the length of PAMs through the inductance of a conductive braid. The inductance increases linearly with the contraction of the actuator. We have modeled and tested these self-sensing actuators. We have also tested the performance of Smart Braid sensors as feedback for the control of antagonized actuators.
Functional Performance, Maximal Strength, and Power Characteristics in Isometric and Dynamic Actions of Lower Extremities in Soccer Players

Requena, B, González-Badillo, JJ, Saez de Villareal, ES, Ereline, J, García, I, Gapeyeva, H, and Pääsuke, M. Functional performance, maximal strength, and power characteristics in isometric and dynamic actions lower extremities in soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 23(5): 1391-1401, 2009-The purposes of the present study were to determine muscle strength and power output characteristics in a group of professional soccer players and to identify their relationships with 2 functional performance tests (vertical jumping height and 15-m sprint time). Maximal strength and power indices attained against different loads in barbell back squat exercise, isometric maximal force of the knee extensor and plantar flexor muscles, isokinetic peak torque of the knee extensors muscles, vertical jumping height in squat and counter-movement jumps, and 15-m sprint time tests were assessed in 21 semiprofessional soccer players (age 20 ± 3.8 years). Correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between each of these measures. The main results of the present study were that (a) maximal power in concentric half-squat exercise was attained with a load of 60% of 1 repetition maximum, representing 112% of body weight; (b) the performance in the functional tests selected was significantly related with all the half-squat variables measured, especially with loads of 75-125% of body weight; and (c) low to nonsignificant correlations were found between functional tests performance and isometric and isokinetic muscle strength measures. It was concluded that in semiprofessional soccer players (a) isometric and isokinetic muscle strength assessed in an open kinetic chain were not movement-specific enough to predict performance during a more complex movement, such as jump or sprint and (b) concentric half-squat exercise was principally related with the functional tests selected when it was performed against external loading within the range of the load in case of which the maximal power output was attained.
Distribution of sex steroid hormone receptors in the avian brain: Functional implications for neural sex differences and sexual behaviors

Developmental and seasonal changes in the production of androgens, estrogens, and progestins seem to control sex‐specific differentiation and seasonal changes in appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors of birds. This results in profound sex differences in the quality (sex‐specific) or quantity (sex‐typical) of behaviors such as courtship, territoriality, or copulation. Steroids affect the brain by binding to intracellularly located receptors. The same brain areas express androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors in male and female brains. Sex differences in these genetically determined patterns occur in the size of neuron populations that intrinsically express sex steroid receptors. Further permanent sex differences are subsequent to degenerative fates of receptor expressing neuron populations during ontogeny. Transient sex differences in receptor expression appear to be due to area‐specific up‐ and down‐regulation of receptor levels, reflecting transient changes in the level of circulating steroids, changes in environmental conditions, or in the physiological status of the individuals. In particular, intrinsic sex differences in the expression pattern of sex steroid receptors and steroid‐independent regulation of the expression level of these receptors in the brain are limiting mechanisms for gonad‐dependent sexual development and activities. Microsc. Res. Tech. 55:1–11, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An evaluation of the choices for well-being project

The relationship between mental health, self-esteem and unemployment is well established. Emerging research suggests that interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can counter the negative effects of unemployment and may improve re-employment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a manual-based programme, which combines CBT with job skills training, in improving the psychological health and job- seeking skills of unemployed individuals within the UK. One hundred and nine unemployed individuals, suffering mild to moderate mental health problems, were referred to the programme. Of these, 47 completed the programme and 32 attended follow-up. The impact of the manualised course was evaluated using a randomised control trial with a waiting list control. On completion of the programme, participants showed improvements in mental health, self- esteem and job-search self-efficacy as well as a reduction in the occurrence of negative automatic thoughts. Twenty participants gained employment and improvements persisted at follow-up. Considering the initial levels of psychological distress and mental health problems among the unemployed sample, the need for adequate service provision for the unemployed is recommended.
Have cholinergic therapies reached their clinical boundary in Alzheimer's disease?

The cholinergic hypothesis suggests that Alzheimer's disease (AD) results from a selective loss in cholinergic neurons with decreased acetylcholine levels. Treatments that increase the level of acetylcholine would be expected to provide clinical benefit. Clinical trials of dietary precursors of acetylcholine and muscarinic receptor agonists have been unsuccessful. Further research is needed to confirm whether nicotine or nicotinic agonists are of value.