Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Use of Cannabis as a Predictor of Early Onset of Bipolar Disorder and Suicide Attempts

Introduction. Bipolar disorder (BD) implies risk of suicide. The age at onset (AAO) of BD carries prognostic significance. Substance abuse may precede the onset of BD and cannabis is the most common illicit drug used. The main goal of this study is to review the association of cannabis use as a risk factor for early onset of BD and for suicide attempts. Materials and Methods. PubMed database was searched for articles using key words “bipolar disorder,” “suicide attempts,” “cannabis,” “marijuana,” “early age at onset,” and “early onset. ” Results. The following percentages in bipolar patients were found: suicide attempts 3.6–42%; suicide attempts and substance use 5–60%; suicide attempts and cannabis use 15–42%. An early AAO was associated with cannabis misuse. The mean age of the first manic episode in individuals with and without BD and cannabis use disorder (CUD) was 19.5 and 25.1 years, respectively. The first depressive episode was at 18.5 and 24.4 years, respectively. Individuals misusing cannabis showed increased risk of suicide. Discussion. Cannabis use is associated with increased risk of suicide attempts and with early AAO. However, the effect of cannabis at the AAO and suicide attempts is not clear.
Beihang-MSRA at SemEval-2017 Task 3: A Ranking System with Neural Matching Features for Community Question Answering

This paper presents the system in SemEval-2017 Task 3, Community Question Answering (CQA). We develop a ranking system that is capable of capturing semantic relations between text pairs with little word overlap. In addition to traditional NLP features, we introduce several neural network based matching features which enable our system to measure text similarity beyond lexicons. Our system significantly outperforms baseline methods and holds the second place in Subtask A and the fifth place in Subtask B, which demonstrates its efficacy on answer selection and question retrieval.
Numerical study of conjugate heat transfer in a continuously moving metal during solidification

Heat transfer problems involving phase-changes have important applications in the field of engineering, such as metal casting, welding, wire drawing, optic fiber drawing,, fiber-glass drawing, and icing on airfoil surfaces. This study investigated the conjugate heat transfer in the continuous casting process. The investigated material was aluminum and it was assumed to be isotropic. The flow within the liquid phase was assumed to be laminar and -incompressible. Problem geometry included a cooling mold to extract heat from the solidifying metal. The effects of casting speed, inlet temperature, and cooling rates in the mold and post-mold regions on the solidification process were studied. Casting speed was expressed as the Peclet number (Pe), and the cooling rates were expressed as Biot numbers (Bi). Radiation between the mold and the solidified aluminum was examined, and its effect on the solidification process was investigated. Due to a moving phase-transition boundary, the governing equations describing a two-phase flow in a continuous casting process are non-linear. Inside the phase transition zone, the latent heat of fusion was absorbed into material’s specific heat. Specific heat evaluation within the two-phase region was done using the average specific heat method. The governing equations were coupled, discretized using the Galerkin technique, and solved using the finite element method. The results were plotted as: solidification front locations and shapes; velocity vector fields; temperature distributions along the outer surface and the centerline; isotherms throughout the domain;local heat fluxes; and total nondimensional heat flux values. The plots were studied and conclusions drawn with respect to each casting parameter. Numerical results indicate that the casting speed and the mold-cooling rate have the strongest effect on the slope and location of the solidification front. The inlet temperature does not affect the phase-transition slope. Radiation between the mold and the cast material has negligible effects on the solidification process. The post-mold cooling rate does not affect the solidification process within the mold, but it has a strong effect on the temperature distribution in the post-mold region and on the total heat flux. All casting parameters reflect in local and total heat flux values.
The Economics of Roscas and Intra-Household Resource Allocation

This paper investigates individual motives to participate in rotating savings and credit associations (roscas). Detailed evidence from roscas in a Kenyan slum (Nairobi) suggests that most roscas are predominantly composed of women, particularly those living in a couple and earning an independent income. We propose an explanation of this based on conflictual interactions within the household. Participation in a rosea is a strategy a wife employs to protect her savings against claims by her husband for immediate consumption. The empirical implications of the model are then tested using the data collected in Kenya.
Stability and induced ℓ2-gain of MIMO input-output LPV systems

This paper considers the problem of assessing the stability and the induced ℓ2-gain of a class of Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) systems in input-output form with affine parameter dependence. Based on a polynomial method developed recently, where the a priori choice of a central polynomial plays a critical role, sufficient conditions for the existence of parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions are proposed which reduce conservatism in comparison with an existing approach. Based on Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs), the problem is solved where the choice of the central polynomial is optimized. To show the usefulness of the proposed approach, a comparison with the existing technique is given.
IDH Mutation and Neuroglial Developmental Features Define Clinically Distinct Subclasses of Lower Grade Diffuse Astrocytic Glioma

Purpose: Diffuse gliomas represent the most prevalent class of primary brain tumor. Despite significant recent advances in the understanding of glioblastoma [World Health Organization (WHO) IV], its most malignant subtype, lower grade (WHO II and III) glioma variants remain comparatively understudied, especially in light of their notable clinical heterogeneity. Accordingly, we sought to identify and characterize clinically relevant molecular subclasses of lower grade diffuse astrocytic gliomas. Experimental Design: We conducted multidimensional molecular profiling, including global transcriptional analysis, on 101 lower grade diffuse astrocytic gliomas collected at our own institution and validated our findings using publically available gene expression and copy number data from large independent patient cohorts. Results: We found that IDH mutational status delineated molecularly and clinically distinct glioma subsets, with IDH mutant (IDH mt) tumors exhibiting TP53 mutations, platelet—derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)A overexpression, and prolonged survival, and IDH wild-type (IDH wt) tumors exhibiting EGFR amplification, PTEN loss, and unfavorable disease outcome. Furthermore, global expression profiling revealed three robust molecular subclasses within lower grade diffuse astrocytic gliomas, two of which were predominantly IDH mt and one almost entirely IDH wt. IDH mt subclasses were distinguished from each other on the basis of TP53 mutations, DNA copy number abnormalities, and links to distinct stages of neurogenesis in the subventricular zone. This latter finding implicates discrete pools of neuroglial progenitors as cells of origin for the different subclasses of IDH mt tumors. Conclusion: We have elucidated molecularly distinct subclasses of lower grade diffuse astrocytic glioma that dictate clinical behavior and show fundamental associations with both IDH mutational status and neuroglial developmental stage. Clin Cancer Res; 18(9); 2490–501. ©2012 AACR.
Conditional Heteroscedasticity as a Leading Indicator of Ecological Regime Shifts

Regime shifts are massive, often irreversible, rearrangements of nonlinear ecological processes that occur when systems pass critical transition points. Ecological regime shifts sometimes have severe consequences for human well-being, including eutrophication in lakes, desertification, and species extinctions. Theoretical and laboratory evidence suggests that statistical anomalies may be detectable leading indicators of regime shifts in ecological time series, making it possible to foresee and potentially avert incipient regime shifts. Conditional heteroscedasticity is persistent variance characteristic of time series with clustered volatility. Here, we analyze conditional heteroscedasticity as a potential leading indicator of regime shifts in ecological time series. We evaluate conditional heteroscedasticity by using ecological models with and without four types of critical transition. On approaching transition points, all time series contain significant conditional heteroscedasticity. This signal is detected hundreds of time steps in advance of the regime shift. Time series without regime shifts do not have significant conditional heteroscedasticity. Because probability values are easily associated with tests for conditional heteroscedasticity, detection of false positives in time series without regime shifts is minimized. This property reduces the need for a reference system to compare with the perturbed system.
Real time illumination invariant motion change detection

An original approach for real time detection of changes in motion is presented, which can lead to the detection and recognition of events. Current video change detection focuses on shot changes which depend on appearance, not motion. Changes in motion are detected in pixels that are found to be active via the kurtosis. Statistical modeling of the motion data shows that the Laplace distribution provides the most accurate fit. The Laplace model of the motion is used in a sequential change detection test, which detects the changes in real time. False alarm detection determined whether a detected change is indeed induced by motion or by varying scene illumination. This leads to precise detection of changes in motion for many videos, where shot change detection if shown to fail. Experiments show that the proposed method finds meaningful changes in real time, even under conditions of varying scene illumination.
State-dependent M/G/1 type queueing analysis for congestion control in data networks

We study in this paper a TCP-like linear-increase multiplicative-decrease flow control mechanism. We consider congestion signals that arrive in batches according to a Poisson process. We focus on the case when the transmission rate cannot exceed a certain maximum value. We write the Kolmogorov equations and we use Laplace transforms to calculate the distribution of the transmission rate in the steady state as well as its moments. Our model is particularly useful to study the behavior of TCP, the congestion control mechanism in the Internet. By a simple transformation, the problem can be reformulated in terms of an equivalent M/G/1 queue, where the transmission rate in the original model corresponds to the workload in the 'dual' queue. The service times in the queueing model are not i.i. d. , and they depend on the workload in the system.
On Bare Classifier Phrases

This paper investigates bare classifier phrases (ClPs), the phrase consisting of only a classifier and a noun [Cl + N], in several different languages with respect to semantic interpretations and syntactic distributions. In the literature, it has been discussed that not all classifier languages allow bare CLPs (Cheng and Sybesma 1999, 2005). In those classifier languages which allow bare CLPs, the semantic interpretations and syntactic distributions of bare CLPs are quite restricted. For example, indefinite bare CLPs can only appear in object positions but not subject positions in all languages reported. In this paper, we present new data from Yi, a Sino-Tibetan language with SOV word order, which shows that bare ClPs receive indefinite interpretation and can appear in both subject and object positions. The newly discovered data cast doubt on the previous empirical generalizations and analyses on bare classifier phrases. We propose a universal structure for bare classifier phrases by introducing an Argumental Head which is the locus of different interpretations and is subject to parameterization, which is free from the empirical problems involved in previous analyses.
Postnatal developmental changes in the pituitary-ovarian axis in preterm and term infant girls.

CONTEXT Postnatal pituitary-testicular activation in infant boys is well characterized. However, the ovarian response to pituitary activation in infancy is less well understood. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare postnatal developmental changes in the pituitary-ovarian axis in preterm and term infant girls. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN Sixty-three infant girls, divided into three groups according to gestational age (GA) [i.e. full term (FT; n = 29; GA, 37-42 wk), near term (NT; n = 17; GA, 34-37 wk), and preterm (PT; n = 17; GA, 24-34 wk)] were examined monthly from 1 wk (D7) to 6 months (M1-M6) of age and reexamined at the corrected age of 14 months (cM14). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We performed a longitudinal follow-up of urinary FSH and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels and the number of follicles in transabdominal ovarian ultrasonography. RESULTS The postnatal FSH surge was stronger and more prolonged in NT and PT girls than in FT girls (P ≤ 0.001). Increased folliculogenesis and a rise in AMH levels were observed in all three groups after the FSH surge. In NT and PT girls, follicular development was delayed in comparison with FT girls, and a decrease in high FSH levels around the 40th postmenstrual week was temporally associated with the appearance of antral follicles in ultrasonography and an increase in AMH levels. CONCLUSIONS The postnatal FSH surge results in transient ovarian stimulation in term and preterm girls. A delay in ovarian folliculogenesis shown in ovarian ultrasonography and by low serum AMH levels may provide an explanation for the exaggerated FSH surge in NT and PT girls.
Characterization of red blood cell deformability change during blood storage

Stored red blood cells (RBCs) show progressive deformability change during blood banking/storage. Their deformability change over an 8 weeks' storage period was measured in this work using a microfluidic device and high-speed imaging. Multiple parameters including deformation index (DI), time constant (shape recovery rate), and RBC circularity were quantified. Compared to previous RBC deformability studies reported in the literature, our results include a significantly higher number of cells (>1,000 cells/sample vs. a few to tens of cells/sample) and, for the first time, reveal deformation changes of stored RBCs when they travel through human-capillary-like microchannels. The correlation between deformability and morphology of stored RBCs is also presented.
Regulation of Alpha-Secretase ADAM10 In vitro and In vivo: Genetic, Epigenetic, and Protein-Based Mechanisms

ADAM10 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10) has been identified as the major physiological alpha-secretase in neurons, responsible for cleaving APP in a non-amyloidogenic manner. This cleavage results in the production of a neuroprotective APP-derived fragment, APPs-alpha, and an attenuated production of neurotoxic A-beta peptides. An increase in ADAM10 activity shifts the balance of APP processing toward APPs-alpha and protects the brain from amyloid deposition and disease. Thus, increasing ADAM10 activity has been proposed an attractive target for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and it appears to be timely to investigate the physiological mechanisms regulating ADAM10 expression. Therefore, in this article, we will (1) review reports on the physiological regulation of ADAM10 at the transcriptional level, by epigenetic factors, miRNAs and/or protein interactions, (2) describe conditions, which change ADAM10 expression in vitro and in vivo, (3) report how neuronal ADAM10 expression may be regulated in humans, and (4) discuss how this knowledge on the physiological and pathophysiological regulation of ADAM10 may help to preserve or restore brain function.
Horizontal transmission and phylogenetic analysis of bovine leukemia virus in two districts of Miyazaki, Japan

Horizontal transmission is recognized as a major infection route for bovine leukemia virus (BLV), and cattle with high viral loads are considered to be a major infectious source in a herd. However, a correlation between viral loads and the risk of infection has been insufficient to use as a foundation for BLV control strategies. In this report, we examined the epidemiology of BLV infection and the infectious source in a local area. In 2013–2014, BLV infection was investigated in 1,823 cattle from 117 farms in two adjacent districts, Miyazaki, Japan. Seropositive samples for BLV were detected with 88 cattle and in 14 farms. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 94% of the isolates clustered into genotype I and the remaining isolate into genotype III. Among genotype I, genetically distinct strains were spread at each farm, and cattle infected with less than 3 copies/100 cells did not transmit BLV to other cattle for more than thirty months. This is the first report of concrete data of viral load in relation to viral horizontal transmission under the field condition. The data facilitate farmers and veterinarians understanding the status of BLV infected cattle. This research contributes to BLV infection control and the development of effective BLV eradication programs.
Hypoxic Induction of the Regulator of G-Protein Signalling 4 Gene Is Mediated by the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Pathway

The transcriptional response to hypoxia is largely dependent on the Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF-1 and HIF-2) in mammalian cells. Many target genes have been characterised for these heterodimeric transcription factors, yet there is evidence that the full range of HIF-regulated genes has not yet been described. We constructed a TetON overexpression system in the rat pheochromocytoma PC-12 cell line to search for novel HIF and hypoxia responsive genes. The Rgs4 gene encodes the Regulator of G-Protein Signalling 4 (RGS4) protein, an inhibitor of signalling from G-protein coupled receptors, and dysregulation of Rgs4 is linked to disease states such as schizophrenia and cardiomyopathy. Rgs4 was found to be responsive to HIF-2α overexpression, hypoxic treatment, and hypoxia mimetic drugs in PC-12 cells. Similar responses were observed in human neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-SH and SK-N-BE(2)C, but not in endothelial cells, where Rgs4 transcript is readily detected but does not respond to hypoxia. Furthermore, this regulation was found to be dependent on transcription, and occurs in a manner consistent with direct HIF transactivation of Rgs4 transcription. However, no HIF binding site was detectable within 32 kb of the human Rgs4 gene locus, leading to the possibility of regulation by long-distance genomic interactions. Further research into Rgs4 regulation by hypoxia and HIF may result in better understanding of disease states such as schizophrenia, and also shed light on the other roles of HIF yet to be discovered.
Additional Selection for Insecticide Resistance in Urban Malaria Vectors: DDT Resistance in Anopheles arabiensis from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

In the city of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, Anopheles arabiensis has superseded Anopheles gambiae s.s. as the major malaria vector and the larvae are found in highly polluted habitats normally considered unsuitable for Anopheles mosquitoes. Here we show that An. gambiae s.l. adults emerging from a highly polluted site in the city centre (Dioulassoba) have a high prevalence of DDT resistance (percentage mortality after exposure to diagnostic dose = 65.8% in the dry season and 70.4% in the rainy season, respectively). An investigation into the mechanisms responsible found an unexpectedly high frequency of the 1014S kdr mutation (allele frequency = 0.4), which is found at very low frequencies in An. arabiensis in the surrounding rural areas, and an increase in transcript levels of several detoxification genes, notably from the glutathione transferase and cytochrome P450 gene families. A number of ABC transporter genes were also expressed at elevated levels in the DDT resistant An. arabiensis. Unplanned urbanisation provides numerous breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The finding that Anopheles mosquitoes adapted to these urban breeding sites have a high prevalence of insecticide resistance has important implications for our understanding of the selective forces responsible for the rapid spread of insecticide resistant populations of malaria vectors in Africa.
Effect of MAPP as a Coupling Agent on the Performance of Jute–PP Composites

Like other natural fibers jute, because of its hydrophilic nature, is incompatible with nonpolar plastics matrices. This has been the major handicap for preparing stable composites. In this paper we have used maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, MAPP(G-3015) as the coupling agent for the surface modification of the fibers. Various parameters such as effect of fiber length, MAPP concentration, time period of MAPP treatment, percentage (wt./wt.) of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strengths have been studied. It has been found that 30% fiber loading with 0.5% MAPP concentration in toluene and 5 min impregnation time with 6 mm average fiber lengths give the best results. Nearly 72.3% increase in flexural strength was observed in respect of treated composites. The fiber matrix interface was analyzed from the SEM micrographs. Water absorption of the composites has also been considerably reduced in the treated composites. Thermal behavior of the composites were also studied through DSC measurements. The MFI study also supports better fiber matrix adhesion.
Multitrophic Interaction in the Rhizosphere of Maize: Root Feeding of Western Corn Rootworm Larvae Alters the Microbial Community Composition

Background Larvae of the Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) feeding on maize roots cause heavy economical losses in the US and in Europe. New or adapted pest management strategies urgently require a better understanding of the multitrophic interaction in the rhizosphere. This study aimed to investigate the effect of WCR root feeding on the microbial communities colonizing the maize rhizosphere. Methodology/Principal Findings In a greenhouse experiment, maize lines KWS13, KWS14, KWS15 and MON88017 were grown in three different soil types in presence and in absence of WCR larvae. Bacterial and fungal community structures were analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of the16S rRNA gene and ITS fragments, PCR amplified from the total rhizosphere community DNA. DGGE bands with increased intensity were excised from the gel, cloned and sequenced in order to identify specific bacteria responding to WCR larval feeding. DGGE fingerprints showed that the soil type and the maize line influenced the fungal and bacterial communities inhabiting the maize rhizosphere. WCR larval feeding affected the rhiyosphere microbial populations in a soil type and maize line dependent manner. DGGE band sequencing revealed an increased abundance of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus in the rhizosphere of several maize lines in all soil types upon WCR larval feeding. Conclusion/Significance The effects of both rhizosphere and WCR larval feeding seemed to be stronger on bacterial communities than on fungi. Bacterial and fungal community shifts in response to larval feeding were most likely due to changes of root exudation patterns. The increased abundance of A. calcoaceticus suggested that phenolic compounds were released upon WCR wounding.