Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Postglacial history of a widespread conifer produces inverse clines in selective neutrality tests.

Deviations of the site frequency spectrum of mutations (SFS) from neutral expectations may be caused by natural selection or by demographic processes such as population subdivision or temporal changes in population size. As most widespread temperate and boreal tree species have expanded from glacial refugia in the past 13,000 years, colonization bottlenecks associated with this migration may have left variable demographic signatures among geographic populations corresponding to distance from the refugia. To determine whether the signature of postglacial re-colonization has skewed the SFS in the widely distributed conifer Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr. ), we re-sequenced 153 nuclear genes in six populations from across the species range. We found that while the SFS for the pooled sample produced negative values for Tajima's D and Fay and Wu's H, these statistics exhibited strong clinal variation when populations were analysed separately (R(2) = 0.84, P = 0.007 for Tajima's D and R(2) = 0.65, P = 0.033 for Fay and Wu's H). When historical bottlenecks of varying age were simulated using approximate Bayesian computation, distance of populations from the southern range limit explained most of the variation in bottleneck timing among populations (R(2) = 0.89, P = 0.003). These data suggest that sequential population bottlenecks during postglacial re-colonization have resulted in diverse among-population signatures within the contemporary SFS in Sitka spruce, with rare variants more common in the south, and medium-frequency variants more common in the north. Our results also emphasize the need to consider sampling strategy and to explore population-specific null demographic models in surveys of nucleotide variation in widely distributed species.
Multiplier ideals, $b$-function, and spectrum of a hypersurface singularity

We prove that certain roots of the Bernstein–Sato polynomial (i.e. $b$-function) are jumping coefficients up to a sign, showing a partial converse of a theorem of L. Ein, R. Lazarsfeld, K. E. Smith, and D. Varolin. We also prove that certain roots are determined by a filtration on the Milnor cohomology, generalizing a theorem of B. Malgrange in the isolated singularity case. This implies a certain relation with the spectrum which is determined by the Hodge filtration, because the above filtration is related to the pole order filtration. For multiplier ideals we prove an explicit formula in the case of locally conical divisors along a stratification, generalizing a formula of Mustaţ̌a in the case of hyperplane arrangements. We also give another proof of a formula of U. Walther on the $b$-function of a generic hyperplane arrangement, including the multiplicity of $-1$.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Crohn's Disease: Association with Clinical Phenotypes

OBJECTIVES:Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic multifactorial disorder with diverse clinical features that are influenced by a heterogeneous set of genetic factors. TNF-α/TNF receptor interactions play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory response. Our purpose was to determine whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TNF receptors confer susceptibility to Crohn's disease and whether they are associated with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A cohort of 205 consecutively identified and unrelated patients with CD and 106 controls were recruited. Subjects were genotyped for polymorphisms in TNFRSF1A (position +36, −609), TNFRSF1B (+196, +1466), along with the three common CARD15 variants and phenotyped for disease behavior. Genotypic and allelic frequencies were compared between CD and controls and a logistic regression model was constructed to determine independent associations with specific clinical phenotypes.RESULTS:Only the TNFRSF1A +36 and TNFRSF1B +196 SNPs were associated with CD (p = 0.0019 and 0.034, respectively). The TNFRSF1A +36 mutation was negatively associated with stricturing disease phenotype (OR = 0.384; CI = 0.166–0.887). In contrast, the TNFRSF1B +196 was negatively associated with colitis (OR = 0.410; CI = 0.191–0.880). These associations were independent of CARD15 mutation status. Finally, TNFRSF1B +196 was negatively associated with surgery in CARD15 negative patients.CONCLUSIONS:These data constitute the first report of an association of TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B polymorphisms with CD in a Caucasian population and address the role of TNFR mutations in determining clinical heterogeneity in CD.
Intercomparison of Aerosol Optical Depth from Brewer Ozone spectrophotometers and CIMEL sunphotometers measurements

Abstract. The Langley plot method applied on the Brewer Ozone measurements can provide accurate Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in the UV-B. We present seven intercomparisons between AOD retrieved from Brewer Ozone measurements at 320 nm and AOD measured by CIMEL sunphotometer at 340 nm or 440 nm (shifted to 320 nm in using the Angstrom's law), which are stored in the international AERONET database. Only the intercomparisons between co-located instruments can be used to validate the Langley Plot Method applied to the Brewer measurements: in this case, all the correlation coefficients are above 0.82. If the instruments are not at the same site, the correlation between the AOD retrieved by both instruments is much lower. In applying the Angstrom's law the intercomparison is improved compared to previous study.
Exercise Intensity and Recovery: Biomarkers of Injury, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress

Abstract Bessa, AL, Oliveira, VN, Agostini, GG, Oliveira, RJS, Oliveira, ACS, White, GE, Wells, GD, Teixeira, DNS, and Espindola, FS. Exercise intensity and recovery: Biomarkers of injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. J Strength Cond Res 30(2): 311–319, 2016—Biomarkers of inflammation, muscle damage, and oxidative stress after high-intensity exercise have been described previously; however, further understanding of their role in the postexercise recovery period is necessary. Because these markers have been implicated in cell signaling, they may be specifically related to the training adaptations induced by high-intensity exercise. Thus, a clear model showing their responses to exercise may be useful in characterizing the relative recovery status of an athlete. The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to investigate the time course of markers of muscle damage and inflammation in the blood from 3 to 72 hours after combined training exercises and (b) to investigate indicators of oxidative stress and damage associated with increased reactive oxygen species production during high-intensity exercise in elite athletes. Nineteen male athletes performed a combination of high-intensity aerobic and anaerobic training exercises. Samples were acquired immediately before and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after exercise. The appearance and clearance of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in the blood occurred faster than previous studies have reported. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio summarizes the mobilization of 2 leukocyte subpopulations in a single marker and may be used to predict the end of the postexercise recovery period. Further analysis of the immune response using serum cytokines indicated that high-intensity exercise performed by highly trained athletes only generated inflammation that was localized to the skeletal muscle. Biomarkers are not a replacement for performance tests, but when used in conjunction, they may offer a better indication of metabolic recovery status. Therefore, the use of biomarkers can improve a coach's ability to assess the recovery period after an exercise session and to establish the intensity of subsequent training sessions.
Moral judgment reloaded: a moral dilemma validation study

We propose a revised set of moral dilemmas for studies on moral judgment. We selected a total of 46 moral dilemmas available in the literature and fine-tuned them in terms of four conceptual factors (Personal Force, Benefit Recipient, Evitability, and Intention) and methodological aspects of the dilemma formulation (word count, expression style, question formats) that have been shown to influence moral judgment. Second, we obtained normative codings of arousal and valence for each dilemma showing that emotional arousal in response to moral dilemmas depends crucially on the factors Personal Force, Benefit Recipient, and Intentionality. Third, we validated the dilemma set confirming that people's moral judgment is sensitive to all four conceptual factors, and to their interactions. Results are discussed in the context of this field of research, outlining also the relevance of our RT effects for the Dual Process account of moral judgment. Finally, we suggest tentative theoretical avenues for future testing, particularly stressing the importance of the factor Intentionality in moral judgment. Additionally, due to the importance of cross-cultural studies in the quest for universals in human moral cognition, we provide the new set dilemmas in six languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Catalan, and Danish). The norming values provided here refer to the Spanish dilemma set.
Isoflurane Minimum Alveolar Concentration Reduction by Fentanyl

Background:Isoflurane is commonly combined with fentanyl during anesthesia. Because of hysteresis between plasma and effect site, bolus administration of fentanyl does not accurately describe the interaction between these drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine the MAC reduction of isoflurane by fentanyl when both drugs had reached steady biophase concentrations. Methods:Seventy-seven patients were randomly allocated to receive either no fentanyl or fentanyl at several predetermined plasma concentrations. Fentanyl was administered using a computer-assisted continuous infusion device. Patients were also randomly allocated to receive a predetermined steady state end-tidal concentration of isoflurane. Blood samples for fentanyl concentration were taken at 10 min after initiation of the infusion and before and immediately after skin incision. A minimum of 20 min was allowed between the start of the fentanyl infusion and skin incision. The reduction in the MAC of isoflurane by the measured fentanyl concentration was calculated using a maximum likelihood solution to a logistic regression model. Results:There was an initial steep reduction in the MAC of isoflurane by fentanyl, with 3 ng/ml resulting in a 63% MAC reduction. A ceiling effect was observed with 10 ng/ml providing only a further 19% reduction in MAC. A 50% decrease in MAC was produced by a fentanyl concentration of 1.67 ng/ml. Conclusions:Defining the MAC reduction of isoflurane by all the opioids allows their more rational administration with inhalational anesthetics and provides a comparison of their relative anesthetic potencies.
Hybrid jute/cotton fabric–polyester composites: effect of fabric architecture, lamina stacking sequence and weight fraction of jute fibres on tensile strength

The tensile mechanical behaviour of hybrid jute/cotton fabric reinforced polyester composites was evaluated. Three fabric configurations, with varying jute weight fractions, were used and five stacking sequences were analysed, namely: [0]; [0/90]; [0/90/0]; [90/0/90] and [0/90/0/90]. The data suggest that differences on the areal density of the fabrics were of minor importance to the tensile behaviour of the composites with jute fibres aligned to the loading direction, [0]. The results obtained for the other configurations – with [90] layers – were strongly influenced by the lack of resin impregnation inside the tow of the fibre, by the weak jute/polyester matrix interface and by the presence of jute fibres aligned perpendicularly to the loading direction. For these stacking sequences, the results obtained were dominated by the maximum strain sustained at the jute/polyester interface. Cotton fibres were shown to be non-reinforcing, and to act only as a convenient ancillary fibre aiding at the fabric manufacture.
Continuity of care and trust in one's physician: evidence from primary care in the United States and the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients' trust in their physician to act in their best interest contributes to the effectiveness of medical care and may be related to the structure of the health care system. This study explored the relationship between continuity of care and trust in one's physician, particularly in terms of differences between the United States and the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult patients (n = 418 in the United States and n = 650 in the UK) who presented in outpatient primary care settings in the United States (Charleston, SC, and Lexington, Ky) and in the UK (Leicester and Exeter). RESULTS A high percentage of both groups of patients reported having a usual place of care and doctor. A total of 69.8% of UK patients and 8.0% of US patients have had their regular physician for > or = 6 years. US patients (92.4%) are more likely than UK patients (70.8%) to value continuity with a doctor. Both groups had high levels of trust in their regular doctor. Trust was related to one continuity measure (length of time for the relationship) but not to another (usual provider continuity index more than 1 year). In a multivariate model, country of residence had no independent relationship with trust, but continuity of care was significantly related. CONCLUSIONS Higher continuity is associated with a higher level of trust between a patient and a physician. Efforts to improve the relationship between patients and physicians may improve the quality and outcomes of care.
Dynamic Adaboost ensemble extreme learning machine

This paper proposes a new algorithm: dynamic Adaboost ensemble extreme learning machine, which regards the extreme learning machine as weak learning machine, dynamic Adaboost ensemble algorithm is used to integrate the outputs of weak learning machines, and makes use of fuzzy activation function as activation function of extreme learning machine because of low computational burden and easy implementation in hardware. Proposed algorithm has been successfully applied to problem of function approximation and classification application. Experimental results show that the algorithm increases the training speed greatly when dealing with large dataset and has better generalization performance than extreme learning machine algorithm and Boosting ensemble extreme learning machine with Quasi-Newton algorithm.
Microscopic dynamics of charge separation at the aqueous electrochemical interface

Significance Aqueous electrode interfaces serve as the backdrop for many important chemical processes in nature and technology. These interfaces continually garner much interest due to their ability to facilitate and even catalyze certain electrochemical reactions. Charge separation is a fundamental step in nearly all catalytic processes that occur at metal interfaces. Traditional electrochemical measurements are able to observe the consequences of charge separation but are limited in their ability to reveal direct molecular details. By studying detailed molecular models of charge transfer at water metal interfaces, we have uncovered the microscopic dynamics of this fundamental process. Elucidating the altered thermodynamics and kinetics of charge separation at water–metal interfaces and identifying their molecular underpinnings will inform the interpretation of macroscopic measurements and the design of better catalysts. We have used molecular simulation and methods of importance sampling to study the thermodynamics and kinetics of ionic charge separation at a liquid water–metal interface. We have considered this process using canonical examples of two different classes of ions: a simple alkali–halide pair, Na+I−, or classical ions, and the products of water autoionization, H3O+OH−, or water ions. We find that for both ion classes, the microscopic mechanism of charge separation, including water’s collective role in the process, is conserved between the bulk liquid and the electrode interface. However, the thermodynamic and kinetic details of the process differ between these two environments in a way that depends on ion type. In the case of the classical ion pairs, a higher free-energy barrier to charge separation and a smaller flux over that barrier at the interface result in a rate of dissociation that is 40 times slower relative to the bulk. For water ions, a slightly higher free-energy barrier is offset by a higher flux over the barrier from longer lived hydrogen-bonding patterns at the interface, resulting in a rate of association that is similar both at and away from the interface. We find that these differences in rates and stabilities of charge separation are due to the altered ability of water to solvate and reorganize in the vicinity of the metal interface.
The psychosocial impact on standing devices

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the psychosocial impact of standing devices as experienced by users. Method: This is the second part of a comprehensive survey in five counties in Sweden where all the subjects with standing devices were invited to participate. The impact of standing devices on functional independence, quality of life and wellbeing was assessed using a questionnaire, Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS). Results: The psychosocial impact of the standing devices was perceived as positive. The highest PIADS scores in relation to age were found in the oldest group, aged 65 years and older. The ability to walk and independence in ambulation resulted in higher scores than the use of a wheelchair and/or dependence on others. Those who stood often awarded higher scores in the PIADS questionnaire compared to those who used the device less frequently. When standing was integrated in various activities, its psychosocial impact received high scores. Conclusion: The psychosocial impact of standing devices was generally experienced positively. The main results indicated that standing in a standing device had a value and we as professionals should ask the users about the intended purpose of their standing in order to prescribe the optimal device. Implications for Rehabilitation Standing in standing devices has positive psychosocial impact for the user. As professionals we should broaden our view of the use of standing devices, i.e. to see the standing device as an aid that not only treats the body’s structures or improves the user’s abilities in activities, but also provides a psychosocial impact on the user’s daily life, and to find meaningful goals for the user from a psychosocial perspective.
Can GABAA conductances explain the fast oscillation frequency of absence seizures in rodents?

Rodent models of absence epilepsy generate spike‐and‐wave oscillations at relatively fast frequency (5–10 Hz) compared with humans (≈ 3 Hz). Possible mechanisms for these oscillations were investigated by computational models that included the complex intrinsic firing properties of thalamic and cortical neurons, as well as the multiple types of synaptic receptors mediating their interactions. The model indicates that oscillations with spike‐and‐wave field potentials can be generated by thalamocortical circuits. The frequency of these oscillations critically depended on GABAergic conductances in thalamic relay cells, ranging from 2–4 Hz for strong GABAB conductances to 5–10 Hz when GABAA conductances were dominant. This model therefore suggests that thalamocortical circuits can generate two types of spike‐and‐wave oscillations, whose frequency is determined by the receptor type mediating inhibition in thalamic relay cells. Experiments are proposed to test this mechanism.
Synthesis, Radiotechnetium Labeling, and Comparison of Biologic Behavior of Longer-Chain Analogs of Methylene Diphosphonate

: Polymethylene diphosphonic acids of different chain lengths ( n = 2, 3, and 10) were synthesized and labeled with technetium-99m. Their biologic behavior was compared with that of Tc-99m-labeled methylene diphosphonate (MDP) in experimental animals. With n = 2 (ethylene diphosphonic acid), the compound resembled MDP in bone affinity. The longer-chain analogs had lower bone affinity.
Progress in supervised neural networks

Theoretical results concerning the capabilities and limitations of various neural network models are summarized, and some of their extensions are discussed. The network models considered are divided into two basic categories: static networks and dynamic networks. Unlike static networks, dynamic networks have memory. They fall into three groups: networks with feedforward dynamics, networks with output feedback, and networks with state feedback, which are emphasized in this work. Most of the networks discussed are trained using supervised learning. <<ETX>>
Shear and Longitudinal Modulus of Elasticity in Structural Lumber Beams

This study aimed to present, with the aid of the four points static bending, conducted nondestructively, analytical methodology to determine the longitudinal (E) and shear modulus (G) of elasticity in lumber beams. The woods used were Manilkara spp and Pinus elliottii. Were used three different values to the form factor coefficient of the rectangular cross section, allowing evaluating the differences between the shear stiffness values obtained by wood species. The results of the analysis of variance indicated statistical equivalence between shear modulus of elasticity for the two wood species investigated, unless revealing significant the influence of the form factors used to determine the shear modulus of elasticity. The coefficients of the relationship between the modulus of elasticity (E=λ·G) obtained from the least squares method were equal to 37 and 33 to the woods Manilkara spp and Pinus elliottii, be revealing 85% and 65% higher respectively then the relationship (E=20·G) presented in the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190. It is emphasized that these results may be different for the same or different wood species, justifying the use of this methodology in each work developed.
Robust outlier detection in high-density surface electromyographic signals

High Density surface Electromyography (HDsEMG) has been applied in both research and clinical applications for non-invasive neuromuscular assessment in several different fields using 2-D array. Proper interpretation of HDsEMG signals requires identifying “good” channels (where there is no short-circuit or bad-contact or major power line interference problem). Recording with many channels usually implies bad-contacts (that introduces large power line interference) and short-circuits (when using gels). In addition to online monitoring the electrode-contact quality, it is necessary to identify “bad” channels, or outliers, prior to the analysis of HDsEMG signal. In this paper we introduce a robust method to identify outliers in a set of monopolar HDsEMG signals recorded from Biceps and Triceps Brachii, Anconeus, Brachioradialis and Pronator Teres. The sensitivity and precision of this method show that this approach is promising.