Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fas/CD95 Deficiency in ApcMin/+ Mice Increases Intestinal Tumor Burden

Background Fas, a member of the tumor necrosis family, is responsible for initiating the apoptotic pathway when bound to its ligand, Fas-L. Defects in the Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway have been reported in colorectal cancer. Methodology/Principal Findings In the present study, a variant of the ApcMin/+ mouse, a model for the human condition, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), was generated with an additional deficiency of Fas (ApcMin/+/Faslpr) by cross-breeding ApcMin/+ mice with Fas deficient (Faslpr) mice. One of the main limitations of the ApcMin/+ mouse model is that it only develops benign polyps. However, ApcMin/+/Faslpr mice presented with a dramatic increase in tumor burden relative to ApcMin/+ mice and invasive lesions at advanced ages. Proliferation and apoptosis markers revealed an increase in cellular proliferation, but negligible changes in apoptosis, while p53 increased at early ages. Fas-L was lower in ApcMin/+/Faslpr mice relative to ApcMin/+ cohorts, which resulted in enhanced inflammation. Conclusions/Significance This study demonstrated that imposition of a Fas deletion in an ApcMin/+ background results in a more aggressive phenotype of the ApcMin/+ mouse model, with more rapid development of invasive intestinal tumors and a decrease in Fas-L levels.
Application of an optogenetic byway for perturbing neuronal activity via glial photostimulation

Dynamic activity of glia has repeatedly been demonstrated, but if such activity is independent from neuronal activity, glia would not have any role in the information processing in the brain or in the generation of animal behavior. Evidence for neurons communicating with glia is solid, but the signaling pathway leading back from glial-to-neuronal activity was often difficult to study. Here, we introduced a transgenic mouse line in which channelrhodopsin-2, a light-gated cation channel, was expressed in astrocytes. Selective photostimulation of these astrocytes in vivo triggered neuronal activation. Using slice preparations, we show that glial photostimulation leads to release of glutamate, which was sufficient to activate AMPA receptors on Purkinje cells and to induce long-term depression of parallel fiber-to-Purkinje cell synapses through activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors. In contrast to neuronal synaptic vesicular release, glial activation likely causes preferential activation of extrasynaptic receptors that appose glial membrane. Finally, we show that neuronal activation by glial stimulation can lead to perturbation of cerebellar modulated motor behavior. These findings demonstrate that glia can modulate the tone of neuronal activity and behavior. This animal model is expected to be a potentially powerful approach to study the role of glia in brain function.
A Parametric Framework for Video Compression Using Region-Based Texture Models

This paper presents a novel means of video compression based on texture warping and synthesis. Instead of encoding whole images or prediction residuals after translational motion estimation, our algorithm employs a perspective motion model to warp static textures and utilizes texture synthesis to create dynamic textures. Texture regions are segmented using features derived from the complex wavelet transform and further classified according to their spatial and temporal characteristics. Moreover, a compatible artifact-based video metric (AVM) is proposed with which to evaluate the quality of the reconstructed video. This is also employed in-loop to prevent warping and synthesis artifacts. The proposed algorithm has been integrated into an H.264 video coding framework. The results show significant bitrate savings, of up to 60% compared with H.264 at the same objective quality (based on AVM) and subjective scores.
Products, Homotopy Limits and Applications

In this note, we discuss the derived functors of infinite products and homotopy limits. $QC(X)$, the category of quasi-coherent sheaves on a Deligne-Mumford stack $X$, usually has the property that the derived functors of product vanish after a finite stage. We use this fact to study the convergence of certain homotopy limits and apply it compare the derived category of $QC(X)$ with certain other closely related triangulated categories.
Effect of a Video-Based Laboratory on the High School Pupils' Understanding of Constant Speed Motion

Among the physical phenomena studied in high school, the kinematical concepts are important because they constitute a precondition for the study of subsequent concepts of mechanics. Our research aims at studying the effect of a computer-assisted scientific investigation on high school pupils’ understanding of the constant speed motion. Experimentation took place in a high school physics classroom. A repeated measures analysis of variance shows that, during the implementation of this strategy, the pupils’ understanding of kinematical concepts increased in a significant way. In conclusion, we specify advantages and limits of the study and give future research directions concerning the design of a computer-assisted laboratory in high school physics.
Schwarzschild black hole lensing

We study strong gravitational lensing due to a Schwarzschild black hole. Apart from the primary and the secondary images we find a sequence of images on both sides of the optic axis; we call them relativistic images. These images are formed due to large bending of light near $r=3M$ (the closest distance of approach ${r}_{o}$ is greater than $3M). $ The sources of the entire universe are mapped in the vicinity of the black hole by these images. For the case of the Galactic supermassive ``black hole'' they are formed at about $17$ microarcseconds from the optic axis. The relativistic images are not resolved among themselves, but they are resolved from the primary and secondary images. However the relativistic images are very much demagnified unless the observer, lens and source are very highly aligned. Because of this and some other difficulties the observation of these images does not seem to be feasible in the near future. However, it would be a great success of the general theory of relativity in a strong gravitational field if they ever were observed and it would also give an upper bound, ${r}_{o}=3.21M,$ to the compactness of the lens, which would support the black hole interpretation of the lensing object.
Ciprofloxacin increases hepatic and renal lipid hydroperoxides levels in mice.

Ciprofloxacin (CFX) is an effective and relatively safe antimicrobial used in a variety of human infections. However, adverse drug reactions and positive results in genotoxic tests are reported. In order to understand the possible pathophysiological mechanisms of the toxic effects informed for CFX, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) -oxidative mediators of peroxidation- were quantified in liver and kidney of mice, after 15 to 360 minutes of the ciprofloxacin administration at doses of 10 mg/Kg or 100 mg/Kg by i.p. route. The peroxidation in the lipid fraction was evaluated by measuring the amount of hydroperoxides through the oxidation of 1-naphthyldiphenylphospine into its oxide and further quantification by high performance liquid chromatography. The initial content of lipid hydroperoxides (nmol/g tissue) was 253 +/- 3 in kidney and 143 +/- 12 in liver. CFX induced the maximal variation to 728 +/- 101 in kidney (P < 0.05) and 315 +/- 31 in liver (P < 0.01), after 15 min of 100 mg/Kg single dose. The variation in the LOOH levels was significant in kidney with both doses used and in liver after 100 mg/Kg until 60 min after the CFX administration, and then gradually fell to natural levels. The results demonstrated the effect of CFX on lipid oxidation, an indicator of oxidative effect. A natural protective capacity against this oxidation, more efficient in liver than in kidney, was observed.
Fuzzy Relative Positioning for On-Line Handwritten Stroke Analysis

This paper deals with the qualitative and robust modelling of the relative positioning of on-line handwritten strokes. We exploit the fuzzy approach to take the imprecision of such relations into account. We first transpose a well-formalized method which proved itself in the domain of image analysis to the on-line case; it aims at evaluating the relation “to be in a given direction” relatively to a reference. Our first contribution is a solution to deal with the particular nature of on-line strokes, which are constituted of non-connected points. Our second and main contribution is a method to learn automatically fuzzy relative position relationships. It aims at evaluating the relation “to be in a given position” relatively to a reference using jointly the direction and the distance. We test the impact of this new fuzzy positioning approach on one possible application: the recognition of handwritten graphic gestures, which requires spatial context information to be discriminated. Whereas the recognition rate is 52.95% without any spatial information, we obtain a maximum of 95.75% when we use learnt relative position relationships.
Optimal Interface Error Estimates for the Mean Curvature Flow*

We study a double obstacle problem for a singularly perturbed reaction diiusion equation with a small parameter " > 0. This problem is viewed as an approximation for the classical mean curvature ow. We derive an optimal error estimate of order O(" 2) for the interfaces, which is valid before the onset of singularities. The proof is based on constructing suitable sub and supersolutions, and using a modiied distance function that incorporates a shape correction.
Stochastic Choice: An Optimizing Neuroeconomic Model

A model is proposed in which stochastic choice results from noise in cognitive processing rather than random variation in preferences. The mental process used to make a choice is nonetheless optimal, subject to a constraint on available information-processing capacity that is motivated by neurophysiological evidence. The optimal information-constrained model is found to offer a better fit to experimental data on choice frequencies and reaction times than either a purely mechanical process model of choice (the drift-diffusion model) or an optimizing model with fewer constraints on feasible choice processes (the rational inattention model).
A discussion and review of Uttal (2001) The New Phrenology

In his recent book, William R. Uttal suggests that the modern attempts to understand the localization of cognitive functions are misguided. According to Uttal, attempts to localize cognitive functions will fail because the to-be-localized cognitive processes simply do not exist. In this review, I will defend the position that the mind can be meaningfully divided into cognitive parts and, given that the brain is non-homogenous, we may be able to localize these cognitive parts to brain parts. However, this view does not posit the simple localization that Uttal argues against. Instead, I argue that mental functions, broadly construed, are distributed, but are composed of multiple sub-components that can be localized to specific brain regions.
High-Frequency Risk Measures

This paper proposes intraday High Frequency Risk (HFR) measures for market risk in the case of irregularly spaced high-frequency data. In this context, we distinguish three concepts of value-at-risk (VaR): the total VaR, the marginal (or per-time-unit) VaR, and the instantaneous VaR. Since the market risk is obviously related to the duration between two consecutive trades, these measures are completed with a duration risk measure, i.e., the time-at-risk (TaR). We propose a forecasting procedure for VaR and TaR for each trade or other market microstructure event. We perform a backtesting procedure specifically designed to assess the validity of the VaR and TaR forecasts on irregularly spaced data. The performance of the HFR measure is illustrated in an empirical application for two stocks (Bank of America and Microsoft) and an exchange-traded fund (ETF) based on Standard and Poor's (the S&P) 500 index. We show that the intraday HFR forecasts accurately capture the volatility and duration dynamics for these three assets.
The role of brand personality, self-congruity, and sensory experience in elucidating sky lounge users’ behavior

ABSTRACT This study attempted to develop an integrated model linking brand personality, self-image congruity, hedonic and utilitarian values, and behavioral intentions in the sky lounge context. Our results indicated that brand personality was significantly related to self-image congruity, which in turn influenced hedonic and utilitarian values. While hedonic value significantly affected intentions to revisit and recommend, utilitarian value significantly influenced intention to recommend. Moreover, self-image congruity and values played a significant mediating role. Furthermore, the links from hedonic value to intentions to revisit and recommend, and from utilitarian value to intention to revisit were significantly moderated by sensory experience.
The Influence of Temporal Frame on Guilt and Shame Appeals

Abstract This work examines guilt and shame appeals through the lens of construal level theory in health messaging. An experiment was conducted to examine the interplay between emotional appeal and temporal frame used to convey risk. Results reveal that temporal frame moderates emotional appeal such that guilt appeals are more persuasive when paired with a proximal frame, and shame appeals are more persuasive when paired with a distal frame. Processing fluency mediates these effects. Implications for health communication practitioners and social marketers are offered.
New Approaches in Social and Humanistic Sciences Sense of Humor in Romantic Relationships and Friendships

This present investigation examined the degree to which humor, among various characteristics, is desired in two types of relational partners. We expected to find that humor would be perceived as more desirable (or necessary) for a romantic relationship than friendship. We also tested whether there were significant gender differences in assessing humor in these two types of relational partners. Additionally, we attempted to assess whether a lower discrepancy between the scores of the ideal and actual partner regarding sense of humor in romantic relationships, indicates a higher dyadic adjustment. The participants (n=120) indicated their preferences for various attributes (among which was sense of humor), in either an ideal partner, actual partner or best friend on a Five-point Likert-type scale. In order to assess dyadic adjustment, the participants filled in the revised Dyadic Adjustment Form [1]. Sense of humor was rated as a significantly more important (necessary) characteristic in romantic relationships than friendships. As regards to gender differences, no significant differences were found for sense of humor, and the discrepancy of assessment sense of humor in both cases (ideal partner vs actual partner) did not significantly correlate with global dyadic adjustment or with any of its dimensions. The results suggest that a sense of humor is a characteristic acknowledged as important across relationship types, and more in-depth investigations should be advanced.
The Associations of Ward Head Direction and Incentive with Nurse Performance at Arun LNG Hospital, Lhokseumawe, Aceh

Background : The current transformation in the hospital care industry demands greater coordination of care across providers and across settings so as to improve quality care, improve outcomes, and reduce spending. Nurses contribute to the transformative changes by being a fully contributing member of the inter-professional team. It requires an enhanced set of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and performance among nurses around wellness and population care with a renewed focus on patient-centered care, care coordination, data analytics, and quality improvement. This study aimed to analyze the associations of ward head direction and incentive with nurse performance at Arun LNG Hospital, Lhokseumawe, Aceh. Subjects and Method : This was a cross-sectional study carried out at Arun LNG Hospital, Lhokseumawe, Aceh. A sample of 74 nurses was selected for this study by exhaustive sampling. The dependent variable was nurse performance. The independent variables were ward head direction and incentive. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by a multiple logistic regression. Results : Nurse performance improved with high motivation (OR= 11.12; 95% CI= 2.66 to 46.49; p= 0.001), explicit ward head direction (OR= 4.37; 95% CI= 1.05 to 18.17; p= 0.043), and existence of incentive (OR= 5.84; 95% CI= 1.30 to 26.17; p= 0.021). Conclusion : Improved nurse performance is associated with explicit ward head direction and existence of incentive. Keywords: nurse performance, ward head direction, incentive Correspondence : Irwadi. Masters program in Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, North Sumatera. Email: wadieadi655@gmail.com. Mobile: 08126922595. Journal of Health Policy and Management (2018), 3(2): 114-117 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejhpm.2018. 03.02. 08
Jointly Evaluating GDP and Inflation Forcasts in the Context of the Taylor Rule

This paper evaluates the potential impact of forecast errors on policy. We jointly evaluate the Federal Reserve staff forecasts of U.S. real output growth and the inflation rate in the context of the Taylor (1993) monetary policy rule. Our simple methodology generates policy forecast errors which have a direct interpretation for the impact of forecast errors on policy. Without interest rate smoothing, we find that, on average, Fed policy based on the Taylor rule would have been approximately a full percentage point away from the intended target because of errors in forecasting output growth and inflation.
Gaps in customer satisfaction with digital wallets: challenge for sustainability

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors responsible for growing popularity of digital wallets in India and sustainibility challenges faced by this innovative product on account of gaps between expectations of the users and their satisfaction level with leading wallet brands like Paytm, Freecharge, Mobikwik and Oxigen. Design/methodology/approach The descriptive research is based on primary data collected with the help of a structured questionnaire from 313 respondents in National Capital Region of Delhi chosen through non-probability convenience sampling. The collected data were converted into data matrix using SPSS 23.0 software and inferential analysis was done. Findings Attractive cashback and rewards, ease of use, instant money transfer without using cash, relatively higher transaction security as compared to credit/debit cards and absence of any transaction fee are the factors responsible for growing use of digital wallets. However, there are gaps between customers’ expectations and the satisfaction level which pose a challenge for sustainibility of digital wallets. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to National Capital Region of Delhi for a specified set of factors considered important for customers’ satisfaction. Originality/value This paper offers fresh insights into the gaps between Indian customers’ expectations their satisfaction level with the leading digital wallet brands operating in India, which can be used to bridge these gaps for ensuring their long-term sustainability in a competitive environment.
Assessment of the Reporting Quality of Randomized Controlled Trials on Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease with Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine: A Systematic Review

Background Due to language limitations, little is known about the reporting quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine (CJITWM). Objective In this study, we utilized the CONSORT 2010 statement to understand the reporting quality of RCTs on CHD with TCM from the CJITWM. Methods The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) electronic database was searched for CJITWM RCTs on the treatment of CHD with TCM, published between Janurary 1, 2006 and December 31, 2011. We excluded articles reported as “animal studies,” “topic review,” “diagnostic test,” “editorials,” or “others. ” The CONSORT checklist was applied to evaluate the reporting quality of all eligible articles by two independent authors after extensive discussion. Each item was graded as either “yes” or “no” depending on whether the authors had reported it or not. Results We identified 21 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. The percentage of 11 of the 37 items was 4.8∼95.2%, 14 of the 37 items were reported in all included articles, while 12 items were not mentioned at all. The average reporting percentage for the “title and abstract” section was 52.4%, for the “introduction” section 100.0%, for the “methods” section 45.4%, for the “results” section 57.1%, for the “discussion” section 79.4%, and for the “other information” section 17.5%. Conclusion In general, the reviewed RCTs were not consistent with the CONSORT 2010 statement. Authors should adhere to the CONSORT statement in reporting RCTs; editorial departments may consider the CONSORT statement as a guideline and should instruct authors to write manuscripts, and reviewers to judge them according to CONSORT statutes.
Metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in gastric cancer by upregulating TWIST1/2

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a blood supply modality that is strongly associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), TWIST1 activation and tumor progression. We previously reported that metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) induced the EMT and was associated with a poor prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC), but it remains unknown whether MACC1 promotes VM and regulates the TWIST signaling pathway in GC. In this study, we investigated MACC1 expression and VM by immunohistochemistry in 88 patients with stage IV GC, and also investigated the role of TWIST1 and TWIST2 in MACC1-induced VM by using nude mice with GC xenografts and GC cell lines. We found that the VM density was significantly increased in the tumors of patients who died of GC and was positively correlated with MACC1 immunoreactivity (p < 0.05). The 3-year survival rate was only 8.6% in patients whose tumors showed double positive staining for MACC1 and VM, whereas it was 41.7% in patients whose tumors were negative for both MACC1 and VM. Moreover, nuclear expression of MACC1, TWIST1, and TWIST2 was upregulated in GC tissues compared with matched adjacent non-tumorous tissues (p < 0.05). Overexpression of MACC1 increased TWIST1/2 expression and induced typical VM in the GC xenografts of nude mice and in GC cell lines. MACC1 enhanced TWIST1/2 promoter activity and facilitated VM, while silencing of TWIST1 or TWIST2 inhibited VM. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) increased the nuclear translocation of MACC1, TWIST1, and TWIST2, while a c-Met inhibitor reduced these effects. These findings indicate that MACC1 promotes VM in GC by regulating the HGF/c-Met-TWIST1/2 signaling pathway, which means that MACC1 and this pathway are potential new therapeutic targets for GC.