Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies in Family-Based Designs: A Universal, Robust Analysis Approach and an Application to Four Genome-Wide Association Studies

For genome-wide association studies in family-based designs, we propose a new, universally applicable approach. The new test statistic exploits all available information about the association, while, by virtue of its design, it maintains the same robustness against population admixture as traditional family-based approaches that are based exclusively on the within-family information. The approach is suitable for the analysis of almost any trait type, e.g. binary, continuous, time-to-onset, multivariate, etc., and combinations of those. We use simulation studies to verify all theoretically derived properties of the approach, estimate its power, and compare it with other standard approaches. We illustrate the practical implications of the new analysis method by an application to a lung-function phenotype, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in 4 genome-wide association studies.
FUNCTIONS OF STARCH IN FORMATION OF STARCH/MEAT COMPOSITE DURING HEATING

The functions of three starches (potato, corn, and rice) on the formation of starch and pork ham batter composite during heating were investigated. Thermal properties were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheological characteristics were determined by small amplitude oscillatory shearing. DSC thermograms did not show any chemical interactions between starch and meat protein during heating. The dramatic increase in G’ and G” of starch/meat composite appeared to be associated with the gelatinization of starch. The microstructures of pork ham batter, starch, and starch/meat composites were revealed by both scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.
ShadowPuppets: supporting collocated interaction with mobile projector phones using hand shadows

Pico projectors attached to mobile phones allow users to view phone content using a large display. However, to provide input to projector phones, users have to look at the device, diverting their attention from the projected image. Additionally, other collocated users have no way of interacting with the device. We present ShadowPuppets, a system that supports collocated interaction with mobile projector phones. ShadowPuppets allows users to cast hand shadows as input to mobile projector phones. Most people understand how to cast hand shadows, which provide an easy input modality. Additionally, they implicitly support collocated usage, as nearby users can cast shadows as input and one user can see and understand another user's hand shadows. We describe the results of three user studies. The first study examines what hand shadows users expect will cause various effects. The second study looks at how users perceive hand shadows, examining what effects they think various hand shadows will cause. Finally, we present qualitative results from a study with our functional prototype and discuss design implications for systems using shadows as input. Our findings suggest that shadow input can provide a natural and intuitive way of interacting with projected interfaces and can support collocated collaboration.
Comparative in vitro pediculicidal efficacy of treatments in a resistant head lice population in the United States.

OBJECTIVE To compare the pediculicidal activity of 5 head lice products available in the United States on head lice from south Florida. DESIGN In vitro pediculicidal product comparison. SETTING Lice Source Services, Inc, located in Plantation, Fla, a clinic for the treatment and grooming of individuals with pediculosis capitis. PARTICIPANTS Head lice were collected from healthy clients with Pediculus capitis that came to Lice Source Services, Inc, to seek their services. INTERVENTIONS Within 2 to 6 hours of capture, lice were placed in continuous direct contact with the pediculicide products and observed at regular intervals. Results were compared with findings of a recent study of a treatment-sensitive population of head lice conducted in Panama. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Percentage of lice dead at regular observation intervals between 5 minutes and 3 hours of continuous exposure to the pediculicides. RESULTS Two prescription products, Ovide lotion (0.5% malathion) and 1% lindane shampoo, were ranked in the same order as in 2 previous studies (first and last, respectively). The order of effectiveness from most to least effective was as follows: Ovide lotion, A-200 shampoo (a natural pyrethrin product synergized with piperonyl butoxide), undiluted Nix (1% permethrin), diluted Nix, RID (a natural pyrethrin product synergized with piperonyl butoxide), and 1% lindane shampoo. CONCLUSIONS There were statistically significant differences in the efficacy of all the products when compared with the results found in the recent study in Panama, except for Ovide lotion. Of those tested, Ovide was the only pediculicide in the United States that had not become less effective. The difference in efficacy of 1% lindane, Nix, and pyrethrins between the Panama and Florida studies supports the argument that some head lice in the United States have become resistant to these treatments.
Patient's perception of health information security: The case of selected public and private hospitals in Addis Ababa

Information security in health sector is getting growing attention. In this connection, patient's perception about different aspects of health sector is worth considering. In this research, attempt has been made to assess and analyze patient's perception of health information security at some selected public and private hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Quantitative research approach using questionnaire as an instrument was employed in an attempt to empirically address the topic. The research result reveals that patient's perception of health information security is generally low. Major determinant factors for their perception include their educational background, age and general awareness. It is also worth mentioning that patient's perception has strong implication on the service delivery and satisfaction of both service providers and patients themselves
Workplace Vaccination against Influenza in Malaysia: Does the Employer Benefit?

Workplace Vaccination against Influenza in Malaysia: Does the Employer Benefit? : Anne Tasset‐Tisseau et al. Sanofi Pasteur, France—This study was designed to evaluate the health and economic benefits of a workplace vaccination programme against influenza funded by the employer. Employees of a Malaysian petrochemical plant volunteered to take part in this prospective, nonrandomised, non‐placebo‐controlled study. Demographic and health information, including influenza‐like symptoms, sick leave and postvaccination adverse events were collected via questionnaires. Cost‐benefit analyses were performed from the employer's perspective. Results: A total of 1,022 employees took part in the study, with 504 choosing to be vaccinated against influenza, and 518 remaining unvaccinated. The rate of influenza‐like illness (ILI) was lower among vaccinated (8.13%) than non‐vaccinated subjects (30.31%). Fever and respiratory symptoms were associated with all ILI cases. ILI‐related sick leave was taken by 58.54% of vaccinated employees with ILI and 71.34% of nonvaccinated employees with ILI. Vaccination was financially beneficial, with the employer saving up to US$ 53.00 per vaccinated employee when labour costs only were considered. Savings rose to up to US$ 899.70 when the operating income of each employee was also considered. Workplace vaccination of healthy adults against influenza had a clear impact on ILI rates, absenteeism and reduced productivity in this Malaysian company. The health benefits translated into financial benefits for the employer, with cost savings significantly outweighing the costs of the vaccination programme.
Aneuploidy and DNA Replication in the Normal Human Brain and Alzheimer's Disease

Reactivation of the cell cycle, including DNA replication, might play a major role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A more than diploid DNA content in differentiated neurons might alternatively result from chromosome mis-segregation during mitosis in neuronal progenitor cells. It was our objective to distinguish between these two mechanisms for aneuploidy and to provide evidence for a functional cell cycle in AD. Using slide-based cytometry, chromogenic in situ hybridization, and PCR amplification of alu-repeats, we quantified the DNA amount of identified cortical neurons in normal human brain and AD and analyzed the link between a tetraploid DNA content and expression of the early mitotic marker cyclin B1. In the normal brain, the number of neurons with a more than diploid content amounts to ∼10%. Less than 1% of neurons contains a tetraploid DNA content. These neurons do not express cyclin B1, most likely representing constitutional tetraploidy. This population of cyclin B1-negative tetraploid neurons, at a reduced number, is also present in AD. In addition, a population of cyclin B1-positive tetraploid neurons of ∼2% of all neurons was observed in AD. Our results indicate that at least two different mechanisms need to be distinguished giving rise to a tetraploid DNA content in the adult brain. Constitutional aneuploidy in differentiated neurons might be more frequent than previously thought. It is, however, not elevated in AD. In addition, in AD some neurons have re-entered the cell cycle and entirely passed through a functional interphase with a complete DNA replication.
CONSTRUCTION OF ELLIPTIC DIFFUSIONS WITH REFLECTING BOUNDARY CONDITION AND AN APPLICATION TO CONTINUOUS N-PARTICLE SYSTEMS WITH SINGULAR INTERACTIONS

Abstract We give a Dirichlet form approach for the construction and analysis of elliptic diffusions in $\bar{\varOmega}\subset\mathbb{R}^n$ with reflecting boundary condition. The problem is formulated in an $L^2$-setting with respect to a reference measure $\mu$ on $\bar{\varOmega}$ having an integrable, $\mathrm{d} x$-almost everywhere (a.e.) positive density $\varrho$ with respect to the Lebesgue measure. The symmetric Dirichlet forms $(\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a},D(\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a}))$ we consider are the closure of the symmetric bilinear forms \begin{gather*} \mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a}(f,g)=\sum_{i,j=1}^n\int_{\varOmega}\partial_ifa_{ij} \partial_jg\,\mathrm{d}\mu,\quad f,g\in\mathcal{D}, \\ \mathcal{D}=\{f\in C(\bar{\varOmega})\mid f\in W^{1,1}_{\mathrm{loc}}(\varOmega),\ \mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a}(f,f)\lt\infty\}, \end{gather*} in $L^2(\bar{\varOmega},\mu)$, where $a$ is a symmetric, elliptic, $n\times n$-matrix-valued measurable function on $\bar{\varOmega}$. Assuming that $\varOmega$ is an open, relatively compact set with boundary $\partial\varOmega$ of Lebesgue measure zero and that $\varrho$ satisfies the Hamza condition, we can show that $(\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a},D(\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a}))$ is a local, quasi-regular Dirichlet form. Hence, it has an associated self-adjoint generator $(L^{\varrho,a},D(L^{\varrho,a}))$ and diffusion process $\bm{M}^{\varrho,a}$ (i.e. an associated strong Markov process with continuous sample paths). Furthermore, since $1\in D(\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a})$ (due to the Neumann boundary condition) and $\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a}(1,1)=0$, we obtain a conservative process $\bm{M}^{\varrho,a}$ (i.e. $\bm{M}^{\varrho,a}$ has infinite lifetime). Additionally, assuming that $\sqrt{\varrho}\in W^{1,2}(\varOmega)\cap C(\bar{\varOmega})$ or that $\varrho$ is bounded, $\varOmega$ is convex and $\{\varrho=0\}$ has codimension at least 2, we can show that the set $\{\varrho=0\}$ has $\mathcal{E}^{\varrho,a}$-capacity zero. Therefore, in this case we can even construct an associated conservative diffusion process in $\{\varrho>0\}$. This is essential for our application to continuous $N$-particle systems with singular interactions. Note that for the construction of the self-adjoint generator $(L^{\varrho,a},D(L^{\varrho,a}))$ and the Markov process $\bm{M}^{\varrho,a}$ we do not need to assume any differentiability condition on $\varrho$ and $a$. We obtain the following explicit representation of the generator for $\sqrt{\varrho}\in W^{1,2}(\varOmega)$ and $a\in W^{1,\infty}(\varOmega)$: $$ L^{\varrho,a}=\sum_{i,j=1}^n\partial_i(a_{ij}\partial_j)+\partial_i(\log\varrho)a_{ij}\partial_j. $$ Note that the drift term can be singular, because we allow $\varrho$ to be zero on a set of Lebesgue measure zero. Our assumptions in this paper even allow a drift that is not integrable with respect to the Lebesgue measure.
[Early antibiotic therapy following urodynamic examination. Results of a randomized, controlled study].

Forty-three young men from the Italian army underwent urodynamic tests following the diagnosis of enuresis. Of these, 37 were included in an assessment trial to define the rationale for early anti-bacterial therapy following the test. The subjects were subdivided into two groups: one group received 500 mg Cinoxacin b.i. d. for 5 days, and the other group was not treated. The comparison of results revealed a high incidence of irritative disorders in both groups (78.9% of treated subjects and 88.9% of untreated subjects) but the most significant complications were observed in the untreated group (feveret in 27.7% and one case of septic fever). Early anti-bacterial therapy following standard urodynamic tests therefore seems to be a ration tool in urological practice.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE OF TREE ATTRIBUTES UNDERPINS SPECIES SELECTION ON COFFEE FARMS

SUMMARY The extent to which coffee agroforestry systems provide ecosystem services depends on local context and management practices. There is a paucity of information about how and why farmers manage their coffee farms in the way that they do and the local knowledge that underpins this. The present research documents local agro-ecological knowledge from a coffee growing region within the vicinity of the Aberdare Forest Reserve in Central Kenya. Knowledge was acquired from over 60 coffee farmers in a purposive sample, using a knowledge-based systems approach, and tested with a stratified random sample of 125 farmers using an attribute ranking survey. Farmers had varying degrees of explanatory knowledge about how trees affected provisioning and regulating ecosystem services. Trees were described as suitable or unsuitable for growing with coffee according to tree attributes such as crown density and spread, root depth and spread, growth rate and their economic benefit. Farmers were concerned that too high a level of shade and competition for water and nutrients would decrease coffee yields, but they were also interested in diversifying production from their coffee farms to include fruits, timber, firewood and other tree products as a response to fluctuating coffee prices. A range of trees were maintained in coffee plots and along their boundaries but most were at very low abundances. Promoting tree diversity rather than focussing on one or two high value exotic species represents a change of approach for extension systems, the coffee industry and farmers alike, but is important if the coffee dominated landscapes of the region are to retain their tree species richness and the resilience this confers.
Goals in Social Information Processing : The Case of Anticipated Interaction

Examined the role of anticipated-interaction instructions on memory for and organization of social information. In Study 1, Ss read and recalled information about a prospective partner (i.e., target) on a problem-solving task and about 4 other stimulus people. The results indicated that (a) Ss recalled more items about the target than the others, (b) the target was individuated from the others in memory, and (c) Ss were more accurate on a name-item matching task for the target than for the others. Study 2 compared anticipated interaction with several other processing goals (i.e., memory, impression formation, self-comparison, friend-comparison). Only anticipated-interaction and impression formation instructions led to higher levels of recall and more accurate matching performance for the target than for the others. However, the conditional probability data suggest that anticipated interaction led to higher levels of organization of target information than did any of the other conditions. Discussion considers information processing strategies that are possibly instigated by anticipated-interaction instructions.
Differential Lipid Partitioning Between Adipocytes and Tissue Macrophages Modulates Macrophage Lipotoxicity and M2/M1 Polarization in Obese Mice

OBJECTIVE Obesity-associated insulin resistance is characterized by a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation that is associated with the accumulation of M1 proinflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue. Although different evidence explains the mechanisms linking the expansion of adipose tissue and adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) polarization, in the current study we investigated the concept of lipid-induced toxicity as the pathogenic link that could explain the trigger of this response. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We addressed this question using isolated ATMs and adipocytes from genetic and diet-induced murine models of obesity. Through transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis, we created a model integrating transcript and lipid species networks simultaneously occurring in adipocytes and ATMs and their reversibility by thiazolidinedione treatment. RESULTS We show that polarization of ATMs is associated with lipid accumulation and the consequent formation of foam cell–like cells in adipose tissue. Our study reveals that early stages of adipose tissue expansion are characterized by M2-polarized ATMs and that progressive lipid accumulation within ATMs heralds the M1 polarization, a macrophage phenotype associated with severe obesity and insulin resistance. Furthermore, rosiglitazone treatment, which promotes redistribution of lipids toward adipocytes and extends the M2 ATM polarization state, prevents the lipid alterations associated with M1 ATM polarization. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that the M1 ATM polarization in obesity might be a macrophage-specific manifestation of a more general lipotoxic pathogenic mechanism. This indicates that strategies to optimize fat deposition and repartitioning toward adipocytes might improve insulin sensitivity by preventing ATM lipotoxicity and M1 polarization.
Generating Business Referrals for SMEs: The Contingent Value of CEOs' Social Capital*

We examine how small and medium‐sized enterprise (SME) chief executive officers' (CEOs) social capital (as measured by strength of ties and structural holes) can help them bring business to their firms through the spread of positive referrals. Based on a sample of 408 French SME CEOs, we find a direct effect of social capital. Such effect is contingent on the CEO's personality, with social capital being most beneficial to CEOs with low levels of conscientiousness. CEOs' social ties facilitate the distortion of information, thereby leading personal contacts to give referrals to and endorse a focal CEO, even in the presence of negative signals, such as low conscientiousness.
A Survey on Domain-Specific Languages for Machine Learning in Big Data

The amount of data generated in the modern society is increasing rapidly. New problems and novel approaches of data capture, storage, analysis and visualization are responsible for the emergence of the Big Data research field. Machine Learning algorithms can be used in Big Data to make better and more accurate inferences. However, because of the challenges Big Data imposes, these algorithms need to be adapted and optimized to specific applications. One important decision made by software engineers is the choice of the language that is used in the implementation of these algorithms. Therefore, this literature survey identifies and describes domain-specific languages and frameworks used for Machine Learning in Big Data. By doing this, software engineers can then make more informed choices and beginners have an overview of the main languages used in this domain.
Notch-Mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Voltage-Gated Potassium Currents

Notch activation decreases peak outward K+ current density, as well as the outward K+ current components Ito,f and IK,slow. Gene expression studies in Notch-activated ventricles demonstrate upregulation of Purkinje-enriched genes Contactin-2 and Scn5a and downregulation of K+ channel subunit genes that contribute to Ito,f and IK,slow. In contrast, inactivation of Notch signaling results in increased cell size commensurate with increased K+ current
Deficiency of the Cysteine Protease Cathepsin S Impairs Microvessel Growth

Abstract— During angiogenesis, microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) secrete proteinases that permit penetration of the vascular basement membrane as well as the interstitial extracellular matrix. This study tested the hypothesis that cathepsin S (Cat S) contributes to angiogenesis. Treatment of cultured ECs with inflammatory cytokines or angiogenic factors stimulated the expression of Cat S, whereas inhibition of Cat S activity reduced microtubule formation by impairing cell invasion. ECs from Cat S–deficient mice showed reduced collagenolytic activity and impaired invasion of collagens type I and IV. Cat S–deficient mice displayed defective microvessel development during wound repair. This abnormal angiogenesis occurred despite normal vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor levels, implying an essential role for extracellular matrix degradation by Cat S during microvessel formation. These results demonstrate a novel function of endothelium-derived Cat S in angiogenesis.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Levalbuterol in Subjects with COPD

The efficacy and safety of nebulized levalbuterol in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was evaluated in this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel design study. Randomized subjects (n = 209) received levalbuterol (LEV) 0.63 mg or 1.25 mg, racemic albuterol (RAC) 2.5 mg, or placebo (PBO) TID for 6 weeks. Serial spirometry was completed in-clinic after study drug alone (weeks 0, 2, and 6) or in combination with ipratropium bromide 0.5 mg (week 4). The primary endpoint was the averaged FEV1 AUC(0–8 hrs) over weeks 0, 2 and 6 compared with placebo. Other endpoints included rescue medication use, safety parameters, COPD exacerbations, and global evaluations. All active treatments demonstrated improvements in the percent change in FEV1 AUC(0–8 hrs) over the double-blind period and at each visit vs PBO (p < 0.05). Rescue medication use vs. baseline (doses/day) changed over time: PBO +0.38 ± 3.3; LEV 0.63 mg +0.07 ± 3.3; LEV 1.25 mg −0.84 ± 3.8 (p = 0.02 vs. RAC); RAC +0.97 ± 2.5. The overall rate of adverse events was PBO 56.4%, LEV 0.63 mg 56.6%, LEV 1.25 mg 67.3%, and RAC 65.4%. Protocol-defined COPD exacerbations occurred in all groups (PBO 12.7%, LEV 0.63 mg 11.3%; LEV 1.25 mg 18.4%; RAC 21.2%). Withdrawals due to COPD exacerbations were significantly higher in the RAC group compared with PBO (PBO 0%; LEV 0.63 mg 1.9%; LEV 1.25 mg 4.1%; RAC 9.6% p = 0.01 vs. PBO). In this study, levalbuterol treatment in subjects with COPD was generally well tolerated, produced significant bronchodilation compared with PBO, and improved clinical control of COPD as evidenced by reductions in rescue medication use compared with PBO and/or RAC.