Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Age and Size on Anopheles gambiae s.s. Male Mosquito Mating Success

ABSTRACT Before the release of genetically-modified or sterile male mosquitoes in an attempt to control local populations of malaria vectors, it is crucial to determine male traits involved in mating success. The effects of male size and age as determinants of male mating success in Anopheles gambiae s.s. were measured in the field and under laboratory conditions in Burkina Faso. First, the body sizes (estimated by wing length) of mating, swarming, and indoor-resting male mosquitoes were compared over a 3-yr period (2006–2009) from July to October in Soumousso and Vallée du Kou, two villages in western Burkina Faso. Second, the age structure of swarming and resting male mosquitoes were characterized based on the number of spermatocysts and the proportion of sperm in the reservoir of wild-caught male testis. Third, male age effects on the insemination rate of female An. gambiae were investigated in the laboratory. The mean size of males collected in copula was significantly larger than the mean for swarming males and indoor-resting males. The optimum male age for successful insemination of females was 4–8 d. These results suggest that male size is an important trait in determining male mating competitiveness in the field. Although age was not found to be a significant factor in mating competitiveness, it was significantly correlated with swarming behaviors in the field and insemination success in the laboratory. The implications of these results in terms of sexual selection in An. gambiae and vector control programs are further discussed.
Identifying the Health Production Function: The Case of Hospitals

Estimates of the returns to medical care may reflect not only the efficacy of more intensive care, but also unmeasured differences in patient severity or the productivity of health-care providers. We use a variety of instruments that are plausibly orthogonal to heterogeneity among providers as well as patients to analyze the intensity of care and 30-day survival among Medicare patients hospitalized for heart attack, congestive heart failure and pneumonia. We find that the intensity of care is endogenous for two out of three conditions. The elasticity of 30-day mortality with respect to care intensity increases in magnitude from -0.27 to -0.71 for pneumonia and from -0.16 to -0.33 for congestive heart failure, when we address the identification problem. This finding is consistent with the hypotheses that care intensity at hospitals tends to decrease with hospital productivity, or increase with unmeasured patient severity.
Mobility and International Collaboration: Case of the Mexican Scientific Diaspora

We use a data set of Mexican researchers working abroad that are included in the Mexican National System of Researchers (SNI). Our diaspora sample includes 479 researchers, most of them holding postdoctoral positions in mainly seven countries: USA, Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Canada and Brazil. Their research output and impact is explored in order to determine their patterns of production, mobility and scientific collaboration as compared with previous studies of the SNI researchers in the periods 1991–2001 and 2003–2009. Our findings confirm that mobility has a strong impact on their international scientific collaboration. We found no substantial influence among the researchers that got their PhD degrees abroad from those trained in Mexican universities. There are significant differences among the areas of knowledge studied: biological sciences, physics and engineering have better production and impact rates than mathematics, geosciences, medicine, agrosciences, chemistry, social sciences and humanities. We found a slight gender difference in research production but Mexican female scientists are underrepresented in our diaspora sample. These findings would have policy implications for the recently established program that will open new academic positions for young Mexican scientists.
The Effect of Inter-Link Dependencies on the Connectivity of Wireless Mesh Networks

This paper presents a novel methodology for finding the network connectivity in wireless mesh networks. This methodology takes into account link dependencies in neighboring nodes. The methodology was used to determine the upper bound for the connectivity in a one-dimensional chain topology as well as in the two-dimensional triangular lattice topology. We show that the assumption of link independence almost always underestimates the network connectivity. Our derived closed form expressions hence serve as more accurate upper bounds for network connectivity. The conducted comparison studies show that the error due to the assumption of node independence depends on the link connectivity, and can be very significant. The devised methodology can also be used to quantify the error and define the range of link connectivities within which the assumption of link independence can be used.
An In-Depth Characterization of the Major Psoriasis Susceptibility Locus Identifies Candidate Susceptibility Alleles within an HLA-C Enhancer Element

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disorder that is inherited as a complex genetic trait. Although genome-wide association scans (GWAS) have identified 36 disease susceptibility regions, more than 50% of the genetic variance can be attributed to a single Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) locus, known as PSORS1. Genetic studies indicate that HLA-C is the strongest PSORS1 candidate gene, since markers tagging HLA-Cw*0602 consistently generate the most significant association signals in GWAS. However, it is unclear whether HLA-Cw*0602 is itself the causal PSORS1 allele, especially as the role of SNPs that may affect its expression has not been investigated. Here, we have undertaken an in-depth molecular characterization of the PSORS1 interval, with a view to identifying regulatory variants that may contribute to disease susceptibility. By analysing high-density SNP data, we refined PSORS1 to a 179 kb region encompassing HLA-C and the neighbouring HCG27 pseudogene. We compared multiple MHC sequences spanning this refined locus and identified 144 candidate susceptibility variants, which are unique to chromosomes bearing HLA-Cw*0602. In parallel, we investigated the epigenetic profile of the critical PSORS1 interval and uncovered three enhancer elements likely to be active in T lymphocytes. Finally we showed that nine candidate susceptibility SNPs map within a HLA-C enhancer and that three of these variants co-localise with binding sites for immune-related transcription factors. These data indicate that SNPs affecting HLA-Cw*0602 expression are likely to contribute to psoriasis susceptibility and highlight the importance of integrating multiple experimental approaches in the investigation of complex genomic regions such as the MHC.
A Semiparametric Approach to the One-Way Layout

We consider m distributions in which the first m − 1 are obtained by multiplicative exponential distortions of the mth distribution, which is a reference. The combined data fromm samples, one from each distribution, are used in the semiparametric large-sample problem of estimating each distortion and the reference distribution and testing the hypothesis that the distributions are identical. The approach generalizes the classical normal-based one-way analysis of variance in the sense that it obviates the need for a completely specified parametric model. An advantage is that the probability density of the reference distribution is estimated from the combined data and not only from the mth sample. A power comparison with the t and F tests and with two nonparametric tests, obtained by means of a simulation, points to the merit of the present approach. The method is applied to rain-rate data from meteorological instruments.
Integrated stratigraphy of the Kimmeridge Clay Formation (Upper Jurassic) based on exposures and boreholes in south Dorset, UK

For the purposes of a high-resolution multi-disciplinary study of the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation, two boreholes were drilled at Swanworth Quarry and one at Metherhills, south Dorset, UK. Together, the cores represent the first complete section through the entire formation close to the type section. We present graphic logs that record the stratigraphy of the cores, and outline the complementary geophysical and analytical data sets (gamma ray, magnetic susceptibility, total organic carbon, carbonate, δ13Corg). Of particular note are the new borehole data from the lowermost part of the formation which does not crop out in the type area. Detailed logs are available for download from the Kimmeridge Drilling Project web-site at http://kimmeridge.earth. ox.ac. uk/. Of further interest is a mid-eudoxus Zone positive shift in the δ13Corg record, a feature that is also registered in Tethyan carbonate successions, suggesting that it is a regional event and may therefore be useful for correlation. The lithostratigraphy of the cores has been precisely correlated with the nearby cliff section, which has also been examined and re-described. Magnetic-susceptibility and spectral gamma-ray measurements were made at a regular spacing through the succession, and facilitate core-to-exposure correlation. The strata of the exposure and core have been subdivided into four main mudrock lithological types: (a) medium-dark–dark-grey marl; (b) medium-dark–dark grey–greenish black shale; (c) dark-grey–olive-black laminated shale; (d) greyish-black–brownish-black mudstone. The sections also contain subordinate amounts of siltstone, limestone and dolostone. Comparison of the type section with the cores reveals slight lithological variation and notable thickness differences between the coeval strata. The proximity of the boreholes and different parts of the type section to the Purbeck–Isle of Wight Disturbance is proposed as a likely control on the thickness changes.
Altered Connectivity and Action Model Formation in Autism Is Autism

Internal action models refer to sensory-motor programs that form the brain basis for a wide range of skilled behavior and for understanding others’ actions. Development of these action models, particularly those reliant on visual cues from the external world, depends on connectivity between distant brain regions. Studies of children with autism reveal anomalous patterns of motor learning and impaired execution of skilled motor gestures. These findings robustly correlate with measures of social and communicative function, suggesting that anomalous action model formation may contribute to impaired development of social and communicative (as well as motor) capacity in autism. Examination of the pattern of behavioral findings, as well as convergent data from neuroimaging techniques, further suggests that autism-associated action model formation may be related to abnormalities in neural connectivity, particularly decreased function of long-range connections. This line of study can lead to important advances in understanding the neural basis of autism and, more critically, can be used to guide effective therapies targeted at improving social, communicative, and motor function.
Participation of Children with Disabilities in Taiwan: The Gap between Independence and Frequency

Background Independence and frequency are two distinct dimensions of participation in daily life. The gap between independence and frequency may reflect the role of the environment on participation, but this distinction has not been fully explored. Methods A total of 18,119 parents or primary caregivers of children with disabilities aged 6.0-17.9 years were interviewed in a cross-sectional nationwide survey with the Functioning Scale of the Disability Evaluation System - Child version (FUNDES-Child). A section consisting of 20 items measured the children’s daily participation in 4 environmental settings: home, neighborhood/community, school, and home/community. Higher independence and frequency restriction scores indicated greater limitation of participation in daily activities. Scores for independence, frequency and independence-frequency gaps were examined across ages along with trend analysis. ANOVA was used to compare the gaps across settings and diagnoses for children with mild levels of severity of impairment. Findings A negative independence-frequency gap (restriction of frequency was greater than that of independence) was found for children with mild to severe levels of impairment. A positive gap (restriction of independence was greater than that of frequency) was found for children with profound levels of severity. The gaps became wider with age in most settings of children with mild impairment and different diagnoses. Widest negative gaps were found for the neighborhood/community settings than for the other three settings for children with mild to severe impairment. Conclusions Children’s participation and independence-frequency gaps depend not only on the severity of their impairments or diagnoses, but also on their age, the setting and the support provided by their environment. In Taiwan, more frequency restrictions than ability restrictions were found for children with mild to moderate severity, especially in the neighborhood/community setting, and increased with age. Further identification of environmental opportunities that positively impact frequency of participation is needed.
Protective Role of GnRH Antagonist on Chemotherapy-induced Spermatogenesis Disorder: A Morphological Study.

PURPOSE Anti cancer drugs is one of the most important chemotherapeutic factors which can influence spermatogenesis process and germinal epithelium. Since dividing cells are mainly affected by anticancer drugs, the aim of the present study is to investigate the preventive effect of GnRH antagonist on spermatogenic defect produced by anticancer drugs. METHODS In the present study thirty adult male mice aging 6-8 weeks were divided into 3 groups as: Control, Experimental 1 and Experimental 2. Experimental 1 group received Cisplatin for 5 days as 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally and Experimental 2 group received 0.25 mg/kg cetrorelix (GnRH antagonist) one week before cisplatin treatment and continued for 3 weeks. The mice in all groups were sacrificed 35 days after the last injection and testis specimens were fixed in boueins, formaldehyde fixative and 2.5% Glutaraldehide then prepared for light and electron microscopic examination. RESULTS Light microscopy (LM) study showed that the number of spermatogonial cells, thickness of germinal epithelium, was decreased in Experimental 1group. Electron microscopy revealed that in this group several intercellular spaces appeared between spermatogenic cells and secretory granules in interstitial cells was increased. There were several vacuolated mitochondria and destroyed organelles in spermatogonial cells but in Experimental 2 group condition was similar to control group. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the cetrorelix administration before cancer treatment may protect germinal epithelium against side effects of cisplatin.
M‐LDH serves as a sarcolemmal KATP channel subunit essential for cell protection against ischemia

ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels in the heart are normally closed by high intracellular ATP, but are activated during ischemia to promote cellular survival. These channels are heteromultimers composed of Kir6.2 subunit, an inwardly rectifying K+ channel core, and SUR2A, a regulatory subunit implicated in ligand‐dependent regulation of channel gating. Here, we have shown that the muscle form (M‐LDH), but not heart form (H‐LDH), of lactate dehydrogenase is directly physically associated with the sarcolemmal KATP channel by interacting with the Kir6.2 subunit via its N‐terminus and with the SUR2A subunit via its C‐terminus. The species of LDH bound to the channel regulated the channel activity despite millimolar concentration of intracellular ATP. The presence of M‐LDH in the channel protein complex was required for opening of KATP channels during ischemia and ischemia‐resistant cellular phenotype. We conclude that M‐LDH is an integral part of the sarcolemmal KATP channel protein complex in vivo, where, by virtue of its catalytic activity, it couples the metabolic status of the cell with the KATP channels activity that is essential for cell protection against ischemia.
Assessment of Headlamp Glare And Potential Countermeasures: The Effects of Headlamp Mounting Height

This project examined the effects of headlamp mounting height on the disability and the sensation of discomfort caused by glare. This was performed through a field study and a simulation study. In the field study, subjects evaluated the degree of glare from oncoming and following headlamps with different mounting heights and different intensity of headlamps. This field study provides data to suggest how headlamp mounting height affects discomfort glare. Additionally, to examine disability glare, two simulation analyses were also performed through calculations using existing models. One analyzed drivers’ reaction times to peripheral targets. The other analyzed detection distances to small targets located along the roadway. Both analyses treated headlamp mounting height as one of several independent variables. Overall, this project led to the conclusion that the mounting height of oncoming headlamps affects both disability glare and discomfort glare. A common tendency is that as the mounting height increases, glare is also increased. The increase in glare results in increased discomfort and reduction of visual performance (i.e., increased reaction times to detect objects and decreased detection distances).
Effects of Prereactivation Propranolol on Cocaine Craving Elicited by Imagery Script/Cue Sets in Opioid-dependent Polydrug Users: A Randomized Study

Objectives:Relapse to drug misuse may follow exposure to drug cues that elicit craving. The learned associations, or “emotional memories,” that underlie responses to cues may be attenuated or erased by the &bgr;-adrenergic antagonist propranolol during a “reconsolidation window” shortly after the memories are reactivated by cues. Methods:We evaluated the effects of propranolol on cue-induced drug cravings in healthy opioid-dependent individuals who used cocaine while receiving methadone maintenance (n = 33). Participants were asked to recall specific cocaine use and neutral events in an interview; these events were used to develop personalized auditory script/cue sets. Approximately 1 week later, propranolol (40 mg) or placebo (random assignment, double blind) was administered orally before presentation of the script/cue sets; the presentation of the script/cue sets were tested 1 week and 5 weeks after the propranolol/placebo session. Ongoing drug use was monitored via urine screens and self-report in twice-weekly visits. Results:Cue reactivity, as assessed by craving scales and physiological responses, was unexpectedly greater in the propranolol group than in the placebo group. This counterhypothesized group difference was present acutely during propranolol administration and seemed to persist (without reaching statistical significance) during the subsequent test sessions. Conclusions: Our results do not support the use of propranolol for cue-induced cocaine craving in opioid-maintained patients.
Effect of specimen history on structure and in-plane permeability of woven fabrics

Before being processed into composites, reinforcement fabrics may undergo repeated involuntary deformation, the complete sequence of which is here referred to as specimen history. To mimic its effect, fabric specimens were subjected to sequences of defined shear operations. For single fabric layers with unconstrained thickness, quantitative evaluation of photographic image data indicated that repeated shear deformation results in a residual increase in inter-yarn gap width. This translates into an increase in measured fabric permeabilities in multi-layer lay-ups at given compaction levels. The extent of both interrelated effects increases with increasing yarn density in the fabric and with increasing maximum angle in the shear history. Additional numerical permeability predictions indicated that the increase in permeability may be partially reversed by through-thickness fabric compression. The observations suggest that the effect of involuntary deformation of the fabric structure can result in variations in the principal permeability values by factors of up to 2.
A Generalized Nonparametric Test for Lattice‐Ordered Means

Summary. Treatment means in factorial experiments are lattice ordered when there is an increase in mean response as the level of any factor is increased while holding the other factors fixed. Such means occur naturally in many experiments. A nonparametric test for lattice‐ordered means involving a Kendall‐type statistic will be summarized for k‐factor factorial experiments. Specifically, the form of the test statistic and variance under the null hypothesis will be presented. In addition, a normalized version of the test statistic will be discussed and applied to relevant data.
Solving first-order constraints in the theory of finite or infinite trees: introduction to the decomposable theories

We present in this paper an algorithm in the theory T of possibly infinite trees for solving general constraints represented by full first-order formulas, with equality as the only relation and functional symbols taken from an infinite set F. The algorithm consists of a set of 11 rewriting rules. It transforms a first-order formula p in a conjunction q of solved formulas, equivalent in T, such that: (1) the conjunction q is the formula true if p is always true in T, and the formula ¬true if p is always false in T. Moreeover, if p or its negation has a finite base of solutions in a model of T, then these solutions or non-solutions have to be explicit in q. (2) each solved formula of q has not new free variables and can be transformed immediately in a Boolean combination of basic formulas whose length does not exceed twice the length of the solved formula. The basic formulas are particular cases of existentially quantified conjunctions of equations. The correctness of the algorithm gives another proof of the completeness of T demonstrated by Michael Maher. We test our algorithm on benchmarks realized by an implementation, solving formulas on two-partners games in T with more than 160 nested alternated quantifiers.Finally, we show then that we can generalize this algorithm by introducing a new class of theories that we call decomposable. We show that T is decomposable and give a general algorithm for solving first-order constraint in any decomposable theory. The correctness of our algorithm shows the completeness of the decomposable theories.