Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multimechanistic Antifibrotic Effect of Biochanin A in Rats: Implications of Proinflammatory and Profibrogenic Mediators

Objective Biochanin A (BCA) is an isoflavone found in red clover and peanuts. Recently, it drew much attention as a promising anticancer and antioxidant. Due to its diversity in pharmacological actions, we were encouraged to investigate its potential as an antifibrotic, elucidating the different molecular mechanisms involved. Design Rats were pretreated with BCA, then injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 6 weeks. Changes in liver weight and histology were examined and levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin measured. To assess hepatic efficiency, indocyanine green was injected and its clearance calculated and albumin, total proteins and insulin-like growth factor-1 expression were measured. Cytochrome P4502E1 activity, cytochrome P4501A1 expression, in addition to sulfotransferase1A1 expression were determined to deduce the effect of BCA on hepatic metabolism. As oxidative stress markers, lipid peroxides levels, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, as well as the total antioxidant capacity, were assessed. Nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 were used as indicators of the inflammatory response. Signaling pathways involving tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor-kappa B, transforming growth factor-beta1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and alpha-smooth muscle actin were investigated accordingly. Extent of fibrosis was examined by Masson’s stain and measuring hydroxyproline levels. Results BCA pretreatment significantly protected against the chronic damage of CCl4. Liver injury, oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis markers decreased, while hepatic efficiency improved. Conclusion Our findings suggested that BCA administration protects against fibrotic complications, a property that can be contributed to the multimechanistic approach of the drug.
05 04 08 2 v 1 1 1 A pr 2 00 5 Coherent imaging with pseudo-thermal incoherent light

We investigate experimentally fundamental properties of coherent ghost imaging using spatially incoherent beams generated from a pseudo-thermal source. A complementarity between the coherence of the beams and the correlation between them is demonstrated by showing a complementarity between ghost diffraction and ordinary diffraction patterns. In order for the ghost imaging scheme to work it is therefore crucial to have incoherent beams. The visibility of the information is shown for the ghost image to become better as the object size relative to the speckle size is decreased, and therefore a remarkable tradeoff between resolution and visibility exists. The experimental conclusions are backed up by both theory and numerical simulations. A decade has passed since the first experimental observation of unusual interference fringes in the coincidence counts of photon pairs [1, 2]. Signal and idler photons produced by parametric down-conversion (PDC) were spatially separated and in the signal photon arm a double slit was inserted. While no first order interference pattern was visible behind the slit, an interference pattern was observed in the coincidence count by scanning the idler photon detector position. To this phenomenon it was given the name ghost diffraction. Shortly after a ghost image experiment was performed [3], showing a sharp image of an object placed in the signal arm by registering the coincidence counts as a function of the idler photon position. In the interpretations of the experiments, the quantum nature of the source there employed was emphasized, although the Authors of [3] suggested that " it is possible to imagine some type of classical source that could partially emulate this behavior ". Several years passed before a systematic theory of ghost imaging (GI) started to be developed, and soon a lively debate arose discussing the role of entanglement versus classical correlation in GI schemes. In the first theoretical papers by the Boston group [4], it was claimed that entanglement was a crucial prerequisite for achieving GI, and in particular coherent GI: " the distributed quantum-imaging scheme truly requires entanglement in the source and cannot be achieved using a classical source with correlations but without en-tanglement. " Soon after, at Rochester University a ghost image experiment was performed exploiting the classical angular correlation of narrow laser pulses [5]. This fueled the debate: which are the features of ghost imaging that truly requires entanglement? The debate was continued by the paper [6], where some of us showed that a …
Tradeoffs in Staying Close : Corporate Decision-Making and Geographic Dispersion December , 2006

We investigate whether the geographic dispersion of a firm affects corporate decision-making. Our findings suggest that social factors work alongside informational considerations to make geography important to corporate decisions. We show that: (i) geographically dispersed firms are less employee friendly; (ii) dismissals of divisional employees are less common in divisions located closer to corporate headquarters; and (iii) firms appear to adopt a “pecking-order” and divest out-of-state entities before instate. To explain these findings, we consider both information and social factors. We find that firms are more likely to protect proximate employees in soft information industries (i.e. when information is difficult to transfer over long distances). However, employee protection only holds when headquarters is located in a less-populated county suggesting a role for social factors. Additionally, stock markets respond favorably to divestitures of in-state divisions.
An Assessment of the potential impact of the Gothenburg Protocol on surface water chemistry using the dynamic MAGIC model at acid sensitive sites in the UK

Abstract. The MAGIC model has been systematically calibrated to 12 sites in the UK, which form part of the UK Acid Waters Monitoring Network, using best available data. The model successfully simulates observed changes in major ions and acid neutralising capacity over the period 1988 to 2000. Predictions for the future are made assuming no further emission reductions from present day (constant deposition at current level) compared to reduced sulphur and nitrogen emission agreed under the Gothenburg Protocol (reduced sulphur dioxide emission by c.80%, nitrogen oxides by c.45% and ammonia by 20% by 2010). In addition, uncertainty in our understanding of future nitrogen dynamics is assessed using "best" and "worst" cases of nitrogen leaching in the model. The results clearly indicate the need to achieve further emission reductions in sulphur and nitrogen beyond present day levels to prevent continued surface water acidification. The predictions further indicate that if the emission reductions agreed under the Gothenburg Protocol are achieved by 2010 this will promote a recovery in acid neutralising capacity by 2020 at all sites. Differences between "best" and "worst" case nitrate leaching are relatively small, emphasising the need to achieve the sulphur reductions in the shorter term. In the longer term, beyond 2020, increased nitrogen leaching under the "worst case" leading to further acidification is likely indicating a need for further reduction of nitrogen emissions. Keywords: acidification, recovery, model, Gothenburg Protocol, nitrogen
The South-Flood North-Drought Pattern Over Eastern China and the Drying of the Gangetic Plain

The Indo-Gangetic Plain and the lowlands/plains eastward of the Tibetan Plateau exhibit substantial – at times, precarious – trends in summer precipitation since the mid-20th century. These include the declining rainfall over the Gangetic Plain, and a dipole trend pattern over eastern China that is referred as the South-Flood North-Drought (SFND) pattern. The trends have been attributed to increased aerosol and dust loadings, significant land-use land-cover change, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, among others. Interestingly, multidecadal natural variability is not a commonly cited cause. The presence of oppositely-signed trends in the first-half of the 20th century in some of the same regions prompted this reassessment of the role of multidecadal SST variability in generation of rainfall trends over monsoon Asia. Analysis of the century-long precipitation and SST records suggests that the post-1950 decline in rainfall over the northwestern-central Gangetic Plain and northeastern China is linked with North Pacific decadal SST variability. The rainfall decline over the Himalayan foothills and northeastern Gangetic Plain, and increasing rainfall over the lower Yangtze River basin (the southern SFND center), on the other hand, are found linked with SST Secular Trend (or secular variability) in this analysis. The SST anomalies associated with North Pacific decadal variability extend well beyond the midlatitude Pacific – into the tropical Indian and Pacific basins where oppositely signed SST anomalies are present. It is hypothesized that the tropical Indian Ocean SST anomalies modulate the meridional ocean-continent thermal contrast, and thus the large-scale distribution of monsoon rainfall over the Asian continent. The findings need corroboration from additional analyses of the observed circulation and thermodynamics fields, and the hypothesis support from controlled climate model experiments.
Smoothing Spline ANOVA for Exponential Families , with Application to theWisconsin Epidemiological Study of Diabetic Retinopathy 1 2

Let y i ; i = 1; n be independent observations with the density of y i of the form h(y i ; f i) = expy i f i ? b(f i)+c(y i)], where b and c are given functions and b is twice continuously diierentiable and bounded away from 0. Let f i = f(t(i)), where t = (t 1 ; ; t d) 2 T (1) T (d) = T , the T () are measureable spaces of rather general form, and f is an unknown function on T with some assumed`smoothness' properties. Given fy i ; t(i); i = 1; ; ng, it is desired to estimate f(t) for t in some region of interest contained in T. We develop the tting of smoothing spline ANOVA models to this data of the form f(t) = C + P f (t) + P << f (t ; t) +. The components of the decomposition satisfy side conditions which generalize the usual side conditions for parametric ANOVA. The estimate of f is obtained as the minimizer, in an appropriate function space, of L(y; f) + P J (f) + P << J (f) + , where L(y; f) is the negative log likelihood of y = (y 1 ; ; y n) 0 given f, the J ; J ; are quadratic penalty functionals and the ANOVA decomposition is terminated in some manner. There are ve major parts required to turn this program into a practical data analysis tool: (1) Methods for deciding which terms in the ANOVA decomposition to include (model selection), (2) Methods for choosing good values of the smoothing parameters ; , (3) Methods for making conndence statements concerning the estimate, (4) Numerical algorithms for the calculations, and, nally, (5) Public software. In this paper we carry out this program, relying on earlier work and lling in important gaps. The overall scheme is applied to Bernoulli data from the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy to model the risk of progression of diabetic retinopathy as a function of glycosylated hemoglobin, duration of diabetes and body mass index. It is believed that the results have wide practical application to the analysis of data from large epidemiologic studies.
Assessing Awareness on Laboratory Safety: A Case Study in Pahang, Malaysia (Penilaian Kesedaran Keselamatan Makmal: Kajian Kes di Pahang, Malaysia)

Science education emphasises on obtaining knowledge, in which includes hands-on knowledge involving experiments conducted in laboratories. However, since experiments require interactions between students, substances, and equipment, laboratories that can pose great risks to users. In this regards, the Ministry of Education Malaysia has taken proactive approach to enhance laboratory safety via School Science Laboratory Management and Safety guidebook, textbooks, and science based practical workbooks that are used throughout secondary schools in Malaysia. It is challenging to ascertain students’ awareness on laboratory safety throughout Malaysia, hence this study selected 8 secondary schools located in Pahang as case study to determine students’ awareness on laboratory safety. A questionnaire was developed by focusing on five components, namely work procedure, safety equipment, handling experiments, chemical waste management, and emergency response plan, and then the questionnaire was completed by 558 science stream students from schools located at urban and rural areas. The results of this study indicate that the overall level of students’ awareness on laboratory safety is at medium-high level, and this has shown that the existing measures in secondary school to enhance awareness of laboratory safety is adequate. Nevertheless, there are still room for improvement to further enhance students’ awareness on laboratory safety in Malaysia. Keywords: Laboratory safety, awareness, secondary school, Malaysia Pendidikan sains memberi kepentingan kepada pemerolehan ilmu dan memberi penekanan khusus kepada kerja amali yang dijalankan di dalam makmal sains. Memandangkan kerja amali memerlukan interaksi antara pelajar dengan pelbagai bahan dan peralatan, ia menjadikan makmal sains berisiko kepada penggunanya. Sehubungan dengan itu, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia telah memperkukuhkan keselamatan makmal melalui garis panduan Pengurusan dan Keselamatan Makmal Sains, buku teks dan buku amali yang digunapakai di sekolah menengah. Ia adalah mencabar untuk menentukan tahap kesedaran keselamatan makmal di seluruh Malaysia, maka kajian ini telah memilih 8 sekolah menengah yang terletak di Pahang sebagai kajian kes. Soal selidik telah dibangunkan dengan memberi fokus kepada lima komponen utama keselamatan makmal sains, iaitu prosedur kerja, peralatan keselamatan, pengendalian eksperimen, pembuangan sisa bahan kimia dan pelan tindakan kecemasan, dan kemudian soal selidik ini telah dijawab oleh 558 pelajar sains dari sekolah bandar dan luar bandar. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap kesedaran keseluruhan untuk keselamatan makmal adalah pada tahap sederhanda-tinggi, dan ini telah menunjukkan kaedah sedia ada di sekolah menengah adalah memadai. Walaubagaimanapun, ia masih terdapat peluang untuk penambahbaikan serta memperkukuhkan tahap kesedaran pelajar terhadap keselamatan makmal di Malaysia. Kata kunci: Keselamatan makmal, kesedaran, sekolah menengah, Malaysia
Statistical Predictions for the Dynamics of a Low-Speed System: Newtonian versus Special-Relativistic Mechanics

The Newtonian and special-relativistic statistical predictions for the mean, standard deviation and probability density function of the position and momentum are compared for the periodically-delta-kicked particle at low speed. Contrary to expectation, we find that the statistical predictions, which are calculated from the same parameters and initial Gaussian ensemble of trajectories, do not always agree if the initial ensemble is sufficiently well-localized in phase space. Moreover, the breakdown of agreement is very fast if the trajectories in the ensemble are chaotic, but very slow if the trajectories in the ensemble are non-chaotic. The breakdown of agreement implies that special-relativistic mechanics must be used, instead of the standard practice of using Newtonian mechanics, to correctly calculate the statistical predictions for the dynamics of a low-speed system.
Three-dimensional regularized focusing inversion of gravity gradient tensor component data

We develop a new method for interpretation of tensor gravity field component data, based on regularized focusing inversion. The focusing inversion makes its possible to reconstruct a sharper image of the geological target than conventional maximum smoothness inversion. This new technique can be efficiently applied for the interpretation of gravity gradiometer data, which are sensitive to local density anomalies. The numerical modeling and inversion results show that the resolution of the gravity method can be improved significantly if we use tensor gravity data for interpretation. We also apply our method for inversion of the gradient gravity data collected by BHP Billiton over the Cannington Ag-Pb-Zn orebody in Queensland, Australia. The comparison with the drilling results demonstrates a remarkable correlation between the density anomaly reconstructed by the gravity gradient data and the true structure of the orebody. This result indicates that the emerging new geophysical technology of the airborne gravity gradient observations can improve significantly the practical effectiveness of the gravity method in mineral exploration.
NON‐PARAMETRIC BAYESIAN INFERENCE FOR INHOMOGENEOUS MARKOV POINT PROCESSES

With reference to a specific dataset, we consider how to perform a flexible non‐parametric Bayesian analysis of an inhomogeneous point pattern modelled by a Markov point process, with a location‐dependent first‐order term and pairwise interaction only. A priori we assume that the first‐order term is a shot noise process, and that the interaction function for a pair of points depends only on the distance between the two points and is a piecewise linear function modelled by a marked Poisson process. Simulation of the resulting posterior distribution using a Metropolis–Hastings algorithm in the ‘conventional’ way involves evaluating ratios of unknown normalizing constants. We avoid this problem by applying a recently introduced auxiliary variable technique. In the present setting, the auxiliary variable used is an example of a partially ordered Markov point process model.
Male Partner's Involvement in HIV Counselling and Testing and Associated Factors among Partners of Pregnant Women in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Despite the existence of several programmes promoting male involvement in HIV counselling and testing during their wife's pregnancy as a part of PMTCT, few men have heeded the call. The aim of this study was to assess male partner's involvement in HCT and its associated factors. Methods. This study was based on institution based cross-sectional study design that used systematic random sampling technique. A total of 416 partners were interviewed in the data collection. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify the independent predictors. Result. In this study, the prevalence of male involvement in HCT was found to be 40.1% (95% CI: 35.3%–44.7%). The independent predictors of male involvement were partners who were younger, were cohabitant, were with multigravida wives, were knowledgeable on route of mother-to-child transmission, and discussed HCT. Conclusion. The prevalence of male involvement in HCT was found to be suboptimal compared to similar studies in Ethiopia. There is a need of interventions on partners who are older, separated, and with lower gravidity wife. Awareness creation campaign should also be created on the route of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and on the importance of discussion with wife.
GABA-B Agonist Baclofen Normalizes Auditory-Evoked Neural Oscillations and Behavioral Deficits in the Fmr1 Knockout Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Abstract Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from FMR1 gene mutation that leads to intellectual disability, autism-like symptoms, and sensory hypersensitivity. Arbaclofen, a GABA-B agonist, has shown efficacy in some individuals with FXS but has become unavailable after unsuccessful clinical trials, prompting interest in publicly available, racemic baclofen. The present study investigated whether racemic baclofen can remediate abnormalities of neural circuit function, sensory processing, and behavior in Fmr1 knockout mice, a rodent model of fragile X syndrome. Fmr1 knockout mice showed increased baseline and auditory-evoked high-frequency gamma (30–80 Hz) power relative to C57BL/6 controls, as measured by electroencephalography. These deficits were accompanied by decreased T maze spontaneous alternation, decreased social interactions, and increased open field center time, suggestive of diminished working memory, sociability, and anxiety-like behavior, respectively. Abnormal auditory-evoked gamma oscillations, working memory, and anxiety-related behavior were normalized by treatment with baclofen, but impaired sociability was not. Improvements in working memory were evident predominantly in mice whose auditory-evoked gamma oscillations were dampened by baclofen. These findings suggest that racemic baclofen may be useful for targeting sensory and cognitive disturbances in fragile X syndrome.
The Masculinity of Money: Automatic Stereotypes Predict Gender Differences In Estimated Salaries

We present the first empirical investigation of why men are assumed to earn higher salaries than women (the salary estimation effect). Although this phenomenon is typically attributed to conscious consideration of the national wage gap (i.e., real inequities in salary), we hypothesize instead that it reflects differential, automatic economic valuing of men and women. In the four studies described here, we demonstrate that the salary estimation effect is present in both student and community samples, is not explained by participants' awareness of real gender inequities in pay, and appears in descriptive tasks (i.e., estimating what men and women do earn; Studies 1 and 2) as well as in a prescriptive task (i.e., determining what men and women should earn; Study 3). Further, the salary estimation effect is best predicted by the degree to which participants hold an automatic stereotype that links men, more than women, with wealth (Study 4). These results suggest that differential estimates of men's and women's salaries, rather than deliberately reflecting reality, instead indicate a male-wealth stereotype that operates largely outside of awareness. We discuss the implications of these results for salary decision making and the unintentional perpetuation of the gender gap in wages.
Stiffness rendering on soft tangible devices controlled through inverse FEM simulation

Haptic rendering of soft bodies is essential in medical simulations of procedures such as surgery or palpation. The most commonly used approach is to recreate the sense of touch using a specific design and control of a robotic arm. In this paper, we propose a new approach, based on soft-robotics technology. We create a tangible deformable device that allows users to “touch” soft tissues and perceive mechanical material properties, in a realistic manner. The device is able to dynamically provide user touch with different stiffness perceptions, thanks to actuators placed at the boundaries. We introduce a control algorithm, based on inverse Finite Element Analysis, which controls the actuators in order to recreate a desired stiffness that corresponds to the contact with soft tissues in the virtual environment. The approach uses antagonistic actuation principle to create a wide range of stiffness. We validate our algorithm and demonstrate the method using prototypes based on simple mechanisms.