Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association of tumour necrosis factor alpha variants with the CF pulmonary phenotype

Background: The pulmonary phenotype in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), even in those with the same CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) genotype, is variable and must therefore be influenced by secondary genetic factors as well as environmental factors. Possible candidate genes that modulate the CF lung phenotype may include proinflammatory cytokines. One such protein is tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), a member of the immune system. Methods: Three polymorphic loci in the promoter (−851c/t, −308g/a, −238g/a) and one polymorphic locus in intron 1 (+691g ins/del) of the TNFα gene were typed by a single nucleotide primer extension assay in CF patients and healthy controls. Spirometric data and first age of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected retrospectively from patients’ medical records. Results: An association was found between the TNFα +691g ins/del polymorphic locus and severity of CF lung disease. Patients heterozygous for +691g ins and +691g del were more likely to have better pulmonary function (mean (SD) forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) 79.7 (12.8)% predicted) than patients homozygous for +691g ins (mean (SD) FEV1 67.5 (23.0)% predicted; p = 0.008, mean difference 12.2%, 95% CI 3.5 to 21.0). Also, patients heterozygous for +691g ins and +691g del were more likely to have an older first age of infection with P aeruginosa (mean (SD) 11.4 (6.0) years) than patients homozygous for +691g ins (mean (SD) 8.3 (4.6) years; p = 0.018, mean difference 3.1 years, 95% CI 0.5 to 5.6). An association was also found with the −851c/t polymorphic locus. In the group of patients with more severe FEV1% predicted, a higher proportion of patients were homozygous for the −851c allele than in the other group of patients (p = 0.04, likelihood ratio χ2, odds ratio = 2.4). Conlusion: TNFα polymorphisms are associated with the severity of CF lung disease in Czech and Belgian patients with CF.
Approximate capacity of the Gaussian interference channel with noisy channel-output feedback

In this paper, an achievability region and a converse region for the two-user Gaussian interference channel with noisy channel-output feedback (G-IC-NOF) are presented. The achievability region is obtained using a random coding argument and three well-known techniques: rate splitting, superposition coding and backward decoding. The converse region is obtained using some of the existing perfect-output feedback outer-bounds as well as a set of new outer-bounds that are obtained by using genie-aided models of the original G-IC-NOF. Finally, it is shown that the achievability region and the converse region approximate the capacity region of the G-IC-NOF to within a constant gap in bits per channel use.
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor: A family of nuclear receptors role in various diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily comprising of the following three subtypes: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. Activation of PPAR-α reduces triglyceride level and is involved in regulation of energy homeostasis. Activation of PPAR-γ causes insulin sensitization and enhances glucose metabolism, whereas activation of PPAR-β/δ enhances fatty acids metabolism. Thus, PPAR family of nuclear receptors plays a major regulatory role in energy homeostasis and metabolic function. The present review critically analyzes the protective and detrimental effect of PPAR agonists in dyslipidemia, diabetes, adipocyte differentiation, inflammation, cancer, lung diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, fertility or reproduction, pain, and obesity.
Gender Differences in the Motivational Processing of Babies Are Determined by Their Facial Attractiveness

Background This study sought to determine how esthetic appearance of babies may affect their motivational processing by the adults. Methodology and Principal Findings Healthy men and women were administered two laboratory-based tasks: a) key pressing to change the viewing time of normal-looking babies and of those with abnormal facial features (e.g., cleft palate, strabismus, skin disorders, Down's syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome) and b) attractiveness ratings of these images. Exposure to the babies' images produced two different response patterns: for normal babies, there was a similar effort by the two groups to extend the visual processing with lower attractiveness ratings by men; for abnormal babies, women exerted greater effort to shorten the viewing time despite attractiveness ratings comparable to the men. Conclusions These results indicate that gender differences in the motivational processing of babies include excessive (relative to the esthetic valuation) motivation to extend the viewing time of normal babies by men vs. shortening the exposure to the abnormal babies by women. Such gender-specific incentive sensitization phenomenon may reflect an evolutionary-derived need for diversion of limited resources to the nurturance of healthy offspring.
Endothelin levels in human amniotic fluid at mid-trimester and at term before and during spontaneous labor.

Endothelin (ET)-1 is synthesized in human amnion and immunoreactive (ir) ET is present in amniotic fluid in concentrations 10- to 100-times those found in plasma. ET-1 is a potent uterotonin; therefore, the possibility must be considered that ET-1, derived from amnion/amniotic fluid, serves to promote the uterine contractions of human labor. In term pregnancies, after labor begins, the amniotic fluid normally becomes divided into the upper and forebag compartments as the fetal presenting part is engaged in the maternal pelvis. The forebag tissues are exposed in the vagina because of cervical dilatation. Vaginal fluid contains microorganisms, bacterial toxins, and cytokines, e.g., interleukin-1 beta, that oblige an inflammatory reaction. Increased ET-1 formation in these tissues of the forebag would be indicative that the greater rate of ET-1 formation and entry into amniotic fluid was an aftereffect of labor, not a cause of parturition. The levels of irET in amniotic fluid during the midtrimester of human pregnancy, 93.3 +/- 7.4 pmol/L (mean +/- SEM, n = 38), were significantly greater than those in amniotic fluid at term before the onset of labor, 39.8 +/- 4.1 (n = 33, p < 0.01). The levels of irET in the upper compartment during labor, 45.5 +/- 3.5 pmol/L (n = 40), were not significantly different from those in amniotic fluid before labor, but were significantly less (p < 0.01) than those in amniotic fluid of the forebag, 82.1 +/- 5.2 pmol/L (n = 125). These findings are suggestive that increases in the concentration of ET in amniotic fluid at parturition are confined to the forebag and are the result of ET formation after labor begins. Inflammation of the tissues lining the forebag compartment of the amniotic fluid is a normal consequence of labor. Therefore, the entry of inflammatory response mediators, some of which are uterotonins, viz., ET and prostaglandins, into forebag amniotic fluid is an aftereffect of labor and not indicative of a role for these agents (in amniotic fluid) in the initiation of parturition. In a subset of the amniotic fluids from normal pregnancies at term, prostaglandin (PG) levels also were determined. There was a highly significant correlation between the levels of irET and PGE2 in the forebag compartment (p < 0.0001); there was no correlation between irET and PGE2 levels in the upper compartment or in amniotic fluid collected at term prior to labor onset. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
VLT/ISAAC H-band spectroscopy of embedded massive YSOs

We have performed intermediate resolution (R ∼ 5000), high signal-to-noise H-band spectroscopy of a small, initial sample of three massive embedded young stellar objects (YSOs), using VLT/ISAAC. The sample has been selected from sources characterised in previous literature as being likely of OB spectral type, to be unambiguously associated with bright (H ≤ 14) single point sources in the 2MASS database, and to have no optical counterparts. Of the targets observed, one object shows a ∼B3 spectrum, similar to a main sequence object of the same spectral type. A second object exhibits weak He  and H emission, indicating an early-type source: we detect He  absorption, which supports a previous indirect derivation of the spectral type as mid-O. The third object does not show absorption lines, so no spectral type can de derived. It does, however, exhibit a rich spectrum of strong, broad emission lines and is likely to be surrounded by dense circumstellar material and at a very early evolutionary stage. Our results from this very small sample are in agreement with those of Kaper et al. (2002), who also find spectra similar to optically visible main sequence stars, together with emission line objects representing a very early evolutionary phase, in their much larger sample of K-band spectra.
Reactive power measurement using the wavelet transform

This paper provides the theoretical basis for the measurement of reactive and distortion powers from the wavelet transforms. The measurement of reactive power relies on the use of broad-band phase-shift networks to create concurrent in-phase currents and quadrature voltages. The wavelet real power computation resulting from these 90 degree phase-shift networks yields the reactive power associated with each wavelet frequency level or sub-band. The distortion power at each wavelet sub-band is then derived from the real, reactive and apparent powers of the sub-band, where the apparent power is the product of the /spl nu/,i element pair's sub-band rms voltage and current. The advantage of viewing the real and reactive powers in the wavelet domain is that the domain preserves both the frequency and time relationship of these powers. In addition, the reactive power associated with each wavelet sub-band is a signed quantity and thus has a direction associated with it. This permits tracking the reactive power flow in each sub-band through the power system.
Risk Factors for Treatment Default among Re-Treatment Tuberculosis Patients in India, 2006

Setting Under India's Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP), >15% of previously-treated patients in the reported 2006 patient cohort defaulted from anti-tuberculosis treatment. Objective To assess the timing, characteristics, and risk factors for default amongst re-treatment TB patients. Methodology For this case-control study, in 90 randomly-selected programme units treatment records were abstracted from all 2006 defaulters from the RNTCP re-treatment regimen (cases), with one consecutively-selected non-defaulter per case. Patients who interrupted anti-tuberculosis treatment for >2 months were classified as defaulters. Results 1,141 defaulters and 1,189 non-defaulters were included. The median duration of treatment prior to default was 81 days (25%–75% interquartile range 44–117 days) and documented retrieval efforts after treatment interruption were inadequate. Defaulters were more likely to have been male (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–1.7), have previously defaulted anti-tuberculosis treatment (aOR 1.3 95%CI 1.1–1.6], have previous treatment from non-RNTCP providers (AOR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0–1.6], or have public health facility-based treatment observation (aOR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1–1.6). Conclusions Amongst the large number of re-treatment patients in India, default occurs early and often. Improved pre-treatment counseling and community-based treatment provision may reduce default rates. Efforts to retrieve treatment interrupters prior to default require strengthening.
Relations Between Fathers’ and Mothers’ Infant Engagement Patterns in Dual-Earner Families and Toddler Competence

This study examined the trajectories of time new fathers and mothers in dual-earner families (N = 178) reported spending in developmentally appropriate positive engagement activities over the first 9 months of their child’s life on both work and nonworkdays. We also explored how paternal and maternal engagement patterns in infancy were associated with children’s later social-emotional competence during toddlerhood (M = 25 months). Using latent growth models, we found that compared with mothers, fathers spent significantly less time engaging with their infants; however, both parents increased their engagement over time at relatively the same rate. Fathers’ rate of increase over time and mothers’ initial starting point of engagement on nonworkdays were associated with toddlers’ attention and mastery motivation. Findings are discussed with regard to what they mean for dual-earner couples and fathers’ investment in their offspring, highlighting what they may imply about the second demographic transition and family functioning.
Integrin Targeted Delivery of Radiotherapeutics

Targeted radionuclide therapy, which is based on the selective delivery of a sufficient radiation dose to tumors without significantly affecting normal tissues, is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of a wide variety of malignancies. Integrins, a family of cell adhesion molecules, play key roles during tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Among all the integrins, αvβ3 seems to be the most important in the process of tumor angiogenesis. Integrin αvβ3 is highly expressed on activated endothelial cells, new-born vessels as well as some tumor cells, but is not present in resting endothelial cells and most normal organ systems, making it a suitable target for anti-tumor therapy. In this review, we summarize the current development and applications of antibody-, peptide-, and other ligand-based integrin targeted radiotherapeutics for tumor radiation therapy.
Statistical inference for inverse problems

In this paper we study statistical inference for certain inverse problems. We go beyond mere estimation purposes and review and develop the construction of confidence intervals and confidence bands in some inverse problems, including deconvolution and the backward heat equation. Further, we discuss the construction of certain hypothesis tests, in particular concerning the number of local maxima of the unknown function. The methods are illustrated in a case study, where we analyze the distribution of heliocentric escape velocities of galaxies in the Centaurus galaxy cluster, and provide statistical evidence for its bimodality.
Rab14 Regulates Maturation of Macrophage Phagosomes Containing the Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans and Outcome of the Host-Pathogen Interaction

ABSTRACT Avoidance of innate immune defense is an important mechanism contributing to the pathogenicity of microorganisms. The fungal pathogen Candida albicans undergoes morphogenetic switching from the yeast to the filamentous hyphal form following phagocytosis by macrophages, facilitating its escape from the phagosome, which can result in host cell lysis. We show that the intracellular host trafficking GTPase Rab14 plays an important role in protecting macrophages from lysis mediated by C. albicans hyphae. Live-cell imaging of macrophages expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Rab14 or dominant negative Rab14, or with small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of Rab14, revealed the temporal dynamics of this protein and its influence on the maturation of macrophage phagosomes following the engulfment of C. albicans cells. Phagosomes containing live C. albicans cells became transiently Rab14 positive within 2 min following engulfment. The duration of Rab14 retention on phagosomes was prolonged for hyphal cargo and was directly proportional to hyphal length. Interference with endogenous Rab14 did not affect the migration of macrophages toward C. albicans cells, the rate of engulfment, the overall uptake of fungal cells, or early phagosome processing. However, Rab14 depletion delayed the acquisition of the late phagosome maturation markers LAMP1 and lysosomal cathepsin, indicating delayed formation of a fully bioactive lysosome. This was associated with a significant increase in the level of macrophage killing by C. albicans. Therefore, Rab14 activity promotes phagosome maturation during C. albicans infection but is dysregulated on the phagosome in the presence of the invasive hyphal form, which favors fungal survival and escape.
Reasoning maps: a generally applicable method for characterizing hypothesis‐testing behaviour

This paper presents a generally applicable method for characterizing subjects’ hypothesis‐testing behaviour based on a synthesis that extends on previous work. Beginning with a transcript of subjects’ speech and videotape of their actions, a Reasoning Map is created that depicts the flow of their hypotheses, tests, predictions, results, and conclusions. The methods are described and then applied to a group of three undergraduate biology students testing hypothesis in an inquiry‐based laboratory exercise, the Red and White Yeast Lab. Analysis of hypothesis‐testing behaviour via Reasoning Maps reveals most of the features explored in previous studies in a unified context. In addition, Reasoning Maps allow analysis of higher‐order patterns in hypothesis testing that are not possible using existing methods. We have designed these methods so that they will provide a common language for analysing and understanding hypothesis testing that will allow global comparisons of behaviour.
An Efficient Channel Scanning Scheme With Dual-Interfaces for Seamless Handoff in IEEE 802.11 WLANs

In this letter, we propose an efficient channel scanning scheme for IEEE 802.11 WLANs to reduce the handoff delay. The proposed scheme is fundamentally different from existing channel scanning schemes in that access points (APs), not mobile stations, switch channels. Specifically, each AP is equipped with dual wireless network interfaces, one of which is used for normal AP operations and the other is dedicated to the channel scanning assistance. In this circumstance, mobile stations do not perform active scans and stay on their operating channel, while APs switch channels and broadcast beacon frames by using the additional interface. Thus, mobile stations can maintain up-to-date information on neighboring APs without scanning other channels. Consequently, the service disruption during channel scanning is eliminated and the quality of ongoing data communication is not degraded. Our performance evaluation results show that the proposed scheme outperforms existing channel scanning schemes.
A quantitative version of the Besicovitch projection theorem via multiscale analysis

By using a multiscale analysis, we establish quantitative versions of the Besicovitch projection theorem (almost every projection of a purely unrectifiable set in the plane of finite length has measure zero) and a standard companion result, namely that any planar set with at least two projections of measure zero is purely unrectifiable. We illustrate these results by providing an explicit (but weak) upper bound on the average projection of the nth generation of a product Cantor set.
The Rebirth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Hip Hop: A Cultural Sociology of Gangsta Rap Music

Hip hop culture and rap music have been the object of considerable scholarly attention in recent years. Yet much of the literature on rap is either unconcerned with attempting to empirically locate the interpretive communities and reading formations of the increasingly diverse hip hop audiences. The subgenre of rap known as gangsta rap is particularly affected by this problem. This essay endeavors (1) to challenge notions in the existent literature about precisely who/what the ‘hip hop community’ is by looking at a segment of that ‘community’ that is rarely effectively examined, i.e., suburban, middle-class, largely white youth, and (2) to suggest a cultural theory that is better suited for understanding gangsta rap. A neo-Durkheimian theoretical apparatus is used to argue that an alternative model for understanding how some audiences make sense of gangsta rap should be based on notions of the transgressive sacred and piacular rites of mourning.
Building for the dead: events, processes and changing worldviews from the 38th to the 34th centuries cal BC in southern Britain

Our final paper in this series reasserts the importance of sequence. Stressing that long barrows, long cairns and associated structures do not appear to have begun before the thirty-eighth century cal. bc in southern Britain, we give estimates for the relative order of construction and use of the five monuments analysed in this programme. The active histories of monuments appear often to be short, and the numbers in use at any one time may have been relatively low; we discuss time in terms of generations and individual lifespans. The dominant mortuary rite may have been the deposition of articulated remains (though there is much diversity); older or ancestral remains are rarely documented, though reference may have been made to ancestors in other ways, not least through architectural style and notions of the past. We relate these results not only to trajectories of monument development, but also to two models of development in the first centuries of the southern British Neolithic as a whole. In the first, monuments emerge as symptomatic of preeminent groups; in the second model, monuments are put in a more gradualist and episodic timescale and related to changing kinds of self-consciousness (involving senses of self, relations with animals and nature, perceptions of the body, awareness of mortality and attitudes to the past). Both more distant and more recent and familiar possible sources of inspiration for monumentalization are considered, and the diversity of situations in which mounds were constructed is stressed. More detailed Neolithic histories can now begin to be written.
Primary and secondary stem growth in arctic shrubs: implications for community response to environmental change

1 Shrubs are among the tundra plants most responsive to environmental change. We measured primary and secondary stem growth in a retrospective analysis of ramets of three codominant shrubs (Betula nana, Salix pulchra, and Ledum palustre ssp. decumbens) exposed to long‐term field treatment with greenhouses and N + P fertilizers at Toolik Lake, Alaska.
Opportunistic Secrecy with a Strict Delay Constraint

We investigate the delay limited secrecy capacity of the flat fading channel under two different assumptions on the available transmitter channel state information (CSI). The first scenario assumes perfect prior knowledge of both the main and eavesdropper channel gains. Here, upper and lower bounds on the delay limited secrecy capacity are derived, and shown to be tight in the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime. In the second scenario, only the main channel CSI is assumed to be available at the transmitter where, remarkably, we establish the achievability of a non-zero delay-limited secure rate, for a wide class of channel distributions, with a high probability. In the two cases, our achievability arguments are based on a novel two-stage key-sharing approach that overcomes the secrecy outage phenomenon observed in earlier works.