Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Arab gene geography: From population diversities to personalized medical genomics

Genetic disorders are not equally distributed over the geography of the Arab region. While a number of disorders have a wide geographical presence encompassing 10 or more Arab countries, almost half of these disorders occur in a single Arab country or population. Nearly, one-third of the genetic disorders in Arabs result from congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities, which are also responsible for a significant proportion of neonatal and perinatal deaths in Arab populations. Strikingly, about two-thirds of these diseases in Arab patients follow an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. High fertility rates together with increased consanguineous marriages, generally noticed in Arab populations, tend to increase the rates of genetic and congenital abnormalities. Many of the nearly 500 genes studied in Arab people revealed striking spectra of heterogeneity with many novel and rare mutations causing large arrays of clinical outcomes. In this review we provided an overview of Arab gene geography, and various genetic abnormalities in Arab populations, including disorders of blood, metabolic, circulatory and neoplasm, and also discussed their associated molecules or genes responsible for the cause of these disorders. Although studying Arab-specific genetic disorders resulted in a high value knowledge base, approximately 35% of genetic diseases in Arabs do not have a defined molecular etiology. This is a clear indication that comprehensive research is required in this area to understand the molecular pathologies causing diseases in Arab populations.
Is the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) Also Valid and Responsive in Patients With Neck Complaints

Study Design. Prospective cohort study. Objective. To evaluate whether the DASH is not only a valid and responsive instrument to measure patients with shoulder, arm, and hand complaints, but also to evaluate patients with neck complaints. Summary of Background Data. The DASH has shown to be a valid and responsive questionnaire to evaluate disability in patients with shoulder, arm, and hand complaints. However, patients with shoulder, arm, or hand complaints frequently report neck complaints as well. Therefore, a valid and responsive questionnaire designed for the whole upper extremity, including the neck, would be very useful and practical in upper-extremity research. Methods. Six hundred seventy-nine patients visiting their general practitioner with a new episode of nontraumatic complaints of the neck and upper extremity were evaluated by use of questionnaires at baseline and at 6-months follow-up. Six (sub)groups were formulated according to the location of complaints, including a subgroup with complaints in the shoulder-arm-hand region only and a group with complaints of the neck only. Disability (DASH), general health [SF-12 (physical and mental component)], severity, and persistence of complaints were assessed. Construct validity, floor and ceiling effects, and responsiveness were studied. Results. Correlations between the DASH and the other measures within the 6 (sub)groups at baseline (construct validity), for the change scores at 6-months follow-up (responsiveness), and the responsiveness ratios were classified as acceptable. No floor and ceiling effects were found. Conclusion. The DASH performed well with regard to the a priori hypotheses. This study has shown acceptable validity and responsiveness of the DASH for use in patients with nontraumatic neck complaints in addition to shoulder, arm, and hand complaints. We would caution against using the DASH in patients with neck complaints only, since fewer of the hypotheses could be confirmed in this subgroup.
Current Smoking Dose-Dependently Associated with Decreased β-Cell Function in Chinese Men without Diabetes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between chronic smoking and insulin resistance and β-cell function in Chinese men without diabetes. A total of 1,568 participants were recruited by multistage sampling. Using homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), geometric means of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA-β) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by general linear model. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were estimated to evaluate the associations between smoking status and insulin resistance and β-cell deficiency under a logistic regression model. Current smokers had higher levels of 2 h glucose (6.66 versus 6.48 mmol/L) for oral glucose tolerance test and lower levels of fasting insulin (5.68 versus 6.03 mU/L) than never smokers. The adjusted means for HOMA-β (%) were 54.86 in current smokers and 58.81 in never smokers (P = 0.0257). Current smoking was associated with β-cell deficiency (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.64) compared to never smoking. The β-cell function gradually decreased with increasing smoking intensity (P trend = 0.0026), and the differences were statistically significant when the pack-year of smoking was 20 or above. No association was observed between smoking status and HOMA-IR. Our study suggested that chronic smoking may dose-dependently suppress insulin secretion in Chinese men.
Read/write schemes analysis for novel complementary resistive switches in passive crossbar memory arrays

Recently a prototype of complementary resistive switches has been proposed to solve the sneak-path problem in passive crossbar memory arrays. To further evaluate the potential of this novel cell structure for practical applications, we present a modeling analysis to capture its switching dynamics and analyze its unique read/write schemes. The model is corroborated by experimental data. We found a trade-off between the read voltage window and write voltage window. The constraint from avoiding disturbance on unselected cells is critical for proper functionality, which in turn limits the writing speed.
On Arrivals That See Time Averages

We investigate when Arrivals See Time Averages ASTA in a stochastic model; i.e., when the stationary distribution of an embedded sequence, obtained by observing a continuous-time stochastic process just prior to the points arrivals of an associated point process, coincides with the stationary distribution of the observed process. We also characterize the relation between the two distributions when ASTA does not hold. We introduce a Lack of Bias Assumption LBA which stipulates that, at any time, the conditional intensity of the point process, given the present state of the observed process, be independent of the state of the observed process. We show that LBA, without the Poisson assumption, is necessary and sufficient for ASTA in a stationary process framework. Consequently, LBA covers known examples of non-Poisson ASTA, such as certain flows in open Jackson queueing networks, as well as the familiar Poisson case PASTA. We also establish results to cover the case in which the process is observed just after the points, e.g., when departures see time averages. Finally, we obtain a new proof of the Arrival Theorem for product-form queueing networks.
Implementation of haptic communication in comanipulative tasks: A statistical state machine model

This paper presents an experimental evaluation of physical human-human interaction in lightweight condition using a one degree of freedom robotized setup. It explores possible origins of Physical Human-Human communication, more precisely, the hypothesis of a time based communication. To explore if the communication is correlated to time a, statistical state machine model based on physical Human-Human interaction is proposed. The model is tested with 14 subjects and presents results that are close to human-human performances.
Both Ligand- and Cell-Specific Parameters Control Ligand Agonism in a Kinetic Model of G Protein–Coupled Receptor Signaling

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) exist in multiple dynamic states (e.g., ligand-bound, inactive, G protein–coupled) that influence G protein activation and ultimately response generation. In quantitative models of GPCR signaling that incorporate these varied states, parameter values are often uncharacterized or varied over large ranges, making identification of important parameters and signaling outcomes difficult to intuit. Here we identify the ligand- and cell-specific parameters that are important determinants of cell-response behavior in a dynamic model of GPCR signaling using parameter variation and sensitivity analysis. The character of response (i.e., positive/neutral/inverse agonism) is, not surprisingly, significantly influenced by a ligand's ability to bias the receptor into an active conformation. We also find that several cell-specific parameters, including the ratio of active to inactive receptor species, the rate constant for G protein activation, and expression levels of receptors and G proteins also dramatically influence agonism. Expressing either receptor or G protein in numbers several fold above or below endogenous levels may result in system behavior inconsistent with that measured in endogenous systems. Finally, small variations in cell-specific parameters identified by sensitivity analysis as significant determinants of response behavior are found to change ligand-induced responses from positive to negative, a phenomenon termed protean agonism. Our findings offer an explanation for protean agonism reported in β2--adrenergic and α2A-adrenergic receptor systems.
Chronic conditions and the decline in late-life disability

Using data from the 1997–2004 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), we examine the role of chronic conditions in recent declines in late-life disability prevalence. Building upon prior studies, we decompose disability declines into changes in the prevalence of chronic conditions and in the risk of disability given a condition. In doing so, we extend Kitigawa’s (1955) classical decomposition technique to take advantage of the annual data points in the NHIS. Then we use respondents’ reports of conditions causing their disability to repartition these traditional decomposition components. We find a general pattern of increasing prevalence of chronic conditions accompanied by declines in the percentage reporting disability among those with a given condition. We also find declines in heart and circulatory conditions, vision impairments, and possibly arthritis and increases in obesity as reported causes of disability. Based on decomposition analyses, we conclude that heart and circulatory conditions as well as vision limitations played a major role in recent declines in late-life disability prevalence and that arthritis may also be a contributing factor. We discuss these findings in light of improvements in treatments and changes in the environments of older adults.
IMPROVING TRANSPORT PROTOCOL PERFORMANCE IN MANET BY EXPLOITINGTHE BACKOFF ALGORITHM OF MAC PROTOCOL

In this paper, we propose an improvement to the transport protocol performance in Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) by exploiting the backoff algorithm of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol. We are especially interested in the TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) performance parameters like the throughput and end-to-end delay. This improvement is IB-MAC (Improvement of Backoff algorithm of MAC protocol) which proposes a new backoff algorithm based on a dynamic adaptation of its maximal limit according to the number of nodes and their mobility. The evaluation of our IB-MAC solution and the study of its incidences on TCP performance are done with AODV as like routing protocol, TCP New Reno as like transport protocol and varied network conditions such as load and mobility. The results are satisfactory and showed that our algorithm can outperform not only MAC standard, but also similar techniques that have been proposed in the literature like MAC-LDA and MAC-WCCP.
Dot Size Dependence of Magnetization Reversal Process in ${\rm L}1_{0}$-FePt Dot Arrays

The dot size dependence of the magnetization reversal process in perpendicularly magnetized L10-FePt dot arrays has been investigated in terms of minor loop measurement and magnetic domain observation. For the dots with diameters of 0.25 and 1 mum, the initial applied field (Hin sat) required to saturate the coercivity in the minor loop starting from the thermally demagnetized state is smaller than saturated coercivity (Hc sat), indicating a typical nucleation-type magnetization reversal process. For the dots with diameters of 2.3 and 5 mum, on the other hand, Hin sat is larger than Hc sat. The magnetic force microscopy images show that the field to wipe out domain walls increases with the dot size, which is consistent with minor loop measurements. The phenomenological analysis for the dots with diameters of 0.25 and 1 mum indicates that irrespective of the dot size the annealing reduces the size of the defect regions and leads to the enhancement of the coercivity due to the recovery from the microfabrication damage.
Comparison of three different orthodontic wires for bonded lingual retainer fabrication

Objective We evaluated the detachment force, amount of deformation, fracture mode, and pull-out force of 3 different wires used for bonded lingual retainer fabrication. Methods We tested 0.0215-inch five-stranded wire (PentaOne, Masel; group I), 0.016 × 0.022-inch dead-soft eight-braided wire (Bond-A-Braid, Reliance; group II), and 0.0195-inch dead-soft coaxial wire (Respond, Ormco; group III). To test detachment force, deformation, and fracture mode, we embedded 94 lower incisor teeth in acrylic blocks in pairs. Retainer wires were bonded to the teeth and vertically directed force was applied to the wire. To test pull-out force, wires were embedded in composite that was placed in a hole at the center of an acrylic block. Tensile force was applied along the long axis of the wire. Results Detachment force and mode of fracture were not different between groups. Deformation was significantly higher in groups II and III than in group I (p < 0.001). Mean pull-out force was significantly higher for group I compared to groups II and III (p < 0.001). Conclusions Detachment force and fracture mode were similar for all wires, but greater deformations were seen in dead-soft wires. Wire pull-out force was significantly higher for five-stranded coaxial wire than for the other wires tested. Five-stranded coaxial wires are suggested for use in bonded lingual retainers.
Role of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Gene Polymorphisms in Predicting Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in South Indian Patients

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms have been implicated as predisposing genetic factors that can predict aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but with controversial results from different populations. Using a case-control study design, we tested the hypothesis whether variants in eNOS gene can increase risk of aSAH among South Indian patients, either independently, or by interacting with other risk factors of the disease. We enrolled 122 patients, along with 224 ethnically matched controls. We screened the intron-4 27-bp VNTR, the promoter T-786C and the exon-7 G894T SNPs in the eNOS gene. We found marked interethnic differences in the genotype distribution of eNOS variants when comparing the South Indian population with the reported frequencies from Caucasian and Japanese populations. Genotype distributions in control and patient populations were found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In patients, the allele, genotype and estimated haplotype frequencies did not differ significantly from the controls. Multiple logistic regression indicated hypertension and smoking as risk factors for the disease, however the risk alleles did not have any interaction with these risk factors. Although the eNOS polymorphisms were not found to be a likely risk factor for aSAH, the role of factors such as ethnicity, gender, smoking and hypertension should be evaluated cautiously to understand the genotype to phenotype conversion.
Extensive metazoan reefs from the Ediacaran Nama Group, Namibia: the rise of benthic suspension feeding

We describe new, ecologically complex reef types from the Ediacaran Nama Group, Namibia, dated at ~548 million years ago (Ma), where the earliest known skeletal metazoans, Cloudina riemkeae and Namacalathus, formed extensive reefs up to 20 m in height and width. C. riemkeae formed densely aggregating assemblages associated with microbialite and thrombolite, each from 30 to 100 mm high, which successively colonised former generations to create stacked laminar or columnar reef frameworks. C. riemkeae individuals show budding, multiple, radiating attachment sites and cementation between individuals. Isolated Namacalathus either intergrew with C. riemkeae or formed dense, monospecific aggregations succeeding C. riemkeae frameworks, providing a potential example of environmentally mediated ecological succession. Cloudina and Namacalathus also grow cryptically, either as pendent aggregations from laminar crypt ceilings in microbial framework reefs or as clusters associated with thrombolite attached to neptunian dyke walls. These reefs are notable for their size, exceeding that of the succeeding Lower Cambrian archaeocyath–microbial communities. The repeated colonisation shown by C. riemkeae of former assemblages implies philopatric larval aggregation to colonise limited favourable substrates. As such, not only were skeletal metazoans more important contributors to reef building in the Ediacaran, but there were also more variable reef types with more complex ecologies, than previously thought. Such an abundance of inferred suspension feeders with biomineralised skeletons indicates the efficient exploitation of new resources, more active carbon removal with a strengthened energy flow between planktic and benthic realms, and the rise of biological control over benthic carbonate production. These mark the prelude to the Cambrian Explosion and the modernisation of the global carbon cycle.
Mixture Model POMDPs for Efficient Handling of Uncertainty in Dialogue Management

In spoken dialogue systems, Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) provide a formal framework for making dialogue management decisions under uncertainty, but efficiency and interpretability considerations mean that most current statistical dialogue managers are only MDPs. These MDP systems encode uncertainty explicitly in a single state representation. We formalise such MDP states in terms of distributions over POMDP states, and propose a new dialogue system architecture (Mixture Model POMDPs) which uses mixtures of these distributions to efficiently represent uncertainty. We also provide initial evaluation results (with real users) for this architecture.
Evaluation of the Granada Agar Plate for Detection of Vaginal and Rectal Group B Streptococci in Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT Granada medium was evaluated for the detection of group B streptococci (GBS) in vaginal and rectal swabs compared with selective Columbia blood agar and selective Lim broth. From May 1996 to March 1998, 702 pregnant women (35 to 37 weeks of gestation) participated in this three-phase study; 103 (14.7%) of these women carried GBS. In the first phase of the experiment (n = 273 women), vaginorectal specimens were collected on the same swab; the sensitivities of Granada tube, selective Columbia blood agar, and Lim broth were 31.4, 94.3, and 74.3%, respectively. In the second and third phases (n = 429 women), vaginal and rectal specimens were collected separately; the sensitivities of Granada plate, selective Columbia blood agar, and Lim broth (subcultured at 4 h on selective Columbia agar in the second phase and at 18 to 24 h in Granada plate in the third phase) were 91.1, 83.9, and 75%, respectively, in the second phase and 88.5, 90.4, and 63.5%, respectively, in the third phase. There were no statistically significant differences in GBS recovery between the Granada agar plate and selective Columbia blood agar, but the Granada plate provided a clear advantage; the characteristic red-orange colonies produced overnight by GBS can be identified by the naked eye and is so specific that further identification is unnecessary. The use of the Granada tube and Lim broth did not result in increased isolation of GBS. In conclusion, the Granada agar plate is highly sensitive for detecting GBS in vaginal and rectal swabs from pregnant women and can provide results in 18 to 24 h.
Synchrotron radiation facilities in the USA

With the successful commissioning and achievement of significant milestones at both the 7-GeV Advanced Photon Source (APS) and the 1.5- GeV Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, synchrotron radiation research capability in the United States holds the promise of many important discoveries in the decade to come. An overview of current accelerator commissioning performance at the American third-generation light sources, state-of-the-art developments at first- and second-generation sources, and a preview of fourth-generation source progress is presented.
A roentgenographic, biomechanical, and histological evaluation of vascularized and non-vascularized segmental fibular canine autografts.

Advocates of vascularized bone grafts believe that these grafts should have a decreased time to graft-host union, and that they should be mechanically stronger than conventional (non-vascularized) grafts. The objectives of the present study were to determine the rate and pattern of repair in vascularized autogenous cortical bone grafts, to determine the mechanical strength of the grafts, and to correlate the mechanical strength with the biological repair. Forty-nine adult male mongrel dogs were divided into six groups to evaluate conventional (non-vascularized), cuff (periosteal-encased, non-vascularized), and vascularized segmental grafts. The fibula was the site of experimentation and all grafts were four-centimeter cortical segments. The vascularized and conventional grafts were analyzed at two, six, twelve, and twenty-four weeks. The cuff grafts were analyzed at twenty-four weeks and were compared with conventional grafts to assess the effect of the periosteal soft tissue. Roentgenograms were made every two weeks to evaluate the time to union. The mechanical strength of each graft was assessed by determining rapid torsional load to failure. Biological repair was assessed by tetracycline labeling for new-bone formation and by microradiographic techniques for porosity and cross-sectional areas. The study showed that conventional and cuff grafts were similar in terms of mechanical and biological repair at six months. At all sampling intervals, the vascularized grafts exhibited histological findings that were consistent with viability. The conventional and vascularized grafts underwent different mechanisms of repair. The conventional, non-vascularized grafts healed by peripheral and internal resorption followed by callus encasement and osteonal remodeling. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
BISTRO: An Efficient Relaxation-Based Method for Contextual Bandits

We present efficient algorithms for the problem of contextual bandits with i.i. d. covariates, an arbitrary sequence of rewards, and an arbitrary class of policies. Our algorithm BISTRO requires d calls to the empirical risk minimization (ERM) oracle per round, where d is the number of actions. The method uses unlabeled data to make the problem computationally simple. When the ERM problem itself is computationally hard, we extend the approach by employing multiplicative approximation algorithms for the ERM. The integrality gap of the relaxation only enters in the regret bound rather than the benchmark. Finally, we show that the adversarial version of the contextual bandit problem is learnable (and efficient) whenever the full-information supervised online learning problem has a non-trivial regret guarantee (and efficient).