Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential Laterality of Hand Function in Right-Handed and Left-Ifanded Boys ( human development , fine motor skills , lateralization , handedness )

This study was designed to mvestigate differences in the degree of manual latemlization between right-handed and left-handed nmmal boys. Sixtythree 5, 7, and 9 year olds were tested on the Minnesota Rate of iVlanipulation Test (displacing subtest and turning subtest), the Finger Tapping Test, the Purdue Pegboard (placing subtest and assembly subtest), and the Southern Californza Motor Accuracy Test-Revised. Significant differences between rightand lefthanded subjects were obtained on two of the six measures, and a third measure approached significance, with less lateralization among the left handen than among the rzght handeTS Subsequent analyses indicated that differences in lateralization were significant or near-significant in the 5 and 7 )Iear' olds. By 9 yeaTS of age, rightand left-handed subjects no longer differed 1n the degree of laterality. Differences in degree of laterality, or the lack of such differences, between young nghtand left-handed boys might be a function of the nature of thl' fine motor task or a function of the child's previous experienCf with the task.
A Canadian Corporate Ownership Survey 1

This study documents a decline in the levels of corporate ownership concentration between 1996 and 2007. When compared to previous studies, the incidence of ownership stakes of 20% or larger has decreased form 60% to 41% of the total population of publicly listed Canadian firms. Regional disparities among provinces remain important. Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia have the most widely-held firms, while Quebec and Atlantic Canada show the most concentrated corporate ownership patterns. The interpretation of these results requires a complex understanding of historical, demographic, cultural, political and institutional factors. JEL classification: F52, G32, K22, L25, O51, P16
Experiments in Quadrotor Formation Flying Using On-Board Relative Localization

Formation flying of aerial robots has many applications, such as surveillance, coordinated transport of heavy objects, convoying, and others. Current research on formation control often relies on the use of an external motion capture equipment to track the pose of each individual robot. In order to deploy multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to arbitrary environments, an alternative to motion capture or differential GPS is needed. In this paper, we show a proof of concept of a bearing-only relative localization approach in the context of maintaining flying formations, by recovering the 6 Degree of Freedom (DoF) relative pose between a pair of flying vehicles. This relative pose, estimated from a pair of images from mutually observing robots, is directly used to guide a follower quadrotor to keep a fixed position with respect to a leader. Experimental results from indoor and outdoor flying of two off-the-shelf quadrotors (Parrot AR.Drone 2.0) are presented.
Crossover from Linear to Square-Root Market Impact

Using a large database of 8 million institutional trades executed in the U.S. equity market, we establish a clear crossover between a linear market impact regime and a square-root regime as a function of the volume of the order. Our empirical results are remarkably well explained by a recently proposed dynamical theory of liquidity that makes specific predictions about the scaling function describing this crossover. Allowing at least two characteristic timescales for the liquidity ("fast" and "slow") enables one to reach quantitative agreement with the data.
On the effects of sampling, analysis and interpretation strategies for complex forensic DNA research with focus on sexual assault cases

Forensisch DNA-onderzoek kan een grote bijdrage leveren aan het oplossen van diverse soorten misdrijven. Dit DNA-onderzoek kan complex zijn, bijvoorbeeld als de hoeveelheid celmateriaal minimaal is of als het biologische spoor celmateriaal bevat van meerdere (aan elkaar verwante) donoren. Corina Benschop analyseerde een aantal van dit soort complexe situaties om meer inzicht te krijgen in de effecten van bemonsterings-, analyse- en interpretatiestrategieen. De uitkomsten van haar analyses resulteerden in verbeteringen van het forensisch DNA-onderzoek. Zo leidde Benschops werk tot de ontwikkeling van een robuuste en betrouwbare methode voor de analyse van DNA-profielen die verkregen zijn uit een minimale hoeveelheid celmateriaal. Ook gaf haar onderzoek meer inzicht in het forensisch toepassen van de mogelijkheid om door de microbiele flora de herkomst van biologisch sporenmateriaal te bepalen.
Seed dispersal by the lek-forming white-bearded manakin (Manacus manacus, Pipridae) in the Brazilian Atlantic forest

Abstract: The movement patterns of males, females and juveniles of lekking species often differ due to differences in the commitment to lek activities, which may lead to differences in the spatial distribution and dispersal distances of seeds they eat. By sampling seeds in three lek and non-lek areas of the white-bearded manakin (Manacus manacus), we tested whether this lekking species increased the abundance and species richness of seeds in lek areas and, at a finer scale, in 21 displaying courts within lek areas. Combining data on seed defecation or regurgitation rates by free-ranging individuals, the number of seeds in droppings or regurgitations of mist-netted birds, and the distances travelled by birds equipped with radio-transmitters, we estimated the potential spatial distribution of seeds generated by six resident males and six females or juveniles during the morning peak of lek activity and when lek activity decreased in the afternoon. There was no difference in the species richness (46 and 44 morphospecies, respectively) and abundance of seeds (15.4 ± 7.3 seeds and 14.0 ± 1.1 seeds, respectively) between lek and non-lek areas. Within leks both parameters increased in courts (45 spp., 17.6 ± 14 seeds) compared with non-court sites (22 spp., 1.9 ± 1.8 seeds), likely as a consequence of the longer time spent by resident males in perches in or near display courts. Distances moved by juveniles and females per 60-min period (183 ± 272 m) were greater than resident males (42.6 ± 22.0 m) in the mornings, while the opposite happened in the afternoons (55.2 ± 40.7 m and 157 ± 105 m, respectively). We conclude that the spatial aggregation of seeds in lek areas of M. manacus occurs at the court level, and the spatial distribution of deposited seeds varies with manakin lekking status and the daily period of foraging.
Dexamethasone-induced inhibition of miR-132 via methylation promotes TGF-β-driven progression of pancreatic cancer

Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as dexamethasone (DEX) are administered as cancer co-treatment for palliative purposes due to their pro-apoptotic effects in lymphoid cancer and limited side effects associated with cancer growth and chemotherapy. However, there is emerging evidence that GCs induce therapy resistance in most epithelial tumors. Our recent data reveal that DEX promotes the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). In the present study, we examined 1 primary and 2 established PDA cell lines, and 35 PDA tissues from patients who had received (n=14) or not received (n=21) GCs prior to surgery. Through microRNA microarray analysis, in silico, and RT-qPCR analyses, we identified 268 microRNAs differentially expressed between DEX-treated and untreated cells. With a focus on cancer progression, we selected miR-132 and its target gene, transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), as top candidates. miR-132 mimics directly bound to the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of a TGF-β2 luciferase construct and enhanced expression, as shown by increased luciferase activity. By contrast, DEX inhibited miR-132 expression via promoter methylation. miR-132 mimics also reduced DEX-induced clonogenicity, migration and expression of vimentin and E-cadherin in vitro and in tumor xenografts. In patients, GC intake prior to surgery enhanced global hypermethylation and expression of TGF-β2 in tissues; expression of miR-132 was detected but could not be quantified. Our results demonstrate that DEX-mediated inhibition of miR-132 is a key mediator in the progression of pancreatic cancer, and the findings provide a foundation for miRNA-based therapies.
Spatio-temporal patterns of IED usage by the Provisional Irish Republican Army

In this paper, a unique dataset of improvised explosive device attacks during “The Troubles” in Northern Ireland (NI) is analysed via a Hawkes process model. It is found that this past dependent model is a good fit to improvised explosive device attacks yielding key insights about the nature of terrorism in NI. We also present a novel approach to quantitatively investigate some of the sociological theory surrounding the Provisional Irish Republican Army which challenges previously held assumptions concerning changes seen in the organisation. Finally, we extend our use of the Hawkes process model by considering a multidimensional version which permits both self and mutual-excitations. This allows us to test how the Provisional Irish Republican Army responded to past improvised explosive device attacks on different geographical scales from which we find evidence for the autonomy of the organisation over the six counties of NI and Belfast. By incorporating a second dataset concerning British Security Force (BSF) interventions, the multidimensional model allows us to test counter-terrorism (CT) operations in NI where we find subsequent increases in violence.
First limits on the occurrence rate of short-period planets orbiting brown dwarfs

Planet formation theories predict a large but still undetected population of short-period terrestrial planets orbiting brown dwarfs. Should specimens of this population be discovered transiting relatively bright and nearby brown dwarfs, the Jupiter-size and the low luminosity of their hosts would make them exquisite targets for detailed atmospheric characterisation with JWST and future ground-based facilities. The eventual discovery and detailed study of a significant sample of transiting terrestrial planets orbiting nearby brown dwarfs could prove to be useful not only for comparative exoplanetology but also for astrobiology, by bringing us key information on the physical requirements and timescale for the emergence of life. In this context, we present a search for transit-signals in archival time-series photometry acquired by the Spitzer Space Telescope for a sample of 44 nearby brown dwarfs. While these 44 targets were not particularly selected for their brightness, the high precision of their Spitzer light curves allows us to reach sensitivities below Earth-sized planets for 75% of the sample and down to Europa-sized planets on the brighter targets. We could not identify any unambiguous planetary signal. Instead, we could compute the first limits on the presence of planets on close-in orbits. We find that within a 1.28 day orbit, the occurrence rate of planets with a radius between 0.75 and 3.25 R$_\oplus$ is {\eta} < 67 $\pm$ 1%. For planets with radii between 0.75 and 1.25 R$_\oplus$, we place a 95% confident upper limit of {\eta} < 87 $\pm$ 3%. If we assume an occurrence rate of {\eta} = 27% for these planets with radii between 0.75 and 1.25 R$_\oplus$, as the discoveries of the Kepler-42b and TRAPPIST-1b systems would suggest, we estimate that 175 brown dwarfs need to be monitored in order to guarantee (95%) at least one detection.
Response of embryonic coral reef fishes (Pomacentridae: Amphiprion spp.) to noise

We investigated the ability of embryonic clownfishes Amphiprion ephippium and A. rubrocinctus to detect sound during incubation in benthic nests. The heart rates of embryos within eggs were monitored as the young fish were exposed to sounds in the range of 100 to 1200 Hz at lev- els of 80 to 150 dB (re 1 µPa at 1 m) on each day of incubation. We found that, from 3 d after fertilisa- tion, the heart rates of the embryos significantly increased when exposed to sound. As the embryos developed, a response in heart rate was found over a broader spectrum of sound (from 400 to 700 Hz at 3 d to a maximum of 100 to 1200 kHz at 9 d after fertilisation) and sensitivity also increased, with response threshold minima at 700 Hz dropping from 139.1 dB at 3 d to 88.3 dB at 9 d after fertilisa- tion. We discuss these findings with respect to recent work that demonstrates the importance of sound as a settlement cue in coral reef fishes.
Phylogenetic relationships of the marine gasteromycete Nia vibrissa

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships of the marine gasteromycete, Nia vibrissa, were investigated using four ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions. Independent analyses of mitochondrial small-subunit (mt-ssu) rDNA, mitochondrial large subunit (mt-lsu) rDNA, nuclear small-subunit (nuc-ssu) rDNA, and nuclear large subunit (nuc-lsu) rDNA all suggest that Nia vibrissa is in the euagarics clade. The mt-lsu, nuc-ssu, and nuc-lsu datasets suggest that Nia vibrissa is closely related to the cyphelloid fungus, Henningsomyces Candidus, but in all three datasets the monophyly of the Nia-Henningsomyces group is weakly supported. Analyses of mt-ssu rDNA suggest that the sister group of Nia vibrissa is Schizophyllum commune, but again the relationship is weakly supported. A combined analysis of all four rDNA regions strongly supports the sister group relationship of Nia vibrissa and Henningsomyces candidus. Schizopkyllum commune and Fistulina hepatica form a strongly supported clade that is weakly supported as the sister group of the Nia-Henningsomyces clade. Schizopkyllum commune and Fistulina hepatica both resemble cyphelloid fungi in some aspects of their hymenophore morphology, and it is plausible that they could be closely related to Henningsomyces candidus. Eighteen genera of terrestrial gasteromycetes were included in the analyses, but none are closely related to Nia vibrissa, which therefore represents an independent origin of the gasteroid habit in the homobasidiomycetes.
Long-term effects of ovulation-stimulating drugs on cancer risk Introduction

Although nulliparity has been extensively related to the risk of ovarian, breast and endometrial cancers, with many studies showing the relationship largely attributable to infertility, treatment effects on cancer risk are poorly understood. Two early studies raised substantial concern when ovulation-stimulating drugs were linked with large increases in ovarian cancer, supporting the notion of an important aetiological role of incessant ovulation. Subsequent studies have been mainly reassuring, although some have suggested possible risk increases among nulligravid women, those with extensive follow-up, and those developing borderline tumours. Results regarding effects of fertility drugs on breast cancer risk are conflicting, with some showing no associations and others demonstrating possible risk increases, although for varying subgroups. In contrast, endometrial cancer results are more consistent, with two recent studies showing increased risks related to clomiphene usage. This is of interest given that clomiphene is structurally similar to tamoxifen, a drug extensively linked with this cancer. Given the recent marketing of fertility drugs and the fact that exposed women are only beginning to reach the cancer age range, further follow-up is necessary. This will also be important to fully resolve effects of exposures such as gonadotrophins, used more recently in conjunction with IVF.
Azimuthal variations of gas-phase oxygen abundance in NGC 2997

The azimuthal variation of the H II region oxygen abundance in spiral galaxies is a key observable for understanding how quickly oxygen produced by massive stars can be dispersed within the surrounding interstellar medium. Observational constraints on the prevalence and magnitude of such azimuthal variations remain rare in the literature. Here, we report the discovery of pronounced azimuthal variations of H II region oxygen abundance in NGC 2997, a spiral galaxy at approximately 11.3 Mpc. Using 3D spectroscopic data from the TYPHOON Program, we have studied the H II region oxygen abundance at a physical resolution of 125 pc. Individual H II regions or complexes are identified in the 3D optical data and their strong emission line fluxes measured to constrain their oxygen abundances. We find 0.06 dex azimuthal variations in the oxygen abundance on top of a radial abundance gradient that is comparable to those seen in other star-forming disks. At a given radial distance, the oxygen abundances are highest in the spiral arms and lower in the inter-arm regions, similar to what has been reported in NGC 1365 using similar observations. We discuss whether the azimuthal variations could be recovered when the galaxy is observed at worse physical resolutions and lower signal-to-noise ratios.
Autonomic Nervous System Functioning Associated with Epileptic Seizures: Analysis of Heart Rate Variability

Objective: Little is known about the (peri-) ictal changes in autonomic nervous system activity of epileptic seizures. Such information may be useful for seizure prediction paradigms and differential diagnosis between epilepsy and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). The current study investigated the peri-ictal time course of heart rate variability (HRV) measures, which reflect autonomic nervous system functioning. Methods: HRV measures were extracted from electrocardiography data collected during 1-7 days of videoelectroencephalography monitoring of 17 patients with epilepsy and 20 patients with PNES. Heart rate (HR) and HRV measures (standard deviation of average beat-to-beat intervals (SDANN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), high frequency (HF) power, low frequency (LF) power and very low frequency (VLF) power) were averaged over consecutive five-minute intervals. Quantitative analyses of Poincare plot parameters (SD1, SD2 and SD1/SD2 ratio) were also performed. In addition, differences with HRV parameters of patients with PNES were explored. Results: In epilepsy, no significant pre-ictal changes in HR and HRV parameters were observed. During seizures, HR, SDANN, SD1 and SD1/SD2 ratio significantly increased while VLF power significantly decreased. In the five-minute interval immediately following seizures, HR, SDANN and SD1 were back to pre-seizure levels, while VLF power remained significantly decreased and SD1/SD2 ratio remained significantly increased. Significant between-group differences were identified for several pre-ictal and ictal HRV parameters, but not for post-ictal measurements. Conclusion: The ictal HR and HRV changes reflect increased sympathetic system activation during epileptic seizures. The HRV parameters of patients with epilepsy differed significantly from the peri-ictal HRV pattern of patients with PNES, which suggested increased sympathetic system activation and decreased vagal tone shortly before PNES and return to normal levels shortly after the episode. Implications for differential diagnosis and treatment are discussed.
A Review on the Inverse of Symmetric Tridiagonal and Block Tridiagonal Matrices

In this paper some results are reviewed concerning the characterization of inverses of symmetric tridiagonal and block tridiagonal matrices as well as results concerning the decay of the elements of the inverses. These results are obtained by relating the elements of inverses to elements of the Cholesky decompositions of these matrices. This gives explicit formulas for the elements of the inverse and gives rise to stable algorithms to compute them. These expressions also lead to bounds for the decay of the elements of the inverse for problems arising from discretization schemes.
EFSA NDA Panel (EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies), 2014. Scientific Opinion on health benefits of seafood (fish and shellfish) consumption in relation to health risks associated with exposure to methylmercury

Following a request from the European Commission to address the risks and benefits as regards fish/seafood consumption related to relevant beneficial substances (e.g. nutrients such as n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids) and the contaminant methylmercury, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a Scientific Opinion on health benefits of seafood consumption in relation to health risks associated with exposure to methylmercury. In the present Opinion, the NDA Panel has reviewed the role of seafood in European diets and evaluated the beneficial effects of seafood consumption in relation to health outcomes and population subgroups that have been identified by the FAO/WHO Joint Expert Consultation on the Risks and Benefits of Fish Consumption and/or the EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the context of a risk assessment related to the presence of mercury and methylmercury in food as relevant for the assessment. These included the effects of seafood consumption during pregnancy on functional outcomes of children’s neurodevelopment and the effects of seafood consumption on cardiovascular disease risk in adults. The Panel concluded that consumption of about 1-2 servings of seafood per week and up to 3-4 servings per week during pregnancy has been associated with better functional outcomes of neurodevelopment in children compared to no consumption of seafood. Such amounts have also been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality in adults and are compatible with current intakes and recommendations in most of the European countries considered. These associations refer to seafood per se and include beneficial and adverse effects of nutrients and non-nutrients (i.e. including contaminants such as methylmercury) contained in seafood. No additional benefits on neurodevelopmental outcomes and no benefit on coronary heart disease mortality risk might be expected at higher intakes. © European Food Safety Authority, 2014
On the Flow Physics of Effectively Controlled Open Cavity Flows

Abstract : The intense aeroacoustic environment of flow over open cavities is created by an important fundamental flow phenomena associated with a resonating fluid system. In practical applications, this resonating flow can be extremely detrimental to aircraft due to the creation of high levels of broadband and tonal fluctuating pressures. The ability to alter flow field characteristics for a practical advantage represents a significant challenge that, when accomplished, can lead to paradigm shift in how systems involving fluid flow are designed. The research reported in this document represents accomplishments on controlling the flow over open cavities and developing a better understanding on how leading edge actuation alters the flow. The two focuses of this research, detailed flow measurements of successful active control strategies and development of adaptive control strategies, have both advanced the knowledge active as applied to high speed flow over open cavities. On the flow measurement side, we have explored the evolution of flow downstream of segmented leading edge blowing slots.