Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capitalizing on Admixture in Genome-Wide Association Studies: A Two-Stage Testing Procedure and Application to Height in African-Americans

As genome-wide association studies expand beyond populations of European ancestry, the role of admixture will become increasingly important in the continued discovery and fine-mapping of variation influencing complex traits. Although admixture is commonly viewed as a confounding influence in association studies, approaches such as admixture mapping have demonstrated its ability to highlight disease susceptibility regions of the genome. In this study, we illustrate a powerful two-stage testing strategy designed to uncover trait-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms in the presence of ancestral allele frequency differentiation. In the first stage, we conduct an association scan by using predicted genotypic values based on regional admixture estimates. We then select a subset of promising markers for inclusion in a second-stage analysis, where association is tested between the observed genotype and the phenotype conditional on the predicted genotype. We prove that, under the null hypothesis, the test statistics used in each stage are orthogonal and asymptotically independent. Using simulated data designed to mimic African-American populations in the case of a quantitative trait, we show that our two-stage procedure maintains appropriate control of the family wise error rate and has higher power under realistic effect sizes than the one-stage testing procedure in which all markers are tested for association simultaneously with control of admixture. We apply the proposed procedure to a study of height in 201 African-Americans genotyped at 108 ancestry informative markers. The two-stage procedure identified two statistically significant markers rs1985080 (PTHB1/BBS9) and rs952718 (ABCA12). PTHB1/BBS9 is downregulated by parathyroid hormone in osteoblastic cells and is thought to be involved in parathyroid hormone action in bones and may play a role in height. ABCA12 is a member of the superfamily of ATP binding cassette transporters and its potential involvement in height is unclear.
3D imaging and body measurement of riding horses using four scanners simultaneously

ABSTRACT Although there have been advances in the technology for measuring horse body size with stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) scanners, previously reported methods with a single scanner still face a significant challenge: the time necessary for scanning is too long for the horses to remain stationary. This study attempted to scan the horse simultaneously from four directions using four scanners in order to complete the scans in a short amount of time and then combine the images from the four scans on a computer into one whole image of each horse. This study also compared body measurements from the combined 3D images with those taken from conventional manual measurements. Nine riding horses were used to construct stereoscopic composite images, and the following 10 measurements were taken: height at the withers, back, and croup; chest depth; width of the chest (WCh), croup, and waist; girth circumference, cannon circumference (CaC), and body length. The same 10 measurements were taken by conventional manual methods. Relative errors ranged from −1.89% to 7.05%. The correlation coefficient between manual and 3D measurements was significant for all body measurements (P<0.01) except for WCh and CaC. A simple regression analysis of all body measurements revealed a strong correlation (P<0.001, R2=0.9994, root-mean-square error=1.612). Simultaneous scanning with four devices from four directions reduced the scanning time from 60 sec with one device to 15 sec. This made it possible to perform non-contact body measurements even on incompletely trained horses who could not remain stationary for long periods of time.
Joint Interactive Visualization of 3D Models and Pictures in Walkable Scenes

The 3D digitalization of buildings, urban scenes, and the like is now a mature technology. Highly complex, densely sampled, reasonably accurate 3D models can be obtained by range-scanners and even image-based reconstruction methods from dense image collections. Acquisition of naked geometry is not enough in Cultural Heritage applications, because the surface colors (e.g. pictorial data) are clearly of central importance. Moreover, the 3D geometry cannot be expected to be complete, lacking context, parts made of materials like glass and metal, difﬁcult to reach surfaces, etc. Easily captured photographs are the natural source of the appearance data missing in the 3D geometry. In spite of the recent availability of reliable technologies to align 2D images on 3D data, the two sides of the dataset are not easy to combine satisfactorily in a visualization. Texture mapping techniques, perhaps the most obvious candidate for the task, assume strict content consistency (3D to 2D, and 2D to 2D) which these datasets do not and should not exhibit (the advantage of pictures consisting in their ability to feature details, lighting conditions, non-persistent items, etc. which are absent in the 3D models or in the other pictures). In this work, we present a simple but effective technique to jointly and interactively visualize 2D and 3D data of this kind. This technique is used within “PhotoCloud” [IV12], a ﬂexible opensource tool which is being designed to browse, navigate, and visualize large, remotely stored 3D-2D datasets, and which emphasizes scalability, usability, and ability to cope with heterogeneous data from various sources.
The Complexity of Connectivity in Wireless Networks

We define and study the scheduling complexity in wireless networks, which expresses the theoretically achievable efficiency of MAC layer protocols. Given a set of communication requests in arbitrary networks, the scheduling complexity describes the amount of time required to successfully schedule all requests. The most basic and important network structure in wireless networks being connectivity, we study the scheduling complexity of connectivity, i.e., the minimal amount of time required until a connected structure can be scheduled. In this paper, we prove that the scheduling complexity of connectivity grows only polylogarithmically in the number of nodes. Specifically, we present a novel scheduling algorithm that successfully schedules a strongly connected set of links in time O(logn) even in arbitrary worst-case networks. On the other hand, we prove that standard MAC layer or scheduling protocols can perform much worse. Particularly, any protocol that either employs uniform or linear (a node’s transmit power is proportional to the minimum power required to reach its intended receiver) power assignment has a Ω(n) scheduling complexity in the worst case, even for simple communication requests. In contrast, our polylogarithmic scheduling algorithm allows many concurrent transmission by using an explicitly formulated non-linear power assignment scheme. Our results show that even in large-scale worst-case networks, there is no theoretical scalability problem when it comes to scheduling transmission requests, thus giving an interesting complement to the more pessimistic bounds for the capacity in wireless networks. All results are based on the physical model of communication, which takes into account that the signal-tonoise plus interference ratio (SINR) at a receiver must be above a certain threshold if the transmission is to be received correctly.
A Knowledge and Evaluation Model to Support the Conservation of Abandoned Historical Centres in Inner Areas

The planning of interventions aimed at preserving the built heritage of inner areas is a complex process due to the fragility of these contexts. It should stem from adequate knowledge to support the recognition of qualities, resources, and potentials, and the reinterpretation of residual values. From the perspective of an axiological approach to the built heritage, it is possible to foster the resemantization of such values based on a rigorous cognitive model. This research proposed a cognitive model of the built heritage of the historic neighbourhood of Granfonte in Leonforte (Enna). The knowledge model, developed in Excel, has a hierarchical type of structure characterized by domain, classes, properties, and the attribution of values to properties. The approach makes it possible to execute queries that arise from specific relationships between classes. In this study, we developed both simple queries to measure the percentages of certain characteristics of the building units and complex queries for the estimation of aggregate indices to define the degree of transformation and loss of integrity ITI and degradation ID of the building units or to identify those most exposed to the risk of ruination and contagion. The proposed model can be framed within the framework of ontologies supporting structured heritage knowledge.
Light Guiding in Low Index Materials using High-Index-Contrast Waveguides

We propose a novel high-index-contrast waveguide structure capable of light strong confinement and guiding in low-refractive-index materials. The principle of operation of this structure relies on the electric field (E-field) discontinuity at the interface between high-indexcontrast materials. We show that by using such a structure the E-field can be strongly confined in a 50-nm-wide low-index region with normalized average intensity of 20 µm -2 . This intensity is approximately 20 times higher than that can be achieved in SiO2 with conventional rectangular or photonic crystal waveguides.
Effectiveness of Vitamin D Therapy on the Lipid Profile of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic hyperandrogenism and anovulation that is also associated with various clinical and biochemical features. Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem that affects up to half of the adult population worldwide, including patients with PCOS. Based on these considerations, we are interested in further exploring the effectiveness of vitamin D in improving lipid profiles in PCOS.Efektivitas Terapi Vitamin D pada Profil Lipid Penderita Sindrom Ovarium PolikistikAbstrakSindrom Ovarium Polikistik (PCOS) ditandai dengan hiperandrogenisme kronis dan anovulasi yang juga berhubungan dengan berbagai gambaran klinis dan biokimia. Kekurangan vitamin D adalah masalah umum yang mempengaruhi setengah populasi orang dewasa di seluruh dunia, termasuk pasien PCOS. Tinjauan literatur ini dilakukan untuk mencari artikel asli dan review mengenai pertanyaan spesifik mengenai efektivitas terapi vitamin D terhadap profil lipid pasien PCOS.Kata kunci: PCOS, Lipid, Vitamin D
Sultanahmet Meydanı’nda Hareket ve Algı Esaslı Kentsel Tasarım Analizi [Urban Design Analysis Based on Movement and Perception at Sultanahmet Square]

As the most important historical city centre of Istanbul with dense pedestrian /vehicular traffic, a pedestrianisation project was developed by UKOME at Sultanahmet region. The authors present the outcomes of the research project that tries to put forward a design framework, which will guide the work on urban design and pedestrianisation project and strengthen the spatial and perceptual organisation of Sultanahmet Square and its environment.
NanoBridge-Based FPGA in High-Temperature Environments

The authors demonstrate a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) based on NanoBridge, a novel resistive-change switch. NanoBridge, which is integrated in the back end of line (BEOL), features a high on/off conductance ratio, weak temperature dependence of its resistance, nonvolatility, endurance against soft errors, and a small footprint. In place of static RAM (SRAM) and a pass transistor, NanoBridge is utilized as a configuration switch in the FPGA. In this article, the authors evaluate the NanoBridge-based FPGA (NB-FPGA) for applications in harsh environments. Specifically, they implemented NB-FPGA in a humanoid robot and compared its performance with that of the conventional FPGA. Results showed that NB-FPGA exhibits small variation in performance over a wide range of temperature, from −55 to 150 °C, and has high immunity for fluctuations in the power supply voltage.
Effects of Online Health Promotion Program to Improve the Health and Wellbeing of Healthcare Students: A Feasibility Study

Background: Healthcare students’ health and wellbeing have been seriously affected worldwide. Research studies highlighted the need to establish health promotion strategies to improve them. Methods: A mixed method feasibility with a randomized controlled trial study followed by qualitative focus-group interviews to evaluate the effect of a 24 h online health promotion program improving healthcare students’ health and wellbeing was performed in mid-2022. The study also illustrated the program’s effect, contents, and activity arrangements. Healthcare students from two large tertiary institutions were randomly assigned to intervention and waitlist-control groups. Outcomes were measured by self-completed online questionnaires at three-time points (baseline, week four, and week eight), and in-depth focus-group interviews followed. Results: Among 70 enrolled and 60 eligible students, 54 completed the study, with a 10% attrition rate. Results demonstrated a significant difference between groups at week eight. Within the intervention group, there were significant differences were found from baseline to week eight for depression (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.004), and stress (p < 0.001). The program also improved certain domains of personal wellbeing and quality of life. Qualitative findings further illustrated the program contents and activities’ feasibility, acceptability, and suitability. Most participants welcomed the online mode’s flexibility and convenience. They enjoyed diversified and complementary content and activities. They had increased self-awareness of health and wellbeing. Besides, mental health knowledge enables them to ‘self-care’ and help those in need in the future. Conclusions: The results indicate the feasibility of performing full-scale research in the future and may provide more support for the students of higher education institutions.
In Vitro Synergy and Enhanced Murine Brain Penetration of Saquinavir Coadministered with Mefloquine

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has substantially improved prognosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the integration of proviral DNA, development of viral resistance, and lack of permeability of drugs into sanctuary sites (e.g., brain and lymphocyte) are major limitations to current regimens. Previous studies have indicated that the antimalarial drug chloroquine (CQ) has antiviral efficacy and a synergism with HIV protease inhibitors. We have screened a panel of antimalarial compounds for activity against HIV-1 in vitro. A limited efficacy was observed for CQ, mefloquine (MQ), and mepacrine (MC). However, marked synergy was observed between MQ and saquinavir (SQV), but not CQ in U937 cells. Furthermore, enhancement of the antiviral activity of SQV and four other protease inhibitors (PIs) by MQ was observed in MT4 cells, indicating a class specific rather than a drug-specific phenomenon. We demonstrate that these observations are a result of inhibition of multiple drug efflux proteins by MQ and that MQ also displaces SQV from orosomucoid in vitro. Finally, coadministration of MQ and SQV in CD-1 mice dramatically altered the tissue distribution of SQV, resulting in a >3-fold and >2-fold increase in the tissue/blood ratio for brain and testis, respectively. This pharmacological enhancement of in vitro antiviral activity of PIs by MQ now warrants further examination in vivo.
Room-temperature THz antenna-coupled microbolometer with a Joule-heating resistor at the center of a half-wave antenna

We have proposed and fabricated an antenna-coupled microbolometer with a Joule-heating resistor at the center of a half-wave antenna on a Si substrate to achieve a high-performance sensing in 1 THz frequency region at a room-temperature. The heater is directly connected to a half-wave antenna at its center and the thermistor is thermally contacted to but electrically isolated from the heater by a thin insulator film, by which the impedances of heater and thermistor can be optimized independently. The performance measurements using a 1 THz source has proved the bolometer detects the THz wave by the receiving antenna and this structure has the advantage in realizing high-performance room-temperature THz detectors.
FIAT represses ATF4-mediated transcription to regulate bone mass in transgenic mice

We report the characterization of factor inhibiting activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)–mediated transcription (FIAT), a leucine zipper nuclear protein. FIAT interacted with ATF4 to inhibit binding of ATF4 to DNA and block ATF4-mediated transcription of the osteocalcin gene in vitro. Transgenic mice overexpressing FIAT in osteoblasts also had reduced osteocalcin gene expression and decreased bone mineral density, bone volume, mineralized volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, and decreased rigidity of long bones. Mineral homeostasis, osteoclast number and activity, and osteoblast proliferation and apoptosis were unchanged in transgenics. Expression of osteoblastic differentiation markers was largely unaffected and type I collagen synthesis was unchanged. Mineral apposition rate was reduced in transgenic mice, suggesting that the lowered bone mass was due to a decline in osteoblast activity. This cell-autonomous decrease in osteoblast activity was confirmed by measuring reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization in primary osteoblast cultures. These results show that FIAT regulates bone mass accrual and establish FIAT as a novel transcriptional regulator of osteoblastic function.
Artificial intelligence's role in the realm of endangered languages: Documentation and teaching

With numerous languages nearing extinction, the urgency to preserve endangered languages has become a prominent focus in the linguistic field. This paper delves into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the domains of documentation and pedagogy for endangered languages, particularly highlighting its innovative applications and the associated challenges. It delves into how AI-powered tools reshape linguistic fieldwork, offering accelerated annotation, consistent data collection, and deeper analytical endeavors. Furthermore, this exploration highlights the potential of AI in revolutionizing the teaching of these languages, ushering in a new era marked by dynamic, scalable, and engaging learning experiences. While AI presents unparalleled efficiencies, its challenges, ranging from data scarcity to the looming digital divide, are addressed critically. As the digital age continues to evolve, merging AIs capabilities with traditional linguistic approaches holds the promise of a more inclusive and comprehensive strategy to rejuvenate and preserve the worlds rich linguistic tapestry. This paper has summarized and provided an outlook on the research topic at hand.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Internal Ribosome Entry Site (Ires) Activity Ex Vivo and in Transgenic Mice Reveals a Stringent Tissue-Specific Regulation

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a powerful mitogen involved in proliferation, differentiation, and survival of various cells including neurons. FGF-2 expression is translationally regulated; in particular, the FGF-2 mRNA contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) allowing cap-independent translation. Here, we have analyzed FGF-2 IRES tissue specificity ex vivo and in vivo by using a dual luciferase bicistronic vector. This IRES was active in most transiently transfected human and nonhuman cell types, with a higher activity in p53 −/− osteosarcoma and neuroblastoma cell lines. Transgenic mice were generated using bicistronic transgenes with FGF-2 IRES or encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) IRES. Measurements of luciferase activity revealed high FGF-2 IRES activity in 11-d-old embryos (E11) but not in the placenta; activity was high in the heart and brain of E16. FGF-2 IRES activity was low in most organs of the adult, but exceptionally high in the brain. Such spatiotemporal variations were not observed with the EMCV IRES. These data, demonstrating the strong tissue specificity of a mammalian IRES in vivo, suggest a pivotal role of translational IRES- dependent activation of FGF-2 expression during embryogenesis and in adult brain. FGF-2 IRES could constitute, thus, a powerful tool for gene transfer in the central nervous system.
Identification of an amino acid sequence within GABAA receptor β3 subunits that is important for receptor assembly

GABAA receptors are chloride ion channels that can be opened by GABA, the most important inhibitory transmitter in the CNS. In the mammalian brain the majority of these pentameric receptors is composed of two α, two β and one γ subunit. To achieve the correct order of subunits around the pore, each subunit must form specific contacts via its plus (+) and minus (–) side. To identify a sequence on the β3 subunit important for assembly, we generated various full‐length or truncated chimeric β3 constructs and investigated their ability to assemble with α1 and γ2 subunits. It was demonstrated that replacement of the sequence β3(76–89) by the homologous α1 sequence impaired assembly with α1 but not with γ2 subunits in α1β3γ2‐GABAA receptors. Other experiments indicated that assembly was impaired via the β3(–) side of the chimeric subunit. Within the sequence β3(76–89) the sequence β3(85–89) seemed to be of primary importance for assembly with α1 subunits. A comparison with the structure of the acetylcholine‐binding protein supports the conclusion that the sequence β3(85–89) is located at the β3(–) side and indicates that it contains amino acid residues that might directly interact with the (+) side of the neighbouring α1 subunit.
Sliding mode control of a four brushless motor robot with independent wheels

This paper deals with the modeling and the control of a four wheels mobile robot driven by four independent brushless DC motors. The modeling approach considers the mechanical and the electrical characteristics of the four brushless DC motors and the dynamical model of the studied mobile robot. A control strategy based on IP control and Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is presented. It aims to allow the robot to track a referenced trajectory. Simulation results are presented to prove the efficiency of the proposed control strategy.
ALCOHOL EXPECTANCIES AND TREATMENT: A REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Balow Jane L. This paper reviews the main issues in alcohol expectancy research, and identifies how these findings can best be used in substance abuse treatment. The paper includes a review of literature on theoretical perspectives of alcohol expectancies, different types of related testing instruments, and early research in alcohol expectancies. It also includes research related to the role of alcohol expectancies in predicting behaviors, preventing alcohol abuse or dependency, and the treatment of alcohol dependence. This review also includes implications for the use of alcohol expectancies in treating and preventing alcohol dependence, as well as recommendations for future research.