Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A ranking system for the evaluation of intersex condition in european flounder (Platichthys flesus)

Intersex (ovotestis) is the condition whereby an individual possesses oocytes, at varying degrees of severity, within the normal testicular tissue and is regarded as an endpoint of endocrine disruption in male fish. The occurrence of intersex has been linked with exposure to endocrine‐disrupting compounds present in the environment, which are thought to mimic the actions of the female sex hormone 17‐β‐oestradiol. Using stained histological sections of archived cases of intersex from European flounder (Platichthys flesus), this study developed a grading method to assess the extent of the condition. This was termed the ovotestis severity index (OSI). The OSI utilizes the distribution pattern (focal, diffuse, cluster, zonal) and type of oocyte (previtellogenic, cortical alveolar, vitellogenic) to assign a severity rating to each intersex fish. A high OSI refers to fish with testicular material almost completely replaced with mature (vitellogenic) oocytes, and lower scores indicate those fish with small numbers of immature (previtellogenic) oocytes. The development of this index provides pathologists with a robust tool for the grading of the intersex condition in European flounder and potentially in other fish species.
Metarepresentational Versus Control Theories of Metacognition

It is still unclear what metacognition is. Two main theories about metacognition are reviewed, each of which claims to provide a better explanation of the phenomenon, while discrediting the other theory as inappropriate. My claim is that in order to do justice to the complex phenomenon of metacognition, we must distinguish two levels of this capacity. It can be shown that each of these theories has been trying to explain only one of the two levels and that, consequently, the conflict between them can be dissolved. Finally, I characterize each level and explain some of their interactions.
Multimedia Virtual Laboratory : Integration of Computer Simulation and Experiment

It is important that the researchers can examine the physical phenomenon by comparing the numerical simulation data and experimental results. In this research, the framework of the virtual laboratory in which the computer simulation data and the experiment data can be visualized together in the networked virtual environment was constructed. In order to represent the dynamic phenomenon, the mechanism of the time control in which the different kinds of data can be visualized synchronously between remote sites is necessary. This paper discusses the functions of the time passage control and the clock adjustment. These functions were implemented to realize the synchronized visualization in the networked virtual world, and the effectiveness of these functions was evaluated.
Enhanced Dissociation of HLA-DR-Bound Peptides in the Presence of HLA-DM

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DM is a critical participant in antigen presentation that catalyzes the release of class II-associated invariant chain-derived peptides (CLIP) from newly synthesized class II histocompatibility molecules, freeing the peptide-binding site for acquisition of antigenic peptides. The mechanism for the selective release of CLIP but not other peptides is unknown. DM was found to enhance the rate of peptide dissociation to an extent directly proportional to the intrinsic rate of peptide dissociation from HLA-DR, regardless of peptide sequence. Thus, CLIP is rapidly released in the presence of DM, because its intrinsic rate of dissociation is relatively high. In antigen presentation, DM has the potential to markedly enhance the rate of peptide exchange, favoring the presentation of peptides with slower intrinsic rates of dissociation.
What Makes for Good Sex? The Associations Among Attachment Style, Inhibited Communication and Sexual Satisfaction

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that those with insecure attachments (characterised by anxiety, avoidance or both; Hazan & Shaver, 1994), would engage in less effective communication on sexual matters, which would in turn predict lower sexual satisfaction. A sample of 125 participants aged between 18 and 65 completed an online questionnaire asking about their sexual and intimate relationships, and their attachment patterns. As expected, avoidant individuals reported poorer sexual communication, which contributed to their sexual dissatisfaction. Contrary to expectations, anxiety did not have this effect. Interestingly, those anxious individuals in a relationship of 9 months or longer engaged in poorer sexual communication, which negatively impacted their sexual satisfaction. It was suggested that the ‘honeymoon period’ may be responsible for this finding. Alternatively, and as suggested by Davis et al. (2006), other variables, such as sexual anxiety and using sex as a barometer of relationship status, may account for this effect and warrant further exploration.
The Relationship between Styles of Creativity and Managerial Skills Assessment

A practice of growing popularity is the use ofmulti-rater, 360-degree feedback to enhance man-agerial development. Multi-rater feedback use isbased on the assumption that performance in-formation from superiors, peers and subordinateswill lead to improved performance and enhancedleader effectiveness (London and Smither, 1995;Tornow, 1993a). Along with the increased use of360-degree, or multi-rater, feedback instrumentsamong practitioners, a considerable body ofknowledge is emerging. Research has investi-gated the effectiveness of 360-degree instrument s,including their reliability and validity, self-otherrating relationships, and their appropriate uses(for example, Carless, 1997; Furnham and String-field, 1994; Hazucha, Hezlett and Schneider, 1993;Tornow, 1993a; Van Velsor and Leslie, 1992). One strand of this research concerns theindividual’s characteristics and rating tendencies.There is evidence that gender, rac e, ag, self-esteem, introversion, sensitivity and dominanceinfluence self-ratings (Brutus, Fleenor andMcCauley, 1996). In related studies, character-istics of managers such as race, ag, gender andpersonality have also been found to affect howothers evaluate them (for example Eagley, Karauand Makhijami, 1995; Lawrence, 1988; Londonand Wohlers, 1991). Other research has focusedon personal factors influencing the degree ofcongruence between self and others’ ratings. Forexampl e, intelligenc , achievement statu , internallocus of control and introversion were all found tobe related to self-other congruence in managerialratings (Roush and Atwater, 1992). Tornow (1993b) calls on managers to payattention to discrepancies between self andothers’ ratings. Discrepancies are noteworthy,because one of the characteristics associated withderailment is an inflated perception of one ’s skillsrelative to others’ perceptions (Lombardo andBritish Journal of Management, Vol.10, 228–238 (1999)
A Novel Phosphopeptide Microarray Based Interactome Map in Breast Cancer Cells Reveals Phosphoprotein-GRB2 Cell Signaling Networks

The architecture of cellular proteins connected to form signaling pathways in response to internal and external cues is much more complex than a group of simple protein-protein interactions. Post translational modifications on proteins (e.g., phosphorylation of serine, threonine and tyrosine residues on proteins) initiate many downstream signaling events leading to protein-protein interactions and subsequent activation of signaling cascades leading to cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell death. As evidenced by a rapidly expanding mass spectrometry database demonstrating protein phosphorylation at specific motifs, there is currently a large gap in understanding the functional significance of phosphoproteins with respect to their specific protein connections in the signaling cascades. A comprehensive map that interconnects phospho-motifs in pathways will enable identification of nodal protein interactions that are sensitive signatures indicating a disease phenotype from the physiological hemostasis and provide clues into control of disease. Using a novel phosphopeptide microarray technology, we have mapped endogenous tyrosine-phosphoproteome interaction networks in breast cancer cells mediated by signaling adaptor protein GRB2, which transduces cellular responses downstream of several RTKs through the Ras-ERK signaling cascade. We have identified several previously reported motif specific interactions and novel interactions. The peptide microarray data indicate that various phospho-motifs on a single protein are differentially regulated in various cell types and shows global downregulation of phosphoprotein interactions specifically in cells with metastatic potential. The study has revealed novel phosphoprotein mediated signaling networks, which warrants further detailed analysis of the nodes of protein-protein interaction to uncover their biomarker or therapeutic potential.
CHARACTERIZING SUBPOPULATIONS WITHIN THE NEAR-EARTH OBJECTS WITH NEOWISE: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

We present the preliminary results of an analysis of the sub-populations within the near-Earth asteroids, including the Atens, Apollos, Amors, and those that are considered potentially hazardous using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE). In order to extrapolate the sample of objects detected by WISE to the greater population, we determined the survey biases for asteroids detected by the project's automated moving object processing system (known as NEOWISE) as a function of diameter, visible albedo, and orbital elements. Using this technique, we are able to place constraints on the number of potentially hazardous asteroids larger than 100 m and find that there are ∼4700 ± 1450 such objects. As expected, the Atens, Apollos, and Amors are revealed by WISE to have somewhat different albedo distributions, with the Atens being brighter than the Amors. The cumulative size distributions of the various near-Earth object (NEO) subgroups vary slightly between 100 m and 1 km. A comparison of the observed orbital elements of the various sub-populations of the NEOs with the current best model is shown.
Bisphenol A Exposure during Adulthood Alters Expression of Aromatase and 5α-Reductase Isozymes in Rat Prostate

The high incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in elderly men is a cause of increasing public health concern. In recent years, various environmental endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), have been shown to disrupt sexual organs, including the prostate gland. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Because androgens and estrogens are important factors in prostate physiopathology, our objective was to examine in rat ventral prostate the effects of adult exposure to BPA on 5α-Reductase isozymes (5α-R types 1, 2, and 3) and aromatase, key enzymes in the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone and estradiol, respectively. Adult rats were subcutaneously injected for four days with BPA (25, 50, 300, or 600 µg/Kg/d) dissolved in vehicle. Quantitative RT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical analyses showed lower mRNA and protein levels of 5α-R1 and 5α-R2 in BPA-treated groups versus controls but higher mRNA levels of 5α-R3, recently proposed as a biomarker of malignancy. However, BPA treatment augmented mRNA and protein levels of aromatase, whose increase has been described in prostate diseases. BPA-treated rats also evidenced a higher plasma estradiol/testosterone ratio, which is associated with prostate disease. Our results may offer new insights into the role of BPA in the development of prostate disease and may be of great value for studying the prostate disease risk associated with exposure to BPA in adulthood.
Comparative pharmacology of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) affect a series of neurotransmitter functions. The uptake of noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) is inhibited to a varying degree. Many of the TCAs potently inhibit a series of neurotransmitter receptors. A series of newer antidepressants preferentially increases 5-HT transmission by inhibiting 5-HT uptake. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are those which have a high potency ratio of 5-HT-uptake inhibition as compared to NA-uptake inhibition, together with slight or no effect on other uptake mechanisms, neurotransmitter receptors, enzymes, etc. The marketed SSRIs, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline all fulfil the above-mentioned criteria. Paroxetine is the most potent 5-HT-uptake inhibitor, whereas citalopram is the most selective. In general, the rank order of selectivity is equal in in vitro studies, in biochemical in vivo studies and in behavioural studies. Potency and selectivity for 5-HT uptake do not coincide. In contr.
Humanitarian Reform and Biracial Sexual Assault in a Maximum Security Prison

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This paper is a revision of a paper read at the 1974 Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Social Problems in Montreal. LEO CARROLL is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Rhode Island. He received his Ph.D. from Brown University in 1974. This articte is based upon his dissertation. At present, he is conducting research on social discrimination in the granting of parole, and on the prison and postprison adjustments of &dquo;lifers. &dquo;
A novel parallel architecture for low voltage-low power DLL-based frequency multiplier

New architecture for a DLL based frequency multiplier for wireless transceivers presents in this paper. This architecture has the advantages of occupy low area, low power, low voltage and low phase noise. DLLs are first ordered systems, so good stability can obtain in this design. This structure also can be used for generating big multiple of reference frequencies. The proposed circuit can operate at a substantially low supply voltage. As an example, the multiplier is adopted to create the 13 times of the reference frequency. The circuit level design is presented. Also power consumption trade-offs are reported. Simulation results confirm the analytical predictions. The proposed DLL-based frequency multiplier is implemented in a 0.13um CMOS Technology.
Pedunculated Cecal Lipoma Causing Colo-Colonic Intussusception: A Rare Case Report

Colonic lipomas are uncommon nonepithelial neoplasms that are typically sessile, asymptomatic and incidentally found during endoscopy, surgery, or autopsy. We present a very rare case of a 34-year-old female patient with symptomatic pedunculated cecal lipoma causing intermittent colo-colonic intussusception. Despite adequate imaging studies, definite preoperative diagnosis was not established and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. Intraoperatively, intussusception of the cecum into the ascending colon was found and right hemicolectomy was performed. Macroscopic assessment of the resected specimen showed the presence of a giant cecal pedunculated polypoid tumor with features of lipoma, causing intussusception. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pedunculated cecal lipoma.
The Role of Lysophosphatidic Acid on Airway Epithelial Cell Denudation in a Murine Heterotopic Tracheal Transplant Model

Background Chronic rejection is the major leading cause of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Obliterative bronchiolitis (OB), a fibroproliferative disorder of the small airways, is the main manifestation of chronic lung allograft rejection. However, there is currently no treatment for the disease. We hypothesized that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) participates in the progression of OB. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of LPA on the lesion of OB. Methods Ki16198, an antagonist specifically for LPA1 and LPA3, was daily administered into the heterotopic tracheal transplant model mice at the day of transplantation. At days 10 and 28, the allografts were isolated and evaluated histologically. The messenger RNA levels of LPAR in microdissected mouse airway regions were assessed to reveal localization of lysophosphatidic acid receptors. The human airway epithelial cell was used to evaluate the mechanism of LPA-induced suppression of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Results The administration of Ki16198 attenuated airway epithelial cell loss in the allograft at day 10. Messenger RNAs of LPA1 and LPA3 were detected in the airway epithelial cells of the mice. Lysophosphatidic acid inhibited the attachment of human airway epithelial cells to the ECM and induced cell detachment from the ECM, which was mediated by LPA1 and Rho-kinase pathway. However, Ki16198 did not prevent obliteration of allograft at day 28. Conclusions The LPA signaling is involved in the status of epithelial cells by distinct contribution in 2 different phases of the OB lesion. This finding suggests a role of LPA in the pathogenesis of OB.
Downregulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Enhances Chemosensitivity by Induction of Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common cancers worldwide, is resistant to anticancer drugs. Angiogenesis is a major cause of tumor resistance to chemotherapy, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of small-interfering RNA targeting VEGF gene (VEGF-siRNA) on chemosensitivity of HCC cells in vitro. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, transfection was performed on Hep3B cells. After transfection with siRNAs, VEGF mRNA and protein levels were examined. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and anti-apoptotic gene expression were also analyzed after treatment with VEGF-siRNA in combination with doxorubicin in Hep3B cells. Results Transfection of VEGF-siRNA into Hep3B cells significantly reduced the expression of VEGF at both mRNA and protein levels. Combination therapy with VEGF-siRNA and doxorubicin more effectively suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis than the respective monotherapies. This could be explained by the significant downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) and SURVIVIN. Conclusion VEGF-siRNA enhanced the chemosensitivity of doxorubicin in Hep3B cells at least in part by suppressing the expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Therefore, the downregulation of VEGF by siRNA combined with doxorubicin treatment has been shown to yield promising results for eradicating HCC cells.
A study on path planning of crowd animation based on PSO

Crowd animation production is still a challenge in computer animation today. This paper presents an approach for generating paths of a crowd animation, which is based on Particle Swarm Optimizer and consider the optimization process of a particle swarm as a motion process of a crowd. Some measures are taken to make generated character paths realistic and natural. A tool was developed to generate crow animations and case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Motivations for Gang Membership in Lagos, Nigeria

The current study explores the major challenges (in the form of risk factors) that may influence unemployed youths’ involvement in gang and criminal activity in Lagos, Nigeria. A combination of techniques (e.g., oral, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires) were used for the data collection. The computed outcomes establish some of the major conditions (e.g., large families, rural/urban migration, poverty, and police corruption) faced by the vulnerable youths before turning to gang and criminal activity as an alternative opportunity to improve their lot in life. The possible implications of the current findings on risk-focused prevention strategies are discussed.
Iterative local dynamic programming

We develop an iterative local dynamic programming method (iLDP) applicable to stochastic optimal control problems in continuous high-dimensional state and action spaces. Such problems are common in the control of biological movement, but cannot be handled by existing methods. iLDP can be considered a generalization of Differential Dynamic Programming, inasmuch as: (a) we use general basis functions rather than quadratics to approximate the optimal value function; (b) we introduce a collocation method that dispenses with explicit differentiation of the cost and dynamics and ties iLDP to the Unscented Kalman filter; (c) we adapt the local function approximator to the propagated state covariance, thus increasing accuracy at more likely states. Convergence is similar to quasi-Netwon methods. We illustrate iLDP on several problems including the “swimmer” dynamical system which has 14 state and 4 control variables.
Associations between fruit and vegetable consumption and depressive symptoms: evidence from a national Canadian longitudinal survey

Background Several cross-sectional studies have demonstrated associations between diet quality, including fruit and vegetable consumption, and mental health. However, research examining these associations longitudinally, while accounting for related lifestyle factors (eg, smoking, physical activity) is scarce. Methods This study used data from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS), a large, national longitudinal survey of Canadians. The sample included 8353 participants aged 18 and older. Every 2 years from 2002/2003 to 2010/2011, participants completed self-reports of daily fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, smoking and symptoms of depression and psychological distress. Using generalised estimating equations, we modelled the associations between fruit and vegetable consumption at each timepoint and depression at the next timepoint, adjusting for relevant covariates. Results Fruit and vegetable consumption at each cycle was inversely associated with next-cycle depression (β=−0.03, 95% CI −0.05 to −0.01, p<0.01) and psychological distress (β=−0.03, 95% CI −0.05 to −0.02, p<0.0001). However, once models were adjusted for other health-related factors, these associations were attenuated (β=−0.01, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.02, p=0.55; β=−0.00, 95% CI −0.03 to 0.02, p=0.78 for models predicting depression and distress, respectively). Conclusions These findings suggest that relations between fruit and vegetable intake, other health-related behaviours and depression are complex. Behaviours such as smoking and physical activity may have a more important impact on depression than fruit and vegetable intake. Randomised control trials of diet are necessary to disentangle the effects of multiple health behaviours on mental health.
Cancer type-dependent genetic interactions between cancer driver alterations indicate plasticity of epistasis across cell types

Cancers, like many diseases, are normally caused by combinations of genetic alterations rather than by changes affecting single genes. It is well established that the genetic alterations that drive cancer often interact epistatically, having greater or weaker consequences in combination than expected from their individual effects. In a stringent statistical analysis of data from > 3,000 tumors, we find that the co‐occurrence and mutual exclusivity relationships between cancer driver alterations change quite extensively in different types of cancer. This cannot be accounted for by variation in tumor heterogeneity or unrecognized cancer subtypes. Rather, it suggests that how genomic alterations interact cooperatively or partially redundantly to driver cancer changes in different types of cancers. This re‐wiring of epistasis across cell types is likely to be a basic feature of genetic architecture, with important implications for understanding the evolution of multicellularity and human genetic diseases. In addition, if this plasticity of epistasis across cell types is also true for synthetic lethal interactions, a synthetic lethal strategy to kill cancer cells may frequently work in one type of cancer but prove ineffective in another.