Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Use of Allelic Transmission Rates for Assessing Gene‐by‐Environment Interaction in Case‐Parent Trios

Allelic transmission rates from parents to cases are frequently stratified by an environmental risk factor E and compared, with heterogeneity interpreted as gene‐environment interaction or G×E. Though generally invalid, such analyses continue to appear. We revisit why heterogeneity is not equivalent to G×E in a range of settings not considered previously. The objective is a fuller understanding of the bias in transmission rates and what is driving it. Extending previously published findings, we derive parental mating‐type probabilities in cases and use them to obtain transmission rates, which we then compare to G×E. Through simulation, we investigate the practical implications of the bias for a transmission‐based test of G×E. We find that general population characteristics distort the picture of G×E obtained from transmission rates: the stratum‐specific mating‐type probabilities under G − E dependence and the allele frequency under independence. Furthermore, the transmission‐based test has inflated error rates relative to a likelihood‐based test. Our investigation provides further insight into how and why transmission‐based tests and descriptive summaries can mislead about G×E. For exploring G×E, we suggest graphical displays of the transmission rates within parental mating types, as they are robust to population stratification and the penetrance model.
A Profit Maximization Approach to Demand Response Management with Customers Behavior Learning in Smart Grid

In this paper, we propose a profit-maximization-based pricing optimization model for the demand response (DR) management with customer behavior learning in the context of smart grids. By recognizing the different consumption patterns between shiftable and curtailable appliances, two different and distinguished behavior models are proposed. For shiftable appliances whose energy consumption can be shifted from high price periods to low price periods but total energy consumption is fixed, a probabilistic behavior model and its learning algorithm are proposed to model an individual customer's shifting probabilities dependent on different hourly prices. For curtailable appliances whose energy consumption cannot be shifted but total energy consumption can be adjusted, a regression model is proposed to model an individual customer's usage patterns dependent on prices and temperatures. After proposing the learning algorithms to identify these proposed behavior models, this paper further develops a genetic algorithm-based distributed pricing optimization algorithm for DR management with the aim to maximize the retailer's profit. Numerical results indicate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed models and their benefits to the retailer by improving its profit.
Comparison of Depression Inventories in a Clinical Population

Summary Using a general hospital psychiatric population (CN =158) the following psychometric measures of depression were assessed: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, D. Scale; Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression; Beck Inventory for Measuring Depression; Wechsler Depression Rating Scale; and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. The patients were grouped according to diagnoses in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM II): Depressive Neurosis; Severe Depression (Manic-Depressive, Depressed and Psychotic Depressive Reaction); Schizophrenia and Organic Brain Syndrome; Personality Disorder; and Neuroses other than Depressive (mainly anxiety). A group comprising those who attempted suicide was also formed from the above groups. All the measures correlated well with one another. Younger patients tended to score higher on the Zung SDS and the Beck. Females scored higher on the D Scale (MMPI) and males scored higher on the Beck. The group of suicidal patients were predominantly young females. The Hamilton and the D Scale differentiated the groups clinically. These two scales and the Wechsler may be the inventories of choice, expecially since the Hamilton and Wechsler have the advantage of being completed by a psychiatrist.
Dans les « coulisses » du métier d’opérateur de vidéosurveillance

Pieces maitresses des dispositifs de videosurveillance mis en place dans nombre de villes francaises aujourd’hui, les operateurs officiant derriere les ecrans demeurent pourtant des acteurs de la securite dont on sait peu de chose. Rares sont en effet les travaux de recherche, aussi bien en France que dans les pays anglo-saxons, qui se sont interesses a ce nouveau metier de surveillance a distance. Nous souhaitons, dans cet article, donner a voir en quoi il consiste en s’appuyant sur une enquete realisee aupres d’operateurs de deux salles de videosurveillance de communes francaises. Par cette perspective d’analyse, notre etude s’inscrit dans la lignee des recherches de type ethnographique visant a observer les pratiques professionnelles quotidiennes des principaux utilisateurs d’une technologie pour apprehender ce qui se joue dans le circuit de production de la securite.
Layer tool: support for progressive design

Others have studied the effect imposed by the computer medium and its tools on the design process. Black [1] proposed that finished-looking drafts produced on the computer curtail exploration of ideas. Graphic designers tend to focus on their initial concept and tweak detailed parameters such as column width or typeface rather than explore alternate designs. They concentrate on finishedIooking presentations rather than iterating structural issues. How can we provide tools that better support the earliest design phases? In [his paper, I describe a user observation of an architect at work and the interface design of a layer tool inspired from the observation.
ID-Based Authenticated Group Key Agreement Secure against Insider Attacks

In 2004, Choi et al. proposed an ID-based authenticated group key agreement. Unfortunately, their protocol was found to be vulnerable to the insider attacks by Zhang, Chen and Shim. To prevent insider attacks, Shim presented a modification of Choi et al.'s protocol. In this letter, we first show that Shim's modification is still insecure against insider attacks. We then present a modification of Choi et al.'s protocol that resists insider attacks. The counter-measure uses an ID-based signature on transcripts in order to bind them in a session. This prevents any replay of transcripts. Especially, by applying ID-based batch verification, the proposed one still consists of two rounds and is computationally efficient.
Molecular analysis of PDGFRα/β genes in core binding factor leukemia with eosinophilia

Abstract: Eosinophilia sometimes occurs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially in core binding factor (CBF) leukemia. However, the pathogenesis of the differentiation from leukemic progenitors to eosinophils is not well understood in this type of leukemia. Recent reports showed that a novel fusion tyrosine kinase, Fip1‐like1 (FIP1L1) platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), is found in idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. The involvement of another chimeric gene, PDGFRβ, was also reported in myeloproliferative disorder with eosinophilia. These chimeric genes cause constitutive activation of PDGFR tyrosine kinases. On the other hand, a two‐hit model for the pathogenesis of AML, which seems to be caused by inactivating mutations in transcription factors and genetic lesions in tyrosine kinase resulting in constitutive activation, has been proposed. On the basis of these findings, we screened for the expression of the FIP1L1‐PDGFRα fusion gene and for mutations in the juxtamembrane and tyrosine kinase domains of PDGFRα/β genes in 22 cases of CBF leukemia with eosinophilia. Among these cases, no FIP1L1‐PDGFRα fusion gene was found. Although cDNA sequencing also detected three types of single‐nucleotide alterations at kinase domains in PDGFRα/β genes, all of them were silent changes and polymorphisms. Therefore, PDGFRα/β genes do not appear to play a significant pathogenetic role in eosinophilia or leukemogenesis of CBF leukemia.
Apoptosis Induction by Wheat-flour Sphingoid Bases in DLD-1 Human Colon Cancer Cells

The apoptotic effects of plant sphingoid bases prepared from wheat-flour cerebroside on human colorectal cancer DLD-1 cells were examined. The viability of DLD-1 cells treated with such plant sphingoid bases was reduced in a dose-dependent manner and was similar to that of cells treated with sphingosine. Morphological changes such as condensed chromatin fragments were found, so those sphingoid bases reduced cell viability through causing apoptosis in these cells.
Accumulator and Random-Walk Models of Psychophysical Discrimination: A Counter-Evaluation

In a recent assessment of models of psychophysical discrimination, Heath criticises the accumulator model for its reliance on computer simulation and qualitative evidence, and contrasts it unfavourably with a modified random-walk model, which yields exact predictions, is susceptible to critical test, and is provided with simple parameter-estimation techniques. A counter-evaluation is presented, in which the approximations employed in the modified random-walk analysis are demonstrated to be seriously inaccurate, the resulting parameter estimates to be artefactually determined, and the proposed test not critical. It is pointed out that Heath's specific application of the model is not legitimate, his data treatment inappropriate, and his hypothesis concerning confidence inconsistent with experimental results. Evidence from adaptive performance changes is presented which shows that the necessary assumptions for quantitative analysis in terms of the modified random-walk model are not satisfied, and that the model can be reconciled with data at the qualitative level only by making it virtually indistinguishable from an accumulator process. A procedure for deriving exact predictions for an accumulator process is outlined.
Forcing of the quasi‐biennial oscillation from a broad spectrum of atmospheric waves

The circulation of the stratosphere, and its influence on the trace constituent distribution, is an important component of the climate system, which must be included in simulations of global climate change. However, the ability to simulate a dominant stratospheric phenomenon, the Quasi‐Biennial Oscillation (QBO) in equatorial zonal wind, is an outstanding challenge in climate modeling. Although confined to the tropics, the QBO affects the circulation and the interannual variability of the entire stratosphere, parts of the mesosphere and possibly also of the troposphere. Here we show that the QBO is successfully simulated in a general circulation model (GCM) of the newest generation. Key factors are a sufficient spatial resolution, a realistic simulation of tropical convection, and the consideration of the effects of gravity waves. From this simulation it is inferred that a broad spectrum of atmospheric waves is necessary to generate the QBO in the model.
Are Long-Run Price Stability and Short-Run Output Stabilization all that Monetary Policy can Aim for?

A central tenet of the so-called new consensus view in macroeconomics is that there is no long-run trade-off between inflation and unemployment. The main policy implication of this principle is that all monetary policy can aim for is (modest) short-run output stabilization and long- run price stability—i.e., monetary policy is neutral with respect to output and employment in the long run. However, research on the different sources of path dependency in the economy suggests that persistent but nevertheless transitory changes in aggregate demand may have a permanent effect on output and employment. If this is the case, then, the way monetary policy is run does have long-run effects on real variables. This paper provides an overview of this research and explores how monetary policy should be implemented once these long-run effects are acknowledged.
Pre-editing and the use of simplified writing for MT : an engineer ' s experience of operating an MT system

By ‘simplified’ we mean consistently clear, succinct and readable, yet still capable of describing technical matters which are quite complicated. Our overall objective is to improve comprehension of the English source text, particularly for those persons using English instead of their native language, and to aid translation. I think that it should be made clear from the outset that Perkins Technical Publications Department is staffed by engineers, not linguists: MT was introduced at Perkins to deal with a particular problem. The company was established 56 years ago in Peterborough by Frank Perkins. Recently it acquired Rolls-Royce Diesels and Gardner. It designs and manufactures diesel and other engines from 20 to 1,200 bhp, which are used in a very wide range of applications. The company has distributors in about 160 countries and 85 per cent of production is exported directly to manufacturers or distributors, or indirectly, as parts of machines produced in the UK. In 1987 production world-wide of Perkins-designed engines was 400,000 units, of which 170,000 were built at Peterborough. A high proportion of exported engines creates an obvious need for translation within the company. The Technical Publications Department is part of the Communications Department. We produce sales catalogues, installation manuals and service publications (Figure 1):
An Oral Adsorbent, AST-120, Suppresses Oxidative Stress in Uremic Rats

Background: The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been suggested to play an important role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). An oral adsorbent, AST-120, removes uremic toxins such as indoxyl sulfate (IS) and delays the progression of CKD, but the effect on ROS production is unknown. The present study aimed to determine whether AST-120 reduces oxidative stress in uremic rat kidneys using markers of ROS production such as acrolein and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Methods: Daily administration of AST-120 was started 6 weeks after 5/6 nephrectomy and continued for 18 weeks. The changes in metabolic data, serum and urine IS levels, urinary excretion of markers of oxidative stress, and renal histological findings were investigated in uremic rats with or without AST-120 treatment. Results: In parallel with the increase in serum and urine IS, the serum creatinine, urinary protein and acrolein levels started to increase at 6 weeks, but urinary 8-OHdG remained unchanged and significantly increased at 18 weeks in uremic rats. AST-120 markedly and significantly attenuated increases in uremic toxins and oxidative stress levels as well as the histological changes in glomerular sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and the tubular staining of 8-OHdG. Conclusion: AST-120 suppressed the progression of CKD, at least in part, via attenuation of oxidative stress induced by uremic toxin.
Improved control scheme towards reduced DC link inductors in a Multi-Cell Topology based on Current Source Converters

The main drawback of a Multi-Cell topology based on Current Source Converters is the oscillating power drained by the single-phase inverters from the DC link which requires a large DC reactor in order to avoid a significant variation of the DC current. In this work, a control scheme is proposed in order to compensate the oscillating power, avoiding to oversize the DC reactor at the expense of increasing the distortion of the input currents in each power cell and the instantaneous peak of the modulation index. However, the overall input currents present very low distortion and the instantaneous peak of the modulation index can be reduced by properly designing the multi-pulse transformer in terms of voltage ratio and phase shift. Both, the input currents distortion and the effect in the modulation index are mathematically characterized. Simulation result illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.
Progress in Command and Control Server Finding Schemes of Botnet

Botnets have become one of the most serious threats to current Internet and future network security. Only finding and connecting command and control(C&C) servers can bots join and work for botnet, hence how to find C&C servers is critical to botnet management and running. In this paper, we preliminarily summarize and classify the currently typical C&C server finding schemes as three types: dedicated IP address, Internet infrastructure and third-party application/service from a new perspective. And we compare these three types on four aspects. It's seen that third type presents better than other two types on complexity, flexibility, traffic covertness and scale.
1 Is couple ’ s joint decision making associated with favorable household consumption patterns for children ? Evidence from Cebu , Philippines

Using a cross-sectional dataset from a set of communities in Cebu province, Philippines, this paper seeks to characterize the relationship between a couple’s decision-making arrangement and their household’s consumption pattern. I construct indices of the mother’s and the father’s prevalence in decision making based on the proportion of important decision-making situations wherein the mother and the father each became solely decisive, while allowing for a distinct third category of joint decision making, a proxy for cooperative spousal behavior. After controlling for total household resources and several factors that influence each spouse’s bargaining power, the estimates I obtain from a system of demand functions for household consumption goods suggest that, relative to sole decision making by either parent, joint decision making is related to favorable spending patterns for children (higher budget shares on milk, schooling, medicine, and clothing and lower budget shares on beverages and alcohol). In addition, the mother and the father do not seem to exhibit conflicting preferences across a range of household consumption goods, so that it is likely that joint decision making allows couples to coordinate their resource allocation decisions and mitigate the underprovision of household public goods. JEL classification: D13, D12, D70, J12, J13
Null Results in Brief MIC 1 and IL 1 RN Genetic Variation and Advanced Prostate Cancer Risk

Recently, polymorphisms in macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC1) and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) were identified to be associated with prostate cancer risk (1-3). MIC-1 is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-h superfamily of cytokines. In the Cancer Prostate in Sweden study, the nonsynonymousMIC1 H6D polymorphism was associated with a lowered risk of prostate cancer [CG versus CC; odds ratio (OR), 0.80; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.66-0.97; ref. 2], whereas an Australian study found this polymorphism associated with a nonsignificant lowered risk of prostate cancer (CG/GG versus CC; OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.701.04) yet an increased risk of prostate cancer death (CG/GG versus CC; OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.06-2.78; ref. 1). IL1RN inhibits the proinflammatory response of interleukin 1-a and interleukin 1-h cytokines. The IL1RN haplotype (ATGC) was significantly associated with prostate cancer risk in the Cancer Prostate in Sweden study (homozygous carriers versus noncarriers; OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.2), with larger effects observed among advanced disease (homozygous carriers versus noncarriers; OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.5; ref. 3). To further investigate these previous reports, we comprehensively surveyed the common genetic variation of MIC1 and IL1RN and tested whether inherited differences at these loci predispose men to advanced prostate cancer.
Soft-tissue coverage for lower-extremity trauma.

In summary, a rational approach to soft-tissue coverage in the ankle and foot should help lower osteomyelitis and bone nonunion rates and yield an excellent functional result. In addition to adequate fixation, it is crucial to first obtain a clean healthy wound by doing as many debridements as necessary. The goal should be to achieve coverage within the first week of injury to avoid the sequelae of a later closure; i.e., a potentially much higher infection rate and nonunion rate. The reconstructive options range from secondary intention, to primary closure, to skin grafts, to local flaps, to microsurgical free flaps. The choice should be dictated by the health of the patient, the existing bony and neurovascular anatomy, and the desired ultimate objective. Given the currently available orthopedic and plastic surgical techniques, it is possible to salvage almost any foot or ankle; however, we should not be carried away by our surgical armamentorium. If the salvaged extremity will take more than a year to heal, will be barely functional, and will be a constant source of pain, then a below-knee amputation should strongly be considered. The challenge in the coming decade comes both in picking the correct extremity to salvage and in applying the techniques described previously to restore it to its preinjury state.
Abnormal Intestinal Permeability Predicts Relapse in Inactive Crohn Disease

Background: Trials of maintenance therapy in quiescent Crohn disease are often underpowered and there is need for objective markers that predict relapse. Intestinal permeability (IP) has been identified as such a marker although it is unknown how this relates to proposed clinical and blood markers of relapse. We aimed to assess the predictive value of intestinal permeability together with clinical and blood markers in a group of patients with inactive Crohn disease. Methods: We assessed 50 patients with inactive Crohn disease. Inactive disease was defined as a Crohn disease activity index of less than 150. Intestinal permeability was measured by the urinary excretion of lactulose and rhamnose and data relating to postulated clinical and blood markers predictive of relapse were collected. Follow-up for one year assessed whether patients had relapsed or remained in remission. Results: Of the 18 patients with abnormal intestinal permeability, 10 remained in remission and 8 relapsed. Of the 32 with a normal result, 31 remained in remission and 1 relapsed. Patients with abnormal intestinal permeability are significantly more likely to relapse than those with a normal result (chi-square = 14.3; P = 0.0001; relative risk 18). Those that relapsed had shorter disease duration. Multiple regression analysis identifies IP to be an independent variable. Conclusions: Abnormal intestinal permeability in patients with inactive Crohn disease predicts relapse. This is superior to clinical and blood markers. It is likely that this is due to ongoing subclinical mucosal inflammation. This may be of use when designing clinical trials of maintenance therapy.
Management of Multi-Item Retail Inventory Systems with Demand Substitution

Customers for retail merchandise can often be satisfied with one of several items. Accounting for demand substitution in defining customer service influences the choice of items to stock and the optimal inventory level for each item stocked. Further, when certain items are not stocked, the resulting substitutions increase the demand for other items, which also affects the optimal stock levels. In this paper, we develop a probabilistic demand model for items in an assortment that captures the effects of substitution and a methodology for selecting item inventory levels so as to maximize total expected profit, subject to given resource constraints. Illustrative examples are solved to provide insights concerning the behavior of the optimal inventory policies, using the negative binomial demand distribution, which has performed well in fitting retail sales data.