Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Study of Population Mixture and Its Role in Human History

Mixture between populations is an evolutionary process that shapes genetic variation. Intermixing between groups of distinct ancestries creates mosaics of chromosomal segments inherited from multiple ancestral populations. Studying populations of mixed ancestry (admixed populations) is of special interest in population genetics as it not only provides insights into the history of admixed groups but also affords an opportunity to reconstruct the history of the ancestral populations, some of whom may no longer exist in unmixed form. Furthermore, it improves our understanding of the impact of population migrations and helps us discover links between genetic and phenotypic variation in structured populations. The majority of research on admixed populations has focused on African Americans and Latinos where the mixture is recent, having occurred within the past 500 years. In this dissertation, I describe several studies that I have led that expand the scope of admixed studies to West Eurasians and South Asians where the mixture is older, and data from ancestral groups is mostly unavailable. First, I introduce a novel method that studies admixture linkage disequilibrium (LD) to infer the time of mixture. I analyze genomewide data from 40 West Eurasian populations and show that all Southern European, Levantine and Jewish groups have inherited sub-Saharan African ancestry in the past 100 generations, likely reflecting events during the Roman Empire and subsequent Arab migrations.
Ideal type model and an associated method for relational fuzzy clustering

The ideal type model by Mirkin and Satarov (1990) expresses data points as convex combinations of some ‘ideal type’ points. However, this model cannot prevent the ideal type points being far away from the observations and, in fact, requires that. Archetypal analysis by Cutler and Breiman (1994) and proportional membership fuzzy clustering by Nascimento et al. (2003) propose different ways of avoiding this entrapment. We propose one more way out — by assuming the ideal types being mutually orthogonal and transforming the model by multiplying it over its transpose. The obtained additive fuzzy clustering model for relational data is akin to that more recently analysed by Mirkin and Nascimento (2012) in a different context. The one-by-one clustering approach to the ideal type model is reformulated here as that naturally leading to a spectral clustering algorithm for finding fuzzy membership vectors. The algorithm is proven to be computationally valid and competitive against popular relational fuzzy clustering algorithms.
Serum amyloid A is a chemotactic agonist at FPR2, a low-affinity N-formylpeptide receptor on mouse neutrophils.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase plasma protein and the source of amyloid A, which accumulates in lesions of secondary amyloidosis. SAA can induce phagocyte migration in vitro and in vivo, and is a specific chemotactic agonist for the human low-affinity N-formylpeptide receptor FPRL1R, a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed on phagocytes. Here we show that FPR2, a mouse counterpart of FPRL1R, is also an SAA receptor. SAA selectively induced calcium flux and chemotaxis in mouse PMN, which express FPR2, as well as in HEK 293 cells expressing recombinant FPR2 but not in HEK 293 cells expressing FPR, a closely related high affinity N-formylpeptide receptor. Consistent with this, SAA activity on PMN from FPR+/+ and FPR-/- mice was indistinguishable. Moreover, the prototype N-formylpeptide fMLF desensitized SAA-induced calcium flux in a dose-dependent manner in both mouse neutrophils and HEK 293/FPR2 transfectants. Our results suggest that FPR2 specifically mediates mouse neutrophil migration in response to SAA.
A visual attention model for news video

In this paper, a novel method is proposed to perform saliency detection in news video. This method comprises bottom-up attention model which considers low level features to produce bottom-up saliency map and top-down attention model which utilizes high level factors to generate top-down saliency map. In bottom-up attention model, color image is represented as quaternion. Then the quaternion discrete cosine transform is used to detect static saliency in multi-scale and two color spaces. Meanwhile, the multi-scale local and global motion conspicuity maps are computed. To suppress the background motion noise, a novel histogram of average optical flow is proposed to calculate motion contrast. Then, the static saliency map and motion saliency map are fused after normalization. In top-down attention model, we explore high level factors of news video and generate the top-down saliency map based on these factors. Finally, the bottom-up and top-down saliency maps are integrated after normalization. Experiment results show that our method outperforms several state-of-the-art methods in saliency detection of news videos.
Effect of eculizumab on hemolysis and transfusion requirements in patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

BACKGROUND Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) arises from a somatic mutation of the PIG-A gene in a hematopoietic stem cell and the subsequent production of blood cells with a deficiency of surface proteins that protect the cells against attack by the complement system. We tested the clinical efficacy of eculizumab, a humanized antibody that inhibits the activation of terminal complement components, in patients with PNH. METHODS Eleven transfusion-dependent patients with PNH received infusions of eculizumab (600 mg) every week for four weeks, followed one week later by a 900-mg dose and then by 900 mg every other week through week 12. Clinical and biochemical indicators of hemolysis were measured throughout the trial. RESULTS Mean lactate dehydrogenase levels decreased from 3111 IU per liter before treatment to 594 IU per liter during treatment (P=0.002). The mean percentage of PNH type III erythrocytes increased from 36.7 percent of the total erythrocyte population to 59.2 percent (P=0.005). The mean and median transfusion rates decreased from 2.1 and 1.8 units per patient per month to 0.6 and 0.0 units per patient per month, respectively (P=0.003 for the comparison of the median rates). Episodes of hemoglobinuria were reduced by 96 percent (P<0.001), and measurements of the quality of life improved significantly. CONCLUSIONS Eculizumab is safe and well tolerated in patients with PNH. This antibody against terminal complement protein C5 reduces intravascular hemolysis, hemoglobinuria, and the need for transfusion, with an associated improvement in the quality of life in patients with PNH.
Designing vector quantizers in the presence of source noise or channel noise

The problem of vector quantizer empirical design for noisy channels or for noisy sources is studied. It is shown that the average squared distortion of a vector quantizer designed optimally from observing clean i.i. d. training vectors converges in expectation, as the training set size grows, to the minimum possible mean-squared error obtainable for quantizing the clean source and transmitting across a discrete memoryless noisy channel. Similarly, it is shown that if the source is corrupted by additive noise, then the average squared distortion of a vector quantizer designed optimally from observing i.i. d. noisy training vectors converges in expectation, as the training set size grows, to the minimum possible mean-squared error obtainable for quantizing the noisy source and transmitting across a noiseless channel. Rates of convergence are also provided.
Robin & Lucienne Day : pioneers of contemporary design

PREFACE 1930-45 THE THIRTIES AND THEWAR YEARS: SCHOOL, COLLEGE AND TEACHING 1946-50 THE FORTIES: FLEDGLING DESIGNERS 1951 THE FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN 1952-59 THE FIFTIES: THE TRIUMPH OF CONTEMPORARY DESIGN 1960-69 THE SIXTIES: GEOMETRIC PATTERNS AND ARCHITECTURAL FORMS 1970-93 THE SEVENTIES AND EIGHTIES: LATER CAREERS 1994-2000 THE NINETIES: REDISCOVERY CHAPTER NOTES LIST OF DESIGNS: ROBIN DAY LIST OF DESIGNS: LUCIENNE DAY BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Analysis of Health Behaviour Change Interventions for Preventing Dental Caries Delivered in Primary Schools

To improve oral health in children, the key behaviours (tooth brushing and sugar control) responsible for development of dental caries need to be better understood, as well as how to promote these behaviours effectively so they become habitual; and, the specific, optimal techniques to use in interventions. The aim of this paper is to describe and analyse the behaviour change techniques that have been used in primary school-based interventions to prevent dental caries (utilizing a Cochrane systematic review that we have undertaken) and to identify opportunities for improving future interventions by incorporating a comprehensive range of behaviour change techniques. Papers of five interventions were reviewed and data were independently extracted. Results indicate that behaviour change techniques were limited to information-behaviour links, information on consequences, instruction and demonstration of behaviours. None of the interventions were based on behaviour change theory. We conclude that behaviour change techniques used in school interventions to reduce dental caries were limited and focused around providing information about how behaviour impacts on health and the consequences of not developing the correct health behaviours as well as providing oral hygiene instruction. Establishing which techniques are effective is difficult due to poor reporting of interventions in studies. Future design of oral health promotion interventions using behaviour change theory for development and evaluation (and reporting results in academic journals) could strengthen the potential for efficacy and provide a framework to use a much wider range of behaviour change techniques. Future studies should include development and publication of intervention manuals which is becoming standard practice in other health promoting programmes.
REINFORCEMENT LEARNING FOR POMDP USING STATE CLASSIFICATION

Reinforcement learning (RL) has been widely used to solve problems with a little feedback from environment. Q learning can solve Markov decision processes (MDPs) quite well. For partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs), a recurrent neural network (RNN) can be used to approximate Q values. However, learning time for these problems is typically very long. We present a new combination of RL and RNN to find a good policy for POMDPs in a shorter learning time. This method contains two phases: firstly, state space is divided into two groups (fully observable state group and hidden state group); secondly, a Q value table is used to store values of fully observable states and an RNN is used to approximate values for hidden states. Results of experiments in two grid world problems show that the proposed method enables an agent to acquire a policy with better learning performance compared to the method using only a RNN.
Effectiveness of subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy with tree pollen allergen extract adsorbed on calcium phosphate in children with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis: results of a 2-year-long observation

The study was aimed at evaluating effectiveness and safety of subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (scASIT) with tree pollen allergen extract adsorbed on calcium phosphate at allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children. Patients and methods: open-label prospective study of 50 children and adolescents (5-17 years of age) with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis caused by high sensitivity to tree pollen allergens. The first group involved the patients undergoing scASIT for 2 years 6 months (n = 23), the control group – the patients (n = 27) not undergoing any specific immunotherapy. Results: scASIT was accompanied by a statistically significant (in comparison with the control group) reduction in intensity of rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms (6.1 ± 3.1; 11.8 ± 4.5; p = 0.00002), reduction in the use of symptomatic drugs (1.0 ± 0.4; 1.8 ± 0.3; p = 0.000004) and improvement of quality of all spheres of children’s life – physical (p = 0.001), social (p = 0.04), emotional (p = 0.001) and role functioning (p = 0.03). Systemic side reactions were not observed in the patients. Local reactions were observed in 23% of all allergen injections. Conclusions: the authors established high effectiveness and safety of scASIT with tree pollen allergen extract adsorbed on calcium phosphate suspension at allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in children.
Parallel Fourier Parameterization and Impulse-based Cluster Collisions in Incompressible Particle-based Fluid Dynamics

In this work we introduce and construct a framework of parallel algorithms that facilitate the parameterization and simulation of incompressible particle-based fluids. This parallel simulation framework is composed of three components: (1) the parameterization of the initial states of the simulated particles derived from Fourier analysis, (2) a set of discrete and continuous collision detection algorithms for particle and convex object interactions based on a newly introduced cluster-based event system, and (3) an impulse-based collision response algorithm for rigidparticle interaction. In the implementation of this framework we utilized both grouped SIMD facilitated through the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) and MIMD techniques through OpenMP to provide parallel implementations of efficient algorithms for each of these components. The collected results are demonstrated through the parameterization of waveforms to drive particle visualizations and the interactive simulation of particlebased fluid animation. Through the parallel implementations of our algorithms, we have been able to reduce our overall simulation time by approximately 80% demonstrating a 5.37x increase in performance compared to the sequential implementation.
The Stanford Hypnotic Arm Levitation Induction and Test (SHALIT): a six-minute hypnotic induction and measurement scale.

Abstract The Stanford Hypnotic Arm Levitation Induction and Test (SHALIT) has been designed as a short (6-minute) induction and measurement method for screening Ss according to hypnotizability for either clinical or experimental purposes. In Experiment 1 conducted with college students in two institutions, SHALIT was substituted for the eye closure induction of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form A (SHSS:A) of Weitzenhoffer and E. R. Hilgard (1959) and followed by the remaining SHSS:A items. The SHALIT levitation score correlated . 63 (N = 64) with SHSS:A. Some Ss who participated in the study were invited back for Experiment 2. This second experiment yielded a correlation of . 52 (N = 27) between SHALIT and the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (Weitzenhoffer & E. R. Hilgard, 1962). Alternative simplified scoring methods designed for maximal convenience also proved satisfactory. The limitations of short tests as adequate measures of hypnotizability are noted.
A comparison of data obtained from service providers and service users to assess the quality of maternity care.

OBJECTIVE to compare data obtained from two sources, service providers and service users, regarding the maternity services in Scotland. DESIGN an audit of maternity services involving site visits, staff interviews and a cross-sectional survey of service users. PARTICIPANTS lead professionals in every consultant-led maternity unit in Scotland and all 1639 women giving birth in Scotland during a ten-day period. DATA COLLECTION structured group interviews with service providers and a questionnaire survey of recently delivered women. DATA ANALYSIS professionals' and women's responses were cross-tabulated and differences in proportions were tested for statistical significance using the chi-square test. FINDINGS a total of 1137 women completed the questionnaire (response rate 69%). Overall, there was good agreement between professionals' and women's perceptions of the aspects of care studied. However, there were disparities in some areas. For example, staff in eight units reported mechanisms to ensure early distribution of a free national pregnancy book; however, in six of these units less than 75% of women actually received this book prior to their first hospital visit. Eighteen units reported that they offer a postnatal 'reunion meeting'; in ten of these units, less than 50% of women were aware of the reunion meeting. Eighteen units reported a policy of each woman having a lead professional or care co-ordinator; in three of these units, less than 50% of women perceived that they had a care co-ordinator and for most women, the profession (midwife, general practitioner or obstetrician) of their perceived co-ordinator differed from that expected on the basis of staff reports. There was some evidence overall that unit policies had a direct influence on women's responses. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE this study demonstrates the importance of using a range of complementary methods of data collection and of ascertaining both service users' and providers' views when assessing the quality of care. Further research is required to explore differences in service provider's and women's perceptions and how this information can be used to improve the quality of maternity care. The finding that service provision may influence women's preferences has important implications for service planning, in particular the introduction of new models of care, and this needs further exploration.
Analyse von Testgütekriterien und Übungseffekten zweier Online-Konzentrationstests

Studierende wurden nach Zufall auf 2 Gruppen zugeteilt und bearbeiteten jeweils einen Konzentrationstest insgesamt zehnmal, wahrend der andere Konzentrationstest als Kontrolle diente. Bei einem der Konzentrationstests fuhrte bereits die erste Testwiederholung zu besseren Testresultaten und das zehnmalige Testen bewirkte markante Ubungsgewinne, wahrend beim anderen Konzentrationstest die erste Testwiederholung keinen Effekt nach sich zog und die Trainingswirkung nach 10 Testwiederholungen zwar statistisch nachweisbar, aber deutlich geringer ausfiel. Ansprechende Korrelationen der Tests mit speziellen Computervarianten des d2 und des REV-T unterstutzen die Validitat der Onlinetests und sprechen im Verbund mit den bisherigen Erkenntnissen insgesamt dafur, dass sie im Wesentlichen Konzentration erfassen.
Role of Bax in death of uninfected retinal cells during murine cytomegalovirus retinitis.

PURPOSE Extensive death of uninfected bystander neuronal cells is an important component of the pathogenesis of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Our previous results have shown that caspase 3-dependent and -independent pathways are involved in death of uninfected bystander cells during murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) retinitis and also that Bcl-2, an important inhibitor of apoptosis via the Bax-mediated mitochondrial pathway, is downregulated during this process. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Bax-mediated mitochondrial damage has a significant role in the death of uninfected retinal cells. METHODS BALB/c mice, Bax(-/-) mice, or Bax(+/+) mice were immunosuppressed with methylprednisolone and infected with 5 × 10(3) plaque-forming units (PFU) of the K181 strain of MCMV via the supraciliary route. Injected eyes were analyzed by plaque assay, electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, TUNEL assay, Western blot (for caspase 3, caspase 12, Bax, receptor interacting protein-1 [RIP1] and receptor interacting protein-3 [RIP3]), as well as immunohistochemical staining for MCMV early antigen and cleaved caspase 3. RESULTS Significantly more Bax was detected in mitochondrial fractions of MCMV-infected eyes than in mitochondrial fractions of mock-infected control eyes. Furthermore, the level of cleaved caspase 3 was significantly lower in MCMV-infected Bax(-/-) eyes than in MCMV-infected Bax(+/+) eyes. However, more caspase 3-independent cell death of uninfected bystander retinal cells and more cleaved RIP1 were observed in Bax(-/-) than in Bax(+/+) eyes. CONCLUSIONS During MCMV retinitis, Bax is activated and has an important role in death of uninfected bystander retinal cells by caspase 3-dependent apoptosis. Although the exact mechanism remains to be deciphered, active Bax might also prevent death of some types of uninfected retinal cells by a caspase 3-independent pathway.
Author ' s personal copy Remelting in caldera and rift environments and the genesis of hot , ‘ ‘ recycled

Large and small volume rhyolites are generated in calderas and rift zones, inheriting older and isotopically diverse crystal populations from their volcanic predecessors. Low-dO values in many of these rhyolites suggest that they were derived from the remelting of solid, hydrothermally altered by meteoric water protoliths that were once close to the surface, but become buried by caldera collapse or rifting. These rhyolites persist for millions of years in these environments with little evidence of coeval basalts. We present a series of numerical experiments on convective melting of roof-rocks by the underplated by near liquidus to superheated silicic melts, generated at the base of the chamber by basaltic intrusions in shallow crustal conditions. We used a range of temperatures and compositions, an appropriate phase diagram with a defined extended eutectic zone appropriate for these environments, varied sill thickness, viscosity of the boundary layer, and considered hydrothermal and lower boundary heat losses. The goal was to estimate melting rates and mechanisms, define conditions that are required for efficient and rapid remelting in the upper crust, quantitatively describe novel details of the dynamics of convecting melting, and compare it to the earlier parametric and numerical treatments of roof melting by underplating. Resolution of numerical experiments allowed us to track mixed thermal and two-phase plume-like convection in silicic magma with a bulk viscosity of 10–10 Pa s. The following results were obtained: (1) remarkably fast melting/magma generation rates of many meters per year, (2) intrinsic inhomogeneities in the roof accelerates convection and melting rates via rapid gravitational settling of refractory blocks and exposing detachment scars to the melting front, (3) due to rapid melting, hydrothermal heat loss through the roof, and conductive heat dissipation through the bottom are less important on melting timescales. (4) Convective melting is capable of digesting cold roof-rocks, with high assimilation degrees, which are primarily controlled by sill thickness and roofrock temperature: thin 10 m sills are able to digest 40% of the initially hot roof-rock T1⁄4650 1C roofrock, but4100 m sills achieve the same level of bulk digestion with T1⁄4400 1C roof-rocks. The proposed model can explain the origin of hot (above 800–850 1C), crystal-poor, ‘‘recycled’’ rhyolites in calderas and rift zones. It can also explain the generation of large, supervolcanic rhyolite volumes through remelting of their erupted and subvolcanic predecessors on rapid timescales, dictated by their zoned and disequilibrium crystalline cargo. & 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.