Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hypogonadism in male Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without coronary artery disease

Aim: The present study is carried out to investigate hypogonadism using serum testosterone levels in male Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and Methods: A total of 150 age and body mass index-matched male subjects in the age group of 30–70 years were recruited in three groups; Group A - subjects with normal glucose tolerance, Group B - T2DM subjects without CAD, and Group C - T2DM subjects with CAD (n = 50 each group). Subjects with CAD were diagnosed on the basis of electrocardiogram, treadmill testing, stress echocardiography, or coronary angiography. Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), bioavailable testosterone, calculated FT and glycemic parameters were measured and compared between all the three study groups. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's test and Pearson's coefficient of correlation tests were used for analysis. Results: Hypogonadism (TT <3 ng/ml) was observed in 40% (20/50) of subjects in Group C and 32% (16/50) of subjects in Group B as compared to only 14% (7/50) of subjects in Group A (Groups A vs. B; P = 0.055, Groups A vs. C; P = 0.006 and Groups B vs. C; P = 0.53). Group C subjects had significantly lower levels of TT (3.55 ± 1.46 ng/ml vs. 4.73 ± 2.17 ng/ml, P = 0.005), calculated FT (0.062 ± 0.0255 pg/ml vs. 0.0951 ± 0.0508 pg/ml, P≤ 0.001), and bioavailable testosterone (1.48 ± 0.65 ng/ml vs. 2.18 ± 1.20 ng/ml, P ≤ 0.001) compared to control Group A subjects. There was no significant difference in any of the testosterone parameters between Groups A and B. Furthermore, an overall positive correlation was found between hypogonadism and CAD (r = 0.177, P = 0.030, n = 150). Conclusion: We observed hypogonadism as indicated by low testosterone levels in a significant proportion of male T2DM subjects with CAD.
Genetics of Drought Adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana II. Qtl Analysis of a New Mapping Population, Kas-1 × Tsu-1

Abstract Despite compelling evidence that adaptation to local climate is common in plant populations, little is known about the evolutionary genetics of traits that contribute to climatic adaptation. A screen of natural accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana revealed Tsu-1 and Kas-1 to be opposite extremes for water-use efficiency and climate at collection sites for these accessions differs greatly. To provide a tool to understand the genetic basis of this putative adaptation, Kas-1 and Tsu-1 were reciprocally crossed to create a new mapping population. Analysis of F3 families showed segregating variation in both δ13C and transpiration rate, and as expected these traits had a negative genetic correlation (rg=− 0.3). 346 RILs, 148 with Kas-1 cytoplasm and 198 with Tsu-1 cytoplasm, were advanced to the F9 and genotyped using 48 microsatellites and 55 SNPs for a total of 103 markers. This mapping population was used for QTL analysis of δ13C using F9 RIL means. Analysis of this reciprocal cross showed a large effect of cytoplasmic background, as well as two QTL for δ13C. The Kas-1 × Tsu-1 mapping population provides a powerful new resource for mapping QTL underlying natural variation and for dissecting the genetic basis of water-use efficiency differences.
Emotion Regulation in Intractable Conflicts

It has long been apparent that negative emotions play a central role in intractable conflicts. Only recently, however, have scholars begun to use methods from affective science to test whether emotion regulation strategies can be used to influence conflict-related emotions in a way that would facilitate conflict resolution. To provide the context for this work, we begin by considering the roles emotions play in intractable conflicts. Next, we discuss how emotion regulation might be relevant to intractable conflicts, with a particular focus on cognitive reappraisal. We then review recent studies, conducted mainly in the context of the Middle East conflict, which suggest that cognitive reappraisal may be able to reduce negative emotions and promote public support for peaceful policies. We conclude by describing future challenges and opportunities for research in this area.
A Branch-and-Price Framework for Railway Rolling Stock Rescheduling During Disruptions

Rescheduling rolling stock during a disruption is a passenger railway optimization problem. In current practice this is typically optimized manually despite the high complexity and high runtime requirements of the task. In this paper we propose a path-based mathematical formulation that is solved using column generation in a complete Branch-and-Price framework. In contrast to ﬂow-based approaches our formulation is more easily extended to handle certain families of constraints, such as train unit maintenance restrictions. We benchmark the framework against real-life instances provided by the suburban railway operator in Copenhagen (DSB S-tog). In combination with a lower bound method we show that near-optimal solutions can be found within a few seconds during a disruption. In addition we show that framework is also able to ﬁnd solution within a few minutes for non-disturbed timetables. Acknowledgements : The Danish Council for Strategic Research and DSB S-tog
A customizable UHF RFID-Reader for RFID-S testing applications

This paper describes a custom-built UHF RFID-Reader-Device with functionality to send and receive EPCglobal custom commands. It can be used to access enhanced capabilities in transponders, for example readout of integrated sensors. The device was implemented using a Xilinx FPGA and is fully controllable from a PC through a customizable MATLAB-Interface. This enables a step by step test of newly developed tags. All mandatory EPCglobal commands are implemented as well as EPC custom command capability.
Concepts and Measurement of Prestige

Reviewing the major stratification theories that involve prestige as a concept, this chapter suggests that these theories differ in that they base prestige either on achievement, esteem, honor, or charisma. None of these theories is able to solve the problem of how theoretically to merge the idea of social closure with that of a hierarchy of positions. Empirically, research on prestige and prestige measurement has for some time been confronted with findings that demonstrate the inferior role of prestige in status attainment models. Dissensus in prestige judgments, regarding prestige of women in particular, is another recent concern. While the “dominant view” of prestige measurement, arguing for prestige consensus in society, is defended, emphasis is placed on studies that detect systematic interindividual variation of prestige judgments. The review concludes that empirically, prestige research has diversified and deals now with two different concept of prestige, one linked to the idea of a social hierarch.
A programmable mutual capacitance sensing circuit for a large-sized touch panel

This paper presents a programmable capacitive sensing circuit for multi-touch applications, especially enabling mutual capacitance sensing in a large-sized touch panel (over 10-inches). To control the offset of the capacitive sensor, the circuit, based on a switched-capacitor integrator, internally includes a cancelling capacitor array to discharge a feedback capacitor and prevent excessive accumulation. Also, the feedback capacitor array can make the sensitivity of the sensor programmable. With programmable capacitors, this design can make the sensor more compatible with various panels and use a lower feedback capacitor than that of a conventional switched-capacitor. The capacitive interface circuit for a large-sized touch panel has 1728 channels (54×32), which simultaneously sense the capacitance variation during each line driving for mutual capacitance sensing. In addition, charge integration is repeated to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The performance of the proposed topology is evaluated mainly with a 10.1-inch LCD touch panel. The measured SNR of the sensor is 23dB at a 60Hz frame rate with twenty repetitions of charge integration. The prototype IC is implemented in a 0.35-um CMOS technology.
Strategic Collaboration Between Nonprofits and Businesses

Collaboration between nonprofits and businesses is increasing and becoming more strategically important. Based on 15 case studies, this article presents a cross-sector collaboration framework consisting of four components. First, the collaboration continuum provides a conceptual framework for categorizing different types of partnerships and studying their possible evolution through three principal stages: philanthropic, transactional, and integrative. Second, the collaboration value construct facilitates the analysis of the definition, creation, balance, and renewal of the value generated in different types of alliances. Third, a set of alliance drivers is identified that determines the nature and functioning of the partnerships. Fourth, alliance enablers that contribute to the effective management of the relationship are set forth. The article discusses the dynamics of the alliance marketplace. The research builds on and extends existing interorganizational research theories by providing a distinctive conceptual framework and new empirical understanding of cross-sector alliances. Future research needs are identified.
Automatic underwater image pre-processing

A novel pre-processing filter is proposed for underwater image restoration. Because of specific transmission properties of light in the water, underwater image suffers from limited range, non uniform lighting, low contrast, color diminished, important blur. Today preprocessing methods typically only concentrates on non uniform lighting or color correction and often require additional knowledge of the environment. The algorithm proposed in this paper is an automatic algorithm to pre-process underwater images. It reduces underwater perturbations, and improves image quality. It is composed of several successive independent processing steps which correct non uniform illumination, suppress noise, enhance contrast and adjust colors. Performances of filtering will be assessed using an edge detection robustness criterion.
Female Leaders, Organizational Power, and Sex Segregation

A large body of research has examined the organizational factors that promote women’s access to positions of workplace authority. Fewer studies explore how women’s access to these positions influences gender inequality among subordinates. Utilizing a 2005 national sample of South Korean organizations, this article examines whether having women in managerial and supervisory roles is associated with lower levels of workplace sex segregation. In other words, do female leaders function as “agents of change,” or are they merely “cogs in the machine”? The findings indicate that women’s representation in managerial positions is associated with lower levels of sex segregation. Women’s representation among supervisory positions, however, is associated with higher levels of sex segregation. The results, in general, suggest that women in higher levels of organizational power may be important catalysts for change, while women in supervisory positions may be a manifestation of institutionalized inequality. The authors conclude with implications for theory and future research.
Essential role for nuclear factor &kgr;B in ischemic preconditioning for ischemia-reperfusion injury of the mouse liver

Background. Ischemic preconditioning protects various organs from subsequent ischemic insult, but the precise mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain undefined. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which ischemic preconditioning exerts its protective effect, we examined the activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-&kgr;B and subsequent inflammatory gene expression. Methods. Mice were used for total hepatic ischemia-reperfusion experiments after subcutaneous transposition of the spleen. Mouse liver was subjected to ischemia for 70 min followed by reperfusion for defined times. Ischemic preconditioning that consisted of 15 min of ischemia and 20 min of reperfusion was performed before 70 min of ischemia. NF-&kgr;B activity was analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and the protein and tyrosine phosphorylation levels of inhibitor &kgr;B-&agr; were assessed by Western blot analysis. Semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&agr; and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 mRNA levels. Results. NF-&kgr;B was activated within 30 min after initiation of reperfusion and remained activated for 4 hr. Ischemic preconditioning attenuated NF-&kgr;B activation after subsequent prolonged ischemia and reperfusion and simultaneously decreased the expression of TNF-&agr; and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 mRNA, the former statistically significantly (P <0.05). Tyrosine phosphorylation of inhibitor &kgr;B-&agr; was decreased in ischemic preconditioned liver. Conclusions. These results indicate that attenuation of NF-&kgr;B activation and subsequent reduction in TNF-&agr; mRNA expression after sustained ischemia play important roles in the protective mechanism of ischemic preconditioning against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Beating O(nm) in approximate LZW-compressed pattern matching

Given an LZW/LZ78 compressed text, we want to find an approximate occurrence of a given pattern of length m. The goal is to achieve time complexity depending on the size n of the compressed representation of the text instead of its length. We consider two specific definitions of approximate matching, namely the Hamming distance and the edit distance, and show how to achieve O(nm^0.5k^2) and O(nm^0.5k^3) running time, respectively, where k is the bound on the distance. Both algorithms use just linear space. Even for very small values of k, the best previously known solutions required O(nm) time. Our main contribution is applying a periodicity-based argument in a way that is computationally effective even if we need to operate on a compressed representation of a string, while the previous solutions were either based on a dynamic programming, or a black-box application of tools developed for uncompressed strings.
Extracting smooth and transparent layers from a single image

Layer decomposition from a single image is an under-constrained problem, because there are more unknowns than equations. This paper studies a slightly easier but very useful alternative where only the background layer has substantial image gradients and structures. We propose to solve this useful alternative by an expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm that employs the hidden Markov model (HMM), which maintains spatial coherency of smooth and overlapping layers, and helps to preserve image details of the textured background layer. We demonstrate that, using a small amount of user input, various seemingly unrelated problems in computational photography can be effectively addressed by solving this alternative using our EM-HMM algorithm.
Employment, parity and single parenthood : their impact on health in pregnancy

Abstract This study examined the relationship between employment status and mental and physical health in pregnancy and identified variations in this relationship that were associated with parity and single parenthood. The sample of 12,169 women was drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC). Employment status was measured at 18 and 32 weeks gestation as were the two main health outcomes: depression (using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) and self report of nausea. A woman's parenthood status, socio-economic status, age, educational level, ethnic group membership and smoking behaviour were also recorded. Separate analyses were carried out for primiparous and for multiparous women. Within these parity groups, × 2 tests were used to determine the relationship between employment status and the social, demographic and behavioural variables outlined above. Logistic regression analyses established how employment and parenthood status were associated with the health of ea.
Protection against Lethal Enterovirus 71 Challenge in Mice by a Recombinant Vaccine Candidate Containing a Broadly Cross-Neutralizing Epitope within the VP2 EF Loop

Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the main causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and is associated with several severe neurological complications in the Asia-Pacific region. Here, we evaluated that while passive transfer of neutralizing monoclonal antibody (nMAb) against the VP2 protein protect against lethal EV71 infection in BALB/c mice. Protective nMAb were mapped to residues 141-155 of VP2 by peptide ELISA. High-resolution structural analysis showed that the epitope is part of the VP2 EF loop, which is the “puff” region that forms the “southern rim” of the canyon. Moreover, a three-dimensional structural characterization for the puff region with prior neutralizing epitopes and receptor-binding sites that can serve to inform vaccine strategies. Interestingly, using hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) as a carrier, we demonstrated that the cross-neutralizing EV71 antibodies were induced, and the VP2 epitope immunized mice serum also conferred 100% in vivo passive protection. The mechanism of in vivo protection conferred by VP2 nMAb is in part attributed to the in vitro neutralizing titer and ability to bind authentic viral particles. Importantly, the anti-VP2(aa141-155) antibodies could inhibit the binding of human serum to EV71 virions showed that the VP2 epitope is immunodominant. Collectively, our results suggest that a broad-spectrum vaccine strategy targeting the high-affinity epitope of VP2 EF loop may elicits effective immune responses against EV71 infection.
Secretome analysis to elucidate metalloprotease‐dependent ectodomain shedding of glycoproteins during neuronal differentiation

Many membrane proteins are subjected to limited proteolyses at their juxtamembrane regions, processes referred to as ectodomain shedding. Shedding ectodomains of membrane‐bound ligands results in activation of downstream signaling pathways, whereas shedding those of cell adhesion molecules causes loss of cell–cell contacts. Secreted proteomics (secretomics) using high‐resolution mass spectrometry would be strong tools for both comprehensive identification and quantitative measurement of membrane proteins that undergo ectodomain shedding. In this study, to elucidate the ectodomain shedding events that occur during neuronal differentiation, we establish a strategy for quantitative secretomics of glycoproteins released from differentiating neuroblastoma cells into culture medium with or without GM6001, a broad‐spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor. Considering that most of transmembrane and secreted proteins are N‐glycosylated, we include a process of N‐glycosylated peptides enrichment as well as isotope tagging in our secretomics workflow. Our results show that differentiating N1E‐115 neurons secrete numerous glycosylated polypeptides in metalloprotease‐dependent manners. They are derived from cell adhesion molecules such as NCAM1, CADM1, L1CAM, various transporters and receptor proteins. These results show the landscape of ectodomain shedding and other secretory events in differentiating neurons and/or during axon elongation, which should help elucidate the mechanism of neurogenesis and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.
Probabilistic Common Spatial Patterns for Multichannel EEG Analysis

Common spatial patterns (CSP) is a well-known spatial filtering algorithm for multichannel electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis. In this paper, we cast the CSP algorithm in a probabilistic modeling setting. Specifically, probabilistic CSP (P-CSP) is proposed as a generic EEG spatio-temporal modeling framework that subsumes the CSP and regularized CSP algorithms. The proposed framework enables us to resolve the overfitting issue of CSP in a principled manner. We derive statistical inference algorithms that can alleviate the issue of local optima. In particular, an efficient algorithm based on eigendecomposition is developed for maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimation in the case of isotropic noise. For more general cases, a variational algorithm is developed for group-wise sparse Bayesian learning for the P-CSP model and for automatically determining the model size. The two proposed algorithms are validated on a simulated data set. Their practical efficacy is also demonstrated by successful applications to single-trial classifications of three motor imagery EEG data sets and by the spatio-temporal pattern analysis of one EEG data set recorded in a Stroop color naming task.
Tracking coherent structures in a regional ocean model with wavelet analysis: Application to Cape Basin eddies - art. no. C05043

[1] This study is mainly aimed at proposing objective tools for the identification and tracking of three-dimensional eddy structures. It is conducted with a high-resolution numerical model of the ocean region around South Africa, and emphasis is put on Cape Basin anticyclones and cyclones thought to be actively implicated in the Indian-Atlantic interocean exchange. We settle on wavelet analysis for the decomposition and processing of successive maps of relative vorticity for a simulation run with 1/10 degrees resolution. The identification of three- dimensional coherent structures comes with the calculation of eddy trajectories and the time evolution of eddy properties. Instantaneous mass transport and momentum of eddies are calculated from the knowledge of instantaneous drift velocities, volumes, and diameters. The success of the regional model and of the analysis technique is assessed through comparisons with equivalent observations.