Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SERUM FORMS OF TESTOSTERONE IN MEN AFTER AN hCG STIMULATION: RELATIVE INCREASE IN NON‐PROTEIN BOUND FORMS

A postulated function of steroid binding proteins in serum is to smooth changes in steroid levels. To test this, testosterone levels in six normal men were increased by injecting 6000 IU hCG i.m. , and changes in serum forms of testosterone were measured. Blood was collected every 10 min for 2.5 h and then once a day for 4 days. By day 4 the mean serum testosterone level had risen to 178%±13% (SEM) of a mean basal level (first five samples). This rise was less than that in free testosterone (221%±18%), which was in turn less than the rise in the non‐SHBG‐bound fraction (255%±19%). The concentrations of SHBG and albumin were constant. Thus, two putative bioactive fractions of testosterone, the free and non‐SHBG‐bound, increased to a greater extent than did total testosterone. Because the binding protein concentrations were constant, this implies they may act not as a buffer, but as an enhancer of active testosterone over this time interval.
A Novel PEPP Homeobox Gene, TOX, Is Highly Glutamic Acid Rich and Specifically Expressed in Murine Testis and Ovary1

Abstract The homeobox gene superfamily has been highly conserved throughout evolution. These genes act as transcription factors during several important developmental processes. To explore the functional roles of homeobox genes in spermatogenesis, we performed a degenerate oligonucleotide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening of a testis cDNA library and isolated a novel mouse homeobox gene. This gene, which we named Tox, encodes a homeodomain protein distantly related to members of the Paired/Pax (Prd/Pax) family. A phylogenetic analysis revealed Tox to be a member of the recently defined PEPP subfamily of Paired-like homeobox genes. Tox was mapped to chromosome X, with its homeodomain organized into three exons. A special feature of Tox is that the encoded protein sequence contains two poly-glutamic acid (poly E) stretches, which make Tox highly acidic. Tox transcripts were detected predominately in the testis and ovary of mice. Tox expression in testes was initiated soon after birth, mainly in Sertoli cells and spermatogonia; however, in adult mice, Tox expression shifts to the spermatids and spermatozoa. Tox expression in ovaries was detected in somatic cells of follicles, early on in theca cells, and in both granulosa and theca cells at the later stages of follicular development. Based on these results, Tox may play an important role during gametogenesis.
Use of a Nonexercise Estimate for Prestroke Peak VO2 During the Acute Stroke Hospital Stay

Purpose:For individuals with acute stroke, it is difficult to conduct an exercise test to assess peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use a clinically feasible tool for assessing prestroke peak VO2 using a nonexercise estimation equation to test whether estimated prestroke peak VO2 was related to the functional outcome measures at discharge from the hospital in individuals after an acute stroke. We hypothesized that the estimated prestroke peak VO2 would be significantly related to discharge Physical Performance Test (PPT), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and lower extremity Fugl-Meyer (LEFM) assessment. Methods:Estimated prestroke peak VO2 was calculated using a previously validated prediction equation using the following variables: body mass index, age, sex, resting heart rate, and a self-reported measure of physical activity. Outcome measures were assessed 4 days after enrollment or immediately before discharge (whichever occurred first). Results:Thirty-four participants (mean age = 56.0, SD = 12.6 years; 20 men) with acute stroke were enrolled within 48 hours of admission. For all individuals, mean estimated prestroke peak VO2 was 27.3 (SD = 7.4) mL·kg−1·min−1 and had a weak, nonsignificant relationship with the PPT (r = 0.19; P = .28), 6MWT (r = 0.10; P = .56), and LEFM (r = 0.32; P = .06). However, when considering sex, women, but not men, had a significant relationship with LEFM (r = 0.73; P = .005) and moderate but nonsignificant relationship with PPT (r = 0.53; P = .06) and 6MWT (r = 0.47; P = .10). Conclusions:Within 48 hours of stroke admission, we were able to administer a nonexercise equation to estimate prestroke peak VO2. For the entire sample, functional measures conducted at discharge were not related to estimated prestroke peak VO2. However, when considering sex, the relationship between prestroke VO2 and the functional measures was strengthened.
Leucine regulation of the ilvGEDA operon of Serratia marcescens by attenuation is modulated by a single leucine codon

The effect of leucine limitation and of restricted leucine tRNA charging on the expression of the ilvGEDA operon of Serratia marcescens was examined. In this organism, the ilv leader region specifies a putative peptide containing only a single leucine codon that could be involved in leucine-mediated control by attenuation (E. Harms, J.-H. Hsu, C. S. Subrahmanyam, and H. E. Umbarger, J. Bacteriol. 164:207-216, 1985). A plasmid (pPU134) containing the DNA of the S. marcescens ilv control region and three of the associated structural genes was studied as a single chromosomal copy in an Escherichia coli strain auxotrophic for all three branched-chain amino acids. The S. marcescens ilv genes responded to a multivalent control similar to that found in other enteric organisms. Furthermore, the S. marcescens ilv genes were derepressed when the charging of leucine tRNA was restricted in a leuS derivative of E. coli that had been transformed with pPU134. It was concluded that ribosome stalling leading to deattenuation is not dependent on either tandem or a consecutive series of codons for the regulatory amino acid. However, the fact that the single leucine codon is a less frequently used codon (CUA) may be important. The procedure for obtaining the cloned ilv genes in single chromosomal copy exploited the dependence of ColE1 replicons on the polA gene. The cloning experiments also revealed a branched-chain amino acid-glutamate transaminase in S. marcescens that is different from transaminase B.
Control Variates for Monte Carlo-Pricing of Three-Asset Spread Options with Application in the Energy Markets

The purpose of this paper is to compare a collection of control variates for Monte Carlo-valuation of spread options on three assets with a view towards energy markets and to lay a foundation for continued research on control variates, e.g. combinations of control variates and adaption for quasi-Monte Carlo. The paper builds upon previous research on option pricing using Monte Carlo-simulation and closed form approximations. The use of underlying assets, underlying spread, call option, exchange options and delta hedge as control variates are tested in both a parametric study to test the impact of every input parameter, and a real-world scenario using data from the Dutch energy markets. In the real-world scenario the exchange option outperforms the other control variates in most cases. Uneven results for the exchange option in the parametric study leads to the conclusion that the use of delta hedge as control variate is the best performing based on the test results. (Less)
Substance P–like immunoreactivity in the lateral cervical nucleus of the owl monkey (Aotus trivirgatus): A comparison with the cat and rat

The location of substance P (SP) in the lateral cervical nucleus (LCN) of monkeys (Aotus trivirgatus), cats, and rats was investigated with immunohistochemical methods. Light microscopic analysis showed that SP‐positive fibers and terminals are evenly distributed throughout the LCN of the monkey and rat, whereas the SP labeling in the LCN of the cat is concentrated in the medial part of the nucleus, with only very sparse labeling in the lateral part. Electron microscopic examination of the monkey LCN revealed the presence of SP‐like immunoreactivity within terminal boutons and unmyelinated axons. The SP‐positive boutons are in synaptic contact with dendrites and, occasionally, cell bodies; they contain densely packed, clear, round synaptic vesicles, as well as dense‐core vesicles.
Noninvasive detection of bladder cancer in an orthotopic murine model with green fluorescence protein cytology.

PURPOSE Orthotopic models of bladder cancer mimic the normal microenvironment and provide an opportunity to study new therapies for superficial bladder cancer. The use of green fluorescent protein (GFP) transduced cells provides a sensitive way of monitoring this disease. We investigated whether examining voided urine for GFP expressing cells would indicate the presence of GFP producing tumors in an orthotopic bladder tumor model in nude mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The human bladder cancer cell lines KU-7, UM-UC-3 and UM-UC-14 were used. GFP transductants were generated after transfection with pEGFP-N3, followed by G418 selection. After the cells were inoculated in an orthotopic model of superficial bladder cancer voided urine was collected on slides weekly for 3 weeks and observed for GFP expressing cells by fluorescence microscopy. Bladder tumor imaging for GFP was performed in surgically exposed bladders to determine the tumor incidence. RESULTS KU-7 GFP cells produced tumors in all 16 mice on whole bladder GFP imaging. UM-UC-3 and UM-UC-14 GFP cells produced tumors in 8 of 12 (67%) and 18 of 25 (72%) mice, respectively. The rate of GFP positive cells in spontaneously voided urine varied by cell line and increased with time but it was generally less than the rate of detection by whole bladder GFP imaging. All mice with GFP expressing cells in the urine had GFP expressing bladder tumors. CONCLUSIONS Examining urine for GFP expressing cells is less sensitive than imaging surgically exposed bladders but it is 100% specific.
Abundance of house dust mites in relation to climate in contrasting agricultural settlements in Israel

The correlation between climatic conditions and mite numbers in houses from rural areas was studied in 13 agricultural communities (kibbutzim and moshavim) in nine geo‐climatic subregions of Israel. Mites were present in 97% of the dust samples. The average number of mites per gram of dust in the different localities ranged between 84 and 2053. The maximum number of mites (7440/g dust) was found in a carpet from a house in Geva Carmel in the northern coastal region. The most prevalent species of mites were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, which were found in 85.6% and 71.3% of the samples, respectively. The house dust mites D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae and Euroglyphus maynei constituted 94.8% of the mites. Most of the mites were isolated from the carpets and sofas (37.0% and 33.7%, respectively), and a smaller number from beds (29.3%). The smallest number of mites (≤ 250/g dust) were found at a minimum relative humidity (RH) of 30% and lower, with a maximum temperature of 32°C and higher, i.e. in the Jordan valley and Negev mountains. A greater number of mites (250–500/g dust) were found at a minimum ambient RH of 35–40% and a maximum temperature of 32°C and higher, i.e. the Hula valley. A large number of mites (500–1000/g dust) were found at a minimum RH of 35–40% with a maximum temperature of 30°C and lower, i.e. in the Judean and Samarian range, as well as in upper Galilee. The largest number of mites (1000–2000/g dust) was found at a minimum RH of 45% and higher, with a maximum temperature ranging between 30 and 32°C. These conditions occur in the coastal strip, the coastal plain and in the Judean and Samarian foothills. A monthly examination of two houses in Zova, a kibbutz in the Judean hills next to Jerusalem, and two houses from Palmachim, a kibbutz in the coastal region, revealed that the highest prevalence of mites was found in the months April–November and May–November, respectively. In Zova, the highest number of mites were found during the months of June and July while the highest concentrations of D. pteronyssinus‐antigen (Der p I) were measured during the month of September. A positive correlation between mite numbers and the quantity of Der p I in house dust was found.
Direct observation of aqueous secondary organic aerosol from biomass-burning emissions

Significance Organic aerosol (OA) is a dominant component of atmospheric aerosol worldwide, and it is recognized as a key factor affecting air quality and possibly climate. Observations indicate that more than one-half of the global OA is of secondary origin. Traditional models typically underpredict secondary organic aerosol (SOA) mass, suggesting that a complete knowledge of SOA formation mechanisms is lacking. We show that aqueous-phase processing of biomass-burning emissions contributes to SOA formation. Such aqueous SOA absorbs UV and visible light more efficiently that other OA components. Aqueous chemistry processing of biomass-burning emissions should be taken into account in air quality and climate models for a correct description of the global OA budget and its climate-relevant optical properties. The mechanisms leading to the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) are an important subject of ongoing research for both air quality and climate. Recent laboratory experiments suggest that reactions taking place in the atmospheric liquid phase represent a potentially significant source of SOA mass. Here, we report direct ambient observations of SOA mass formation from processing of biomass-burning emissions in the aqueous phase. Aqueous SOA (aqSOA) formation is observed both in fog water and in wet aerosol. The aqSOA from biomass burning contributes to the “brown” carbon (BrC) budget and exhibits light absorption wavelength dependence close to the upper bound of the values observed in laboratory experiments for fresh and processed biomass-burning emissions. We estimate that the aqSOA from residential wood combustion can account for up to 0.1–0.5 Tg of organic aerosol (OA) per y in Europe, equivalent to 4–20% of the total OA emissions. Our findings highlight the importance of aqSOA from anthropogenic emissions on air quality and climate.
Two-Stage Linearization Filter for Direct-Detection Subcarrier Modulation

A novel digital two-stage linearization filter is proposed for direct-detection (DD) systems and assessed experimentally for the first time. The performance improvement is quantified by experiments with a 7 × 25 Gb/s wavelength division multiplexing DD single sideband 16-QAM Nyquist-shaped subcarrier modulation system with a net optical information spectral density of 2.3 (b/s)/Hz. The results indicate that this technique can effectively compensate the nonlinearity caused by square-law detection, while, at the same time reducing the DSP complexity, avoiding the need to perform the multiple iterations which are required in previously proposed beating interference cancellation methods.
An improved SVPWM method for multilevel inverters

This paper proposes a new general Space Vector PWM (SVPWM) method for Multi-Level Inverters (MLI) based on a generalization of dwell-times calculation. The presented scheme is developed for Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) inverter. In the proposed strategy, the sectors are defined by two parameters serving for the easy calculation of dwell-times. A very simple mapping is used to achieve the SVPWM for any n-level inverter. In addition a dead-band hysteresis is introduced in the SVPWM algorithm to avoid the output voltage level jumping. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Antigenic variation in clones of animal-infective Trypanosoma brucei derived and maintained in vitro

Summary Eighteen clones of variable antigen type 052 of Trypanosoma brucei stock S. 427 were derived and maintained as animal-infective bloodstream forms in vitro for up to 60 days of cultivation. The antigenic composition of such clones was monitored weekly by immunofluorescent analysis of viable trypanosomes, using antisera raised to isolated variant-specific surface glycoproteins of both 052 and a variable antigen type (221) which consistently appeared in the first relapse population of type 052 in vitro. The appearance of new variants was detected in 9 of the 18 clones 18–46 days following initiation of the clone and variable antigen type 221 was found in all 9 clones. On one or more occasions in 8 of such clones, viable trypanosomes were found which did not react with either antiserum but were mouse-infective on the 4 occasions tested and probably represent other variable antigen types. The process of antigen, variation in vitro appears to resemble the process in vivo except that new variant types are detected earlier in vivo. This possibly results from different growth rates of the trypanosomes in vivo and in vitro, together with the fact that elimination of the initial variant population by the host's immune response facilitates the detection of newly arising variable antigen types in vivo.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Angioplasty in the Femoropopliteal Arteries

Purpose: To provide a qualitative analysis and quantitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating paclitaxel-coated balloons (PCBs) in the femoropopliteal artery. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, AMED, Scopus, CENTRAL, online content, and abstracts from international meetings were last screened in April 2015 for eligible RCTs using the PRISMA selection process. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool, and quality of evidence was evaluated with the GRADE system. Outcome measures included late lumen loss (LLL) at 6 months and event rates of major limb amputations, binary lesion restenosis, and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Pooled treatment effects were analyzed in a random effects model to account for clinical heterogeneity; the outcomes are presented as the rate ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Extensive meta-regression was performed to analyze potential confounders. The review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42015023938; www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO ). Results: Eleven RCTs with 1609 subjects (1403 claudicants and 206 patients with critical limb ischemia) with medium-length femoropopliteal lesions (mean range 5.1–11.9 cm) were included. There was consistently high-quality evidence supporting the clear superiority of PCBs in terms of reduced LLL (mean difference −0.89 mm, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.64, p<0.001), less binary restenosis (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.61, p<0.001), and fewer TLR events (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.49, p<0.001). Major amputations were rare in both active and control arms (pooled event rate: 0.7%, 95% CI 0.3% to 1.2%). Results were stable across all potential risk modifiers and in the presence of stents as well. There was high-quality evidence that the dose of paclitaxel was related to the magnitude of the treatment effect; standard dose (3.0-μg and 3.5-μg) PCBs were significantly more effective compared with low-dose 2-μg PCB in reducing both restenosis (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4, p<0.001) and TLR (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 3.8, p<0.001). Conclusion: PCBs reduce by more than half the rates of restenosis and TLR in the femoropopliteal artery regardless of stent placement. Biologic effect size may vary according to paclitaxel bioavailability.
Joint detection/decoding algorithms for non-binary low-density parity-check codes over inter-symbol interference channels

This study is concerned with the application of non-binary low-density parity-check (NB-LDPC) codes to binary input inter-symbol interference channels. Two low-complexity joint detection/decoding algorithms are proposed. One is referred to as max-log-MAP/X-EMS algorithm, which is implemented by exchanging soft messages between the max-log-MAP detector and the extended min-sum (EMS) decoder. The max-log-MAP/X-EMS algorithm is applicable to general NB-LDPC codes. The other one, referred to as Viterbi/GMLGD algorithm, is designed in particular for majority-logic decodable NB-LDPC codes. The Viterbi/GMLGD algorithm works in an iterative manner by exchanging hard-decisions between the Viterbi detector and the generalised majority-logic decoder (GMLGD). As a by-product, a variant of the original EMS algorithm is proposed, which is referred to as µ-EMS algorithm. In the µ-EMS algorithm, the messages are truncated according to an adaptive threshold, resulting in a more efficient algorithm. Simulations results show that the max-log-MAP/X-EMS algorithm performs as well as the traditional iterative detection/decoding algorithm based on the BCJR algorithm and theQ-ary sum–product algorithm, but with lower complexity. The complexity can be further reduced for majority-logic decodable NB-LDPC codes by executing the Viterbi/GMLGD algorithm with a performance degradation within one dB. These algorithms provide good candidates for trade-offs between performance and complexity.
Robust hand detection using arm segmentation from depth data and static palm gesture recognition

Nowadays there is a big interest in applying natural gesture communication language to various systems. There are several techniques on how to detect willed hand motion or recognize gestures by using different kind of sensors. RGB cameras can be used to detect hand, but it has a limited application. For example, hand detection can be particularly hard in some lighting conditions or in different skin colors. Using depth camera data, it is possible to distinguish object in front of camera in a better way. In this paper, we present a technique to detect active user and his hand gesture using both RGB and depth data. The approach firstly detects the user's face, mapping it to depth map data and finally uses the region from camera to person for human arm detection and hand palm recognition.
The impact of aging on curiosity as measured by exploratory eye movements.

OBJECTIVE To investigate changes in novelty-seeking behavior (curiosity) associated with normal aging. BACKGROUND Recently, we demonstrated that patients with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease display diminished novelty-seeking behavior as measured by exploratory eye movements. Nondemented, elderly individuals are often depicted in clinical descriptions as exhibiting diminished curiosity and increased disengagement from their surroundings. However, this behavior has not been systematically investigated as a function of normal aging. SETTING University hospital center studying aging and dementia. SUBJECTS Fourteen active, healthy elderly subjects (mean age, 72 years) and 16 middle-aged subjects (mean age, 42 years) matched for education and estimated IQ. MEASURES Exploratory eye movements were recorded in response to visual stimuli that varied in novelty, complexity, and incongruity. RESULTS Both older and middle-aged subjects (1) spent significantly more time exploring the more irregular or incongruous of two simultaneously presented stimuli, (2) spent increasingly less time looking at a repeating visual stimulus paired with a stimulus that changed with each trial, and (3) exhibited the same degree of overall exploration of a visual scene and devoted an approximately equal amount of attention to an unexpected element within it. As a group, older subjects spent slightly less time than middle-aged subjects examining incongruous stimuli. However, 71% (10/14) of older subjects performed within 1 SD of the mean of middle-aged subjects and 21% (3/14) performed as well as the top 50% (8/16) of middle-aged controls. CONCLUSIONS The drive for curiosity, as measured by exploratory eye movements, can be well preserved in older individuals. Further research is needed to determine if the integrity of this drive can serve as a marker of "successful aging" and to identify which physiological and psychological factors influence its preservation through the life cycle.