Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Analysis of Time-Varying Quantiles Using a Smoothing Spline

A smoothing spline is considered to propose a novel model for the time-varying quantile of the univariate time series using a state space approach. A correlation is further incorporated between the dependent variable and its one-step-ahead quantile. Using a Bayesian approach, an efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is described where we use the multi-move sampler, which generates simultaneously latent time-varying quantiles. Numerical examples are provided to show its high sampling efficiency in comparison with the simple algorithm that generates one latent quantile at a time given other latent quantiles. Furthermore, using Japanese inflation rate data, an empirical analysis is provided with the model comparison.
A CCD based neural network integrated circuit with 64K analog programmable synapses

A report is presented on the design, fabrication, and testing of a neural network integrated circuit with 65536 analog programmable synapses (256 fully interconnected neurons). The integrated circuit utilizes charge-coupled devices (CCDs) based on a generic architecture that the authors proposed (1987). Preliminary testing of the CCD neural processor indicates that the operating speed is 0.5×109 analog interconnect updates/s. Loading of the synaptic interaction matrix can be accomplished either electrically or optically within 0.5 ms or 1 ms, respectively
Aminosulfonate Modulated pH-induced Conformational Changes in Connexin26 Hemichannels*

Gap junction channels regulate cell-cell communication by passing metabolites, ions, and signaling molecules. Gap junction channel closure in cells by acidification is well documented; however, it is unknown whether acidification affects connexins or modulating proteins or compounds that in turn act on connexins. Protonated aminosulfonates directly inhibit connexin channel activity in an isoform-specific manner as shown in previously published studies. High-resolution atomic force microscopy of force-dissected connexin26 gap junctions revealed that in HEPES buffer, the pore was closed at pH < 6.5 and opened reversibly by increasing the pH to 7.6. This pH effect was not observed in non-aminosulfonate buffers. Increasing the protonated HEPES concentration did not close the pore, indicating that a saturation of the binding sites occurs at 10 mm HEPES. Analysis of the extracellular surface topographs reveals that the pore diameter increases gradually with pH. The outer connexon diameter remains unchanged, and there is a ∼6.5° rotation in connexon lobes. These observations suggest that the underlying mechanism closing the pore is different from an observed Ca2+-induced closure.
Exploring Relationship between Landscape Pattern and Water Quality in the Jiulong River Basin, Southeast China

Geospatial technique, statistical analysis and in-situ sampling were coupled to explore the relationship between landscape patterns measured at both landscape and class level influence water quality in the 21 headwater sub-watershed within the Jiulong River watershed, Southeast China. The results show that water quality parameters selected are closely associated with both composition of land use types and spatial configurations of built-up land, woodland, cropland and orchard. For built-up and orchard land, high patches density, connectivity and aggregation are significantly associated with water quality degradation. Comparatively, water quality is likely better if woodland patches are unfragmented. For cropland, the concentration for most of the water quality parameters decreases with occurrence of patches highly aggregated and connected, while NO3-N concentration increases with the increment of patches density.
Measuring the Uncertainty of Probabilistic Maps Representing Human Motion for Indoor Navigation

Indoor navigation and mapping have recently become an important field of interest for researchers because global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are very often unavailable inside buildings. FootSLAM, a SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm for pedestrians based on step measurements, addresses the indoor mapping and positioning problem and can provide accurate positioning in many structured indoor environments. In this paper, we investigate how to compare FootSLAM maps via two entropy metrics. Since collaborative FootSLAM requires the alignment and combination of several individual FootSLAM maps, we also investigate measures that help to align maps that partially overlap. We distinguish between the map entropy conditioned on the sequence of pedestrian’s poses, which is a measure of the uncertainty of the estimated map, and the entropy rate of the pedestrian’s steps conditioned on the history of poses and conditioned on the estimated map. Because FootSLAM maps are built on a hexagon grid, the entropy and relative entropy metrics are derived for the special case of hexagonal transition maps. The entropy gives us a new insight on the performance of FootSLAM’s map estimation process.
Is Cryoballoon Ablation Preferable to Radiofrequency Ablation for Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation by Pulmonary Vein Isolation? A Meta-Analysis

Objective Currently radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablations are the two standard ablation systems used for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation; however, there is no universal consensus on which ablation is the optimal choice. We therefore sought to undertake a meta-analysis with special emphases on comparing the efficacy and safety between cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablations by synthesizing published clinical trials. Methods and Results Articles were identified by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases before September 2013, by reviewing the bibliographies of eligible reports, and by consulting with experts in this field. Data were extracted independently and in duplicate. There were respectively 469 and 635 patients referred for cryoballoon and radiofrequency ablations from 14 qualified clinical trials. Overall analyses indicated that cryoballoon ablation significantly reduced fluoroscopic time and total procedure time by a weighted mean of 14.13 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 2.82 to 25.45; P = 0.014) minutes and 29.65 (95% CI: 8.54 to 50.77; P = 0.006) minutes compared with radiofrequency ablation, respectively, whereas ablation time in cryoballoon ablation was nonsignificantly elongated by a weighted mean of 11.66 (95% CI: −10.71 to 34.04; P = 0.307) minutes. Patients referred for cryoballoon ablation had a high yet nonsignificant success rate of catheter ablation compared with cryoballoon ablation (odds ratio; 95% CI; P: 1.34; 0.53 to 3.36; 0.538), and cryoballoon ablation was also found to be associated with the relatively low risk of having recurrent atrial fibrillation (0.75; 0.3 to 1.88; 0.538) and major complications (0.46; 0.11 to 1.83; 0.269). There was strong evidence of heterogeneity and low probability of publication bias. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate greater improvement in fluoroscopic time and total procedure duration for atrial fibrillation patients referred for cryoballoon ablation than those for radiofrequency ablation.
Biological applications of X-ray microprobes

Purpose: To present an overview of the workshop on X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). Results: Talks presented at the workshop and the associated works are highlighted. Conclusions: Use of XFM in biomedical sciences is growing and may be advanced even further by adding (i) high resolution microprobes, and (ii) high throughput approaches to the XFM toolbox.
New Insights into Phasmatodea Chromosomes

Currently, approximately 3000 species of stick insects are known; however, chromosome numbers, which range between 21 and 88, are known for only a few of these insects. Also, centromere banding staining (C-banding) patterns were described for fewer than 10 species, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was applied exclusively in two Leptynia species. Interestingly, 10–25% of stick insects (Phasmatodea) are obligatory or facultative parthenogenetic. As clonal and/or bisexual reproduction can affect chromosomal evolution, stick insect karyotypes need to be studied more intensely. Chromosome preparation from embryos of five Phasmatodea species (Medauroidea extradentata, Sungaya inexpectata, Sipyloidea sipylus, Phaenopharos khaoyaiensis, and Peruphasma schultei) from four families were studied here by C-banding and FISH applying ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (rDNA) and telomeric repeat probes. For three species, data on chromosome numbers and structure were obtained here for the first time, i.e., S. inexpectata, P. khaoyaiensis, and P. schultei. Large C-positive regions enriched with rDNA were identified in all five studied, distantly related species. Some of these C-positive blocks were enriched for telomeric repeats, as well. Chromosomal evolution of stick insects is characterized by variations in chromosome numbers as well as transposition and amplification of repetitive DNA sequences. Here, the first steps were made towards identification of individual chromosomes in Phasmatodea.
White lines in the L2,3 electron-energy-loss and x-ray absorption spectra of 3d transition metals.

In the electron-energy-loss or x-ray-absorption spectra of the 3d transition metals the onset of the ${L}_{2}$,3 edge (2p excitation) is marked by two sharp peaks often called white lines. The peaks are attributed to the excitation of the 2${p}_{3/2}$ and 2${p}_{1/2}$ subshells to unoccupied d levels but the observed ratio of their areas is not the statistical 2:1 ratio expected from initial-state occupation. In this paper we report the results of multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations of the transition rates which should include atomic many-electron effects. We compare our results with experimental energy-loss measurements from a number of sources. There is good agreement for the ratio of the two components although the detailed shape can show additional solid-state effects. In particular, the ${L}_{3}$-${L}_{2}$ ratio is very sensitive to the charge state for elements in the middle of the period such as Mn and Cr. This effect can therefore be used to measure ionicity in energy-loss microanalysis in the electron microscope.
Plasma Wave Observations Near Jupiter: Initial Results from Voyager 2

This report provides an initial survey of results from the plasma wave instrument on the Voyager 2 spacecraft, which flew by Jupiter on 9 July 1979. Measurements made during the approach to the planet show that low-frequency radio emissions from Jupiter have a strong latitudinal dependence, with a sharply defined shadow zone near the equatorial plane. At the magnetopause a new type of broadband electric field turbulence was detected, and strong electrostatic emissions near the upper hybrid resonance frequency were discovered near the low-frequency cutoff of the continuum radiation. Strong whistler-mode turbulence was again detected in the inner magnetosphere, although in this case extending out to substantially larger radial distances than for Voyager 1. In the predawn tail region, continuum radiation was observed extending down to extremely low frequencies, ∼ 30 hertz, an indication that the spacecraft was entering a region of very low density, ∼ 1.0 x 10–5 per cubic centimeter, possibly similar to the lobes of Earth's magnetotail.
Parental Effects

A parental effect refers to a situation where, conditional on the individual’s own genotype, the phenotype of an individual depends upon the mother’s or father’s phenotype or genotype. For example, a factor complicating gene discovery in asthma is the possibility, based on epidemiologic studies, that maternal phenotype influences the inheritance of asthma and atopy [10, 12]. The presence of asthma and associated phenotypes such as atopy in children has been consistently associated with an increased prevalence of asthma or atopy in mothers [10]. The differential risk of transmission between parents may be fourfold. The mechanism, or mechanisms, for these parental effects are unknown, but possibilities include genomic imprinting (see below) or maternal modification of the developing infant’s immune system by transmission of immune factors across the placenta or through breast milk. The latter is likely to be affected by a complex interaction between maternal and fetal genetic and environmental factors. Similar parental effects have been noted in other immunologic disorders, most notably type I diabetes [21], rheumatoid arthritis [9], inflammatory bowel disease [7], and selective IgA deficiency [20], suggesting that parental effects on the developing infant’s immune system may be an important common process modifying genetic diseases that are immunologic in origin. The remainder of this article describes the phenomena of genomic imprinting and maternal effects and their implications for genetic analysis. While there are clear theoretic differences between these two mechanisms, in practice they may be difficult to distinguish in complex diseases.
Evaluation and treatment of insomnia.

Let's read! We will often find out this sentence everywhere. When still being a kid, mom used to order us to always read, so did the teacher. Some books are fully read in a week and we need the obligation to support reading. What about now? Do you still love reading? Is reading only for you who have obligation? Absolutely not! We here offer you a new book enPDFd evaluation and treatment of insomnia to read.
OsC6, Encoding a Lipid Transfer Protein, Is Required for Postmeiotic Anther Development In Rice1[W][OA]

Synthesis of lipidic components in anthers, including of the pollen exine, is essential for plant male reproductive development. Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are small, abundant lipid-binding proteins that have the ability to exchange lipids between membranes in vitro. However, their biological role in male reproductive development remains less understood. Here, we report the crucial role of OsC6 in regulating postmeiotic anther development in rice (Oryza sativa). Found in monocots, OsC6 belongs to a distinct clade from previously identified LTP1 and LTP2 family members found in both dicots and monocots. OsC6 expression is mainly detectable in tapetal cells and weakly in microspores from stage 9 to stage 11 of anther development. Immunological assays indicated that OsC6 is widely distributed in anther tissues such as the tapetal cytoplasm, the extracellular space between the tapetum and middle layer, and the anther locule and anther cuticle. Biochemical assays indicated that recombinant OsC6 has lipid binding activity. Moreover, plants in which OsC6 was silenced had defective development of orbicules (i.e. Ubisch bodies) and pollen exine and had reduced pollen fertility. Furthermore, additional evidence is provided that the expression of OsC6 is positively regulated by a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, Tapetum Degeneration Retardation (TDR). Extra granule-like structures were observed on the inner surface of the tdr tapetal layer when the expression of OsC6 was driven by the TDR promoter compared with the tdr mutant. These data suggest that OsC6 plays a crucial role in the development of lipidic orbicules and pollen exine during anther development in rice.
Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Stomach: Morphologic and Immunohistochemical Characteristics and Prognosis

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the stomach has been recognized as a highly malignant tumor; however, because of its rarity, limited information is available regarding its clinicopathologic characteristics. Here, we investigated the morphologic and immunohistochemical features and prognosis of 51 cases of gastric NEC. Histologically, 40 lesions were large cell type, and 11 were small cell type. The large majority of the tumors exhibited a solid growth pattern (94%), with subsets of tumors showing trabecular (18%), scirrhous (10%), or tubular growth patterns (6%). Thirty-six cases (71%) had adenocarcinoma components and/or dysplasia. Among them, 26 cases (51%) were associated with intramucosal adenocarcinoma or dysplasia. Immunohistochemically, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56 were diffusely expressed in 48 (94%), 44 (86%), and 24 cases (47%), respectively. Two recently reported neuroendocrine markers, ASH1 and NKX2.2, were diffusely positive in 12 (24%) and 17 cases (33%), respectively. The diffuse or focal expression of TTF-1 was observed in 19 cases (37%). Among the 41 patients who underwent a curative resection, 16 patients (39%) developed radiologic recurrences, and the liver was the most frequent site of recurrence (11 patients, 27%). The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 57.8% and 44.7%, respectively. Regarding patient outcome, none of the histologic subclassifications, including small cell versus large cell types and the presence versus the absence of adenocarcinoma components and/or dysplasia, were significant. In a multivariate analysis, curative surgery was identified as the sole independent prognostic factor (P=0.03). Although gastric NECs exhibit significant morphologic diversity, their histologic subclassification is unlikely to be of immediate clinical relevance.
Inclusion body myositis with human immunodeficiency virus infection: Four cases with clonal expansion of viral‐specific T cells

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), a common adult‐onset myositis, is characterized by an antigen‐driven inflammatory response and vacuolar degeneration. The cause is unknown. We report the association of sIBM with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and explore the clonality and viral specificity of the autoinvasive T cells.
Development and validation of an assessment tool for a national young worker curriculum.

BACKGROUND An online, multiple-choice assessment was developed and validated for Youth@Work-Talking Safety, a NIOSH curriculum that equips middle and high school students with foundational workplace safety and health knowledge and skills. METHODS Classical Test Theory was used for the test development and validation; the Jaeger method was used for cut score determination. A total of 118 multiple-choice items were developed to measure the acquisition of knowledge and skills taught through the NIOSH curriculum. Pilot testing was conducted with 192 8-12th grade students and a cut score was determined. RESULTS The mean score for all test-takers on the Talking Safety assessment was 80.9%; total test reliability measured using an Alpha/KR20 statistic was 0.93. A minimum passing (cut) score of 74% was established. CONCLUSIONS The assessment provides an objective measure of students' acquisition of the foundational workplace safety and health competencies taught through the Talking Safety curriculum. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:969-978, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Waiting for Invasions: A Framework for the Arrival of Nonindigenous Species

The process of nonindigenous species (NIS) arrival has received limited theoretical consideration despite importance in predicting and preventing the establishment of NIS. We formulate a mechanistically based hierarchical model of NIS arrival and demonstrate simplifications leading to a marginal distribution of the number of surviving introduced individuals from parameters of survival probability and propagule pressure. The marginal distribution is extended as a stochastic process from which establishment emerges with a waiting time distribution. This provides a probability of NIS establishment within a specified period and may be useful for identifying patterns of successful invaders. However, estimates of both the propagule pressure and the individual survival probability are rarely available for NIS, making estimates of the probability of establishment difficult. Alternatively, researchers are able to measure proportional estimates of propagule pressure through models of NIS transport, such as gravity models, or of survival probability through habitat‐matching indexes measuring the similarity between potentially occupied and native NIS ranges. Therefore, we formulate the relative waiting time between two locations and the probability of one location being invaded before the other.
Site-directed mutants of RTP of Bacillus subtilis and the mechanism of replication fork arrest.

DNA replication fork arrest during the termination phase of chromosome replication in Bacillus subtilis is brought about by the replication terminator protein (RTP) bound to specific DNA terminator sequences (Ter sites) distributed throughout the terminus region. An attractive suggestion by others was that crucial to the functioning of the RTP-Ter complex is a specific interaction between RTP positioned on the DNA and the helicase associated with the approaching replication fork. In support of this was the behaviour of two site-directed mutants of RTP. They appeared to bind Ter DNA normally but were ineffective in fork arrest as ascertained by in vitro Escherichia coli DnaB helicase and replication assays. We describe here a system for assessing the fork-arrest behaviour of RTP mutants in a bona fide in vivo assay in B. subtilis. One of the previously studied mutants, RTP.Y33N, was non-functional in fork arrest in vivo, as predicted. But through extensive analyses, this RTP mutant was shown to be severely defective in binding to Ter DNA, contrary to expectation. Taken in conjunction with recent findings on the other mutant (RTP.E30K), it is concluded that there is as yet no substantive evidence from the behaviour of RTP mutants to support the RTP-helicase interaction model for fork arrest. In an extension of the present work on RTP.Y33N, we determined the dissociation rates of complexes formed by wild-type (wt) RTP and another RTP mutant with various terminator sequences. The functional wtRTP-TerI complex was quite stable (half-life of 182 minutes), reminiscent of the great stability of the E. coli Tus-Ter complex. More significant were the exceptional stabilities of complexes comprising wtRTP and an RTP double-mutant (E39K.R42Q) bound to some particular terminator sequences. From the measurement of in vivo fork-arrest activities of the various complexes, it is concluded that the stability (half-life) of the whole RTP-Ter complex is not the overriding determinant of arrest, and that the RTP-Ter complex must be actively disrupted, or RTP removed, by the action of the approaching replication fork.
Applying distributed monitoring techniques in autonomic networks

The increasing size, complexity and the dynamic character of future networks make traditional monitoring systems inadequate to be continuously updated and sense the endless changes in the topology and communication conditions. The need for reduction in the network management complexity and the administrator's operational burden imposes the design and implementation of self-functionalities and the adoption of self-management schemes. We propose a novel approach for improving network management based on distributed monitoring techniques. Autonomic mechanisms are designed to control traffic monitoring within a network in order to increase the accuracy of the acquired data without increasing the imposed overhead in the network. Nodes are able to correlate monitoring data and to adapt the monitoring functions according to existing networking conditions and predefined administration policies.
High intestinal IgA associates with reduced risk of IgE‐associated allergic diseases

Kukkonen K, Kuitunen M, Haahtela T, Korpela R, Poussa T, Savilahti E. High intestinal IgA associates with reduced risk of IgE‐associated allergic diseases. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 67–73. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S