Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Selective estrogen receptor modulators regulate reactive microglia after penetrating brain injury

Following brain injury, microglia assume a reactive-like state and secrete pro-inflammatory molecules that can potentiate damage. A therapeutic strategy that may limit microgliosis is of potential interest. In this context, selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as raloxifene and tamoxifen, are known to reduce microglia activation induced by neuroinflammatory stimuli in young animals. In the present study, we have assessed whether raloxifene and tamoxifen are able to affect microglia activation after brain injury in young and aged animals in time points relevant to clinics, which is hours after brain trauma. Volume fraction of MHC-II+ microglia was estimated according to the point-counting method of Weibel within a distance of 350 μm from the lateral border of the wound, and cellular morphology was measured by fractal analysis. Two groups of animals were studied: (1) young rats, ovariectomized at 2 months of age; and (2) aged rats, ovariectomized at 18 months of age. Fifteen days after ovariectomy animals received a stab wound brain injury and the treatment with estrogenic compounds. Our findings indicate that raloxifene and tamoxifen reduced microglia activation in both young and aged animals. Although the volume fraction of reactive microglia was found lower in aged animals, this was accompanied by important changes in cell morphology, where aged microglia assume a bushier and hyperplasic aspect when compared to young microglia. These data suggest that early regulation of microglia activation provides a mechanism by which selective estrogen receptors modulators (SERMs) may exert a neuroprotective effect in the setting of a brain trauma.
Estimation of the recombination fraction in human pedigrees: efficient computation of the likelihood for human linkage studies.

The basic steps as well as the merits of linkage investigations have recently been summarized [1]. A very simple method to test for genetic linkage is the sib-pair method of Penrose [2] which tests for independence of the phenotypes at two loci. Linkage between these two loci leads to a small deviation from independence of the phenotypes in each sibship. However, this method is rather inefficient and does not estimate the recombination fraction. Furthermore, there may be causes other than linkage leading to a deviation from independence and thus simulating the effects of linkage. Maximum-likelihood estimation of the recombination fraction in man was introduced in two basic papers by Haldane and Smith [3] and Smith [4]. Likelihood methods can be shown to extract all possible information from the phenotypes in pedigrees. These methods require the computation of the probability that, considering all possible outcomes in a certain pedigree, phenotypes turn out to be as actually observed. This probability is called the likelihood of the pedigree, and its value largely depends on the recombination fraction. The essential difficulty in computing this likelihood is that the recombination fraction specifies the probabilities of genotypes, not phenotypes. Since phenotypes are functions of the genotypes, the likelihood can be expressed as a weighted sum over all genotypes compatible with the observed phenotypes, each summand being the probability of the given configuration of genotypes in the pedigree multiplied by the probability of the phenotypes given the genotypes [3]. Even for pedigrees of moderate size, this summation can involve a large number of terms. For certain types of 2-generation families, Morton [5] has computed and tabulated the likelihoods in the form of so-called lod scores. These lods can be easily used if a pedigree is of suitable type. However, in a pedigree with several generations, extraction of all information requires computation of the full likelihood. These laborious calculations have been undertaken by Morton in his investigation on the linkage between elliptocytosis and Rh [6]. Several attempts have been made to have computers do this work [7-10].
Agreement between paired blood gas values in samples transported either by a pneumatic system or by human courier

Abstract Background: Rapid accurate assessment of metabolic derangements is crucial in the critically ill. We evaluated if arterial blood gas (ABG) samples transported through a pneumatic tube system (PTS) agreed with values transported by a human courier. Methods: In this prospective study of 50-paired ABG samples, the couriered reference ABG was compared with those transported by PTS. Agreement was summarised by the mean difference with 95% limits of agreement (LOA) and Lin's concordance correlation (pc). Results: The mean (±SD) time from sampling to analysis was 35.7±23.2 (courier) and 38.6±22.1 (PTS) minutes. Agreement was good between courier and PTS for pH, PaCO2, bicarbonate, oxygen saturation and PaO2 values (pc>0.97). Although the mean difference in PaO2 values between PTS and courier was small (–0.9 mm Hg) and the agreement was good, individual differences were clinically significant (95% LOA –40.8 to 39.0). For PaO2 <160 mm Hg, analysis of PTS samples yielded erroneously high PaO2 values and vice versa for PaO2>160 mm Hg compared to manual courier. This suggested exaggerated oxygen movement between the blood sample and air in the PTS. Conclusions: In this study, analysis of samples transported through the PTS resulted in clinically unacceptable PaO2 values. Delay in transport and analysis of ABG samples should be avoided and samples transported manually if they cannot be assessed on-site.
Robot Grasp Synthesis Algorithms: A Survey

This article presents a survey of the existing computational algorithms meant for achieving four important properties in autonomous multifingered robotic hands. The four properties are: dexterity, equilibrium, stability, and dynamic behavior The multifingered robotic hands must be controlled so as to possess these properties and hence be able to autonomously perform complex tasks in a way similar to human hands. Existing algorithms to achieve dexterity primarily involve solving an unconstrained linear programming problem where an objective function can be chosen to represent one or more of the currently known dexterity measures. Algorithms to achieve equilibrium also constitute solving a linear program ming problem wherein the positivity, friction, and joint torque constraints of all fingers are accounted for while optimizing the internal grasping forces. Stability algorithms aim at achiev ing positive definite grasp impedance matrices by solving for the required fingertip impedances. This problem reduces to a nonlinear programming problem. Dynamic behavior algorithms determine fingertip impedances, which, when achieved, lead to a desired dynamic behavior. This problem, too, becomes a linear programming problem. If a robotic hand has to acquire any or all of these proper ties, the corresponding algorithms should become integral parts of the hand control system. These algorithms are collectively referred to in this article as robot grasp synthesis algorithms.
Bernoulli Regression Models: Re-examining Statistical Models with Binary Dependent Variables

The classical approach for specifying statistical models with binary dependent variables in econometrics using latent variables or threshold models can leave the model misspecified, resulting in biased and inconsistent estimates as well as erroneous inferences. Furthermore, methods for trying to alleviate such problems, such as univariate generalized linear models, have not provided an adequate alternative for ensuring the statistical adequacy of such models. The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the underlying probabilistic foundations of statistical models with binary dependent variables using the probabilistic reduction approach to provide an alternative approach for model specification. This re-examination leads to the development of the Bernoulli Regression Model. Simulated and empirical examples provide evidence that the Bernoulli Regression Model can provide a superior approach for specifying statistically adequate models for dichotomous choice processes.
A real-time mobile vehicle license plate detection and recognition for vehicle monitoring and management

In this paper we present a instant and real-time mobile vehicle license plate recognition system in an open environment. Using a nonfixed video camera installed in the car, the system tries to capture the image of the car in front and to process instant vehicle license plate detection and recognition. Relying on the instant vehicle body recognition, the system can detect and locate the vehicle license plate without the need of background image. Vehicle body detection system utilizes the color characteristics of the barking lights to carry out detection. It first detects the location of the two barking lights in the captured image. Then set license plate detection region using the probability distribution of the license plate between the two lights, thus quickly locate the license plate. This method can eliminate any environmental interference during the license plate detection. From the results of experiment, it is determined that this system can effectively and quickly capture the vehicle image, detect and recognize the license plate whether it is dark, raining or under complicated environments.
Extensive variation in chromosome number and genome size in sexual and parthenogenetic species of the jumping-bristletail genus Machilis (Archaeognatha)

Parthenogenesis in animals is often associated with polyploidy and restriction to extreme habitats or recently deglaciated areas. It has been hypothesized that benefits conferred by asexual reproduction and polyploidy are essential for colonizing these habitats. However, while evolutionary routes to parthenogenesis are manifold, study systems including polyploids are scarce in arthropods. The jumping-bristletail genus Machilis (Insecta: Archaeognatha) includes both sexual and parthenogenetic species, and recently, the occurrence of polyploidy has been postulated. Here, we applied flow cytometry, karyotyping, and mitochondrial DNA sequencing to three sexual and five putatively parthenogenetic Eastern-Alpine Machilis species to investigate whether (1) parthenogenesis originated once or multiply and (2) whether parthenogenesis is strictly associated with polyploidy. The mitochondrial phylogeny revealed that parthenogenesis evolved at least five times independently among Eastern-Alpine representatives of this genus. One parthenogenetic species was exclusively triploid, while a second consisted of both diploid and triploid populations. The three other parthenogenetic species and all sexual species were diploid. Our results thus indicate that polyploidy can co-occur with parthenogenesis, but that it was not mandatory for the emergence of parthenogenesis in Machilis. Overall, we found a weak negative correlation of monoploid genome size (Cx) and chromosome base number (x), and this connection is stronger among parthenogenetic species alone. Likewise, monoploid genome size decreased with elevation, and we therefore hypothesize that genome downsizing could have been crucial for the persistence of alpine Machilis species. Finally, we discuss the evolutionary consequences of intraspecific chromosomal rearrangements and the presence of B chromosomes. In doing so, we highlight the potential of Alpine Machilis species for research on chromosomal and genome-size alterations during speciation.
A faster and computationally more efficient REML (PX)EM algorithm for linear mixed models

Summary: Residual maximum likelihood is the preferred method for estimating variance parameters associated with a linear mixed model. Typically an iterative algorithm is required for the estimation of these parameters. Two algorithms which can be used for this purpose are the EM algorithm and the PX-EM algorithm. Both require speci(cid:12)cation of the complete data which comprises the incomplete and missing data. We consider a new incomplete data speci(cid:12)cation which is computationally more e(cid:14)cient than alternative speci(cid:12)cations. In the example considered the new incomplete data speci(cid:12)cation results in the algorithm converging in 30% fewer iterations than the alternative speci(cid:12)cation. We describe the conditions necessary for this faster rate of convergence to apply in other cases.
Tariff-Growth Nexus in the Australian Economy, 1870-2002: Is there a Paradox?

This paper investigates the relationship between tariff and growth in the Australian economy over the period from 1871 to 2002. The study is motivated by the debate on the apparent 'tariff-growth paradox', a sign switch in the link between tariff rate and growth between the first and second episodes of globalization in world history, established from cross-country growth regressions. The long annual time series together with the recent developments in time series econometrics allows us to establish an unambiguous and stable negative relationship between tariff rates and economic growth. It is of course not possible to generalize from a single country case, but our results do cast significant doubts on the 'tariff-growth paradox' reported in recent cross-country studies.
Adding educational funcionalities to classic board games

In this paper we revisit some classic board games like Pachisi or the Game of Gosse. The main contribution of the paper is to design and add some functionalities to the games in order to transform them in serious games, that is, in games with learning and educational purposes. To do that, at the beginning of the game, players choose one or several topics and during the game, players have to anwers questions on these topics in order to move their markers. We choose classic board games because a lot of people are familiar with them so it is very easy to start to play without wasting time learning game rules and, we think that this is an important element to make the game more attractive to people. To enlarge the number of potential users we have implement the games just using html and javascript and the games can be used in any web browser, in any computer (including tablets) , in any computer arquitecture (Windows, Mac, Linux) and no internet/server conexion is required. Associated software is distributed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 licence and can be obtained at this http URL
Obesity and Thyroid Cancer Risk among U.S. Men and Women: A Pooled Analysis of Five Prospective Studies

Background: Thyroid cancer incidence has risen dramatically in the United States since the early 1980s. Although the prevalence of obesity has doubled during this time period, the relationship between obesity and thyroid cancer is uncertain. Methods: We examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and thyroid cancer risk in a pooled analysis of five prospective U.S. studies, including 413,979 women and 434,953 men. Proportional hazards models with attained age as the time metric were adjusted for education, race, marital status, smoking, alcohol intake, and (where appropriate) cohort and sex. Results: Over follow-up (mean = 10.3 years), 768 women and 388 men were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The risk of thyroid cancer was greater with increasing BMI [per 5 kg/m2: HR in women, 1.16 (95% CI, 1.08–1.24); HR in men, 1.21 (95% CI, 0.97–1.49)]. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies (both P > 0.05). For women and men combined, the HRs for overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥30 kg/m2) compared with normal-weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) were 1.20 (95% CI, 1.04–1.38) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.31–1.79), respectively. We found no significant effect modification by other factors, and the results did not differ significantly by histologic type. A significant positive association for BMI in young adulthood (ages 18–20) with thyroid cancer risk was also observed [per 5-kg/m2 increase: HR, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.03–1.35)]. Conclusion: BMI was positively associated with thyroid cancer risk in both men and women. Impact: Our study provides strong evidence that obesity is an independent risk factor for thyroid cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(3); 464–72. ©2011 AACR.
Anisotropy in the angular distribution of the long gamma-ray bursts?

The gamma-ray bursts detected by the BATSE instrument may be separated into "short", "intermediate" and "long" subgroups. Previous statistical tests found an anisotropic sky-distribution on large angular scales for the intermediate subgroup, and probably also for the short subgroup. In this article the description and the results of a further statistical test - namely the nearest neighbour analysis - are given. Surprisingly, this test gives an anisotropy for the long subgroup on small angular scales. The discussion of this result suggests that this anisotropy may be real.
Nerve fiber growth in culture on fibronectin, collagen, and glycosaminoglycan substrates

In an initial report (Carbonetto, S. T., M. M. Gruver, and D. C. Turner (1982) Science 216: 897–899) we described the use of 2- hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) in preparing defined culture substrates for studying nerve fiber growth. In those studies fibronectin and collagen were conspicuous, among a variety of HEMA-embedded proteins, in supporting fiber growth of embryonic neurons from chick dorsal root ganglia. Here we further document and extend our preliminary studies, especially with regard to the interaction of growing nerve fibers with fibronectin. HEMA substrates were prepared with proteolytic fragments of fibronectin, each of which had one or more of the functional sites of the intact molecule. Only those fragments of fibronectin that retained the region of the molecule known to mediate myoblast attachment were active in supporting nerve fiber growth. When added in excess to the culture medium, the smallest of the active fragments inhibited fiber growth on substrates that contained intact fibronectin. In culture medium depleted of serum fibronectin, HEMA gels containing collagens purified from connective tissues (types I and III) or from basement membranes (type IV) were about as effective as HEMA substrates containing fibronectin in supporting fiber growth. Nerve fiber growth on collagen substrates proceeded in the absence of fibronectin in the culture medium. Several glycosaminoglycans (heparin, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid) were ineffective as substrates for fiber growth. Treatment of HEMA/ fibronectin gels with heparin or incorporation of heparin along with fibronectin in the gel profoundly diminished the efficacy of fibronectin in supporting nerve fiber growth. Our studies suggest that the growth of nerve fibers on fibronectin substrates results from direct interaction with a specific portion of the fibronectin molecule and that this interaction can be inhibited by heparin and possibly other glycosaminoglycans.
Corpus-based study of durational adjustment in Korean

Research in spoken language has shown that an individual speech sound can be produced differently in different structural contexts in spite of presumably the same lexical representation. Cues for a linguistically organized framework can be found in these contextually determined variant phonetic characteristics. This paper examines the patterns of duration adjustment of ‘ta’, ‘ka’, and ‘neun’ in Standard Korean when these segmental sequences occupy different constituents within a word or a phrase. The results indicate that the phonetic manifestation of the utterance boundary is conditioned by linguistically organized structure. They also suggest that the failure of earlier studies to find the effect of phrase-initial lengthening may be due to the greater variation in that position. The findings observed in the study may be a reading characteristic observed in the reading style by male speakers, which warrants detailed phonetic analyses for more speakers of different genders and more speaking styles as well as speaker-dependent variations.
Facebook’s emotional contagion study and the ethical problem of co-opted identity in mediated environments where users lack control

We argue a main but underappreciated reason why the Facebook emotional contagion experiment is ethically problematic is that it co-opted user data in a way that violated identity-based norms and exploited the vulnerability of those disclosing on social media who are unable to control how personal information is presented in this technologically mediated environment.
Using visual odometry to create 3D maps for online footstep planning

This paper describes an online system for footstep planning using a 3D map reconstructed by visual odometry. This system consists of two key components: 3D reconstruction via visual odometry from a stereo image sequence to obtain a dense local world model, and a footstep planner for biped robots using the reconstructed 3D map. Visual odometry is a method to connect 3D image sequences to obtain 6DOF camera motion and dense 3D environment information. The method described in this paper consists of three components: stereo depth map calculation, 3D flow calculation from tracking raw image features, and 6DOF camera motion estimation from RANSAC. Using the resulting 3D data, an optimal sequence of footstep locations is planned. The footstep planner is provided a height map of the terrain and a discrete set of possible footstep motions. The planner then evaluates footstep locations for viability using a collection of heuristic metrics designed to encode the relative safety, effort required, and overall motion complexity. Finally, we implemented this system on the humanoid robot H7. A local 3D map is reconstructed using visual odometry at about 10 Hz and the footstep planner replans at intervals of four steps. The robot walked across a floor, avoiding obstacles and reaching the goal.
malaria parasite Nucleosome landscape and control of transcription in the human Material Supplemental

object identifier (DOIs) and date of initial publication. by PubMed from initial publication. Citations to Advance online articles must include the digital publication). Advance online articles are citable and establish publication priority; they are indexed appeared in the paper journal (edited, typeset versions may be posted when available prior to final Advance online articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication but have not yet
Plasma and Blood Volumes of Mouse Organs, As Determined with Radioactive Iodoproteins.∗

Summary The plasma and blood volumes of mice and of various mouse organs were determined by injecting mice with a protein iodinated with iodine containing tracer quantities of radioactive iodine, and determining the amount of radioactivity present in the various organs. The average plasma and blood volumes of the mice were found to be 6.7 ml and 12.7 ml per 100 g of body weight, respectively. The average plasma volume in ml per 100 g of wet tissue for the brain was 1.6; kidney, 19.1; liver, 20.2; lung, 23.9; small intestine, 5.0; spleen, 9.2; submaxillary gland, 5.9; testes, 3.4.