Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Umbilical Cord Hepcidin Concentrations Are Positively Associated with the Variance in Iron Status among Multiple Birth Neonates.

Background Hepcidin is a systemic regulator of iron homeostasis. Little is known about the relative role of maternal compared with cord hepcidin on neonatal iron homeostasis. Objective This study was undertaken to evaluate inter- and intrauterine variance in neonatal iron status, vitamin B-12, folate, and inflammatory markers in a cohort of twins (n = 50), triplets (n = 14), and quadruplets (n = 1) born to 65 women. Methods Umbilical cord blood was obtained from 144 neonates born at 34.8 ± 2.7 wk of gestation with a mean birth weight of 2236 ± 551 g (means ± SDs). Cord hemoglobin and cord serum measures of ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), hepcidin, erythropoietin (EPO), iron, vitamin B-12, folate, interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein were evaluated. Results Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analyses were used to examine inter- and intrauterine variance in neonatal iron indicators. A greater variability in cord hepcidin (ICC = 0.39) was found between siblings. Cord hepcidin had the greatest association with cord iron indicators because cord hepcidin alone captured 63.8%, 48.4%, 44.4%, and 31.3% of the intrauterine variance in cord hemoglobin, SF, sTfR, and EPO, respectively, whereas maternal hepcidin had no effect on cord iron indicators. Significantly greater differences in cord SF (P = 0.03), sTfR (P = 0.03), hepcidin (P = 0.0003), and EPO (P = 0.03) were found between di- and trichorionic siblings than between monochorionic siblings. In contrast, cord folate (ICC = 0.79) and vitamin B-12 (ICC = 0.74) exhibited a greater variability between unrelated neonates. Conclusions In summary, fetally derived hepcidin might have more control on intrauterine variance in iron indicators than maternal hepcidin and appears to be capable of regulating fetal iron status independently of maternal hepcidin. The use of a multiple-birth model provides a unique way to identify factors that may contribute to placental nutrient transport and iron stores at birth.
Gaze-based, Context-aware Robotic System for Assisted Reaching and Grasping

Assistive robotic systems endeavour to support those with movement disabilities, enabling them to move again and regain functionality. Main issue with these systems is the complexity of their low-level control, and how to translate this to simpler, higher level commands that are easy and intuitive for a human user to interact with. We have created a multi-modal system, consisting of different sensing, decision making and actuating modalities, leading to intuitive, human-in-the-loop assistive robotics. The system takes its cue from the user’s gaze, to decode their intentions and implement low-level motion actions to achieve high-level tasks. This results in the user simply having to look at the objects of interest, for the robotic system to assist them in reaching for those objects, grasping them, and using them to interact with other objects. We present our method for 3D gaze estimation, and grammars-based implementation of sequences of action with the robotic system. The 3D gaze estimation is evaluated with 8 subjects, showing an overall accuracy of 4.68\pm 0.14cm. The full system is tested with 5 subjects, showing successful implementation of 100% of reach to gaze point actions and full implementation of pick and place tasks in 96%, and pick and pour tasks in 76% of cases. Finally we present a discussion on our results and what future work is needed to improve the system.
Conserved Genes Underlie Phenotypic Plasticity in an Incipiently Social Bee

Abstract Despite a strong history of theoretical work on the mechanisms of social evolution, relatively little is known of the molecular genetic changes that accompany transitions from solitary to eusocial forms. Here, we provide the first genome of an incipiently social bee that shows both solitary and social colony organization in sympatry, the Australian carpenter bee Ceratina australensis. Through comparative analysis, we provide support for the role of conserved genes and cis-regulation of gene expression in the phenotypic plasticity observed in nest-sharing, a rudimentary form of sociality. Additionally, we find that these conserved genes are associated with caste differences in advanced eusocial species, suggesting these types of mechanisms could pave the molecular pathway from solitary to eusocial living. Genes associated with social nesting in this species show signatures of being deeply conserved, in contrast to previous studies in other bees showing novel and faster-evolving genes are associated with derived sociality. Our data provide support for the idea that the earliest social transitions are driven by changes in gene regulation of deeply conserved genes.
Phylogeography of African Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Reveals Genetic Divergence and Spatially Structured Populations in West and Central Africa

Abstract The evolutionary history of African savannah tree species is crucial for the management of their genetic resources. In this study, we investigated the phylogeography of Parkia biglobosa and its modeled distribution under past and present climate conditions. This tree species is very valued and widespread in West Africa, providing edible and medicinal products. A large sample of 1610 individuals from 84 populations, distributed across 12 countries in Western and Central Africa, were genotyped using 8 nuclear microsatellites. Individual-based assignments clearly distinguished 3 genetic clusters, extreme West Africa (EWA), center of West Africa (CWA), and Central Africa (CA). Overall, estimates of genetic diversity were moderate to high, with lower values for populations in EWA (allelic richness after rarefaction [AR] = 6.4, expected heterozygosity [HE] = 0.78, and observed heterozygosity [HO] = 0.7) and CA (AR = 5.9, HE = 0.67, and HO = 0.61) compared with populations in CWA (AR = 7.3, HE = 0.79, and HO = 0.75). The overall population differentiation was found to be moderate (FST = 0.09). A highly significant isolation by distance pattern was detected, with a marked phylogeographic signature suggesting possible effects of past climate and geographic barriers to migration. Modeling the potential distribution of the species showed a contraction during the last glaciations followed by expansion events. The exploratory approximate Bayesian computation conducted suggests a best-supported scenario in which the cluster CWA traced back to the ancestral populations and a first split between EWA and CWA took place about 160000 years before present (BP), then a second split divided CA and CWA, about 100000 years BP. However, our genetic data do not enable us to conclusively distinguish among a few alternative possible scenarios.
Survey on Error Concealment Strategies and Subjective Testing of 3D Videos

Over the last decade, different technologies to visualize 3D scenes have been introduced and improved. These technologies include stereoscopic, multi-view, integral imaging and holographic types. Despite increasing consumer interest; poor image quality, crosstalk or side effects of 3D displays and also the lack of defined broadcast standards has hampered the advancement of 3D displays to the mass consumer market. Also, in real time transmission of 3DTV sequences over packet-based networks may results in visual quality degradations due to packet loss and others. In the conventional 2D videos different extrapolation and directional interpolation strategies have been used for concealing the missing blocks but in 3D, it is still an emerging field of research. Few studies have been carried out to define the assessment methods of stereoscopic images and videos. But through industrial and commercial perspective, subjective quality evaluation is the most direct way to evaluate human perception on 3DTV systems. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art error concealment strategies and the subjective evaluation of 3D videos and proposes a low complexity frame loss concealment method for the video decoder. Subjective testing on prominent datasets videos and comparison with existing concealment methods show that the proposed method is very much efficient to conceal errors of stereoscopic videos in terms of computation time, comfort and distortion.
Extracellular vesicle microRNA cargo is correlated with HPV status in oropharyngeal carcinoma

BACKGROUND The incidence of human papilloma virus positive (HPV+ ) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased rapidly in recent decades. These tumours have a favourable outcome compared to HPV-negative (HPV- ) OPSCC. However, HPV+ tumours are more likely to metastasise to distant sites, suggesting a difference in how these tumour subtypes interact with the metastatic niche. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as important players in cell-to-cell communication and are a potential source of biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. This study aims to characterise the microRNA cargo of small EVs released by HPV+ and HPV- OPSCC cell lines. METHODS Extracellular vesicles produced by HPV+ (SCC2 and SCC90) and HPV- (SCC72 an SCC89) OPSCC cells were characterised by tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS) and western blotting. RNA was extracted from EVs and analysed by small RNA sequencing. A bioinformatics approach was used to identify EV miRNA signatures associated with HPV status. RESULTS HPV- OPSCC cells produced more EVs than HPV+ OPSCC cells. EVs were positive for the common EV markers CD63, CD9 and TSG101. Unbiased hierarchical clustering analysis of EV miRNA cargo revealed that samples clustered based on HPV status. 14 miRNA were enriched in HPV+ cell-derived EVs, whereas 19 miRNA were enriched in EVs derived from HPV- cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Here, we identify EV miRNA signatures indicative of the HPV status of the parent cell. This may provide a platform from which to validate salivary or blood-based biomarkers with utility for early detection and stratifying risk in OPSCC patients.
Local trampling disturbance effects on alpine plant populations and communities: Negative implications for climate change vulnerability

Abstract Global change is modifying species communities from local to landscape scales, with alterations in the abiotic and biotic determinants of geographic range limits causing species range shifts along both latitudinal and elevational gradients. An important but often overlooked component of global change is the effect of anthropogenic disturbance, and how it interacts with the effects of climate to affect both species and communities, as well as interspecies interactions, such as facilitation and competition. We examined the effects of frequent human trampling disturbances on alpine plant communities in Switzerland, focusing on the elevational range of the widely distributed cushion plant Silene acaulis and the interactions of this facilitator species with other plants. Examining size distributions and densities, we found that disturbance appears to favor individual Silene growth at middle elevations. However, it has negative effects at the population level, as evidenced by a reduction in population density and reproductive indices. Disturbance synergistically interacts with the effects of elevation to reduce species richness at low and high elevations, an effect not mitigated by Silene. In fact, we find predominantly competitive interactions, both by Silene on its hosted and neighboring species and by neighboring (but not hosted) species on Silene. Our results indicate that disturbance can be beneficial for Silene individual performance, potentially through changes in its neighboring species community. However, possible reduced recruitment in disturbed areas could eventually lead to population declines. While other studies have shown that light to moderate disturbances can maintain high species diversity, our results emphasize that heavier disturbance reduces species richness, diversity, as well as percent cover, and adversely affects cushion plants and that these effects are not substantially reduced by plant–plant interactions. Heavily disturbed alpine systems could therefore be at greater risk for upward encroachment of lower elevation species in a warming world.
Development of ADHD symptoms in preschool children: Genetic and environmental contributions

Abstract We examined genetic and environmental contributions to the development of symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschool children. ADHD symptoms in siblings at 1.5, 3, and 5 years of age were investigated in a population-based sample from the prospective Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. The longitudinal contributions of additive genetic, shared, twin-specific, and unique environmental influences were estimated using biometric structural equation models. Heritability of ADHD symptoms ranged from 54% to 70%. There was evidence of partially new genetic influences at successive ages, with genetic correlations ranging from . 58 to . 89. Contributions from shared environmental factors and twin-specific factors were minor. The importance of unique environmental effects appeared to increase across ages, and was mostly specific to a given age. There was no evidence suggesting that this pattern differs across males and females. Symptoms of ADHD are highly heritability in young children from as early as 1.5 years of age. Longitudinal stability of ADHD symptoms is mainly attributable to genetic influences, but there is also some evidence for age-specific genetic influences. These findings contribute to our understanding of development of ADHD early in life, and can guide future molecular genetics studies.
Control of the spin to charge conversion using the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect

We show here that using spin orbit coupling interactions at a metallic interface it is possible to control the sign of the spin to charge conversion in a spin pumping experiment. Using the intrinsic symmetry of the “Inverse Rashba Edelstein Effect” (IREE) in a Bi/Ag interface, the charge current changes sign when reversing the order of the Ag and Bi stacking. This confirms the IREE nature of the conversion of spin into charge in these interfaces and opens the way to tailoring the spin sensing voltage by an appropriate trilayer sequence.
Estimation bayésienne locale du paramètre de multifractalité à l

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Estimation bayésienne locale du paramètre de multifractalité à l’aide d’un algorithme de Monte Carlo Hamiltonien Sebastien Combrexelle, Herwig Wendt, Jean-Yves Tourneret, Nicolas Dobigeon, Stephen Mc Laughlin, Patrice Abry
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 regulates cell proliferation and migration in the adjuvant arthritis synovial cells through ERK signaling pathway

To probe the role of Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) in regulating cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, the mRNA and protein expression were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence assay first. Then, siRNA against IGFBP2 was used to inhibit IGFBP2 expression in RA-FLS. The proliferation of RA-FLS was detected by CCK8 assay, invasion and migration in vitro were detected by transwell chamber assay and wound healing assay, the apoptosis of RA-FLS was observed by flow cytometry. Increased IGFBP2 was discovered in RA-FLS compared to FLS. In RA-FLS, the level of IGFBP2 was down-regulated by siRNA, siRNA IGFBP2 decreased the proliferation, invasion and migration of RA-FLS, and increased the apoptosis rate. Furthermore, siRNA IGFBP2 restrained the phosphorylation of ERK. IGFBP2 regulated the cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis of RA-FLS, which was mediated by the ERK signaling pathway. Our research suggested that targeting IGFBP2 might be a promising therapy for RA.
The Mourning After: A Group for Bereaved Caregivers

Abstract:A support group was designed for bereaved caregivers to assess its therapeutic benefit and to develop a template for future use with such groups. The sessions combined psychoeducation and group process work on concerns presented by group members. A thematic content analysis identified the following themes: hopelessness and loss; the need to talk about lost loved ones; stressors related to change; self-advocacy; and reentry into normal, everyday life. Results suggest that participants benefited from the support group. A template was developed based on contemporary research and feedback from group participants for use in such bereavement groups. Further research is needed with groups of more demographically and culturally diverse participants to test the utility of the template.
Investigation of the Approaches Used by the Science Teacher Candidates in Solving the Real-world Chemistry Problems

In this age of science, there is a need for rational individuals who are open to innovations to be able to limit and combine information and establish inter-system relationships. Problem solving is considered to be the most important cognitive activity that requires mental effort and will-power. The processes applied in mind when solving a mathematical and chemistry problems are similar. This study was conducted with a total of 50 students studying in the first grade of science teacher education. Two different chemistry problems, which are not routinely given to students, are being investigated and the approaches that science teacher candidates exhibit in solving real-life chemistry problems are desired. It is a descriptive research since an attempt has been made to demonstrate an existing situation in the study. According to the findings, it is seen that most of the candidate teachers are successful in expressing both problems in their own way, but they are less successful in expressing the chemistry knowledge necessary to solve the problem and relating them to the solution.
Organic Compounds Produced by Photolysis of Realistic Interstellar and Cometary Ice Analogs Containing Methanol

The infrared (IR) spectra of ultraviolet (UV) and thermally processed, methanol-containing interstellar/ cometary ice analogs at temperatures from 12 to 300 K are presented. Infrared spectroscopy, IH and _3C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry indicate that CO (carbon monoxide), CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), HCO (the formyl radical), H2CO (formaldehyde), CH3CH2OH (ethanol), HC(=O)NH2 (formamide), CH3C(_O)NH 2 (acetamide), and R--C_-N (nitriles) are formed. In addition, the organic materials remaining after photolyzed ice analogs have been warmed to room temperature contain (in rough order of decreasing abundance), (1) hexamethylenetetramine (HMT, C6HI2N4), (2) ethers, alcohols, and compounds related to polyoxymethylene {POM, (--CH20--),}, and (3) ketones {R--C(=O)--R'} and amides {H2NC(=O)--R}. Most of the carbon in these residues is thought to come from the methanol in the original ice. Deuterium and 13C isotopic labeling demonstrates that methanol is definitely the source of carbon in HMT. High concentrations of HMT in interstellar and cometary ices could have important astrophysical consequences. The ultraviolet photolysis of HMT frozen in H20 ice readily produces the "XCN" band observed in the spectra of protostellar objects and laboratory ices, as well as other nitriles. Thus, HMT may be a precursor of XCN and a source of CN in comets and the interstellar medium. Also, HMT is known to hydrolyze under acidic conditions to yield ammonia, formaldehyde, and amino acids. Thus, HMT may be a significant source of prebiogenic compounds on asteroidal parent bodies. A potential mechanism for the radiative formation of HMT in cosmic ices is outlined. Subject headings: dust, extinction -infrared: ISM: lines and bands -ISM: molecules -molecular processes
Inhibition of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by extract from Rosmarinus officinalis in rats

Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal disease which is characterized by inflammation and formation of permanent scar tissue in lung. Current treatment for this disease is limited and mainly relies on slowing the progression of fibrosis by anti-inflammatory agent. In this study, we examined the application of diterpene phenol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (DERO) as an anti-inflammatory agent for treating bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat model. After stimulating pulmonary fibrosis in Sprague-Dawley rats by endotracheal injection of bleomycin, oral administration of DERO was conducted with different dose (low, medium and high). Compared with NS group, infiltration of pro-inflammation lymphocytes and the collagen accumulation in the lung tissue of BLM group were significantly increased. However, with administration of DERO, cell infiltration and collagen deposition reduced significantly in medium dose and high dose groups, while little reduced was demonstrated in low dose group. Moreover, the expressions of Collagen-I, TGFBR2 and TGF-β1 genes were decreased as well in medium and high dose group. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that DERO may play a regulatory role in BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting over-depositing of Collagen I. DERO could inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 and TGFBR2 to suppress the activation of pre-collagen I by TGFβ-Smad1 pathway as well.
Avaliação Experimental da Eficácia de um Watchdog em Redes Oportunistas Móveis

A deteccao de comportamento egoista e crucial para o funcionamento adequado das operacoes em redes oportunistas moveis. Trabalhos anteriores tem concentrado esforcos em desenvolver sistemas de reputacao ou modelos de confianca. Contudo, essas abordagens assumem a existencia de um modelo eficiente de deteccao de nos egoistas, tal como os watchdogs. A maioria dos estudos, no entanto, nao apresenta uma analise da eficiencia da implementacao do watchdog em um nivel experimental. Este artigo discute o projeto, a implementacao e a validacao de um watchdog, com o objetivo de verificar a eficacia no processo de deteccao e compreensao dos efeitos desse mecanismo para valores crescentes da densidade de mensagens na rede. Resultados experimentais, utilizando-se o ambiente The ONE, mostram que a implementacao do watchdog aqui discutida e bastante promissora.
The Causal Effect of Education on Wages Revisited

This study estimates the return to education in Britain using two instrumental variable (IV) estimators: one exploits variation in schooling associated with early smoking, the other uses the raising of the school leaving age; both affect a sizeable proportion of the sample. Early smoking is found to be a strong and valid IV and unlike previous IV strategies uses variations in education at numerous points across the distributions of (i) education, and (ii) ability. Thus whilst still a ‘local average treatment effect’ the estimate is closer to the average effect of additional education, akin to least squares but corrected for endogeneity.