Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
overclaiming on the domains of Christianity (self-centrality: Christians >> non-believers), communion (self-centrality: Christians > non-believers), and agency (self-centrality: Christians ≈ non-believers). Studies 3A-3J (N = 1,956) operationalized self-enhancement as grandiose narcissism on the dom

People overestimate themselves in domains that are central to their self-concept. Critically, the psychological status of this “self-centrality principle” remains unclear. One view regards the principle as an inextricable part of human nature and, thus, as universal and resistant to normative pressure. A contrasting view regards the principle as liable to pressure (and subsequent modification) from self-effacement norms, thus questioning its universality. Advocates of the latter view point to Christianity’s robust self-effacement norms, which they consider particularly effective in curbing self-enhancement, and ascribe Christianity an egoquieting function. Three sets of studies examined the self-centrality principle among Christians. Studies 1A-1B (N = 2,118) operationalized self-enhancement as better-thanaverage perceptions on the domains of commandments of faith (self-centrality: Christians >> non-believers) and commandments of communion (self-centrality: Christians > nonbelievers). Studies 2A-2H (N = 1,779) operationalized self-enhancement as knowledge overclaiming on the domains of Christianity (self-centrality: Christians >> non-believers), communion (self-centrality: Christians > non-believers), and agency (self-centrality: Christians ≈ non-believers). Studies 3A-3J (N = 1,956) operationalized self-enhancement as grandiose narcissism on the domains of communion (self-centrality: Christians > nonbelievers) and agency (self-centrality: Christians ≈ non-believers). The results converged across studies, yielding consistent evidence for Christian self-enhancement. Relative to nonbelievers, Christians self-enhanced strongly in domains central to the Christian self-concept. The results also generalized across countries with differing levels of religiosity. Christianity does not quiet the ego. The self-centrality principle is resistant to normative pressure, universal, and rooted in human nature.
Human-robot interface by verbal and nonverbal behaviors

This paper proposes a method of removing ambiguities in robot tasks by a multimodal human-robot interface consisting of verbal and nonverbal communication. Such ambiguities often arise from failures of robot vision systems. However, it is not easy to solve this problem only by improving computer vision techniques. Thus, our robot asks a human such a question that a natural reply to it will contain helpful information to adapt the vision system to the current situation. We present a robot system that can bring objects ordered by a human through verbal and nonverbal behaviors.
Huber Approximation for the Nonlinear 1 Problem

The smooth Huber approximation to the nonlinear 1 problem was proposed by Tishler and Zang (1982), and further developed in Yang (1995). In the present paper, we use the ideas of Gould (1989) to give a new algorithm with rate of convergence results for the smooth Huber approximation. Results of computational tests are reported.
Elastic surface registration by parameterization optimization in spectral space

This paper proposes a novel method to register 3D surfaces. Given two surface meshes, we formulate the registration as a problem of optimizing the parameterization of one mesh for the other. The optimal parameterization of the mesh is achieved in two steps. First, we find an initial solution close to the optimal solution. Second, we elastically modify the parameterization to minimize the cost function. The modification of the parameterization is expressed as a linear combination of a relatively small number of low-frequency eigenvectors of an appropriate mesh Laplacian. The minimization of the cost function uses a standard nonlinear optimization procedure that determines the coefficients of the linear combination. Constraints are added so that the parameterization validity is preserved during the optimization. The proposed method extends parametric registration of 2D images to the domain of 3D surfaces. This method is generic and capable of elastically registering surfaces with arbitrary geometry. It is also very efficient and can be fully automatic. We believe that this paper for the first time introduces eigenvectors of mesh Laplacians into the problem of surface registration. We have conducted experiments using real meshes that represent human cortical surfaces and the results are promising.
A Comparative Study of Document Correlation Techniques for Traceability Analysis

One of the important aspects of software engineering is to ensure traceability across the development lifecycle. Traceability matrix is widely used to check for completeness and to aid impact analysis. We propose that this computation of traceability can be automated by looking at the correlation between the documents. This paper describes and compares four novel approaches for traceability computation based on text similarity, term structure and inter-document correlation algorithms. These algorithms base themselves on different information retrieval techniques for establishing document correlation. Observations from our experiments are also presented. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these approaches are discussed in detail. Various scenarios where these approaches would be applicable and the future course of action are also discussed.
Removal of esophageal foreign bodies in the pediatric ED: is ketamine an option?

The objective of the study was to evaluate our experience with esophageal foreign body (EFB) removal comparing the use of ketamine-midazolam (K-M) and fentanyl-midazolam (F-M) in the emergency department (ED), to admission and general anesthesia (GA) in the operating room (OR). A retrospective review of all children undergoing EFB removal at our institution during a 2-year period was conducted. A total of 93 patients were identified: K-M 57/93 (61.2%), F-M 28/93 (30.1%), GA 5/93 (5.4%), and 3/93 (3.2%) by other means. Mean procedure durations were 4.8 min for K-M and 7.0 min for F-M. Mean lengths of stay (LOS) for ED procedures were 3.6 hrs for K-M and 5.7 hrs for F-M, versus 17.7 hrs if admitted. Transient hypoxemia occurred in 10.7% of K-M and 15.4% of F-M. Removal of EFBs in the ED may obviate the need for admission. In our experience, the use of K-M is associated with fewer airway complications, shorter removal times, and an overall shorter LOS.
Protein Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis Identifies Genetic Variation in the Innate Immune Regulator TOLLIP in Post–Lung Transplant Primary Graft Dysfunction Risk

The authors previously identified plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) level as a quantitative lung injury biomarker in primary graft dysfunction (PGD). They hypothesized that plasma levels of PAI‐1 used as a quantitative trait could facilitate discovery of genetic loci important in PGD pathogenesis. A two‐stage cohort study was performed. In stage 1, they tested associations of loci with PAI‐1 plasma level using linear modeling. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina CVD Bead Chip v2. Loci meeting a p < 5 × 10−4 cutoff were carried forward and tested in stage 2 for association with PGD. Two hundred ninety‐seven enrollees were evaluated in stage 1. Six loci, associated with PAI‐1, were carried forward to stage 2 and evaluated in 728 patients. rs3168046 (Toll interacting protein [TOLLIP]) was significantly associated with PGD (p = 0.006). The increased risk of PGD for carrying at least one copy of this variant was 11.7% (95% confidence interval 4.9–18.5%). The false‐positive rate for individuals with this genotype who did not have PGD was 6.1%. Variants in the TOLLIP gene are associated with higher circulating PAI‐1 plasma levels and validate for association with clinical PGD. A protein quantitative trait analysis for PGD risk prioritizes genetic variations in TOLLIP and supports a role for Toll‐like receptors in PGD pathogenesis.
Red sorrel (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) prevents the ethanol-induced deficits of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum.

OBJECTIVES The present study is aimed at investigating the possible protective effects of H. sabdariffa on ethanol-elicited deficits of motor coordination and estimated total number of the Purkinje cells of the cerebellums of adolescent male Wistar rats. METHODS Forty male Wistar rats aged 21 days were divided into five groups. Na/wtr group was given water orally and injected with normal saline intra peritoneally (ip). Eth/wtr group was given water orally and ethanol (ip). Another three experimental groups (Eth/Hsab) were given different dosages of H. sabdariffa and ethanol (ip). All groups were treated intermittently for the total period of treatment of two weeks. The motor coordination of rats was tested prior and subsequent to the treatments. The rats were euthanized, and their cerebellums were examined. The total number of Purkinje cells was estimated using physical fractionator method. RESULTS Upon revolving drum test, the number of falls of rats increased following ethanol treatment. There was no significant difference between the total number of falls prior and subsequent to treatment in all Eth/Hsab groups. The estimated total number of Purkinje cells in Eth/Hsab groups was higher than in Eth/wtr group. CONCLUSION H. sabdariffa may prevent the ethanol-induced deficits of motor coordination and estimated total number of Purkinje cells of the cerebellums in adolescent rats (Tab. 3, Fig. 1, Ref. 42).
A Meta-Analysis of Bladder Cancer and Diesel Exhaust Exposure

The aim of this study is to review and summarize the available epidemiologic studies of bladder cancer and occupational exposure to diesel exhaust. We retrieved relevant studies and abstracted their characteristics and results. We assessed the heterogeneity of the results to decide whether to perform a fixed-effects model meta-analysis. We identified 35 relevant studies. No overall meta-analysis was performed because of heterogeneity in results. Results of railroad workers (N = 14) suggested an increased occurrence of bladder cancer, but we did not conduct a meta-analysis. The summary relative risk (RR) among truck drivers was 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.29, 15 studies) and that among bus drivers was 1.33 (95% CI = 1.22–1.45, 10 studies). Ten studies considered diesel exhaust exposure based on a job exposure matrix or a similar approach; the summary RR for these studies was 1.13 (95% CI = 1.00–1.27). A positive dose-response relation was suggested by 10 of the 12 studies that provided relevant information. The summary RR for high diesel exposure was 1.44 (95% CI = 1.18–1.76). There was some evidence of publication bias, however, with a lack of small studies with null or negative results. Our review suggests that exposure to diesel exhaust may increase the occurrence of bladder cancer, but the effects of misclassification, publication bias, and confounding cannot be fully taken into account.
Leflunomide Suppresses TNF-Induced Cellular Responses: Effects on NF-κB, Activator Protein-1, c-Jun N-Terminal Protein Kinase, and Apoptosis1

Leflunomide is a pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitor that has recently been approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the mechanism of leflunomide’s antiarthritis activity and is not fully understood. The critical role that TNF plays in rheumatoid arthritis led us to postulate that leflunomide blocks TNF signaling. Previously, we have demonstrated that leflunomide inhibits TNF-induced NF-κB activation by suppressing I-κBα (inhibitory subunit of NF-κB) degradation. We in this study show that leflunomide also blocks NF-κB reporter gene expression induced by TNFR1, TNFR-associated factor 2, and NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK), but not that activated by the p65 subunit of NF-κB, suggesting that leflunomide acts downstream of NIK. Leflunomide suppressed TNF-induced phosphorylation of I-κBα, as well as activation of I-κBα kinase-β located downstream to NIK. Leflunomide also inhibited TNF-induced activation of AP-1 and the c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase activation. TNF-mediated cytotoxicity and caspase-induced poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage were also completely abrogated by treatment of Jurkat T cells with leflunomide. Leflunomide suppressed TNF-induced reactive oxygen intermediate generation and lipid peroxidation, which may explain most of its effects on TNF signaling. The suppressive effects of leflunomide on TNF signaling were completely reversible by uridine, indicating a critical role for pyrimidine biosynthesis in TNF-mediated cellular responses. Overall, our results suggest that suppression of TNF signaling is one of the possible mechanisms for inhibitory activity of leflunomide against rheumatoid arthritis.
CONSISTENCY OF THE MAXIMUM PRODUCT OF SPACINGS METHOD AND ESTIMATION OF A UNIMODAL DISTRIBUTION

The first part of this paper gives some general consistency theorems for the maximum product of spacings (MPS) method, an estimation method related to maximum likelihood. The second part deals with nonparametric estimation of a concave (convex) distribution and more generally a unimodal distribution, without smoothness assumptions on the densities. The MPS estimator for a distribution function with a monotone density is shown to have a simple explicit representa- tion analogous to the Grenander estimator, and is asymptotically minimax with respect to Kolmogorov-Smirnov type loss. A simple consistent MPS estimator for a unimodal distribution is also discussed.
SANSA—hybrid terrestrial–satellite backhaul network: scenarios, use cases, KPIs, architecture, network and physical layer techniques

Shared Access terrestrial–satellite backhaul Network enabled by Smart Antennas (SANSA) is a project funded by the EU under the H2020 program. The main aim of SANSA is to boost the performance of mobile wireless backhaul networks in terms of capacity, energy efficiency and resilience against link failure or congestion while easing the deployment in both rural and urban areas and assuring at the same time an efficient use of the spectrum. This paper provides an overview and the first results of the project, and, more specifically, it describes the regulatory environment, the State of The Art of mobile backhauling technologies regarding Ka band, the scenarios, the use cases and the key performance indicators along with the SANSA architecture, network (NET) and physical (PHY) layer techniques used to enhance wireless backhauling capabilities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Function based hybrid-fuzzy genetic controller for VSI based STATCOM

In this paper a variable structure fuzzy PI-genetic control scheme is proposed for a Voltage Source Inverter based STATCOM in damping the electro-mechanical oscillations of a power system. The function based Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) fuzzy controller uses two rules and generates the proportional action which, by one-to-two mapping, gives a variable gain PI controller. This single-input, function based fuzzy controller, dispenses the gain dependency of the proportional or integral gains and generates independent controls. To demonstrate the application of the proposed controller, a case study is done with a single and multimachine power system operating with STATCOM. Further, Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to tune the parameters of the analytical fuzzy PI controller for optimal damping performance. Computer simulation results clearly reveal the superior performance of the proposed controller. A comparison is also made with a two-input fuzzy controller using four rules instead of just two as in the single input case.
In Vivo Scintigraphic Imaging of Antitumor Effects by Combined Radioiodine Therapy and Human Sodium Iodide Symporter Gene Immunotherapy

In a previous study, we demonstrated that pcDNA3.1/hNIS (human sodium iodide symporter) vaccination generated hNIS-associated CD8+IFN-γ+ (interferon-γ) T cells, which are known to be involved in antitumor immunity. However, the immune response induced was insufficient to control tumor growth in vivo, which required a novel approach to potentiate hNIS vaccination effects. In the present study, we administered 131II radioiodine therapy prior to hNIS vaccination in CT26/hNIS tumor-bearing mice to facilitate the vaccine-induced immune response. We characterized hNIS-associated cytotoxic T-cell immune response and the antitumor effects induced by this 131II + hNIS combination therapy. The survival rates of CT26/hNIS tumor cells were significantly reduced by 131II treatment compared with the parental CT26 cells in vitro. 131II + hNIS combination therapy stably suppressed tumor growth below or near the original tumor size level of initial treatment, achieving 100% survival rates. Specifically, 131II + hNIS therapy enhanced IFN-γ production, hNIS-associated antitumor cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response, and induced more dendritic cells but reduced T-regulatory cells in tumor masses. Collectively, these results suggest that combined therapy effectively enhances hNIS-associated antitumor immune response, leading to CT26/hNIS tumor growth inhibition and complete survival in Balb/C mice. These findings provide a novel and effective means of treating cancer.
FLIGHT DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF A FLAPLESS FLIGHT CONTROL UAV

This paper describes the flight dynamics contribution to a research programme in which the objective is to design, develop and fly a UAV utilising flapless flight control. A circulation control actuator concept has been tested and a Simulink model is being developed for incorporation into the aircraft simulation. Results show that bi-directional proportional control of the air vehicle is feasible.
P2-17: Numerical simulation of a traveling wave tube oscillator with delayed feedback using nonstationary discrete theory

The delayed-feedback oscillators based on microfabricated folded-waveguide TWT are among new promising sources in sub-THz and THz band. The development of such devices necessitates the ability to simulate various nonstationary phenomena which are typical for their dynamics. We demonstrate the applicability of the nonstationary discrete theory for the modeling of delayed-feedback TWT-oscillator and present results of numerical simulation.
Infusion of cytosine‐arabinoside into the cerebrospinal fluid of the rat brain inhibits the microglial cell proliferation after hypoglossal nerve injury

The present study describes a method to inhibit selectively the microglial cell proliferation following peripheral nerve injury. Continuous infusion of cytosine‐arabinoside (ARA‐C) from an osmotic minipump to the fourth ventricle or cisterna magna completely blocks the proliferation of microglial cells that normally occurs following hypoglossal nerve transection. This treatment had no significant effect on other glial cells or on the expected morphological changes in the axotomized hypoglossal motorneurons. The method opens up new possibilities for analyzing the functional role of the axotomy‐induced microglial cell reaction.
Detection of G3P[3] and G3P[9] rotavirus strains in American Indian children with evidence of gene reassortment between human and animal rotaviruses

The distribution and evolution of human rotavirus strains is important for vaccine development and effectiveness. In settings where rotavirus vaccine coverage is high, vaccine pressure could select for replacement of common strains (similar to those included in rotavirus vaccines) with uncommon strains, some of which could be generated by reassortment between human and animal rotaviruses. Between 2002 and 2004, a phase‐III rotavirus vaccine clinical trial was conducted among American Indian children of the Navajo and White Mountain Apache tribes, which are known to be at high risk for rotavirus diarrhea. We evaluated the rotavirus strains collected from study participants who received placebo during the trial to determine the distribution of rotavirus genotypes and to detect emerging strains that contribute to disease and could influence rotavirus vaccine effectiveness. Three uncommon strains of human rotavirus, two G3P[3] and one G3P[9] strains were detected in stools of children aged 3 to 6 months of age. Segments of all 11 rotavirus genes were sequenced and genotyped by comparison of cognate gene fragments with reference strains. The G3P[3] strains had similar genotypes to each other and to reference dog and cat strains. The G3P[9] strain had similar genotypes to cow, cat and dog reference strains. Genetic analyses of these three strains support the known diversity generating mechanisms of rotavirus. J. Med. Virol. 83:1288–1299, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distributed optimal control and congestion management in the universal smart energy framework

This paper studies the supply-demand matching problem in the hierarchical market-based structure of the Universal Smart Energy Framework [12]. A mismatch between the forecasted and the actual load in smart electricity grids can arise due to the intermittent nature of the renewable energy sources. To minimize this deviation, we propose a distributed model predictive controller, in which prosumers equipped with flexible appliances make control decisions based only on local information, also taking the distribution network capacity limitations into account. A small-scale simulation illustrates the feasibilty of the method.
Visits and Hospitalizations in Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Results All patients had symptomatic sustained ventricular tachycardia (72%) or ventricular fibrillation (28%) before study entry. Overall, 44% (n 276) experienced at least 1 cardiac ED visit or hospitalization. Among 214 patients assigned to placebo, 38.3% had at least 1 arrhythmic-related ED visit or hospitalization compared with 21.8% of 220 patients assigned to 75-mg azimilide (p 0.001) and 27.6% of 199 patients assigned to 125 mg azimilide (p 0.05). Symptomatic ventricular tachycardia treated by antitachycardia pacing, shocks, and shocks plus symptomatic arrhythmias were significant predictors of cardiac-related ED visits or hospitalizations (relative risk: 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1, respectively). In a stepwise logistic regression model, the presence of congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association functional class II/III) was the only additional independent predictor of cardiac ED visits or hospitalizations.
Examination of Ricochet Gunshot Wounds From Commonly Encountered Surfaces

AbstractProper interpretation of gunshot wounds is vital for the forensic pathologist and requires experience and expertise, as well as consultation with a firearms and ballistics expert and careful scene investigation in cases of atypical gunshot wounds. This study is the first large-series examining ricochet gunshot wounds involving different firearm calibers. Typical gunshot wounds created from 4 handgun calibers (22 Long Rifle, 9 × 19 mm Parabellum, .40 Smith &Wesson, and .45 Automatic Colt Pistol) and 2 rifle calibers (5.56 and 7.62 mm) were compared with wounds caused by bullets of those same calibers ricocheting off commonly encountered surfaces (concrete, asphalt, aluminum traffic signs, clay brick, and dry wall). Porcine skin, a human skin analog, attached to sheets of cardboard serviced as witness panels for capturing the entrance wounds. Examination of over 150 handgun and rifle entrance wounds established that every caliber and every ricochet surface resulted in atypical features, including irregularity in size or shape, lack of marginal abrasion, or other injuries on the surrounding skin. The most significant factor influencing the variability of the ricochet wounds was the surface the bullet deflected off before striking the body.