Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Avian hind‐limb digit length ratios measured from radiographs are sexually dimorphic

Sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is well established in humans, and has been reported in other vertebrate species as well, including birds. The sign of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios may, however, vary both within and between vertebrate classes. It has been hypothesized that sex differences in digit ratios arise via differential prenatal exposure of the two sexes to steroids, which may affect the expression of the Hox genes controlling the osteometric development of digits and appendices. Among birds, the evidence for sex dimorphism in hind‐limb digit ratios is conflicting, though all previous studies were based on measurements of undissected digits, implying that results could be confounded by sex‐related variation in soft tissues. Here we report that digit ratios derived from radiographs of both feet of a large passerine bird, the hooded crow (Corvus corone), are sexually dimorphic, males showing larger 2D : 3D (effect size, r = 0.33) and 2D : 4D than females (effect size, r = 0.28). We also observed a good agreement (r = 0.45) between radiographic estimates of digit ratios and digit ratios calculated based on undissected digit measurements (thus including soft tissues). Importantly, we found that the patterns of sex and side differences were largely coherent between the two methods. Therefore, our findings show for the first time in avian species that sex differences in digit ratios have an osteometric basis, a fundamental prerequisite for a role of Hox genes in originating such dimorphism.
An input relaxation measure of efficiency in fuzzy data envelopment analysis (FDEA)

While data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are very sensitiveto possible data errors, in many real applications, the data of production processes cannot be precisely measured. Fuzzy DEA is asuccessful method that allows to deal with imprecise data in DEA. In this paper, we develop fuzzy version of the input relaxation model introduced in Jahahshahloo and Khodabakhshi [15] by using some ranking methods based on the comparison of α-cuts. The resulting auxiliary crisp problems can be solved by the usual DEA software. It is shown that, using a numerical example, how the proposed model become specially useful for detecting sensitive decision-making units.
The Set Query Benchmark

Many of the application systems being designed today, variously known as marketing information, decision support, and management reporting systems, aim to exploit the strategic value of operational data of a commercial enterprise. These applications depart from the row-at-a-time update transaction model of the DebitCredit [1] and TPC benchmarks, and are almost wholly dependent for their performance on what we name "set queries", queries which need to refer to data from a potentially large set of table rows for an answer. The Set Query benchmark chooses a list of "basic" set queries from a review of three major types of strategic data applications: document search, direct marketing, and decision support. In Section 1 of what follows, the data and queries used in the Set Query benchmark are explained and motivated. In Section 2, benchmark results are presented for two leading database products used in large scale operations: IBM's DB2 and Computer Corporation of America's (CCA's) MODEL 204. Surprisingly large performance differences, factors of ten or more for some queries, are observed with respect to I/O, CPU and elapsed time, emphasizing the critical value of benchmarks in this area. In Section 3, a detailed explanation is given of how to generate the data and run the benchmark on an independent platform.
Fast robust SUR with economical and actuarial applications

The seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) model is a generalization of a linear regression model consisting of more than one equation, where the error terms of these equations are contemporaneously correlated. The standard feasible generalized linear squares (FGLS) estimator is efficient as it takes into account the covariance structure of the errors, but it is also very sensitive to outliers. The robust SUR estimator of Bilodeau and Duchesne (Canadian Journal of Statistics, 28:277–288, 2000) can accommodate outliers, but it is hard to compute. First, we propose a fast algorithm, FastSUR, for its computation and show its good performance in a simulation study. We then provide diagnostics for outlier detection and illustrate them on a real dataset from economics. Next, we apply our FastSUR algorithm in the framework of stochastic loss reserving for general insurance. We focus on the general multivariate chain ladder (GMCL) model that employs SUR to estimate its parameters. Consequently, this multivariate stochastic reserving method takes into account the contemporaneous correlations among run‐off triangles and allows structural connections between these triangles. We plug in our FastSUR algorithm into the GMCL model to obtain a robust version. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining: The ASA Data Science Journal, 2016
GABAAα1 and GABAAρ1 subunits are expressed in cultured human RPE cells and GABAA receptor agents modify the intracellular calcium concentration

Purpose Gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors (GABAARs), which are ionotropic receptors involving chloride channels, have been identified in various neural (e.g., mouse retinal ganglion cells) and nonneural cells (e.g., mouse lens epithelial cells) regulating the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). GABAAR β-subunit protein has been isolated in the cultured human and rat RPE, and GABAAα1 and GABAAρ1 mRNAs and proteins are present in the chick RPE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of GABAAα1 and GABAAρ1, two important subunits in forming functional GABAARs, in the cultured human RPE, and further to explore whether altering receptor activation modifies [Ca2+]i. Methods Human RPE cells were separately cultured from five donor eye cups. Real-time PCR, western blots, and immunofluorescence were used to test for GABAAα1 and GABAAρ1 mRNAs and proteins. The effects of the GABAAR agonist muscimol, antagonist picrotoxin, or the specific GABAAρ antagonist 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl) methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA) on [Ca2+]i in cultured human RPE were demonstrated using Fluo3-AM. Results Both GABAAα1 and GABAAρ1 mRNAs and proteins were identified in cultured human RPE cells; antibody staining was mainly localized to the cell membrane and was also present in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus. Muscimol (100 μM) caused a transient increase of the [Ca2+]i in RPE cells regardless of whether Ca2+ was added to the buffer. Muscimol-induced increases in the [Ca2+]i were inhibited by pretreatment with picrotoxin (300 μM) or TPMPA (500 μM). Conclusions GABAAα1 and GABAAρ1 are expressed in cultured human RPE cells, and GABAA agents can modify [Ca2+]i.
A functional role of NMDA receptor in regulating the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and remyelination

Differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) is the most important event for the myelination of central nervous system (CNS) axons during development and remyelination in demyelinating diseases, while the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here we show that NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is a functional regulator of OPCs differentiation and remyelination. First, GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B subunits are expressed in oligodendrocyte lineage cells (OLs) in vitro and in vivo by immunostaining and Western blot analysis. Second, in a purified rat OPC culture system, NMDARs specially mediate OPCs differentiation by enhancing myelin proteins expression and the processes branching at the immature to mature oligodendrocyte transition analyzed by a serial of developmental stage‐specific antigens. Moreover, pharmacological NMDAR antagonists or specific knockdown of GluN1 by RNA interference in OPCs prevents the differentiation induced by NMDA. NMDA can activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal in OPCs and the pro‐differentiation effect of NMDA is obstructed by the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, suggesting NMDAR exerts its effect through mTOR‐dependent mechanism. Furthermore, NMDA increases numbers of myelin segments in DRG‐OPC cocultures. Finally, NMDAR specific antagonist MK801 delays remyelination in the cuprizone model examined by LFB‐PAS, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. This effect appears to result from inhibiting OPCs differentiation as more NG2+ OPCs but less GST‐π+ mature oligodendrocytes are observed. Together, these results indicate that NMDAR plays a critical role in the regulation of OPCs differentiation in vitro and remyelination in cuprizone model which may provide potential target for the treatment of demyelination disease.
Ozone therapy: an overview of pharmacodynamics, current research, and clinical utility

The use of ozone (O3) gas as a therapy in alternative medicine has attracted skepticism due to its unstable molecular structure. However, copious volumes of research have provided evidence that O3's dynamic resonance structures facilitate physiological interactions useful in treating a myriad of pathologies. Specifically, O3 therapy induces moderate oxidative stress when interacting with lipids. This interaction increases endogenous production of antioxidants, local perfusion, and oxygen delivery, as well as enhances immune responses. We have conducted a comprehensive review of O3 therapy, investigating its contraindications, routes and concentrations of administration, mechanisms of action, disinfectant properties in various microorganisms, and its medicinal use in different pathologies. We explore the therapeutic value of O3 in pathologies of the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, central nervous system, head and neck, musculoskeletal, subcutaneous tissue, and peripheral vascular disease. Despite compelling evidence, further studies are essential to mark it as a viable and quintessential treatment option in medicine.
Research on computer controlled ultra-precision polishing of freeform surfaces

The use of freeform surfaces is increasing greatly in many fields, such as imaging, aerospace, illumination, biological engineering, and green energy, etc. And the polishing process of these surfaces are usually needed to obtain nanometer scale surface roughness, aiming to implement special functionalities and acquire high added value. This paper introduced the development of the two processes for the polishing of freeform surfaces, one is the serial-parallel hybrid machine based polishing using a self-developed ball-end flexible polishing tool, the other is the multi-jet polishing process. The design was presented in detail, and polishing experiments on plane and freeform surface were successfully implemented. As for multi-jet polishing, the process principle was presented at first. Material removal characteristics were demonstrated through a series of experiments, following with the discussion of application. And the experimental results prove that multi-jet polishing is effective to largely boost the polishing efficiency as compared to normal fluid jet polishing without degrading the surface quality, and also has the potential to extend the application field of fluid jet polishing to medium-large size freeform surfaces.
Physical and Medium Access Control criteria for the optimal Medium Access Control protocol data unit size in Automatic Repeat Request‐enabled connections in IEEE 802.16e/ WiMAX systems

In this paper, we address an aspect of the mutual influence between the physical (PHY) layer budding blocks (forward error correction (FEC) blocks) and the medium access control (MAC) level allocations in the uplink and downlink of IEEE 802.16e/WiMAX systems. In these systems, it is possible to transmit MAC level frames, denoted MAC protocol data units (PDUs), such that a PDU contains an integral number of fixed size data blocks. We compute the optimal size of a PDU according to two criteria, one related to the PHY layer and one related to the MAC layer. In relation to the PHY layer, the criterion maximizes the average number of data bits that are transmitted in a PHY slot. In relation to the MAC layer, the criterion maximizes the goodput of the PDU. The goodput depends on the success probability of the PDU, which in turn depends on the FEC blocks over which the PDU is allocated. We then compare the maximal PDU goodputs in different sizes of the FEC blocks and the data blocks. The main outcome is that the PDU goodput is sensitive in those cases in which data blocks are very large. We also give guidelines on how to choose the best modulation/coding scheme to use in a scenario where the signal‐to‐noise ratio can change significantly during transmissions, to maximize the PDU goodput. Finally, we compare between the two criteria. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short Cycles Connectivity

Short cycles connectivity is a generalization of ordinary connectivity. Instead by a path (sequence of edges), two vertices have to be connected by a sequence of short cycles, in which two adjacent cycles have at least one common vertex. If all adjacent cycles in the sequence share at least one edge, we talk about edge short cycles connectivity. It is shown that the short cycles connectivity is an equivalence relation on the set of vertices, while the edge short cycles connectivity components determine an equivalence relation on the set of edges. Efficient algorithms for determining equivalence classes are presented. Short cycles connectivity can be extended to directed graphs (cyclic and transitive connectivity). For further generalization we can also consider connectivity by small cliques or other families of graphs.
Actual causes of death in the United States.

To the Editor. —The article entitled "Actual Causes of Death in the United States"1was misleading in a number of ways. First, the title should have been something like "Nongenetic Causes of Death" or "Potentially Preventable Nongenetic Causes of Premature Death," or adjustments should have been made so that ordinary causes of death not credited to one of Drs McGinnis and Foege's major external factors were kept in. Otherwise, listing nine or 10 leading "actual causes" misleadingly suggests that heart disease and cancers are not leading causes of death. In fact, subtract those cancers and heart diseases that McGinnis and Foege attribute to external causes, lifestyles, and the like, and heart disease remains comfortably in third place as a cause of death, and cancers not attributable to outside influences kill more than toxic agents do. Second, either some deaths are counted twice or virtually no firearm-related deaths are attributed
Knowing one's place: a free-energy approach to pattern regulation

Understanding how organisms establish their form during embryogenesis and regeneration represents a major knowledge gap in biological pattern formation. It has been recently suggested that morphogenesis could be understood in terms of cellular information processing and the ability of cell groups to model shape. Here, we offer a proof of principle that self-assembly is an emergent property of cells that share a common (genetic and epigenetic) model of organismal form. This behaviour is formulated in terms of variational free-energy minimization—of the sort that has been used to explain action and perception in neuroscience. In brief, casting the minimization of thermodynamic free energy in terms of variational free energy allows one to interpret (the dynamics of) a system as inferring the causes of its inputs—and acting to resolve uncertainty about those causes. This novel perspective on the coordination of migration and differentiation of cells suggests an interpretation of genetic codes as parametrizing a generative model—predicting the signals sensed by cells in the target morphology—and epigenetic processes as the subsequent inversion of that model. This theoretical formulation may complement bottom-up strategies—that currently focus on molecular pathways—with (constructivist) top-down approaches that have proved themselves in neuroscience and cybernetics.
Loss of Starch Granule Initiation Has a Deleterious Effect on the Growth of Arabidopsis Plants Due to an Accumulation of ADP-Glucose1[W]

ADP-Glc in the starch-deficient mutant ss3/ss4 sequesters adenine nucleotides, which limits photophosphorylation, leads to photooxidative stress, and causes the chlorotic and stunted phenotypes. STARCH SYNTHASE4 (SS4) is required for proper starch granule initiation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), although SS3 can partially replace its function. Unlike other starch-deficient mutants, ss4 and ss3/ss4 mutants grow poorly even under long-day conditions. They have less chlorophyll and carotenoids than the wild type and lower maximal rates of photosynthesis. There is evidence of photooxidative damage of the photosynthetic apparatus in the mutants from chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and their high levels of malondialdehyde. Metabolite profiling revealed that ss3/ss4 accumulates over 170 times more ADP-glucose (Glc) than wild-type plants. Restricting ADP-Glc synthesis, by introducing mutations in the plastidial phosphoglucomutase (pgm1) or the small subunit of ADP-Glc pyrophosphorylase (aps1), largely restored photosynthetic capacity and growth in pgm1/ss3/ss4 and aps1/ss3/ss4 triple mutants. It is proposed that the accumulation of ADP-Glc in the ss3/ss4 mutant sequesters a large part of the plastidial pools of adenine nucleotides, which limits photophosphorylation, leading to photooxidative stress, causing the chlorotic and stunted growth phenotypes of the plants.
Investigation of small bowel in pediatric Crohn's disease

&NA; Investigation of the small bowel has been traditionally a challenge for pediatric gastroenterologists due to its location, anatomical tortuosity, and invasiveness of the available techniques. Recently, there has been a remarkable improvement in imaging and endoscopic tools aimed at exploring successfully the small intestine in inflammatory bowel disease. The former are represented by ultrasonography (either alone or with administration of oral contrast agents) and by magnetic resonance: both have provided accurate methods to detect structural bowel changes, diminishing patient discomfort and precluding radiation hazard. The use of traditional radiologic techniques such as fluoroscopy have been markedly reduced due to radiation exposure and inability to depict transmural inflammation or extraluminal complications. Among the novel endoscopic tools, capsule endoscopy and balloon‐assisted enteroscopy have tremendously opened new diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives, by allowing the direct visualization of small intestinal mucosa and, through enteroscopy, histological diagnosis as well as therapeutic interventions such as stricture dilation and bleeding treatment. These endoscopic techniques should always be preceded by imaging of the intestine in order to identify strictures. This review describes the most recent progress with the employment of novel imaging and endoscopic methodologies for investigating the small bowel in children with suspected or established Crohn's disease. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
Simulations of Proton Implantation in Silicon Carbide (SiC)

We report on exploratory research effort with preliminary results on investigating fundamental radiation effects in micromachined silicon carbide (SiC) structures and devices. In this technical digest, we briefly present a computer simulation study on the effects of implanting protons (hydrogen ions, H) into SiC thin layers on silicon (Si) substrate, and explore the ion implantation conditions that are relevant to experimental radiation of SiC layers.
Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders

The co-occurrence of anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders (AUDs) is relatively common and is associated with a complex clinical presentation. Sound diagnosis and treatment planning requires that clinicians have an integrated understanding of the developmental pathways and course of this comorbidity. Moreover, standard interventions for anxiety disorders or AUDs may need to be modified and combined in targeted ways to accommodate the unique needs of people who have both disorders. Optimal combination of evidence-based treatments should be based on a comparative balance that considers the advantages and disadvantages of sequential, parallel, and integrated approaches.
Toward the Second Generation of Optogenetic Tools

This mini-symposium aims to provide an integrated perspective on recent developments in optogenetics. Research in this emerging field combines optical methods with targeted expression of genetically encoded, protein-based probes to achieve experimental manipulation and measurement of neural systems with superior temporal and spatial resolution. The essential components of the optogenetic toolbox consist of two kinds of molecular devices: actuators and reporters, which respectively enable light-mediated control or monitoring of molecular processes. The first generation of genetically encoded calcium reporters, fluorescent proteins, and neural activators has already had a great impact on neuroscience. Now, a second generation of voltage reporters, neural silencers, and functionally extended fluorescent proteins hold great promise for continuing this revolution. In this review, we will evaluate and highlight the limitations of presently available optogenic tools and discuss where these technologies and their applications are headed in the future.
Performance Evaluation of a Threshold Policy for Scheduling Readers and Writers

An analysis of a threshold policy for scheduling readers and writers in a multiserver system and a comparison of its performance with the first-come, first-served (FCFS) policy are presented. The threshold fastest emptying (FTE) policy is analyzed in a system with writer arrivals and an infinite backlog of readers using a Markovian model as well as a vacationing server model to yield closed-form expressions for the mean writer response time and the reader throughput. The maximum throughput achieved by the TFE policy is shown to be an increasing function of K, the threshold on the number of writers in the system, which even at K=1 exceeds the maximum throughput achieved by FCFS. In a system with reader and writer arrivals (nonsaturated system), simulation is used to study and compare the mean response time for the FCFS and the TFE policies. >
Smart Polymers in Nasal Drug Delivery

Nasal drug delivery has now been recognized as a promising route for drug delivery due to its capability of transporting a drug to systemic circulation and central nervous system. Though nasal mucosa offers improved bioavailability and quick onset of action of the drug, main disadvantage associated with nasal drug delivery is mucocilliary clearance due to which drug particles get cleared from the nose before complete absorption through nasal mucosa. Therefore, mucoadhesive polymeric approach can be successfully used to enhance the retention of the drug on nasal mucosal surface. Here, some of the aspects of the stimuli responsive polymers have been discussed which possess liquid state at the room temperature and in response to nasal temperature, pH and ions present in mucous, can undergo in situ gelation in nasal cavity. In this review, several temperature responsive, pH responsive and ion responsive polymers used in nasal delivery, their gelling mechanisms have been discussed. Smart polymers not only able to enhance the retention of the drug in nasal cavity but also provide controlled release, ease of administration, enhanced permeation of the drug and protection of the drug from mucosal enzymes. Thus smart polymeric approach can be effectively used for nasal delivery of peptide drugs, central nervous system dugs and hormones.