Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of 4-octylphenol on germ cell number in cultured human fetal gonads.

This study evaluates whether a hormone disruptor found in environment, 4-octylphenol, affects the rate of proliferation of germ cells from human fetal gonads during a 3 week culture period. Five testis and five ovaries were obtained from fetuses of women undergoing legal abortions between the 6th and 9th week of fetal life, representing the period where early gonadal differentiation takes place. Each gonad was divided into equal sized test and control tissue. The test tissue was exposed to a continued presence of 10 micromol/l 4-octylphenol in the culture medium. The cultures were terminated by fixation of the tissues, which where then processed for histology and serially sectioned. The mitotic index of the germ cells (i.e. number of mitosis per 100 germ cells) and the number of germ cells per area was determined. Each of the five testes cultured in 4-octylphenol exhibited a significantly reduced mitotic index and number of pre-spermatogonia compared to the control, whereas none of the five ovaries exposed to 4-octylphenol revealed any difference compared to the control. It is concluded that 4-octylphenol exerts a sex-specific effect on male germ cells.
Efficiency measurement for multi-band and broadband antennas using the modified Wheeler cap method

In this paper, a modified Wheeler cap method is proposed using a high order circuit model to more accurately estimate the efficiency of antennas containing such complicated operations. To verify the proposed method, the efficiency of a microstrip antenna with triple resonances was measured. Additionally, the efficiency of an electromagnetic coupled monopole antenna, which has more complicated operating principles, was measured. Finally, the modified Wheeler cap method was compared with the conventional Wheeler cap method and the simulated results
Modeling Prompt Adherence in Student Essays

Recently, researchers have begun exploring methods of scoring student essays with respect to particular dimensions of quality such as coherence, technical errors, and prompt adherence. The work on modeling prompt adherence, however, has been focused mainly on whether individual sentences adhere to the prompt. We present a new annotated corpus of essaylevel prompt adherence scores and propose a feature-rich approach to scoring essays along the prompt adherence dimension. Our approach significantly outperforms a knowledge-lean baseline prompt adherence scoring system yielding improvements of up to 16.6%.
Food sharing is linked to urinary oxytocin levels and bonding in related and unrelated wild chimpanzees

Humans excel in cooperative exchanges between unrelated individuals. Although this trait is fundamental to the success of our species, its evolution and mechanisms are poorly understood. Other social mammals also build long-term cooperative relationships between non-kin, and recent evidence shows that oxytocin, a hormone involved in parent–offspring bonding, is likely to facilitate non-kin as well as kin bonds. In a population of wild chimpanzees, we measured urinary oxytocin levels following a rare cooperative event—food sharing. Subjects showed higher urinary oxytocin levels after single food-sharing events compared with other types of social feeding, irrespective of previous social bond levels. Also, urinary oxytocin levels following food sharing were higher than following grooming, another cooperative behaviour. Therefore, food sharing in chimpanzees may play a key role in social bonding under the influence of oxytocin. We propose that food-sharing events co-opt neurobiological mechanisms evolved to support mother–infant bonding during lactation bouts, and may act as facilitators of bonding and cooperation between unrelated individuals via the oxytocinergic system across social mammals.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Binds to HeLa Cells via Fim-Mediated Reversible Adhesion and Irreversible Type Three Secretion System 1-Mediated Docking

ABSTRACT The food-borne pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium invades mammalian epithelial cells. This multistep process comprises bacterial binding to the host cell, activation of the Salmonella type three secretion system 1 (T1), injection of effector proteins, triggering of host cell actin rearrangements, and S. Typhimurium entry. While the latter steps are well understood, much less is known about the initial binding step. Earlier work had implicated adhesins (but not T1) or T1 (but not other adhesins). We have studied here the Salmonella virulence factors mediating S. Typhimurium binding to HeLa cells. Using an automated microscopy assay and isogenic S. Typhimurium mutants, we analyzed the role of T1 and of several known adhesins (Fim, Pef, Lpf, Agf, and Shd) in host cell binding. In wild-type S. Typhimurium, host cell binding was mostly attributable to T1. However, in the absence of T1, Fim (but not Pef, Lpf, Agf, and Shd) also mediated HeLa cell binding. Furthermore, in the absence of T1 and type I fimbriae (Fim), we still observed residual binding, pointing toward at least one additional, unidentified binding mechanism. Dissociation experiments established that T1-mediated binding was irreversible (“docking”), while Fim-mediated binding was reversible (“reversible adhesion”). Finally, we show that noninvasive bacteria docking via T1 or adhering via Fim can efficiently invade HeLa cells, if actin rearrangements are triggered in trans by a wild-type S. Typhimurium helper strain. Our data show that binding to HeLa cells is mediated by at least two different mechanisms and that both can lead to invasion if actin rearrangements are triggered.
Shelf life modelling for first-expired-first-out warehouse management

In the supply chain of perishable food products, large losses are incurred between farm and fork. Given the limited land resources and an ever-growing population, the food supply chain is faced with the challenge of increasing its handling efficiency and minimizing post-harvest food losses. Huge value can be added by optimizing warehouse management systems, taking into account the estimated remaining shelf life of the product, and matching it to the requirements of the subsequent part of the handling chain. This contribution focuses on how model approaches estimating quality changes and remaining shelf life can be combined in optimizing first-expired-first-out cold chain management strategies for perishable products. To this end, shelf-life-related performance indicators are used to introduce remaining shelf life and product quality in the cost function when optimizing the supply chain. A combinatorial exhaustive-search algorithm is shown to be feasible as the complexity of the optimization problem is sufficiently low for the size and properties of a typical commercial cold chain. The estimated shelf life distances for a particular batch can thus be taken as a guide to optimize logistics.
Cross-device transfer in a collaborative multi-surface environment without user identification

Combining large interactive surface computers (e.g., digital walls and tables) with smaller, multi-touch surface devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets) provides groups of users with both private and shared workspaces during collaborative (or competitive) activities. Such multi-surface environments introduce the need for effective interaction techniques that enable the transfer of digital content from one device to another, commonly known as cross-device transfer. Utilizing popular existing cross-transfer methods, such as Pick-and-Drop, in a multi-user multi-surface environment, however, require systems that can distinguish between users in order for the environment to accurately know who is transferring what content to what device. Yet, most commercially available digital tabletop systems are not capable of distinguishing between different users. Therefore, existing cross-device transfer methods must be adapted to work in such a user-information limited context. This paper presents a user study comparing the effectiveness of two adapted transfer methods in the context of a strategic digital tabletop card game task. The two transfer methods included a virtual portals-style method, called Bridges, and an adapted Pick-and-Drop method (A-PND). The studied transfer methods both supported the high-levels of card-transfer between private (tablet) and tabletop surfaces required by the game task. Also, participants' reported preferences were equally divided between the two techniques. An in-depth qualitative analysis of the study data revealed that each transfer method provided unique advantages and disadvantages for the game task, which aligned better or worse with different players' personal task goals.
On the efficacy of procedures to normalize Ex-Gaussian distributions

Reaction time (RT) is one of the most common types of measure used in experimental psychology. Its distribution is not normal (Gaussian) but resembles a convolution of normal and exponential distributions (Ex-Gaussian). One of the major assumptions in parametric tests (such as ANOVAs) is that variables are normally distributed. Hence, it is acknowledged by many that the normality assumption is not met. This paper presents different procedures to normalize data sampled from an Ex-Gaussian distribution in such a way that they are suitable for parametric tests based on the normality assumption. Using simulation studies, various outlier elimination and transformation procedures were tested against the level of normality they provide. The results suggest that the transformation methods are better than elimination methods in normalizing positively skewed data and the more skewed the distribution then the transformation methods are more effective in normalizing such data. Specifically, transformation with parameter lambda -1 leads to the best results.
Self-localization algorithm for mobile robot based on the omni-directional sensor

In this paper, a simple but effective method for robot self-localization is presented. The spatial neighborhood constraint is incorporated into the preprocessing of the image segmentation. Then it uses a closed cycle with rectification and Hough detection to find the boundary and corners. Depending on the actual size of surrounding environment and the white lines and corners detected last step, the robot can maintain self-localization through two methods. One method uses the two lines, and the other method used triangulation. Finally, a weight value is set between the two methods to realize the self-localization.Actual image sequence from the robot is tested. The robot can be placed anywhere in the environment. The final self-localization results on very different images with significant light change and noise are promising.
A Low-Oxygenated Subpopulation of Pancreatic Islets Constitutes a Functional Reserve of Endocrine Cells

OBJECTIVE The blood perfusion of pancreatic islets is highly variable and tightly regulated by the blood glucose concentration. Thus, oxygen levels are considered crucial for islet metabolism and function. Although islet oxygenation has been extensively studied in vitro, little is known about it in vivo. The current study aimed to investigate the oxygenation of the endocrine pancreas in vivo. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The reductive metabolism of 2-nitroimidazoles, such as pimonidazole, has previously been extensively used in studies of oxygen metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. At tissue oxygen levels <10 mmHg, pimonidazole accumulates intracellularly and may thereafter be detected by means of immunohistochemistry. Islet oxygenation was investigated in normal, 60% partially pancreatectomized, as well as whole-pancreas–transplanted rats. Moreover, leucine-dependent protein biosynthesis was performed using autoradiography to correlate islet oxygenation with metabolic activity. RESULTS In vivo, 20–25% of all islets in normal rats showed low oxygenation (pO2 <10 mmHg). Changes in the islet mass, by means of whole-pancreas transplantation, doubled the fraction of low-oxygenated islets in the endogenous pancreas of transplanted animals, whereas this fraction almost completely disappeared after a 60% partial pancreatectomy. Moreover, oxygenation was related to metabolism, since well-oxygenated islets in vivo had 50% higher leucine-dependent protein biosynthesis, which includes (pro)insulin biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS The current study suggests a novel subpopulation of dormant low-oxygenated islets, which seems to constitute a functional reserve of endocrine cells. This study establishes a novel perspective on the use of the endocrine pancreas in glucose homeostasis.
Internal wave observations in the South China Sea: The role of rotation and non‐linearity

Abstract Observations of internal waves travelling across the deep basin of the South China Sea provide an opportunity for exploring the effects of rotation and non‐linearity on their evolution. Time series measurements using inverted echo‐sounders at three locations illustrate the progressive steepening of the internal tide generated in Luzon Strait and the subsequent development of short non‐linear internal wave trains. Potential mechanisms for internal tide generation are discussed in terms of tidal beam interaction with near‐surface stratification and mode 1 response to flow over a ridge. For transformation of an internal tide under the influence of non‐linearity and rotation, we apply Boyd's (2005) criterion for wave stability in a rotating flow to separate waves dominated by non‐linearity, which can be expected to steepen and break, from waves that are inhibited from breaking due to rotational dispersion of energy into internal inertial gravity waves. Wave breaking in this context refers to the point at which the wave becomes steep enough for non‐hydrostatic effects to come into play, with the subsequent generation of a short period non‐linear internal wave train. For a monotonic M2 internal tide generated over the eastern ridge, breaking is predicted close to the location at which remotely sensed images first indicate the presence of short non‐linear internal waves; steepening of a K1 internal tide, on the other hand, is predicted to be dispersed by rotational effects before steepening. Time series observations acquired just west of the eastern ridge provide initial conditions for applying the stability criterion to mixed internal tides over a spring‐neap cycle and for comparison with time series measurements at two additional sites further west. When the stability criterion is applied to wave slopes, initial conditions predicted to be unstable generally result in the formation of high frequency non‐linear internal wave trains. In the case of initial conditions for which rapid steepening is not predicted we see evidence of the interaction between rotation and non‐linearity, specifically the formation of ‘corner waves’ with the characteristic parabolic shape first predicted by Ostrovsky (1978).
An Introduction to Model Selection: Tools and Algorithms

Model selection is a complicated matter in science, and psychology is no exception. In particular, the high variance in the object of study (i.e., humans) prevents the use of Popper’s falsification principle (which is the norm in other sciences). Therefore, the desirability of quantitative psychological models must be assessed by measuring the capacity of the model to fit empirical data. In the present paper, an error measure (likelihood), as well as five methods to compare model fits (the likelihood ratio test, Akaike’s information criterion, the Bayesian information criterion, bootstrapping and cross-validation), are presented. The use of each method is illustrated by an example, and the advantages and weaknesses of each method are also discussed.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in panic disorder. 24-hour secretion of corticotropin and cortisol.

BACKGROUND Oversecretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone and/or dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may contribute to pathophysiologic processes in panic disorder, but documentation of HPA axis disturbance in panic has been inconsistent. In the current study we examined HPA axis activity in panic disorder over a full circadian cycle, using frequent blood sampling to provide detailed assessment of corticotropin and cortisol secretion. METHODS Twenty patients with panic disorder and 12 normal control subjects were studied. Blood samples were drawn every 15 minutes for 24 hours and assayed for corticotropin and cortisol levels. RESULTS Patients with panic disorder had elevated overnight cortisol secretion and greater amplitude of ultradian secretory episodes. Patients who entered the study through clinical referral channels had greater cortisol secretion than those recruited by advertisements. Patients with panic disorder who had a low frequency of panic attacks had elevated daytime corticotropin levels and elevated corticotropin ultradian amplitude. Patients with a high frequency of attacks had shifted corticotropin circadian cycles. CONCLUSIONS Patients with panic disorder demonstrate subtle alterations in HPA axis activity, characterized by overnight hypercortisolemia and increased activity in ultradian secretory episodes, but HPA axis alterations in panic are modulated by illness severity and treatment seeking. It remains unclear whether HPA axis dysregulation in panic represents a pathogenic defect within the axis itself. Inconsistencies in prior work may reflect the subtlety of the abnormalities seen, differences in clinical characteristics of patients studied, and the use of different probes and measurement contexts.
Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene Conditions and Health Outcomes among Two Settlement Types in Rural Far North Cameroon

The Far North region in Cameroon has been more heavily impacted by cholera than any other region over the past decade, but very little has been done to study the drivers of waterborne diseases in the region. We investigated the relationship between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) parameters, microbial and antibiotic resistance (AR) contamination levels in drinking water, and health outcomes using health survey and molecular analysis during June and July of 2014 in two settlement types (agro-pastoralist villages and transhumant pastoralist camps). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine fecal contamination sources, enteric pathogens, and antibiotic resistance genes. Ruminant-associated fecal contamination was widespread in both settlement types (81.2%), with human-associated contamination detected in 21.7% of the samples. Salmonella spp. (59.4%) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (stx1 44.9% and stx2 31.9%) were detected across all samples. Tetracycline resistance was found only in village samples. A significant difference in diarrheal incidence within the past 28 days among young children was found between camps (31.3%) and villages (0.0%). Our findings suggest that water contamination may play an important role in contributing to gastrointestinal illness, supporting the need for future research and public health intervention to reduce gastrointestinal illness in the area.
Extreme rainfall events over the Himalayas between 1871 and 2007

Abstract Currently there is much discussion regarding the impact of climate change and the vagaries of the weather, in particular extreme weather events. The Himalayas form the main natural water resource of the major river systems of the Indian region. We present a brief review of the available information and data for extreme rainfall events that were experienced in different sectors of the Himalayas during the last 137 years (1871–2007). Across the entire Himalayas, from east to west, there are now 822 rainfall stations. There was an increase in the rainfall station network from 1947 onwards, especially in the Nepal and Bhutan Himalayas. Extreme one-day rainfall has been picked out for each station irrespective of the period for which data are available. The decadal distribution of these extreme one-day rainfalls shows that there is a considerable increase in the frequencies during the decades 1951–1960 to 1991–2000, whereas there is a sudden decrease in the frequencies in the present decade during 2001–2007, indicating the need to understand the response of the systems to global change and the associated physical and climatological changes. This is essential in terms of preserving this natural resource and to encourage environmental management and sustainable development of mountain regions. Citation Nandargi, S. & Dhar, O. N. (2011) Extreme rainfall events over the Himalayas between 1871 and 2007. Hydrol. Sci. J. 56(6), 930–945.
New measures of graph irregularity

In this paper, we define and compare four new measures of graph irregularity. We use these measures to prove upper bounds for the chromatic number and the Colin de Verdiere parameter. We also strengthen the concise Turan theorem for irregular graphs and investigate to what extent Turan's theorem can be similarly strengthened for generalized r-partite graphs. We conclude by relating these new measures to the Randic index and using the measures to devise new normalised indices of network heterogeneity.
Agent-Based Mobile Middleware Architecture (AMMA) for Patient-Care Clinical Data Messaging Using Wireless Networks

Mobile messaging in healthcare environment is asynchronous based on real-time events, set of contextual elements such as location of service, resource availability, and guaranteed message delivery. Due to the critical nature of the healthcare delivery system, the mobile messaging has two key issues: reliability of message passing and synchronization of message delivery. AMMA provides solution for reliable asynchronous message passing by implementing an event-based context-centric agent communication protocol, and Mobile Message Passing Protocol with synchronized message delivery using global checkpoint method. In this demo the AMMA, a mobile agent system for reliable clinical data mobile messaging is presented. HL7 clinical document architecture is used for defining agents. AMMA is designed as part of the electronic patient call report (e-PCR) project for the 911- emergency medical services. The demo also includes the e-PCR data capturing tool, the wireless communication protocol and the middleware.
Latency-Associated Viral Interleukin-10 (IL-10) Encoded by Human Cytomegalovirus Modulates Cellular IL-10 and CCL8 Secretion during Latent Infection through Changes in the Cellular MicroRNA hsa-miR-92a

ABSTRACT The UL111A gene of human cytomegalovirus encodes a viral homologue of the cellular immunomodulatory cytokine interleukin 10 (cIL-10), which, due to alternative splicing, results in expression of two isoforms designated LAcmvIL-10 (expressed during both lytic and latent infection) and cmvIL-10 (identified only during lytic infection). We have analyzed the functions of LAcmvIL-10 during latent infection of primary myeloid progenitor cells and found that LAcmvIL-10 is responsible, at least in part, for the known increase in secretion of cellular IL-10 and CCL8 in the secretomes of latently infected cells. This latency-associated increase in CCL8 expression results from a concomitant LAcmvIL-10-mediated suppression of the expression of the cellular microRNA (miRNA) hsa-miR-92a, which targets CCL8 directly. Taking the data together, we show that the previously observed downregulation of hsa-miR-92a and upregulation of CCL8 during HCMV latent infection of myeloid cells are intimately linked via the latency-associated expression of LAcmvIL-10. IMPORTANCE HCMV latency causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, yet HCMV is carried silently (latently) in 50 to 90% of the population. Understanding how HCMV maintains infection for the lifetime of an infected individual is critical for the treatment of immunocompromised individuals suffering with disease as a result of HCMV. In this study, we analyze one of the proteins that are expressed during the “latent” phase of HCMV, LAcmvIL-10, and find that the expression of the gene modulates the microenvironment of the infected cell, leading to evasion of the immune system.