Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sliding window recursive quadratic optimization with variable regularization

In this paper, we present a sliding-window variable-regularization recursive least squares algorithm. In contrast to standard recursive least squares, the algorithm presented in this paper operates on a finite window of data, where old data are discarded as new data become available. This property can be beneficial for estimating time-varying parameters. Furthermore, standard recursive least squares uses time-invariant regularization. More specifically, the inverse of the initial covariance matrix in standard recursive least squares can be viewed as a regularization term, which weights the difference between the next estimate and the initial estimate. This regularization is fixed for all steps of the recursion. The algorithm derived in this paper allows for time-varying regularization. In particular, the present paper allows for time varying regularization in the weighting as well as what is being weighted. Specifically, the regularization term can weight the difference between the next estimate and a time-varying vector of parameters rather than the initial estimate.
A Social Safety Net: Developing a Model of Social-Support Figures as Prepared Safety Stimuli

Although the presence of social-support figures (e.g., close friends and family members) is known to increase feelings of safety, reduce threat responses, and improve health, the route by which these effects occur is not well understood. One explanation is that social-support figures are members of a powerful category of safety signals—prepared safety stimuli. Here, we review research demonstrating that social-support figures act as prepared safety stimuli and explore the impact that these unique safety stimuli have on fear-learning processes. According to recent work, the presence of social-support figures both reduces fear acquisition and enhances fear extinction, ultimately decreasing perceptions of threat. These findings shed light on the route by which social support buffers against threat and illustrate the unique properties of prepared safety stimuli and how they might be used to improve mental and physical health outcomes.
The Origin of Skin Dendritic Cell Network and Its Role in Psoriasis

Dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous groups of innate immune cells, which orchestrate immune responses by presenting antigens to cognate T cells and stimulating other types of immune cells. Although the term ‘DCs’ generally represent highly mixed subsets with functional heterogeneity, the classical definition of DCs usually denotes conventional DCs (cDCs). Skin contains a unique DC network mainly composed of embryo precursor-derived epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and bone marrow-derived dermal cDCs, which can be further classified into type 1 (cDC1) and type 2 (cDC2) subsets. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is principally mediated by IL-23/IL-17 cytokine axis. In the psoriatic skins, DCs are prominent cellular sources for TNF-α and IL-23, and the use of blocking antibodies against TNF-α and IL-23 leads to a significant clinical improvement in psoriatic patients. Recent elegant human and mouse studies have shown that inflammation-induced inflammatory DCs, LCs, dermal cDC2, and monocyte-derived DCs are pivotal DC subsets in psoriatic inflammation. Thus, targeting specific pathogenic DC subsets would be a potential strategy for alleviating and preventing DC-derived IL-23-dependent psoriatic inflammation and other inflammatory dermatoses in the future.
The mCpG-binding Domain of Human MBD3 Does Not Bind to mCpG but Interacts with NuRD/Mi2 Components HDAC1 and MTA2*

Although mammalian MBD3 contains the mCpG-binding domain (MBD) and is highly homologous with the authentic mCpG-binding protein MBD2, it was reported that the protein does not bind to mCpG specifically. Using recombinant human wild type and mutant MBD3 proteins, we demonstrated that atypical amino acids found in MBD3 MBD, namely, His-30 and Phe-34, are responsible for the inability of MBD3 to bind to mCpG. Interestingly, although H30K/F34Y MBD3 mutant protein binds to mCpG efficiently in vitro, it was not localized at the mCpG-rich pericentromeric regions in mouse cells. We also showed that Y34F MBD2b MBD, which possesses not the mCpG-specific DNA-binding activity but the nonspecific DNA-binding activity, was localized at the pericentromeric regions. These results suggested that the mCpG-specific DNA-binding activity is largely dispensable, and another factor(s) is required for the localization of MBD proteins in vivo. MBD3 was identified as a component of the NuRD/Mi2 complex that shows chromatin remodeling and histone deacetylase activities. We demonstrated that MBD3 MBD is necessary and sufficient for binding to HDAC1 and MTA2, two components of the NuRD/Mi2 complex. It was therefore suggested that mCpG-binding-defective MBD3 has evolutionarily conserved its MBD because of the secondary role played by the MBD in protein-protein interactions.
Intraspecific molecular variation in the seaweed fly Coelopa frigida consistent with behavioural distinctness of British and Swedish populations

The major aim of this study was to compare the intraspecific variation and genetic structure of the behaviourally distinct British and Swedish populations of the seaweed fly Coelopa frigida. C. frigida has been the subject of intense study into the basis of female choice. The behaviour of British females is consistent with a ‘good genes’ model, whereas that of the Swedish flies suggests a Fisher process, in which the difference between the former and the latter is defined by female choice increasing offspring viability in ‘good genes’ models. Through a study of variability in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II gene from more than 600 flies, we show that there is clear differentiation at the molecular level between the two countries’ populations, with an FST of > 75% and no shared haplotypes. Tajima's test reveals an excess of rare variants relative to expectation, which, if not the result of selective sweep, indicates either a population expansion or purifying selection against weakly deleterious variants. Within the two populations, substantial subpopulation differentiation is observed in the UK, where there is also evidence of isolation by distance. Swedish populations exhibit lower variability, and no evidence of isolation by distance, with the latter result possibly being related to the continuous distribution of suitable habitat. The pattern of intraspecific variation is explainable by a combination of contemporary and also historical factors. British and Swedish populations may have been descended from at least two separate founding populations during the recolonization of these areas following Pleistocene glaciations.
Contribution à l’analyse de la diversité des relations siège-filiales au sein des firmes multinationales : Étude de dix firmes multinationales françaises

L’etude des relations siege-filiales contribue a eclairer la maniere de piloter les firmes multinationales (FMN) actuelles, compte tenu de leur complexite et de leur diversite. Or, les recherches sur les relations siege-filiales ont mis en lumiere la double prise en compte des enjeux locaux et globaux dans ces relations. Alors que l’arbitrage entre ces deux enjeux est a la base des relations siege-filiales, il ne conduit pas a saisir toute la diversite dans les relations siege-filiales. Ainsi, en depassant la classique opposition local versus global, se pose la question de savoir quels sont les criteres de diversite et les elements de contexte de la diversite des relations siege-filiales. Nous nous sommes egalement interessee a analyser cette diversite a la lueur du role du siege. Notre these se fonde pour cela sur l’etude principale de dix firmes multinationales a travers la realisation de soixante-dix entretiens. Quinze autres entretiens ont ete realises dans neuf entreprises. Nos resultats ont mis en evidence que la diversite des relations siege-filiales se comprenait par la modulation entre plusieurs criteres de diversite : le degre d’autonomie des filiales, les modes de coordination et l’uniformite ou la differenciation interne (des relations siege-filiales selon les filiales). Ce sont les differentes combinaisons possibles entre ces differents criteres (eux-memes sous l’influence de facteurs de contexte) qui permettent de comprendre la diversite des relations siege-filiales. Enfin, ces elements permettent d’identifier differents roles du siege et notre etude empirique souligne la possibilite de distinguer les relations siege-filiales selon le role joue par le siege
CARVE: The Carbon in Arctic Reservoirs Vulnerability Experiment

The Carbon in Arctic Reservoirs Vulnerability Experiment (CARVE) is a NASA Earth Ventures (EV-1) investigation designed to quantify correlations between atmospheric and surface state variables for the Alaskan terrestrial ecosystems through intensive seasonal aircraft campaigns, ground-based observations, and analysis sustained over a 5-year mission. CARVE bridges critical gaps in our knowledge and understanding of Arctic ecosystems, linkages between the Arctic hydrologic and terrestrial carbon cycles, and the feedbacks from fires and thawing permafrost. CARVE's objectives are to: (1) Directly test hypotheses attributing the mobilization of vulnerable Arctic carbon reservoirs to climate warming; (2) Deliver the first direct measurements and detailed maps of CO2 and CH4 sources on regional scales in the Alaskan Arctic; and (3) Demonstrate new remote sensing and modeling capabilities to quantify feedbacks between carbon fluxes and carbon cycle-climate processes in the Arctic (Figure 1). We describe the investigation design and results from 2011 test flights in Alaska.
Design and evaluation of a wireless magnetic-based proximity detection platform for indoor applications

Many indoor sensing applications leverage knowledge of relative proximity among physical objects and humans, such as the notion of “within arm's reach”. In this paper, we quantify this notion using “proximity zone”, and propose a methodology that empirically and systematically compare the proximity zones created by various wireless technologies. We find that existing technologies such as 802.15. 4, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and RFID fall short on metrics such as boundary sharpness, robustness against in-terference, and obstacle penetration. We then present the design and evaluation of a wireless proximity detection platform based on magnetic induction - LiveSynergy. LiveSynergy provides sweet spot for indoor applications that require reliable and precise proximity detection. Finally, we present the design and evaluation of an end-to-end system, deployed inside a large food court to offer context-aware and personalized advertisements and diet suggestions at a per-counter granularity.
Is spinal anesthesia contraindicated after failed epidural anesthesia.

injection. The highest level obtained was not recorded. We also limit cephalad spread by judicious positioning of the patient. We do not feel the block was unusually low for 70 mg of hyperbaric lidocaine. The Sprotte needle certainly is prone to partial subdural injection in that it has a long, lateral side port. However, the easy free flow of aspiration of cerebral spinal fluid makes us believe that most, if not all, of the port was in the subarachnoid space, and therefore is where most of the dose was deposited. Finally, regarding the comment of “stirring up” the patient while moving him from the operating table to the holding area, our patients do not move themselves but are gently slid over with a roller, with minimal changes in position. They usually have a head-up position in the postoperative recovery area as soon as their block begins to recede. We still believe the most likely explanation is the “pooling” of the hyperbaric lidocaine in the sacral area and that reappearance of spinal anesthesia was due to the extreme movement of patient position and retching in the holding area. We feel this is what happened to our patient. In conclusion, we welcome these comments and look forward to hearing other possible explanations.
Contralateral differences among biomarkers determined by a modified nasal lavage technique after unilateral antigen challenge

The concentration of biomarkers from vessels and inflammatory cells in nasal lavage fluid reflects the degree of hyperresponsiveness in patients with allergic rhinitis. The lavage has usually been performed of both nasal cavities together after prewashings and administration of decongestants. To improve the technique, we introduced a modification involving lavage of the nasal cavities separately without any prewashings or decongestants. We challenged 20 rhinitic subjects sensitive to timothy unilaterally with timothy extract. In nasal lavages performed before, immediately after, and 6 h after the challenge, we determined the concentrations of albumin, histamine, bradykinin, TAME (TV‐α‐tosyl‐L‐arginine methyl ester)‐esterase, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4). In eight subjects, the procedure was repeated 1 and 2 weeks later. After the challenge, albumin, bradykinin, TAME‐esterase, and LTC4 in the nasal lavage fluid increased on the ipsilateral side but not on the Contralateral side. Histamine did not increase after antigen challenge. After 6 h, the biomarkers were not increased. The concentrations of biomarkers did not differ between sides before the challenge and not between visits. Thus, the modified nasal lavage technique is reliable and improved compared to previous methods because it involves reproducible determinations of different biomarkers, and it is simple and easy to perform.
1-[(4-Chlorophenyl)(phenyl)methyl]piperazine-1,4-diium bis(trichloroacetate)–trichloroacetic acid (1/1)

In the title salt adduct, C17H21ClN2 2+·2C2Cl3O2 −·C2HCl3O2, the Cl atom of the dication is disordered over two positions in a 0.915 (3):0.085 (3) ratio. The Cl atoms in the trichloroacetate anions and trichloroacetic acid molecule are also disordered, with refined site-occupation factors of 0.59 (3):0.41 (3), 0.503 (12):0.417 (12) and 0.653 (12):0.347 (12). The piperazine ring adopts a chair conformation, with puckering parameters Q T = 0.587 (3) Å, θ = 2.6 (2) and Φ 334 (6)°. In the crystal, neighbouring molecules are linked by N—H⋯O, O—H⋯O, N—H⋯Cl, C—H⋯O and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.
Adjusting capitation rates using objective health measures and prior utilization

Several analysts have proposed adding adjusters based on health status and prior utilization to the adjusted average per capita cost formula. The authors estimate how well such adjusters predict annual medical expenditures among non-elderly adults. Both measures substantially improve on the variables currently used. If only health measures are added, 20-30 percent of the predictable variance is explained; if only prior use is added, more than 40 percent is explained; if both are added, about 60 percent is explained. The results support including some measure of use in the formula until better health measures are developed.
Eco-mechanics of lamellar autotomy in larval damselflies

In larval damselflies, the self-amputation (autotomy) of the caudal lamellae permits escape from predatory larval dragonflies. Lamellar joint size declines among populations with increasing risk of dragonfly predation, but the breaking force required for autotomy and the biomechanical factors that influence breaking force are unknown. If autotomy enhances survival in larval damselflies, then predation by larval dragonflies should select for joints that require less force to break. We test this adaptive hypothesis by evaluating whether breaking force is negatively related to local predation risk from larval dragonflies. We also test a cuticle structure hypothesis, which predicts that breaking force is positively related to joint size and to joint cuticle thickness because of a structural support relationship between joint and lamella. The peak force necessary for lamellar autotomy was assessed on individual larval Enallagma damselflies collected from populations that varied in risk of predation. Easier lamellar autotomy occurred in larvae from sites with higher predation risk because damselflies from fishless ponds (where predatory larval dragonflies are likely more abundant) had lower breaking forces than those from ponds with fish (where larval dragonfly predation is likely reduced). Furthermore, breaking force was a positive function of joint size and also of total cuticle cross-sectional area after controlling for joint size. This suggests that autotomy may evolve in larval damselflies under selection from small grasping predators such as larval dragonflies by favouring smaller joint size or reduced cuticle area of lamellar joints.
Family caregivers caring for relatives with dementia : pre- and post-death experiences

The purpose of this thesis was to describe caregiving relatives' experiences pre- and post-death of a relative with dementia disease. This thesis involved 52 caregivers for demented elderly persons and 66 non-caregivers for non-demented elderly persons who were included in the Kungsholmen Project, a population-based study of people aged 75 years and over. The Burden Questionnaire (Grafstrom et al. (1992), the Burnout Measure (Pines et al. 1981), the Patient Hassles Scale (Kinney & Stephens (1991), and the Nursing Home Hassles Scale (Stephens et al. 1991) were used in this thesis. The Stress Process Model (Pearlin et al. 1990) was applied in order to present the different stressors in a caregiver's career. Study 1 There was not always a difference in strain between the caregivers and the non-caregivers. In a cross-gender comparison, females' total experiences proved to be the most strained. When controlling for gender, the females did not suffer uniformly. Within a same-gender group of male caregivers, the results indicate that the males caring for demented elderly persons experienced a lack of positive outlook and a limitation of social support. Study 2 In the caregiver group, older wives and daughters were the most likely to report burnout in their lives. Limitations in social life, poor health and a lack of positive outlook on caring were the most important factors when explaining burnout. Study 3 The caregivers in this study used different coping strategies, depending on whether they felt burned-out or not. Those who experienced burnout used emotion-focused strategies. The caregivers who did not experience burnout, however, used problem-focused strategies more often. Futhermore, the caregivers who did not feel burnout used the emotion-focused strategy of acceptance, frequently in combination with the problem-focused strategies of seeking information and seeking social support. The elderly person's living place (home or institution) in this study did not appear to have any significant impact. Study 4 The caregivers in this study who had their demented elderly relatives institutionalized experienced patient hassles (cognitive, behaviour, basic ADL) and nursing home hassles (caregiver-staff, patient-staff, practical/logistical). The analysis showed the nursing home hassles to be the stressors explaining variance in burnout. Study 5 Bereaved caregivers who reported more positive appraisal (pre-death) were likely to feel relieved after the death. They were also satisfied with their support. Caregivers expressed relief more often when the same person(s) helped them pre- and post-death. Caregivers who reported being exhausted and having a breakdown during the caregiving process expressed negative thoughts and guilt in the post-death phase. Finally, caregivers in the detachment phase who said they were able to say good-bye to their relatives often expressed that they were ready to go on with their lives.
Regulation of Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux through Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibition

The cholesterol biosynthetic pathway produces numerous signaling molecules. Oxysterols through liver X receptor (LXR) activation regulate cholesterol efflux, whereas the non-sterol mevalonate metabolite, geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), was recently demonstrated to inhibit ABCA1 expression directly, through antagonism of LXR and indirectly through enhanced RhoA geranylgeranylation. We used HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) to test the hypothesis that reduced synthesis of mevalonate metabolites would enhance cholesterol efflux and attenuate foam cell formation. Preincubation of THP-1 macrophages with atorvastatin, dose dependently (1–10 μm) stimulated cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein AI (apoAI, 10–60%, p < 0.05) and high density lipoprotein (HDL3) (2–50%, p < 0.05), despite a significant decrease in cholesterol synthesis (2–90%). Atorvastatin also increased ABCA1 and ABCG1 mRNA abundance (30 and 35%, p < 0.05). Addition of mevalonate, GGPP or farnesyl pyrophosphate completely blocked the statin-induced increase in ABCA1 expression and apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux. A role for RhoA was established, because two inhibitors of Rho protein activity, a geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor and C3 exoenzyme, increased cholesterol efflux to apoAI (20–35%, p < 0.05), and macrophage expression of dominant-negative RhoA enhanced cholesterol efflux to apoAI (20%, p < 0.05). In addition, atorvastatin increased the RhoA levels in the cytosol fraction and decreased the membrane localization of RhoA. Atorvastatin treatment activated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ and increased LXR-mediated gene expression suggesting that atorvastatin induces cholesterol efflux through a molecular cascade involving inhibition of RhoA signaling, leading to increased peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ activity, enhanced LXR activation, increased ABCA1 expression, and cholesterol efflux. Finally, statin treatment inhibited cholesteryl ester accumulation in macrophages challenged with atherogenic hypertriglyceridemic very low density lipoproteins indicating that statins can regulate foam cell formation.
Kinodynamic Motion Planning

This article extends the capabilities of the harmonic potential field (HPF) approach to planning to cover both the kinematic and dynamic aspects of a robot's motion. The suggested approach converts the gradient guidance field from a harmonic potential to a control signal by augmenting it with a novel type of damping forces called nonlinear, anisotropic, damping forces (NADF). The HPF (harmonic potential field) approach to planning is emerging as a powerful paradigm for the guidance of autonomous agents.
Basic mechanisms of high‐risk human papillomavirus‐induced carcinogenesis: Roles of E6 and E7 proteins

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are believed to be the primary causal agents for development of pre‐neoplastic and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix, and high‐risk types such as type 16 and 18 are associated with more than 90% of all cervical carcinomas. The E6 and E7 genes of HPV are thought to play causative roles, since E6 promotes the degradation of p53 through its interaction with E6AP, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, whereas E7 binds to the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and disrupts its complex formation with E2F transcription factors. Although prophylactic vaccines have become available, it is still necessary to clarify the mechanisms of HPV‐induced carcinogenesis because of the widespread nature of HPV infection. Approximately 493 000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year with approximately 274 000 mortalities due to invasive cervical cancer. In the present article, the mechanisms of HPV16 E6‐ and E7‐induced multistep carcinogenesis and recently identified functions of these onco‐proteins are reviewed. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 1505–1511)