Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Statistical Power of Model Selection Strategies for Genome-Wide Association Studies

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aim to identify genetic variants related to diseases by examining the associations between phenotypes and hundreds of thousands of genotyped markers. Because many genes are potentially involved in common diseases and a large number of markers are analyzed, it is crucial to devise an effective strategy to identify truly associated variants that have individual and/or interactive effects, while controlling false positives at the desired level. Although a number of model selection methods have been proposed in the literature, including marginal search, exhaustive search, and forward search, their relative performance has only been evaluated through limited simulations due to the lack of an analytical approach to calculating the power of these methods. This article develops a novel statistical approach for power calculation, derives accurate formulas for the power of different model selection strategies, and then uses the formulas to evaluate and compare these strategies in genetic model spaces. In contrast to previous studies, our theoretical framework allows for random genotypes, correlations among test statistics, and a false-positive control based on GWAS practice. After the accuracy of our analytical results is validated through simulations, they are utilized to systematically evaluate and compare the performance of these strategies in a wide class of genetic models. For a specific genetic model, our results clearly reveal how different factors, such as effect size, allele frequency, and interaction, jointly affect the statistical power of each strategy. An example is provided for the application of our approach to empirical research. The statistical approach used in our derivations is general and can be employed to address the model selection problems in other random predictor settings. We have developed an R package markerSearchPower to implement our formulas, which can be downloaded from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) or http://bioinformatics.med.yale.edu/group/.
Variable stiffness control for SEAs in rehabilitation training

ABSTRACT Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) with both security and high performance is used extensively for rehabilitation robots with physical interaction. Human joints applied for motion therapy show variable stiffness properties during the process of rehabilitation training. When using robot to do motion therapy, impedance control is one of the most popular methods for rehabilitation works. However, impedance control with constant stiffness usually produces rigidity in the body due to natural changes of muscle tension. It may seriously restrict the achievement of excellent training effect and may even cause harm to patients. In this study, a novel real-time parallel variable stiffness control method is proposed based on cascade impedance controller. First, an SEA joint is analyzed and the limit factor of the impedance frequency is discussed. Subsequently, cascade impedance controller scheme with stiffness adjustment regulator is utilized to achieve the stiffness and the passivity of the controller is proved. Based on the scheme, a novel stiffness self-adjustment algorithm is presented which can regulate the stiffness by impedance approximation. Finally, simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the stiffness adjustment method during the rehabilitation process. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Gene Expression Patterns in Larval Schistosoma mansoni Associated with Infection of the Mammalian Host

Background The infective schistosome cercaria develops within the intramolluscan daughter sporocyst from an undifferentiated germ ball, during which synthesis of proteins essential for infection occurs. When the aquatic cercaria locates the mammalian host it rapidly penetrates into the epidermis using glandular secretions. It then undergoes metamorphosis into the schistosomulum, including replacement of its tegument surface membranes, a process taking several days before it exits the skin. Patterns of gene expression underlying this transition have been characterised. Methods and Principal Findings All gene models from the S. mansoni genome (www.GeneDB.org) were incorporated into a high-density oligonucleotide array. Double-stranded cDNA from germ balls, cercariae, and day 3 schistosomula was hybridised to the array without amplification. Statistical analysis was performed using Bioconductor to reveal differentially transcribed loci. Genes were categorised on the basis of biological process, tissue association or molecular function to aid understanding of the complex processes occurring. Genes necessary for DNA replication were enriched only in the germ ball, while those involved in translation were up-regulated in the germ ball and/or day 3 schistosomulum. Different sets of developmental genes were up-regulated at each stage. A large number of genes encoding elastases and invadolysins, and some venom allergen-like proteins were up-regulated in the germ ball, those encoding cysteine and aspartic proteases in the cercaria and schistosomulum. Micro exon genes encoding variant secreted proteins were highly up-regulated in the schistosomulum along with tegument and gut-associated genes, coincident with remodelling of the parasite body. Genes encoding membrane proteins were prominently up-regulated in the cercaria and/or day 3 schistosomulum. Conclusions/Significance Our study highlights an expanded number of transcripts encoding proteins potentially involved in skin invasion. It illuminates the process of metamorphosis into the schistosomulum and highlights the very early activation of gut-associated genes whilst revealing little change in the parasite's energy metabolism or stress responses.
The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety and Their Lifestyle Determinants in a Large Sample of Iranian Adults: Results from a Population Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Association of lifestyle-related factors and mental health has been less studied in Middle Eastern countries. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of two common mental health problems, i.e., depression and anxiety, and their lifestyle determinants in a large sample of Iranian population. This study was conducted within the framework of SEPAHAN population based cross-sectional study (N=4763(. The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) was used to assess physical activity and the Iranian-validated version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to screen for anxiety and depression. Logistic regression was used as the main statistical method for data analysis by SPSS version 16.0. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The risk of anxiety and depression was 2.5 (OR=2.56,95% CI: 1.97-3.33) and 2.21(1.83-2.67) times higher in women than men, respectively. With every one-year increase in the age, the risk of anxiety decreased by 2% (OR=0.98,95% CI:0.97-0.99). Individuals with higher education had 56% lower risk of anxiety (OR=0.44,95% CI: 0.36-0.55) and 46% depression (OR=0.54,95% CI: 0.46-0.64) than the undergraduate group, and the risk of depression in the inactive (less than one hour of activity per week) group was 27% higher than the active group (OR=1.27,95% CI: 1.06-1.51). The risk of anxiety in the non-smoker group was 65% (OR=0.35,95% CI: 0.20-0.59) and depression was 64% lower than among smokers (OR=0.34,95% CI:0.22-0.53). In the ex-smoker group, the risk of anxiety was 60% (OR=0.40,95% CI:0.19-0.85) and depression was 59% lower than for the smoker group (OR=0.41,95% CI: 0.24-0.73). This current study’s results demonstrated significant associations between unhealthy lifestyle factors and increased risk of anxiety and depression. Hence, special attention must be paid to preventive intervention programmes aiming to enhance healthy lifestyle among at-risk populations.
Ehrlichia secretes Etf-1 to induce autophagy and capture nutrients for its growth through RAB5 and class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an obligatory intracellular bacterium that causes a potentially fatal emerging zoonosis, human monocytic ehrlichiosis. E. chaffeensis has a limited capacity for biosynthesis and metabolism and thus depends mostly on host-synthesized nutrients for growth. Although the host cell cytoplasm is rich with these nutrients, as E. chaffeensis is confined within the early endosome-like membrane-bound compartment, only host nutrients that enter the compartment can be used by this bacterium. How this occurs is unknown. We found that ehrlichial replication depended on autophagy induction involving class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PtdIns3K) activity, BECN1 (Beclin 1), and ATG5 (autophagy-related 5). Ehrlichia acquired host cell preincorporated amino acids in a class III PtdIns3K-dependent manner and ehrlichial growth was enhanced by treatment with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer. Moreover, ATG5 and RAB5A/B/C were routed to ehrlichial inclusions. RAB5A/B/C siRNA knockdown, or overexpression of a RAB5-specific GTPase-activating protein or dominant-negative RAB5A inhibited ehrlichial infection, indicating the critical role of GTP-bound RAB5 during infection. Both native and ectopically expressed ehrlichial type IV secretion effector protein, Etf-1, bound RAB5 and the autophagy-initiating class III PtdIns3K complex, PIK3C3/VPS34, and BECN1, and homed to ehrlichial inclusions. Ectopically expressed Etf-1 activated class III PtdIns3K as in E. chaffeensis infection and induced autophagosome formation, cleared an aggregation-prone mutant huntingtin protein in a class III PtdIns3K-dependent manner, and enhanced ehrlichial proliferation. These data support the notion that E. chaffeensis secretes Etf-1 to induce autophagy to repurpose the host cytoplasm and capture nutrients for its growth through RAB5 and class III PtdIns3K, while avoiding autolysosomal killing.
Position control of tendon-driven fingers with position controlled actuators

Conventionally, tendon-driven manipulators implement some force-based controller using either tension feedback or dynamic models of the actuator. The force control allows the system to maintain proper tensions on the tendons. In some cases, whether it is due to the lack of tension feedback or actuator torque control, a purely position-based controller is needed. This work compares three position controllers for tendon-driven manipulators that implement a nested actuator position controller. A new controller is introduced that achieves the best overall performance with regards to speed, accuracy, and transient behavior. To compensate for the lack of tension control, the controller nominally maintains the internal tension on the tendons through a range-space constraint on the actuator positions. These control laws are validated experimentally on the Robonaut-2 humanoid hand.
Cooperative Overtaking Assistance System Based on V2V Communications and RTDB

Overtaking maneuvers in roads cause a large number of accidents. To prevent collisions, numerous cooperative overtaking assistance systems, based on Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANET), have been proposed. However, these systems may meet problems in case of data congestion or data loss. To improve overtaking safety, this paper studies the use of Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) communications and Real-Time DataBases (RTDB). More precisely, we suggest a new integrated system, called Cooperative Overtaking Assistance Persistent System (COAPS), to better avoid potential collisions during overtaking maneuvers. Each vehicle stores its information in a local RTDB, along with the adjacent vehicles’ information. While detecting an overtaking intention, the vehicle COAPS queries its database and selects the preceding vehicle(s) and the oncoming one(s) from the other direction to make decision about the overtaking. It controls the overtaking in case of positive decision or reduces the vehicle speed to avoid a collision ahead, in the other case. Simulations of different driving scenarios, under the Vehicles In Network Simulation (VEINS) framework, show that COAPS provides a high level of overtaking safety due to the V2V communications, the RTDB and the notion of Quality of Data used to reduce the number of data freshness transactions.
Contribution à l'étude de diagramme de rayonnement D'une antenne réseaux alimentée par une nouvelle Architecture de matrice de Butler

Resume: Une simulation de la matrice de Butler sans reseau d’antennes a ete faite afin d’obtenir les ponderations en amplitude et en phase qui doivent etre distribuees a chaque element rayonnant et determiner le diagramme de rayonnement. Ensuite, nous procederons a une simulation globale de la matrice avec son reseau d’antennes pour calculer les parametres S de reflexion et d’isolation des voies d’entree et voir une approche de diagramme de rayonnement de la totalite de matrice.
Range and pose estimation for visual servoing of a mobile robot

This paper describes the implementation of behaviour for real-time visual servoing on a mobile robot. The behaviour is a component of a multi-robot cleaning system developed in the context of our investigation into architectures for cooperative systems. An important feature for support of cooperation is the awareness of one robot by another, which this behaviour realises. Robust feature tracking aided by a hardware vision system is described. This forms the basis for range and pose estimation using a 3D projective model.
Stereoacuity Testing Discloses Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis Without Optic Neuritis

Background: We aimed to determine the value of stereoacuity testing in detecting subclinical disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) without a history or clinical evidence of optic neuritis. Methods: We enrolled 23 patients with MS and 23 age-matched and sex-matched healthy control subjects with Snellen acuities of 20/20 in both eyes. We recorded monocular pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) to 60-minute and 15-minute check sizes and tested stereoacuity by the Randot stereoacuity (RSA) test. Results: The MS group showed delayed PVEP latencies to 60-minute and 15-minute patterns (P < 0.001 and 0.002). Stereoacuity by the RSA test was significantly worse in patients with MS than in control subjects (P < 0.001). In the MS group, the PVEP P100 latency and the RSA values showed significant positive correlations. There was no significant correlation between the time from MS diagnosis and the RSA and PVEP values. Conclusions: Based on this study, patients with MS without optic neuritis have considerable abnormalities in stereopsis. RSA testing may be a useful marker of subclinical disease activity in this condition.
Savings and insurance within the dual theory of choice

This paper provides a joint analysis of savings and insurance choices for consumers who behave according to the dual theory of choice under risk presented by Yaari [Econometrica 55 (1987), 95–116]. While the literature about changes in risk shows how an exogenous mean preserving contraction affects optimal saving, it is shown here that the voluntary purchase of an insurance contract that decreases expected income substitutes for saving. In the general case of more than one source of risk, there is no separation between insurance demand and the saving choice. Thus, the theorem of Dionne and Eeckhoudt [Insurance, Mathematics and Economics 3 (1984), 101–110], developed for consumers who behave according to expected utility theory, is found to be robust for consumers who behave according to Yaari’s dual theory.
Compressed-Domain Watermarking Algorithms : A Review

With the rapid development of multimedia and the fast growth of the Internet, the need for copyright protection, ownership verification, and other issues for digital data are getting more and more attention nowadays. Among the solutions for these issues, digital watermarking techniques are the most popular ones lately. A variety of watermarking methods has been proposed by researchers during recent years. On the other hand, Image Compression plays a very important role in image processing especially when we are to send the image on the internet. Due to this wide popularity, compression plays a major role in the design of watermarking algorithms. For a digital watermarking method to be effective, it is essential that an embedded watermark should be robust against compression. Recently, several researchers have proposed effective watermarking schemes, which are more robust against compression, by considering the parameters and steps in compression techniques. This article presents an extensive review on the impact of compression techniques on the design and effectiveness of watermarking algorithms. In addition, a concise introduction about digital watermarking is presented along with its properties, applications and techniques. The Internet is considered as a perfect auction and distribution channel for digital data; however their remains a hindrance, while dealing with copyright compliance and content management. Nowadays, digital images can be employed in any area of interest– with or without permission. When the images are put to wrong use or leaked, it can spoil brand image, marketing works, eventually this extends and produce a major impact in sales. It is vital to safeguard the copyright of digital content against piracy and malicious manipulation, due to the quick development and extensive use of network distributions of digital media content. With the availability of internet around the globe, security of digital images has resulted in a greater significance. The launch of image processing tools has brought in a higher liability for illegal copying, alterations, and dispersion of digital images. Watermarking systems have been presented as a feasible and effectual solution to these problems [1]. Digital watermarking is employed with an intention of disallowing illegal replication or utilization of digital images [2,3]. In recent times, there has been a rapid advancement of digital imagery and digital watermark technology. The categories of protection systems comprise the utilization of encryption and authentication techniques also. The watermark can be mentioned as a digital code irremovably, forcefully, and unnoticeably embedded in the host data …
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An antiserum, to substance P has been used to the neostriatum of rats which has received Injectlorls of colchicine. Both cell bodies and nerve fibres were found to Some of the fibres were swollen and could be traced back to their cell Examination in the electron of structures that had first been identified in the mlCrC)SCop'e showed that there are two different of substance P-immunoreactive cell I) of immunoreactive cell was of medium size and had a smooth sUl:ta(:ed dis:ol<WE'd the ultrastructural features neurons. Identified neurons gave rise to immunoreactive axon collaterals the neostriatum: these collaterals were found to form sYlnrrletnG~l "',,n:,,-.t,r contacts. The second of immunoreactive cell was medium-size and had a rOUlld or oval nucleus indented and was surrounded thin rim of rv! rof)lrl't;;m to this neuron was sparse and consisted of small boutons that made <:UT'rl"-. ",trir::>I COlltacts with the and dendrites. immunoreactive dot-like structures could be seen in the examination in the electron these were found boutons. boutons that were studied made These boutons were from the boutons of axon collaterals of I immunoreactive The most common structures were dendrites, some dendritic between immunoreactive boutons and several and an axon The features of the immunoreactive boutons in the neostriatum were very similar to one type of substance P-immunoreactive bouton in the substantia nigra and to a bouton type in the substantia nigra which is labelled following the anterograde transport of horseradish peroxidase from the striatum. It is suggested that there are two kinds of substance P-containing neurons in the striatum and that one of these is likely to belong to the medium-spiny class. The latter ty pe of neuron is probably the source of the striatonigral substance P-containing projection and of the immunoreactive boutons within the striatum. The finding of substance P-immunoreactive synaptic boutons within the neostriatum provides a morphological basis for the vie w that substance P might serve as a neurotransmitter in the neostriatum .
Association of Serum PSP/REG Iα with Renal Function in Pregnant Women

Pancreatic stone protein/regenerating protein Iα (PSP/REG Iα) is a secretory protein produced in the pancreas, but its expression has also been observed in the kidney. It may be associated with kidney dysfunction. This study investigates the possible association between PSP/REG Iα and kidney function in pregnant women. Serum PSP/REG Iα levels were measured by a specific ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Maternal information and clinical and biochemical parameters were collected. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated for all individuals to evaluate their renal function. Spearman's correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between PSP/REG Iα and eGFR, serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA). A total of 595 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Participants with mildly reduced eGFR had higher PSP/REG Iα levels [50.49 (35.02, 58.64)] than in the general population [26.84 (21.02, 33.07)] (p < 0.001). Included participants were stratified into PSP/REG Iα quartiles; significant differences were observed in the levels of eGFR, serum Cr, BUN, and UA. PSP/REG Iα was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = −0.402, p < 0.001) and positively associated with serum Cr (r = 0.468, p < 0.001), BUN (r = 0.166, p < 0.001), and UA (r = 0.207, p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis indicated that PSP/REG Iα was associated with UA, BUN, and eGFR. High PSP/REG Iα concentrations were closely associated with renal dysfunction in pregnant women. Our study provides clinical evidence that serum PSP/REG Iα levels could be a novel biomarker for assessment of renal function in pregnant women.
Virtual reality for older users: a systematic literature review

The use of technologies by the elderly is still restricted, especially concerning recent technologies. To better understand the older user experience, while using virtual reality technology, we performed a Systematic Literature Review. The databases selected for research were the digital libraries of ACM, IEEE, Science Direct and Google Scholar. During the literature review, we col- lected information about the characteristics of the participants of the studies selected, the experiences reported about the use of technology, the research method used, the technologies chosen for the tests, the results obtained and future work suggested. The main contributions of this work were to identify the state of art of virtual and augmented reality for older people, the possible applications of these technologies to them, the most used devices and also the considerations reported by previous experiences.
A Note on the Impact of Parameter Uncertainty on Barrier Derivatives

This paper presents a comprehensive extension of pricing two-dimensional derivatives depending on two barrier constraints. We assume randomness on the covariance matrix as a way of generalizing. We analyse common barrier derivatives, enabling us to study parameter uncertainty and the risk related to the estimation procedure (estimation risk). In particular, we use the distribution of empirical parameters from IBM and EURO STOXX50. The evidence suggests that estimation risk should not be neglected in the context of multidimensional barrier derivatives, as it could cause price differences of up to 70%.