Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Apoptosis in the in Vivo Mammalian Forebrain

Apoptosis is a word originally introduced by Kerr, Wyllie, and colleagues for a cell death process they defined in terms of its ultrastructural appearance in nonneuronal cells from various tissues. There are very few studies providing detailed ultrastructural criteria for recognizing neuronal apoptosis in the in vivo mammalian brain. In the absence of such criteria, the Kerr/Wyllie description pertaining to nonneuronal cells has served as a reference standard. However, contemporary neurobiologists typically rely on cell culture models for studying neuronal apoptosis, and these models are rarely validated ultrastructurally; rather they are assumed to be appropriate models based on unvalidated biochemical tests for apoptosis. Relying on evidence generated in such cell culture models or on nonspecific cytochemical tests applied to brain tissue, many authors have recently suggested that an apoptotic mechanism may mediate neuronal death in a wide variety of human neurodegenerative diseases. Whether the cell death process in neurodegenerative diseases meets ultrastructural criteria for apoptosis has been given very little consideration. Recently, several methods have been described for triggering extensive apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing in vivo mammalian brain. These methods include head trauma or treatment with several types of drugs (NMDA antagonists, GABAA agonists, or ethanol). We have performed an ultrastructural analysis of the neuronal cell death process triggered in the cerebral cortex and thalamus by these several methods and compared it with physiological cell death (PCD), a prototypic example of neuronal apoptosis that occurs naturally in the developing brain. Our findings, which are reviewed herein, demonstrate that the types and sequence of changes induced by each of the above methods are identical to those that characterize PCD. This confirms that each of these methods produces bona fide in vivo apoptotic neurodegeneration, and it signifies that our description of this neuronal apoptotic process, which differs in some respects from the Kerr/Wyllie description of nonneuronal apoptosis, can serve as a useful reference standard for recognizing the characteristic changes that in vivo neurons undergo when they are dying by an apoptotic mechanism.
Design and optimisation of magnetic structures for lumped Inductive Power Transfer systems

A solution which enables safe, efficient and convenient overnight recharging of electric vehicles is needed. Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) is capable of meeting these needs however the main limiting factor is the performance of the magnetic structures (termed power pads) which help transfer the power efficiently. These pads are required to transfer 2–5kW with a large air gap and have good tolerance to misalignment. They also need to be as light-weight, durable and cost effective as possible. An approach using 3D finite-element analysis modelling is used here to optimise the power pads. This technique is viable since measured and simulated results differ by 10% at most. Power pads have been built which allow 2kW of power to be transferred over a 200mm air gap with a tolerance of 130mm in the horizontal direction. The leakage magnetic flux is also investigated via simulation showing that the designed pads comply with human exposure regulations.
Teenage boys and girls in West Germany.

In 1970 the Institute for Sex Research at the University of Hamburg conducted a study of 302 males and 300 females aged 16-17. By age 16, 92% of the boys and 50% of the girls had experienced masturbation, 35% of the boys and 30% of the girls had experienced coitus. In the year before the study, 50% of the girls had an orgasm often or always during coitus. Boys achieved 80% of their orgasms through masturbation, 6% through petting, and 14% through coitus. The girls achieve 1/3 of their orgasms through each of these patterns. 18% of the boys and 6% of the girls had had at least 1 homosexual experience. About 70% of the respondents used contraception regularly. 40% to 50% used oral contraceptives and 20%-30% used condoms. The attitudes towards premarital coitus have become more permissive in the last 10 years, but the majority are still in favor of love and fidelity, and are oriented towards marriage.
BoostJet: Towards Combining Statistical Aggregates with Neural Embeddings for Recommendations

Recommenders have become widely popular in recent years because of their broader applicability in many e-commerce applications. These applications rely on recommenders for generating advertisements for various offers or providing content recommendations. However, the quality of the generated recommendations depends on user features (like demography, temporality), offer features (like popularity, price), and user-offer features (like implicit or explicit feedback). Current state-of-the-art recommenders do not explore such diverse features concurrently while generating the recommendations. In this paper, we first introduce the notion of Trackers which enables us to capture the above-mentioned features and thus incorporate users' online behaviour through statistical aggregates of different features (demography, temporality, popularity, price). We also show how to capture offer-to-offer relations, based on their consumption sequence, leveraging neural embeddings for offers in our Offer2Vec algorithm. We then introduce BoostJet, a novel recommender which integrates the Trackers along with the neural embeddings using MatrixNet, an efficient distributed implementation of gradient boosted decision tree, to improve the recommendation quality significantly. We provide an in-depth evaluation of BoostJet on Yandex's dataset, collecting online behaviour from tens of millions of online users, to demonstrate the practicality of BoostJet in terms of recommendation quality as well as scalability.
Development of the Perception of Invariants: Substance and Shape

Three experiments investigated the perception of substance and shape as invariant properties of objects by three-month-old infants. In experiment 1, infants were habituated to two differently shaped objects undergoing a rigid motion. After habituation of the infants, the objects were presented undergoing a different rigid motion, or undergoing a deforming motion, or undergoing the same rigid motion. Habituation was maintained to the new rigid motion, indicating that the two rigid motions were perceived as sharing an invariant property. Dishabituation, on the other hand, occurred when a deforming motion followed a rigid one. In experiment 2, infants were habituated to one shape undergoing two different rigid motions. After habituation, the shape was changed but the same two motions continued. Dishabituation occurred, compared to a group with no shape change, indicating that shape is distinguished as an invariant property over two rigid motions. In experiment 3, habituation to a shape undergoing two rigid motions was followed by a new shape presented motionless, or the same shape presented motionless. Cessation of motion did not prevent recognition of shape as invariant. Two properties of an object, substance and shape, thus appear to be detectable as invariant in an event sequence, an instance of ‘phenomenal doubling’ at an early age.
Hsp70 Translocates into the Plasma Membrane after Stress and Is Released into the Extracellular Environment in a Membrane-Associated Form that Activates Macrophages1

Heat shock proteins (hsps) are intracellular chaperones that play a key role in the recovery from stress. Hsp70, the major stress-induced hsp, has been found in the extracellular medium and is capable of activating immune cells. The mechanism involved in Hsp70 release is controversial because this protein does not present a consensual secretory signal. In this study, we have shown that Hsp70 integrates into artificial lipid bilayer openings of ion conductance pathways. In addition, this protein was found inserted into the plasma membrane of cells after stress. Hsp70 was released into the extracellular environment in a membrane-associated form, sharing the characteristics of this protein in the plasma membrane. Extracellular membranes containing Hsp70 were at least 260-fold more effective than free recombinant protein in inducing TNF-α production as an indicator of macrophage activation. These observations suggest that Hsp70 translocates into the plasma membrane after stress and is released within membranous structures from intact cells, which could act as a danger signal to activate the immune system.
Does Microcredit Create Employment For the Poor? The Case of theMicrocredit Scheme of Upper Manya Krobo Rural Bank in Ghana

The microfinance industry, over the past four decades has grown to become a major development tool of the world, both in terms of beneficiaries as well as the financial inputs that it received. The microfinance concept assumes that, ceteris paribus, credit to the poor, would lead to increased jobs, household well-being and poverty reduction. However, to date, no study has established a link between microcredit and wage employment, which is critical for poverty reduction. This paper argues that microcredit is critical for survivalist self-employment but it does not necessily lead to the creation of wage employment for the jobless. This evidence is from an assessment of how microcredit has contributed to business performance of the clients of the Upper Manya Krobo Rural Bank’s microcredit programme in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The paper is based on a doctoral research output that used mixed method approach to collect data from a sample of 420 exits, repeated and permanent microcredit clients. The paper is of the view that microcredit may not lead to paid employment but can help clients start, improve and expand micro-enterprises. Enterprise expansion in this context refers to adding other products/services similar to the existing activity rather than the clients establishing new employable wage enterprises for the jobless.
Methylation in p14ARF is Frequently Observed in Colorectal Cancer with Low-level Microsatellite Instability

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be classified as high-level microsatellite instability (MSI-H), low-level MSI (MSI-L) and microsatellite stable (MSS) depending on levels of MSI. MSI-H CRC relies on a distinct molecular pathway due to the mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency and shows methylation in multiple gene promoters. The genetic pathway leading to MSI-L is unknown, although higher levels of promoter methylation are observed in this group compared with MSS CRCs. This study explored how promoter methylation affects MSI phenotype, by analysing the methylation status of eight CRC-related promoters, MSI phenotype and KRAS/BRAF mutations in a series of 234 CRCs. Promoter methylation of p14ARF was significantly related to MSI-L CRC with KRAS mutation. The MSI-H phenotype was related to methylation of MLH1 as expected, while the MSS phenotype was related to methylation of p16INK4a and O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, although this was not statistically significant. Thus, promoter methylation of p14ARF could be a significant alteration leading to CRC with MSI-L.
Pneumonia in the Long-Term-Care Facility

Abstract Pneumonia is a common infection among residents of long-term-care facilities (LTCFs), with an incidence of 1.2 episodes per 1,000 patient-days. This rate is believed to be six- to tenfold higher than the rate of pneumonia among elderly individuals living in the community. The risk factors for pneumonia among residents of LTCFs are profound disability, bedridden state, urinary incontinence, difficulty swallowing, malnutrition, tube feedings, contractures, and use of benzodiazepines and anticholinergic medications. An elevated respiratory rate is often an early clue to pneumonia in this group of patients. Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus) and aerobic gram-negative bacilli (including multidrug-resistant isolates) are more frequent causes of pneumonia in this setting than in the community. Criteria have been developed that help identify patients for treatment in their LTCFs.
CSDG MOSFET: An Advanced novel architecture for CMOS technology

This paper explores the analog/RF performance of cylindrical surrounding double gate (CSDG) MOSFET in comparison to Cylindrical surrounding Gate (CSG) MOSFET for future nano CMOS devices. CSDG MOSFET has more gates on the silicon substrate to control the channel than any contemporary device. This device has one more cylindrical gate than the CSG MOSFET. That extra gate controls the inner core of the cylindrical silicon substrate. Short Channel Effects (SCEs) parameter like sub-threshold slope (SS), threshold voltage roll-off is shows improved than the CSG MOSFET. Analog /RF performance characteristics like transconductance generation factor gm/Ids, intrinsic gain (gm/gds), Ion/Ioff and effective drain current are calculated for CSG and CSDG MOSFET. Impact of gate dielectric permittivity is also investigated for both MOSFET.
Prediction of the severity of obstructive sleep apnea by anthropometric features via support vector machine

To develop an applicable prediction for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is still a challenge in clinical practice. We apply a modern machine learning method, the support vector machine to establish a predicting model for the severity of OSA. The support vector machine was applied to build up a prediction model based on three anthropometric features (neck circumference, waist circumference, and body mass index) and age on the first database. The established model was then valided independently on the second database. The anthropometric features and age were combined to generate powerful predictors for OSA. Following the common practice, we predict if a subject has the apnea-hypopnea index greater then 15 or not as well as 30 or not. Dividing by genders and age, for the AHI threhosld 15 (respectively 30), the cross validation and testing accuracy for the prediction were 85.3% and 76.7% (respectively 83.7% and 75.5%) in young female, while the negative likelihood ratio for the AHI threhosld 15 (respectively 30) for the cross validation and testing were 0.2 and 0.32 (respectively 0.06 and 0.1) in young female. The more accurate results with lower negative likelihood ratio in the younger patients, especially the female subgroup, reflect the potential of the proposed model for the screening purpose and the importance of approaching by different genders and the effects of aging.
Factor Investing with Smart Beta Indices

The added value of smart beta indexes is known to be explained by exposures to established factor premiums, but does that make these indexes suitable for implementing a factor investing strategy? This article finds that the amount of factor exposure provided by popular smart beta strategies differs considerably, as does their degree of focus on a single target factor. It also provides insight into how “quality” and “high dividend” indexes relate to academic factors. Smart beta indexes exhibit a performance that is in line with the amount of factor exposure provided, but it seems that they do not unlock the full potential offered by factor premiums. Altogether, these results imply that factor investing with smart beta indexes is not as straightforward as one might think.
Effects of desipramine, amitriptyline, and fluoxetine on pain in diabetic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND Amitriptyline reduces the pain caused by peripheral-nerve disease, but treatment is often limited by side effects related to the drug's many pharmacologic actions. Selective agents might be safer and more effective. METHODS We carried out two randomized, double-blind, crossover studies in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy, comparing amitriptyline with the relatively selective blocker of norepinephrine reuptake desipramine in 38 patients, and comparing the selective blocker of serotonin reuptake fluoxetine with placebo in 46 patients. Fifty-seven patients were randomly assigned to a study as well as to the order of treatment, permitting comparison among all three drugs and placebo as the first treatment. The patients rated the degree of pain present each day using verbal descriptors, and they also assessed the extent of pain relief globally at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS After individual dose titration, the mean daily doses of the drugs were as follows: amitriptyline, 105 mg; desipramine, 111 mg; and fluoxetine, 40 mg. There was moderate or greater relief of pain in 28 of the 38 patients (74 percent) who received amitriptyline, 23 of the 38 patients (61 percent) who received desipramine, 22 of the 46 patients (48 percent) who received fluoxetine, and 19 of the 46 patients (41 percent) who received placebo. The differences in responses between amitriptyline and desipramine and between fluoxetine and placebo were not statistically significant, but both amitriptyline and desipramine were superior to placebo. Amitriptyline and desipramine were as effective in patients who were not depressed as in depressed patients, but fluoxetine was effective only in depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS Desipramine relieves pain caused by diabetic neuropathy with efficacy similar to that of amitriptyline, offering an alternative for patients unable to tolerate the latter. Blockade of norepinephrine reuptake is likely to mediate the analgesic effect of these antidepressant drugs in diabetic neuropathy. Fluoxetine, which blocks serotonin uptake, is no more effective than placebo for the relief of pain.
Meta-analysis and dose-response metaregression: circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and mortality.

CONTEXT IGF-I plays a central role in metabolism and growth regulation. High IGF-I levels are associated with increased cancer risk and low IGF-I levels with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the relationship between circulating IGF-I levels and mortality in the general population using random-effects meta-analysis and dose-response metaregression. DATA SOURCES We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from 1985 to September 2010 to identify relevant studies. STUDY SELECTION Population-based cohort studies and (nested) case-control studies reporting on the relation between circulating IGF-I and mortality were assessed for eligibility. DATA EXTRACTION Data extraction was performed by two investigators independently, using a standardized data extraction sheet. DATA SYNTHESIS Twelve studies, with 14,906 participants, were included. Overall, risk of bias was limited. Mortality in subjects with low or high IGF-I levels was compared with mid-centile reference categories. All-cause mortality was increased in subjects with low as well as high IGF-I, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.27 (95% CI = 1.08-1.49) and HR of 1.18 (95% CI = 1.04-1.34), respectively. Dose-response metaregression showed a U-shaped relation of IGF-I and all-cause mortality (P = 0.003). The predicted HR for the increase in mortality comparing the 10th IGF-I with the 50th percentile was 1.56 (95% CI = 1.31-1.86); the predicted HR comparing the 90th with the 50th percentile was 1.29 (95% CI = 1.06-1.58). A U-shaped relationship was present for both cancer mortality and cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONS Both low and high IGF-I concentrations are associated with increased mortality in the general population.
PFO closure complications from the AGA registry

Objectives: To evaluate all complications that occurred during or after cardiac catheterizations for Amplatzer PFO device closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO), determine the cause of the complications and recommend techniques to minimize complications in the future. Background: Rare complications were reported to the manufacturer of the Amplatzer PFO occluder since the introduction of the device. Methods: A panel of independent physicians reviewed all complications reported to the manufacturer to determine whether the complication was related to the device or related to the cardiac catheterization procedure. Demographic data, echocardiograms, operative reports, and time to occurrence of complications were reviewed. Results: A total of 11 events were reported. Only two patients had device related complications (erosion), an incidence of 0.018%. Two patients were found to have additional atrial septal defect after PFO closure. Two patients were thought to have an inflammatory reaction without any serious sequelae. Five complications were related to the cardiac catheterization procedure (atrial appendage perforation). Conclusions: Device related complications after Amplatzer PFO occluder placement are extremely rare. Cardiac catheterization related complications appear to be the most common cause of the hemodynamic compromise. Careful manipulation of catheters and wires, recognition of the location of the catheter by fluoroscopy and echocardiography will decrease the risk of such complications. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tumour necrosis factor‐α‐induced loss of intestinal barrier function requires TNFR1 and TNFR2 signalling in a mouse model of total parenteral nutrition

• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is critical for patients who cannot tolerate enteral nutrition. However, TPN‐associated loss of barrier function leads to an increase in enterically derived pathogens that may harm the patient. • Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is involved in the dysregulation of intestinal barrier function in many animal models. • The mouse model of TPN provides an excellent, non‐destructive approach to examine epithelial barrier dysfunction. • Tumour necrosis factor‐α is shown to be a major mediator of epithelial barrier dysfunction using this TPN model. • Tumour necrosis factor‐α signalling is reliant on both the TNFR1 and TNFR2 pathways to effect epithelial barrier dysfunction. • Anti‐TNF treatment protected against TPN‐associated epithelial barrier dysfunction and might prove to be a viable future clinical approach.
Methodological considerations and approach to cross‐technique comparisons using in vivo coronary plaque characterization based on intravascular ultrasound radiofrequency data analysis: insights from the Integrated Biomarker and Imaging Study (IBIS)

Grey scale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a valuable clinical tool to assess the extent and severity of coronary atheroma. However, it cannot reliably identify plaques with a high‐risk of future clinical events. Serial IVUS studies to assess the progression and/or regression of atherosclerotic plaques demonstrated only modest effects, of pharmacological intervention on plaque burden, even when clinical efficacy is documented. Spectral analysis of radiofrequency ultrasound data (IVUS‐virtual histologyTM (IVUS‐VH), Volcano Therapeutics, Rancho Cordova, CA) has the potential to characterize accurately plaque composition. The Integrated Biomarker and Imaging Study (IBIS) evaluated both invasive and non‐invasive imaging techniques along with the assessment of novel biomarkers to characterize sub‐clinical atherosclerosis. IVUS‐VH was not included at the start of the IBIS protocol. The purpose of this paper is to describe the methodology we used to obtain and analyse IVUS‐VH images and the approach to cross‐correlations with the other techniques.