Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Asymmetry of the “Top-Down” Allocation of Attention to Global and Local Features

Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have indicated that global and local features of a visual scene are processed differentially by the two hemispheres. Although visual selective attention is suggested to play a role in the hemispheric asymmetry, the precise mechanism of attentional control for the global-local processing is not fully understood. We investigated the neural correlates of cerebral asymmetry in directing attention to the global pattern and local components of a hierarchical stimulus. Event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded while the subjects shifted their attention to the global or local level of a hierarchically structured letter. The shift direction was controlled by a preceding cue stimulus. The ERPs to the cue stimuli demonstrated that the right temporal-parietal and left posterior temporal regions were differentially activated during attentional allocation to the global and local levels, respectively. These effects started 240 msec after the cue stimulus. The late ERP components to the target stimuli also manifested the hemispheric global-local asymmetry as seen during the attentional shift. These electrophysiological results provided an asymmetrical neural basis for the "top-down" allocation of attention to global and local features and revealed the contribution of the temporal-parietal cortex to this attentional mechanism.
Predictors of Home Death in Palliative Care Cancer Patients

With recent changes in health care there is greater emphasis on providing care at home, including the support of families to enable more home deaths. Since a home death may not be practical or desirable in every family situation, there is a need for an objective way to assess the viability of a home death in each individual family situation. The purpose of this study was to describe the relative role of predictors of home death in a cohort of palliative care patients with advanced cancer. A questionnaire was created as a means of assessing the viability of a home death. Five questions were included. Ninety questionnaires were administered by home care coordinators. A follow-up questionnaire was administered to record the place of death. Of the 73 evaluable patients, 34 (47%) died at home and 39 (53%) died in hospital or hospice. The desire for a home death by both the patient and the caregiver, support of a family physician, and presence of more than one caregiver were all significantly associated with a home death. Logistic regression identified a desire for home death by both the patient and the caregiver as the main predictive factor for a home death. The presence of more than one caregiver was also predictive of home death. The questionnaire is simple and, if our results are confirmed, it can be used for predicting those who will not have a home death.
Using Genetic Profiles of African Forest Elephants to Infer Population Structure, Movements, and Habitat Use in a Conservation and Development Landscape in Gabon

Conservation of wide‐ranging species, such as the African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis), depends on fully protected areas and multiple‐use areas (MUA) that provide habitat connectivity. In the Gamba Complex of Protected Areas in Gabon, which includes 2 national parks separated by a MUA containing energy and forestry concessions, we studied forest elephants to evaluate the importance of the MUA to wide‐ranging species. We extracted DNA from elephant dung samples and used genetic information to identify over 500 individuals in the MUA and the parks. We then examined patterns of nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial control‐region sequences to infer population structure, movement patterns, and habitat use by age and sex. Population structure was weak but significant, and differentiation was more pronounced during the wet season. Within the MUA, males were more strongly associated with open habitats, such as wetlands and savannas, than females during the dry season. Many of the movements detected within and between seasons involved the wetlands and bordering lagoons. Our results suggest that the MUA provides year‐round habitat for some elephants and additional habitat for others whose primary range is in the parks. With the continuing loss of roadless wilderness areas in Central Africa, well‐managed MUAs will likely be important to the conservation of wide‐ranging species.
Interference Avoidance and Collaborative Multibase Systems , Part I : greedy SINR maximization and sum capacity

We consider distributed iterative interference avoidance algorithms for uplink wireless systems where base stations share information (collaborate). Though the structure of the multiple base collaborative problem is significantly different from single base and single user multiple antenna systems, we show that if users are allowed to greedily optimize their own performance (SINR or rate), then maximum sum capacity solutions result. After providing interference avoidance algorithm variants, we numerically study the improvement afforded by interference avoidance over random codewords, the speed of convergence, and how closely sum capacity bounds are approached when each user is allowed exactly one signature – a currently open problem. Rose and Popescu: IA & Collaborative Multibase Systems, Part I 2
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in adolescents and young adults: The next frontier in the epidemic

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a significant health burden in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) which has substantially risen in prevalence over the last decades. The occurrence of NAFLD parallels high rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome in this age group, with unhealthy lifestyle also playing an independent role. Genetic factors, sex, and ethnicity should be considered in a risk stratification model. NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in AYAs often go unrecognized and, if untreated, can progress eventually to cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation (LT) before the age of 40. Recently, NASH has increased as an indication for LT in this age group. Important knowledge gaps include the feasibility of noninvasive diagnostic tests and imaging modalities as well as uncertainty about unique histological features and their predictive value. Future clinical trials focused on AYAs are needed to determine effectiveness of therapies. Tools for increasing awareness and prevention of NAFLD in AYAs are greatly needed. (Hepatology 2017;65:2100‐2109).
Ligand-Induced Alterations in the Phosphorylation State of Ethylene Receptors in Tomato Fruit1[W][OA]

Perception of the plant hormone ethylene is essential to initiate and advance ripening of climacteric fruits. Since ethylene receptors negatively regulate signaling, the suppression is canceled upon ethylene binding, permitting responses including fruit ripening. Although receptors have autophosphorylation activity, the mechanism whereby signal transduction occurs has not been fully determined. Here we demonstrate that LeETR4, a critical receptor for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening, is multiply phosphorylated in vivo and the phosphorylation level is dependent on ripening stage and ethylene action. Treatment of preclimacteric fruits with ethylene resulted in accumulation of LeETR4 with reduced phosphorylation whereas treatments of ripening fruits with ethylene antagonists, 1-methylcyclopropene and 2,5-norbornadiene, induced accumulation of the phosphorylated isotypes. A similar phosphorylation pattern was also observed for Never ripe, another ripening-related receptor. Alteration in the phosphorylation state of receptors is likely to be an initial response upon ethylene binding since treatments with ethylene and 1-methylcyclopropene rapidly influenced the LeETR4 phosphorylation state rather than protein abundance. The LeETR4 phosphorylation state closely paralleled ripening progress, suggesting that the phosphorylation state of receptors is implicated in ethylene signal output in tomato fruits. We provide insights into the nature of receptor on and off states.
Kinetic and functional analysis of transient, persistent and resurgent sodium currents in rat cerebellar granule cells in situ: an electrophysiological and modelling study

Cerebellar neurones show complex and differentiated mechanisms of action potential generation that have been proposed to depend on peculiar properties of their voltage‐dependent Na+ currents. In this study we analysed voltage‐dependent Na+ currents of rat cerebellar granule cells (GCs) by performing whole‐cell, patch‐clamp experiments in acute rat cerebellar slices. A transient Na+ current (INaT) was always present and had the properties of a typical fast‐activating/inactivating Na+ current. In addition to INaT, robust persistent (INaP) and resurgent (INaR) Na+ currents were observed. INaP peaked at ∼−40 mV, showed half‐maximal activation at ∼−55 mV, and its maximal amplitude was about 1.5% of that of INaT. INaR was elicited by repolarizing pulses applied following step depolarizations able to activate/inactivate INaT, and showed voltage‐ and time‐dependent activation and voltage‐dependent decay kinetics. The conductance underlying INaR showed a bell‐shaped voltage dependence, with peak at −35 mV. A significant correlation was found between GC INaR and INaT peak amplitudes; however, GCs expressing INaT of similar size showed marked variability in terms of INaR amplitude, and in a fraction of cells INaR was undetectable. INaT, INaP and INaR could be accounted for by a 13‐state kinetic scheme comprising closed, open, inactivated and blocked states. Current‐clamp experiments carried out to identify possible functional correlates of INaP and/or INaR revealed that in GCs single action potentials were followed by depolarizing afterpotentials (DAPs). In a majority of cells, DAPs showed properties consistent with INaR playing a role in their generation. Computer modelling showed that INaR promotes DAP generation and enhances high‐frequency firing, whereas INaP boosts near‐threshold firing activity. Our findings suggest that special properties of voltage‐dependent Na+ currents provides GCs with mechanisms suitable for shaping activity patterns, with potentially important consequences for cerebellar information transfer and computation.
Automatic imitation in a strategic context: players of rock–paper–scissors imitate opponents' gestures†

A compelling body of evidence indicates that observing a task-irrelevant action makes the execution of that action more likely. However, it remains unclear whether this ‘automatic imitation’ effect is indeed automatic or whether the imitative action is voluntary. The present study tested the automaticity of automatic imitation by asking whether it occurs in a strategic context where it reduces payoffs. Participants were required to play rock–paper–scissors, with the aim of achieving as many wins as possible, while either one or both players were blindfolded. While the frequency of draws in the blind–blind condition was precisely that expected at chance, the frequency of draws in the blind–sighted condition was significantly elevated. Specifically, the execution of either a rock or scissors gesture by the blind player was predictive of an imitative response by the sighted player. That automatic imitation emerges in a context where imitation reduces payoffs accords with its ‘automatic’ description, and implies that these effects are more akin to involuntary than to voluntary actions. These data represent the first evidence of automatic imitation in a strategic context, and challenge the abstraction from physical aspects of social interaction typical in economic and game theory.
A fast and high efficiency buck converter with Switch-On-Demand Modulator for wide load range applications

This paper presents a buck converter with a switch-on-demand modulator (SOM) for achieving a fast transient response, small voltage ripple, and high power efficiency over a wide load range. Switching power MOS on or off depending on the energy demand of the load circuit results in a hybrid operation of pulse width modulation (PWM) and pulse frequency modulation (PFM). The proposed buck converter uses 90nm CMOS process and can achieve a transient response time of less than 2µs and a voltage ripple of 18mV at a load current range of 10mA∼500mA with a power efficiency above 88%.
A roadmap for zinc trafficking in the developing barley grain based on laser capture microdissection and gene expression profiling

Nutrients destined for the developing cereal grain encounter several restricting barriers on their path towards their final storage sites in the grain. In order to identify transporters and chelating agents that may be involved in transport and deposition of zinc in the barley grain, expression profiles have been generated of four different tissue types: the transfer cells, the aleurone layer, the endosperm, and the embryo. Cells from these tissues were isolated with the ‘laser capture microdissection’ technology and the extracted RNA was subjected to three rounds of T7-based amplification. The amplified RNA was subsequently hybridized to Affymetrix 22K Barley GeneChips. Due to the short average length of the amplified transcripts and the positioning of numerous probe sets at locations more than 400 base pairs (bp) from the poly(A)-tail, a normalization approach was used where the probe positions were taken into account. On the basis of the expression levels of a number of metal homeostasis genes, a working model is proposed for the translocation of zinc from the phloem to the storage sites in the developing grain.
Mixed Electrical–Chemical Synapses in Adult Rat Hippocampus are Primarily Glutamatergic and Coupled by Connexin-36

Dendrodendritic electrical signaling via gap junctions is now an accepted feature of neuronal communication in mammalian brain, whereas axodendritic and axosomatic gap junctions have rarely been described. We present ultrastructural, immunocytochemical, and dye-coupling evidence for “mixed” (electrical/chemical) synapses on both principal cells and interneurons in adult rat hippocampus. Thin-section electron microscopic images of small gap junction-like appositions were found at mossy fiber (MF) terminals on thorny excrescences of CA3 pyramidal neurons (CA3pyr), apparently forming glutamatergic mixed synapses. Lucifer Yellow injected into weakly fixed CA3pyr was detected in MF axons that contacted four injected CA3pyr, supporting gap junction-mediated coupling between those two types of principal cells. Freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling revealed diverse sizes and morphologies of connexin-36-containing gap junctions throughout hippocampus. Of 20 immunogold-labeled gap junctions, seven were large (328–1140 connexons), three of which were consistent with electrical synapses between interneurons; but nine were at axon terminal synapses, three of which were immediately adjacent to distinctive glutamate receptor-containing postsynaptic densities, forming mixed glutamatergic synapses. Four others were adjacent to small clusters of immunogold-labeled 10-nm E-face intramembrane particles, apparently representing extrasynaptic glutamate receptor particles. Gap junctions also were on spines in stratum lucidum, stratum oriens, dentate gyrus, and hilus, on both interneurons and unidentified neurons. In addition, one putative GABAergic mixed synapse was found in thin-section images of a CA3pyr, but none were found by immunogold labeling, suggesting the rarity of GABAergic mixed synapses. Cx36-containing gap junctions throughout hippocampus suggest the possibility of reciprocal modulation of electrical and chemical signals in diverse hippocampal neurons.
Oz/K: a kernel language for component-based open programming

Programming in an open environment remains challenging because it requires combining modularity, security, concurrency, distribution, and dynamicity. In this paper, we propose an approach to open distributed programming that exploits the notion of locality, which has been used in the past decade as a basis for several distributed process calculi such as Mobile Ambients, Dπ, and Seal. We use the locality concept as a form of component that serves as a unit of modularity, of isolation, and of passivation. Specifically, we introduce in this paper Oz/K, a kernel programming language, that adds to the Oz computation model a notion of locality borrowed from the Kell calculus. We present an operational semantics for the language and several examples to illustrate how Oz/K supports open distributed programming.
A learning automata approach to adaptive web sites

Web is a large network of related documents that are increasing rapidly. Due to the unknown optimal structure for a web site, providing a way to do this is important. In this paper, a method based on distributed learning automaton (DLA) with variable number of actions to create an adaptive web site is provided that has ability to insert efficient links and eliminate inefficient links. In the proposed method, we used web usage data that had tried to change the structure of the web site based on users’ interaction in the past. Simulation results show that in the new structure, users can achieve their desired information with less number of steps than primary web site and the proposed method because considering the variable learning parameter has a higher efficiency than existing algorithms and does not need to readjust the learning parameters if numbers of web pages increase. Key words: Web usage mining, adaptive web sites, site improvement, site reorganization, learning automata
A Highly Parallel Sub-Pel Accurate Motion Estimator for H.264

This paper presents a new H.264 motion estimation algorithm and architecture for video encoding. The algorithm resolves the sequential data dependencies of H.264 motion estimation by a new method, called "staggered approach". It adapts existing motion search methods (3DRS, hierarchical full search), maximizing parallel execution and allowing efficient pipelined execution while maintaining the high compression rate of H.264. Its regular and reduced-computation processing scheme makes the algorithm particularly suitable for high-performance hardware implementations, as required for realtime encoding of HDTV. The proposed motion estimator architecture demonstrates the suitability of the algorithm for cost-efficient consumer HDTV encoder chips
Phosphorylation of the Budding Yeast 9-1-1 Complex Is Required for Dpb11 Function in the Full Activation of the UV-Induced DNA Damage Checkpoint

ABSTRACT Following genotoxic insults, eukaryotic cells trigger a signal transduction cascade known as the DNA damage checkpoint response, which involves the loading onto DNA of an apical kinase and several downstream factors. Chromatin modifications play an important role in recruiting checkpoint proteins. In budding yeast, methylated H3-K79 is bound by the checkpoint factor Rad9. Loss of Dot1 prevents H3-K79 methylation, leading to a checkpoint defect in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and to a reduction of checkpoint activation in mitosis, suggesting that another pathway contributes to Rad9 recruitment in M phase. We found that the replication factor Dpb11 is the keystone of this second pathway. dot1Δ dpb11-1 mutant cells are sensitive to UV or Zeocin treatment and cannot activate Rad53 if irradiated in M phase. Our data suggest that Dpb11 is held in proximity to damaged DNA through an interaction with the phosphorylated 9-1-1 complex, leading to Mec1-dependent phosphorylation of Rad9. Dpb11 is also phosphorylated after DNA damage, and this modification is lost in a nonphosphorylatable ddc1-T602A mutant. Finally, we show that, in vivo, Dpb11 cooperates with Dot1 in promoting Rad9 phosphorylation but also contributes to the full activation of Mec1 kinase.
Corporate financing in the Netherlands: some empirical evidence.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the financing behaviour of Dutch corporations and its impact on firm performance. First, I present some stylised facts of corporate financing in the Netherlands. I show how the Dutch financial system differs from other major financial systems. Second, I analyse the valuation effect of different types of security offerings made by Dutch quoted firms. An evaluation of the determinants of the valuation effect is also made. Third, I explore the long-term impact of equity offerings by focusing on fundamental performance measures. JEL classification: G21, G32, G31, G35
The Where, When, How, and Why of Hyaluronan Binding by Immune Cells

Hyaluronan is made and extruded from cells to form a pericellular or extracellular matrix (ECM) and is present in virtually all tissues in the body. The size and form of hyaluronan present in tissues are indicative of a healthy or inflamed tissue, and the interactions of hyaluronan with immune cells can influence their response. Thus, in order to understand how inflammation is regulated, it is necessary to understand these interactions and their consequences. Although there is a large turnover of hyaluronan in our bodies, the large molecular mass form of hyaluronan predominates in healthy tissues. Upon tissue damage and/or infection, the ECM and hyaluronan are broken down and an inflammatory response ensues. As inflammation is resolved, the ECM is restored, and high molecular mass hyaluronan predominates again. Immune cells encounter hyaluronan in the tissues and lymphoid organs and respond differently to high and low molecular mass forms. Immune cells differ in their ability to bind hyaluronan and this can vary with the cell type and their activation state. For example, peritoneal macrophages do not bind soluble hyaluronan but can be induced to bind after exposure to inflammatory stimuli. Likewise, naïve T cells, which typically express low levels of the hyaluronan receptor, CD44, do not bind hyaluronan until they undergo antigen-stimulated T cell proliferation and upregulate CD44. Despite substantial knowledge of where and when immune cells bind hyaluronan, why immune cells bind hyaluronan remains a major outstanding question. Here, we review what is currently known about the interactions of hyaluronan with immune cells in both healthy and inflamed tissues and discuss how hyaluronan binding by immune cells influences the inflammatory response.
Application of the LaGrange Polynomial in Skeletal Muscle Fatigue Analysis

Abstract The percentage of decrement in torque and the number of serial contractions are mutually exclusive methodological controls in the study of muscular fatigue. This paper examines the feasibility of using the LaGrange polynomial in the analysis of voluntary muscular fatigue patterns. Twenty-one men (ages 20–60 years) reported to the orthopedic biomechanics laboratory on 2 days separated by 4 months. During both sessions, participants completed three maximal isokinetic (180 deg·s−1) contractions of the knee extensors to serve as baseline, before starting the fatigue protocol. The fatigue protocol consisted of serial contractions until a 50% strength decrement was reached. The LaGrange polynomial was first used to interpolate the individual fatigue pattern for each participant into 15 data points (trials). Data analysis was then conducted on these 15 data points. Intraclass correlation analysis of variance showed that the reliability of baseline torque was very good (.93). Baseline torque, the average of three trials, exhibited a 5.4 Nm (6%) increase from the first to second test session (p < .05). The mean level of torque, average of the 15-point fatigue pattern, also increased 7.5 Nm (15%) on the second test session (p < .05). The classic torque deficit for the first trial of a fatigue series was preserved by the interpolation method. Serial contractions resulted in an average decrease in torque of 29.5 Nm (50%) from the first to last trial (p < .05). The interpolation method also retained the linear and quadratic trend components commonly observed for isometric and isokinetic fatigue patterns. The two trend components accounted for 94.7% of the total trial variance. It was concluded that the LaGrange polynomial used to interpolate fatigue patterns to fewer data points was successful.