Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Skipped breeding in common guillemots in a changing climate: restraint or constraint?

Climate change may have demographic consequences for marine top predators if it leads to altered rates of skipped breeding. Here we examine variation in skipping propensity at both the population and individual levels in common guillemots Uria aalge in relation to climate and oceanographic variables and explore the extent to which skipping may be adaptive or an unavoidable consequence of ecological or social constraints. We assumed a detection probability for birds present in the colony of 1.00 and skipping events were defined to include both resightings of non-breeders and failures to resight individuals known to be alive (not present at the colony but resighted in future years). Skipping frequency was higher in years where sea surface temperatures (SST) were higher in winter (both in the current and previous year), when guillemots from our study colony disperse widely across the southern North Sea. Individuals differed consistently in their average skipping propensity and their responses to SST. Males and females were equally likely to skip on average and the frequency of skipping increased in the oldest age classes. Birds that skipped in year t had lower breeding success in year t+1 if they laid an egg, compared to birds that did not skip in year t. Lifetime reproductive output was negatively related to individual skipping frequency. These results imply that skipping is driven more by individual-specific constraints, although we cannot rule out the possibility that birds benefit from skipping when environmental (or internal) signals indicate that breeding in poor years could be detrimental to their residual reproductive value. While future climate change might lead to guillemots skipping more often due to carry-over effects from wintering to breeding periods, the net demographic impacts may be subtle as the absolute frequency of skipping may remain low and individuals will not be equally affected.
An Empirical Study of Defensive Avoidance in Paranoia

Background: There is controversy as to whether psychological defensive avoidance is associated with paranoia. Aims: To elucidate whether “Poor-me” paranoid patients, who believe that the persecution they perceive is undeserved, show more prominent avoidance of negative thoughts about themselves than healthy and clinical controls. Method: The act of avoidance of aversive mental contents was assessed in 27 healthy controls and 48 patients with poor-me, bad-me (perceived to be deserved) or no paranoia. Defensive avoidance was assessed via established questionnaires, a novel task based on self-discrepancy theory and research-clinician ratings. Results: Participants in all groups showed substantial levels of verbal defensive avoidance. Paranoia was associated with reduced self-reported tolerance of negative mental contents (high Experiential Avoidance, EA). Contrary to our hypotheses, poor-me and bad-me patients showed similar EA. All participant groups showed similar levels of verbal defensive avoidance. Conclusion: The findings do not support an association of psychological avoidance with paranoia.
Compact tri-band MIMO antenna with high port isolation for WLAN and WiMAX applications

This paper presents a Tri-band multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennae for Wi-Fi/WiMAX applications. The antenna consists of two radiating elements placed symmetrically. The overall dimensions of the antenna are 47 ×36 × 1.6 mm3. The separation distance between the two elements is 3mm (0.024λo). The Co-Planar Waveguide (CPW) technique is used as a feeding network. The Isolation factor is improved by inserting a neutralization line between the ground planes of the two antennas. The proposed MIMO antenna is implemented and tested. The measured results are in reasonable agreement with the simulated ones.
Wide-sense and strict-sense nonblocking operation of multicast multi-log2 n switching networks

Multicast connections are used in broad-band switching networks as well as in parallel processing. We consider wide-sense and strict-sense nonblocking conditions for multi-log/sub 2/ N switching networks with multicast connections. We prove that such networks are wide-sense nonblocking if they are designed by vertically stacking at least t /spl middot/ 2/sup n-t-1/ + 2 /sup n-2t-1/ planes of a log/sub 2/ N networks together, where 1 /spl les/ t /spl les/ [n/2] and t defines the size of a blocking window K = 2/sup t/. For t = [n/2] and n even, and for [n/2] /spl les/ t /spl les/ n the number of planes must be at least t /spl middot/ 2/sup n-t-1/ + 1 and 2/sup t/ + (n - t - 1) /spl middot/ 2/sup n-t-1/ - 2/sup 2t-n-1/ + 1, respectively. In the case of strict-sense nonblocking switching networks, the number of planes is at least N/2. The results obtained in this paper show that in many cases number of planes in wide-sense nonblocking switching networks is less than those for t = [n/2] considered by Tscha and Lee (see ibid., vol.47, p.1425-31, Sept. 1999). The number of planes given in the paper is the minimum number of planes needed for wide-sense nonblocking operation provided that Algorithm 1 is used for setting up connections. The minimum number of planes for such operation in general is still open issue.
FENOMENA FLYPAPER EFFECT PADA DANA PERIMBANGAN DAN PENDAPATAN ASLI DAERAH PEMERINTAH KABUPATEN/KOTA DI SUMATERA SELATAN

Th e purpose of this study was to determine whether the DBH, DAU, DAK and PAD significantly influence the local government expenditures both partially and simultaneously and also to know whether there has been a flypaper effect on the districts / cities in South Sumatera in 2012 to 2016. The object of this research focuses on 15 districts / c ities in South Sumatera province. The analytical method used in this study is multiple regression with the data panel. The results of this study stated that partially DBH, DAU, DAK and PAD have positive and significant influence to regional expenditure in South Sumatera in the year 2007-2012. Simultaneously DBH, DAU, DAK and PAD also significantly affect regional expenditure because the value F statistic is greater than the value of F table α = 5% in the amount of 442,2431 >3,48. In the study also obtained results that occur flypaper where the largest revenue source of DAU which affect the amount of spending in the next year.
The "motion-blind" patient: low-level spatial and temporal filters

The “motion-blind” patient previously described by Zihl et al. (1983) was investigated using standard psychophysical procedures with stimuli whose spatial and temporal properties could be separately manipulated. Detection experiments for sinewave grating stimuli of varying spatial and temporal frequency showed sensitivity in this patient to be only slightly impaired. Temporal integration for stimuli of varying spatiotemporal frequency exhibited the expected space-time covariation seen in normal vision. An examination of the suprathreshold discriminative capacity of this patient was undertaken for spatial frequency, contrast, and temporal frequency. Although all of these discriminative functions were impaired, those concerning temporal frequency or velocity were dramatically reduced. No similar loss was seen for spatial frequency discrimination for moving or temporally varying stimuli. No measurable temporal frequency discrimination was present above 6 Hz and no velocity discrimination above 6 degrees/sec. Experiments involving the direction discrimination of suprathreshold drifting gratings of arrays of random dots revealed an inability to perceive direction of movement above a velocity of about 6 degrees/sec. Contrast thresholds contingent on direction of motion of a drifting grating also showed a much greater deficit than simple detection. Apparent motion using 2-flash random dot kinematograms revealed that the residual motion vision of this patient corresponded to the “short- range” motion process of normal vision. This process originally defined by Braddick (1974) operates over restricted space and time intervals. Apparent motion could only be supported by a narrow range of intermediate spatial displacements. These results suggest that this patient does exhibit some residual motion perception, probably corresponding to a severely impaired “short-range” mechanism. The patient's relatively intact ability to perform simple types of discrimination but severe impairment of performance at making judgments relevant to the nature of motion of the same stimuli suggests that while the components necessary for the analysis of motion are intact their more global associations have been disrupted. This implicates an extrastriate locus of the brain damage. Alternative explanations for the nature of the deficit are discussed.
Novel γ-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) Analogs Share Some, but Not All, of the Behavioral Effects of GHB and GABAB Receptor Agonists

γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a therapeutic for narcolepsy and a drug of abuse, has several mechanisms of action that involve GHB and GABAB receptors, metabolism to GABA, and modulation of dopaminergic signaling. The aim of these studies was to examine the role of GHB and GABAB receptors in the behavioral effects of GHB. Three approaches were used to synthesize GHB analogs that bind selectively to GHB receptors and are not metabolized to GABA-active compounds. Radioligand binding assays identified UMB86 (4-hydroxy-4-napthylbutanoic acid, sodium salt), UMB72 [4-(3-phenylpropyloxy)butyric acid, sodium salt], UMB73 (4-benzyloxybutyric acid, sodium salt), 2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3-HPA), and 4-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyric acid as compounds that displace [3H]NCS-382 [5-[3H]-(2E)-(5-hydroxy-5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[a][7] annulen-6-ylidene) ethanoic acid] from GHB receptors at concentrations that do not markedly affect [3H]GABA binding to GABAB receptors. In rats and pigeons, GHB discriminative stimulus effects were not mimicked or attenuated by UMB86, UMB72, or 3-HPA up to doses that decreased responding. In mice, GHB, GHB precursors (γ-butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol) and GABAB receptor agonists [SKF97541 [3-aminopropyl(methyl)phosphinic acid hydrochloride] and baclofen] dose-dependently produced hypolocomotion, catalepsy, ataxia, and loss of righting. The GABAB receptor antagonist CGP35348 (3-aminopropyl(diethoxymethyl)phosphinic acid) attenuated catalepsy and ataxia that was observed after GHB and GABAB receptor agonists SKF97541 and baclofen. UMB86, UMB72, UMB73, and 3-HPA, like GHB, produced hypolocomotion, ataxia, and loss of righting; however, catalepsy was never observed with these compounds, which is consistent with the cataleptic effects of GHB being mediated by GABAB receptors. Ataxia that was observed with UMB86, UMB72, UMB73, and 3-HPA was not antagonized by CGP35348, suggesting that ataxia induced by these analogs is not mediated by GABAB receptors and might involve GHB receptors.
Sex Differences in Clinical Features of Early, Treated Parkinson’s Disease

Introduction To improve our understanding of sex differences in the clinical characteristics of Parkinson’s Disease, we sought to examine differences in the clinical features and disease severity of men and women with early treated Parkinson’s Disease (PD) enrolled in a large-scale clinical trial. Methods Analysis was performed of baseline data from the National Institutes of Health Exploratory Trials in Parkinson’s Disease (NET-PD) Long-term Study-1, a randomized, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 10 grams of oral creatine/day in individuals with early, treated PD. We compared mean age at symptom onset, age at PD diagnosis, and age at randomization between men and women using t-test statistics. Sex differences in clinical features were evaluated, including: symptoms at diagnosis (motor) and symptoms at randomization (motor, non-motor, and daily functioning). Results 1,741 participants were enrolled (62.5% male). No differences were detected in mean age at PD onset, age at PD diagnosis, age at randomization, motor symptoms, or daily functioning between men and women. Differences in non-motor symptoms were observed, with women demonstrating better performance compared to men on SCOPA-COG (Z = 5.064, p<0.0001) and Symbol Digit Modality measures (Z = 5.221, p<0.0001). Conclusions Overall, men and women did not demonstrate differences in clinical motor features early in the course of PD. However, the differences observed in non-motor cognitive symptoms suggests further assessment of the influence of sex on non-motor symptoms in later stages of PD is warranted.
Graph bisection algorithms

In this thesis, we describe a polynomial time algorithm that, for every input graph, either outputs the minimum bisection of the graph or halts without output. More importantly, we show that the algorithm chooses the former course with high probability for many natural classes of graphs. In particular, for every fixed d > 3, all sufficiently large n and all b = o(ni-1/d2lJ), the algorithm finds the minimum bisection for almost all d-regular labelled simple graphs with 2n nodes and bisection width b. For example, the algorithm succeeds for almost all 5-regular graphs with 2n nodes and bisection width o(n2/3). The algorithm differs from other graph bisection heuristics (as well as from many heuristics for other NP-complete problems) in several respects. Most notably: (i) the algorithm provides exactly the minimum bisection for almost all input graphs with the specified form, instead of only an approximation of the minimum bisection, (ii) whenever the algorithm produces a bisection, it is guaranteed to be optimal (i.e., the algorithm also produces a proof that the bisection it outputs is an optimal bisection), (iii) the algorithm works well both theoretically and experimentally, (iv) the algorithm employs global methods such as network flow instead of local operations such as 2-changes, and (v) the algorithm works well for graphs with small bisections (as opposed to graphs with large bisections, for which arbitrary bisections are nearly optimal). We also show that with high probability the greedy algorithm will not be able to find the optimal bisection for almost every random regular graph with given bisection width. In the last part of the thesis we describe a new algorithm which is found to perform well in practice, but we have no analysis for it. Finally, we describe a heuristic that when combined with other well-known algorithms such as Kernighan-Lin seems to improve the performance of these algorithms for small degree graphs. Thesis Supervisor : F. Thomson Leighton Title : Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics
Discrete Besov framework for finite volume approximation of the p-laplacian on non-uniform cartesian grids

This work addresses the problem of a priori error analysis for the finite volume approxi- mation of solutions of the p-laplacian on cartesian grids. We first recall the way we constructed such schemes and the different error bounds we proved in our previous works. Then we concentrate par- ticularly on the case where the exact solution has only weak regularity properties (which are natural for this problem) of Besov kind with derivation index in between 1 and 2. In this framework, the usual techniques to obtain error estimates for finite volumes schemes are not straightfoward to apply. Hence, we propose to take advantage of the variational structure of the equation and the schemes in order to obtain the error bounds. In the case of uniform meshes, this strategy was succesfully applied in (2) to obtain optimal estimates. We propose in this work to extend this approach to a more general framework of non-uniform meshes called "smoothly refined" meshes. Resume. Ce travail concerne l'analyse d'erreur a priori pour l'approximation par une methode de volumes finis des solutions du p-laplacien sur un maillage cartesien. Nous commencons par rappeller la construction de tels schemas et les differents resultats obtenus dans nos travaux anterieurs. On s'interesse ensuitel'analyse d'erreur dans le cas ou la solution exacte possede seulement des proprietes de regularite assez faibles (naturelles pour le problemee) de type Besov d'indice de derivation strictement compris entre 1 et 2. Dans ce cadre, les methodes usuelles d'estimation d'erreur sont difficilement applicables. On propose donc de profiter de la structure variationnelle de l'´equation et des schemas pour obtenir les bornes souhaitees. Sous la restriction de l'uniformite des maillages, cette approche ae utilisee avec succes dans (2) pour obtenir des estimations optimales. Nous presentons, dans ce travail, l'extension de la methodeun cadre plus geral de maillages dits "regulierement raffines".
Subcellular localisation of human inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase C: species-specific use of alternative export sites for nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling indicates divergent roles of the catalytic and N-terminal domains

Abstract The three isoforms of human Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase (IP3K) show remarkable differences in their intracellular targeting. Whereas predominant targeting to the cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum has been shown for IP3K-A and IP3K-B, rat IP3K-C shuttles actively between the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the present study we examined the expression and intracellular localisation of endogenous IP3K-C in different mammalian cell lines using an isoform-specific antibody. In addition, human IP3K-C, showing remarkable differences to its rat homologue in the N-terminal targeting domain, was tagged with EGFP and used to examine active transport mechanisms into and out of the nucleus. We found both a nuclear import activity residing in its N-terminal domain and a nuclear export activity sensitive to treatment with leptomycin B. Different from the rat isoform, an exportin 1-dependent nuclear export site of the human enzyme resides outside the N-terminal targeting domain in the catalytic enzyme domain. A phylogenetic survey of vertebrate IP3K sequences indicates that in each of the three isoforms a nuclear export signal has evolved in the catalytic domain either de novo (IP3K-A) or as a substitute for an earlier evolved corresponding N-terminal signal (IP3K-B and IP3K-C). In higher vertebrates, and in particular in primates, re-export of nuclear IP3K activity may be guaranteed by the mechanism discovered.
The cell-adhesion G protein-coupled receptor BAI3 is a high-affinity receptor for C1q-like proteins

C1q-like genes (C1ql1–C1ql4) encode small, secreted proteins that are expressed in differential patterns in the brain but whose receptors and functions remain unknown. BAI3 protein, in contrast, is a member of the cell-adhesion class of G protein-coupled receptors that are expressed at high levels in the brain but whose ligands have thus far escaped identification. Using a biochemical approach, we show that all four C1ql proteins bind to the extracellular thrombospondin-repeat domain of BAI3 with high affinity, and that this binding is mediated by the globular C1q domains of the C1ql proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate that addition of submicromolar concentrations of C1ql proteins to cultured neurons causes a significant decrease in synapse density, and that this decrease was prevented by simultaneous addition of the thrombospondin-repeat fragment of BAI3, which binds to C1ql proteins. Our data suggest that C1ql proteins are secreted signaling molecules that bind to BAI3 and act, at least in part, to regulate synapse formation and/or maintenance.
Anomalous origins of colic arteries

The topography of the celiac trunk and superior and inferior mesenteric arteries was studied by dissection in 27 embalmed cadavers. Variant vascular patterns were noted in four subjects. These consisted of: (1) an accessory right hepatic artery from the superior mesenteric artery, (2) an anomalous middle colic artery from the proximal segment of the splenic artery, and (3) two instances of an accessory left colic artery originating from the superior mesenteric artery. The precarious course of the middle colic artery (coming from the splenic artery) and its dominance in the formation of the marginal artery were thought to predispose the ascending and transverse colon to an increased risk of vascular damage. These cases also illustrate two variant patterns of formation of the marginal artery. In the case of the anomalous middle colic artery, the only contribution of the superior mesenteric artery to the marginal artery was through the anastomosis of its ileocolic branch with the right branch of the aberrant middle colic artery. In subjects with accessory left colic arteries, the superior mesenteric artery played a dominant role in the formation of the marginal artery by contributing the accessory left colic artery, which supplied the splenic flexure and the proximal part of the descending colon. These arterial variations underscore the importance of doing vascular studies prior to major abdominal surgery. © 1995 WiIey‐Liss, Inc.
The Effect of Curcumin on Breast Cancer Cells

Curcumin, which is extracted from the plant Curcuma longa, has been used in the therapeutic arsenal for clinical oncology. Curcumin has chemopreventive and antitumoral activities against some aggressive and recurrent cancers. The expressions and activities of various proteins, such as inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, transcription factors, and gene-products linked with cell survivals and proliferation, can be modified by curcumin. Moreover, curcumin decreases the toxic effect of mitomycin C. Though curcumin has shown highly cytotoxic to some cancer cell lines, curcumin is insoluble and instable in water. The solubility of curcumin could be enhanced by utilizing the solubilizing properties of rubusoside. In addition, the selective delivery of synthetic analogs or nanotechnology-based formulations of curcumin to tumors may improve the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects. The focus of this short review is to describe how curcumin participates in antitumor processes in breast cancer cells.
On a Family of Generalized Pascal Triangles Defined by Exponential Riordan Arrays

We introduce a family of number triangles defined by exponential Riordan arrays, which generalize Pascal’s triangle. We characterize the row sums and central coefficients of these triangles, and define and study a set of generalized Catalan numbers. We establish links to the Hermite, Laguerre and Bessel polynomials, as well as links to the Narayana and Lah numbers.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Mortality in a General and Elderly Population of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes (ZODIAC-18)

OBJECTIVE Diabetes negatively impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with type 2 diabetes. An earlier analysis showed HRQOL to be associated with mortality, which suggests that measuring HRQOL could have clinical implications. We studied the association between HRQOL and total and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes during long-term follow-up and specifically focused on old age and sex differences. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS HRQOL was measured in a prospectively followed cohort of 1,353 patients with type 2 diabetes using the RAND-36. Cox proportional hazard models were used to measure the independent effect of baseline HRQOL on mortality. RESULTS During a mean follow-up of 9.6 years, 570 (42%) patients died, 280 of whom died of cardiovascular disease (49%). The Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS) were inversely associated with total mortality, with hazard ratios of 0.988 (95% CI 0.983–0.993) and 0.990 (95% CI 0.985–0.995), respectively. A 10-point-higher score on the PCS and MCS decreased the risk for total mortality by 11 and 10%, respectively. An inverse relationship with mortality was also seen for men, women, and for patients aged >75 years. Mental health was significantly related to mortality in men but not in women. CONCLUSIONS Lower physical and mental HRQOL was associated with a higher total mortality and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes; this is also the case when studying men and women and the elderly separately. The dimension mental health, related to depression and anxiety, was only associated with mortality in men, not in women.