Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The relationship between the pollen – ovule ratio and pollen size : another comparative test of a sex allocation hypothesis

Hypothesis: Sex allocation theory predicts that the pollen–ovule ratio should decrease linearly with increasing pollen size among seed plants (Charnov, 1982). Data examined: We retrieved data for pollen–ovule ratio, pollen size, pollen grain number, and mating system from published literature for 311 angiosperm plant species. Methods: We used model II regressions on cross-species data as well as on phylogenetically independent contrasts (PIC) to quantify the relationship between the pollen–ovule ratio and pollen size. Partial correlations were applied to test if an association between these two traits arises because of a correlation with a third variable, the number of pollen grains. Results: A linear negative correlation between the pollen–ovule ratio and pollen size does exist for these plant species, both in phylogenetically corrected and uncorrected data. However, the correlation was not consistently found at the taxon and mating system levels. For virtually all groups investigated, the correlation disappeared when we controlled for the effect of pollen grain number. Thus the correlation between the pollen–ovule ratio and pollen size is spurious. Conclusions: Considering male function, the pollen–ovule ratio depends on the number of pollen grains produced by a flower but not on the size of the pollen grains. For the ‘male part’ of Charnov’s model, its validity can be called into question.
Affective Norms for 4900 Polish Words Reload (ANPW_R): Assessments for Valence, Arousal, Dominance, Origin, Significance, Concreteness, Imageability and, Age of Acquisition

In studies that combine understanding of emotions and language, there is growing demand for good-quality experimental materials. To meet this expectation, a large number of 4905 Polish words was assessed by 400 participants in order to provide a well-established research method for everyone interested in emotional word processing. The Affective Norms for Polish Words Reloaded (ANPW_R) is designed as an extension to the previously introduced the ANPW dataset and provides assessments for eight different affective and psycholinguistic measures of Valence, Arousal, Dominance, Origin, Significance, Concreteness, Imageability, and subjective Age of Acquisition. The ANPW_R is now the largest available dataset of affective words for Polish, including affective scores that have not been measured in any other dataset (concreteness and age of acquisition scales). Additionally, the ANPW_R allows for testing hypotheses concerning dual-mind models of emotion and activation (origin and subjective significance scales). Participants in the current study assessed all 4905 words in the list within 1 week, at their own pace in home sessions, using eight different Self-assessment Manikin (SAM) scales. Each measured dimension was evaluated by 25 women and 25 men. The ANPW_R norms appeared to be reliable in split-half estimation and congruent with previous normative studies in Polish. The quadratic relation between valence and arousal was found to be in line with previous findings. In addition, nine other relations appeared to be better described by quadratic instead of linear function. The ANPW_R provides well-established research materials for use in psycholinguistic and affective studies in Polish-speaking samples.
Time‐dependent expression of myostatin RNA transcript and protein in gastrocnemius muscle of mice after sciatic nerve resection

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, has been identified as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass. To provide more data on the role of myostatin in denervation‐induced muscle atrophy, we examined the time‐dependent changes in myostatin mRNA and protein as well as Smad2 and phospho‐Smad2 protein levels in the denervated gastrocnemius muscle of mice after sciatic neurectomy, using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. We conducted morphometric analyses to measure the wet weight ratio of the denervated muscle (the operated side/contralateral nonoperated side) and the cross‐sectional area of muscle fibers, and observed the morphology of denervated muscle. The experimental results showed that in the early stage of denervation, the levels of myostatin mRNA and protein in the denervated gastrocnemius muscle increased instantly, reaching a peak at day 3 and day 7 after sciatic neurectomy, respectively, when compared with the normal values. In addition, the phospho‐Smad2 protein was observed to have a similar expression profile to that of the myostatin mRNA. The present study perhaps opens a new window into myostatin modulation in muscle atrophy due to denervation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TITANIUM - CALCIUM PHOSPHATE COMPOSITES FOR BIO APPLICATIONS

Hydroxylapatite (HA) has been widely used as a bone replacement material in restorative dental and orthopaedic implants, due to its chemical and crystallographic structure being similar to that of bone mineral. HA being biocompatible is considered as the most promising bioactive material for clinical use. However, its low mechanical strength restricts from its use in biomedical applications. Among all the surgical metals, titanium and its alloys are the most popular ones as load bearing implants because of their excellent biocompatibility and favourable mechanical properties. In the present study, composites containing titanium with apatite wollastonite glass ceramics (AWGC) were prepared in argon atmosphere and in vitro biological behaviours in a simulated body fluid (SBF) were investigated. Surface morphology of the specimens before immersion in SBF and after immersion for various number of days was studied by SEM. Functional group identification was done by FTIR, while, different phases present in the composites were identified by XRD. The exchange of ions from composites to the SBF solution was analyzed by ICP-AES.
Effect of Previous Myopic Laser In Situ Keratomileusis on Contrast Sensitivity After Diffractive Multifocal Intraocular Lens Implantations

Objective: To evaluate effects of previous myopic laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) on decrease in contrast sensitivity after implantation of diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (MF-IOL). Methods: Retrospective case series included eyes that were implanted diffractive MF-IOLs after myopic LASIK. Contrast sensitivity was measured 1 month postoperatively and the area under log contrast sensitivity (AULCSF) was calculated. Principle component analysis (PCA) was used for extracting principal factors related with the previous LASIK and MF-IOL implantation. Effects of decrease in postoperative AULCSF and contrast sensitivity at each spatial frequency were evaluated using step-wise multiple regression analysis. Results: Twenty-six eyes of 20 patients were included. The mean postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was -0.06 ± 0.13 logMAR (20/17 in Snellen) and all eyes achieved 20/20 or better. The PCA determined central corneal thickness (CCT), distance-corrected near visual acuity, and absolute manifest refraction as principal factors. The multiple regression analysis revealed that the AULCSF showed significant decrease with a thinner CCT (P=0.017), while a particular trend was not found in the analysis results at the spatial frequencies. Conclusion: Degradation in contrast sensitivity after implantation of MF-IOLs in post-LASIK eyes was more affected by the amount of the previous LASIK corrections.
High sensitivity to salt in kininogen-deficient brown Norway Katholiek rats.

Brown Norway Katholiek rats, which have very low levels of plasma kininogens, excreted a much smaller amount of kinin in the urine than normal rats of the same strain. The systolic blood pressure of 7-week-old kininogen-deficient rats fed low (0.3%) NaCl diets (131 +/- 4 mm Hg, n = 12) was not different from that in normal rats. Two percent NaCl diets given from 7 weeks of age for 4 weeks caused rapid increases in blood pressure (167 +/- 4 mm Hg, n = 12, 9 weeks old) in deficient rats, although the same diets induced no blood pressure increase in normal rats. Urinary excretion of active kallikrein and prokallikrein remained constant in both rat groups throughout NaCl loading. During this period, the deficient rats secreted less urine (9 weeks old, P < .05) and less urinary sodium (11 weeks old, P < .05). Serum levels of sodium in deficient rats were higher (P < .05) than in normal rats at 9 weeks of age. Intracellular concentrations of sodium in the erythrocytes of deficient rats were higher (P < .05) than in normal rats throughout NaCl loading. Subcutaneous infusion of bovine low molecular weight kininogen with an osmotic pump in NaCl-loaded deficient rats induced a reduction (P < .01) in blood pressure and increases (P < .05) in urine volume and urinary sodium and kinin levels. By contrast, subcutaneous infusion of the bradykinin antagonist Hoe 140 or of aprotinin in NaCl-loaded normal rats induced a hypertensive response. This antagonist treatment reduced urine volume and urinary sodium. These results indicate that the lack of kinin generation observed in the kininogen-deficient rats was related through sodium retention to the hypertensive response to NaCl loading.
Class A1 scavenger receptors in cardiovascular diseases

Class A1 scavenger receptors (SR‐A1) are membrane glycoproteins that can form homotrimers. This receptor was originally defined by its ability to mediate the accumulation of lipids in macrophages. Subsequent studies reveal that SR‐A1 plays critical roles in innate immunity, cell apoptosis and proliferation. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the structure, receptor pathway and regulation of SR‐A1. Although its role in atherosclerosis is disputable, recent discoveries suggest that SR‐A1 function in anti‐inflammatory responses by promoting an M2 macrophage phenotype in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, SR‐A1 may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of cardiovascular diseases.
The Preparation, Morphology and Electrical Properties of Polystyrene/Graphene Nanocomposite Foams Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

In this work, polystyrene/ graphene nanocomposite foams were prepared using supercritical carbon dioxide. Chemically reduced graphene oxide were incorporated into PS using latex mixing. Subsequently, the nanocomposites were foamed with supercritical CO2, the foaming temperature is varied. The morphology and electrical properties of the foamed samples were discussed. It is suggested that foaming temperature has significant influence on the morphology of foams. For those samples foamed at higher temperature, foams have thin cell wall and low density even when the content of graphene is relatively high, while they possess good electrical conductivity, may be used as light weight functional materials.
Health Issues of Primary School Students Residing in Proximity of an Oil Terminal with Environmental Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds

Residential proximity to industrial sites has been associated with adverse effects on human health. Children are more susceptible to airborne environmental exposure because their immune and respiratory systems are still developing. This study aimed to investigate whether living close to an oil terminal in Genoa where there is higher VOCs exposure is associated with an increased rate of school absenteeism because of disease in primary school children. Five schools were chosen for the recruitment of children and students residing in the industrial site (A) were compared to those living in residential sites (B). Sixty-six of the 407 students involved in the project were also selected for VOC monitoring. Source apportionment was carried out by comparing profiles of VOCs; principal component analysis was performed to study the correlation between profiles, and Kriging interpolation model was used to extend profiles to all participants. The concentration means of total VOCs were significantly higher in the industrial areas compared to controls. Adjusting for potential confounders, children who lived in area A had a significantly higher risk of being absent from school due to sore throat, cough, and cold compared to controls. o-Xylene, which is dispersed during the industrial activity, showed clear evidence of a significant association with respiratory symptoms.
Experimental identification of robot dynamics for control

The paper discusses the experimental identification of dynamic robot models for their application in model based robot control, e.g., computed torque control. The accuracy of these controllers relies highly on the ability of the robot model to accurately predict the required actuator torques. The paper shows how this application reflects on the choices that have to be made in the different steps of the identification procedure, and consequently on the accuracy of the obtained model parameters and actuator torque prediction.
Structural and Phylogenetic Analysis of Adenovirus Hexons by Use of High-Resolution X-Ray Crystallographic, Molecular Modeling, and Sequence-Based Methods

ABSTRACT A major impediment to the use of adenovirus as a gene therapy vector and for vaccine applications is the host immune response to adenovirus hexon—the major protein component of the icosahedral capsid. A solution may lie in novel vectors with modified or chimeric hexons designed to evade the immune response. To facilitate this approach, we have distinguished the portion of hexon that all serotypes have in common from the hypervariable regions that are responsible for capsid diversity and type-specific immunogenicity. The common hexon core—conserved because it forms the viral capsid—sets boundaries to the regions where modifications can be made to produce nonnative hexons. The core has been defined from the large and diverse set of known hexon sequences by an accurate alignment based on the newly refined crystal structures of human adenovirus types 2 (Ad2) and Ad5 hexon. Comparison of the two hexon models, which are the most accurate so far, reveals that over 90% of the residues in each have three-dimensional positions that closely match. Structures for more distant hexons were predicted by building molecular models of human Ad4, chimpanzee adenovirus (AdC68), and fowl adenovirus 1 (FAV1 or CELO). The five structures were then used to guide the alignment of the 40 full-length (>900 residues) hexon sequences in public databases. Distance- and parsimony-based phylogenetic trees are consistent and reveal evolutionary relationships between adenovirus types that parallel those of their animal hosts. The combination of crystallography, molecular modeling, and phylogenetic analysis defines a conserved molecular core that can serve as the armature for the directed design of novel hexons.
Persistent pulsatile release of glutamate induced by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate in neonatal rat hippocampal neurones.

1. Intracellular recordings were made from CA3 hippocampal neurones in vitro, during the first ten days of postnatal life and in adulthood. 2. Repeated (three to six) applications of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA), in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1‐3 microM) and K+ channel blockers (tetraethylammonium chloride or bromide (TEA), 10 mM, and Cs+, 2 mM; or 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), 30‐50 microM, and Cs+, 2 mM) induced in neonatal but not in adult neurones, periodic inward currents (PICs) which persisted for several hours after the last application of NMDA. 3. PICs which were due to non‐specific cation currents had a frequency of 0.10 +/‐ 0.04 Hz, and an amplitude of 1.1 +/‐ 0.28 nA at holding potentials between ‐40 and ‐50 mV. The amplitude was a linear function of the membrane potential over the range ‐70 to +20 mV. They reversed polarity at 4.1 +/‐ 9.8 mV. 4. K+ channel blockers alone failed to induce PICs. Repeated (three to six) brief applications of high (12 mM) K+ medium also induced PICs. The frequency and amplitude of K(+)‐induced PICs were however considerably reduced by concomitant applications of the NMDA receptor antagonist D,L‐3‐[( +/‐ )‐2‐carboxypiperazin‐4‐yl‐]propyl‐1‐phosphonic acid (CPP, 20 microM). PICs could be induced also by caffeine (1 mM) in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3‐isobutyl‐1‐methyl‐xanthine (IBMX, 200 microM), TTX, TEA and Cs+. 5. Intracellular injection of the calcium chelator 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐N,N,N',N'‐tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) did not prevent the induction of PICs by NMDA. However PICs were blocked by removal of the external calcium and by the calcium antagonists cobalt (2 mM) and cadmium (50 microM). 6. In spite of blockade of propagated synaptic activity by TTX, PICs were synchronous in a pair of intracellularly recorded cells. They were also synchronous with extracellular spikes recorded by electrodes located into stratum pyramidal or stratum radiatum. 7. Once established, PICs were unaffected by NMDA receptor antagonists D(‐)2‐amino‐5‐phosphonovaleric acid (AP‐5, 50 microM), CPP (20 microM) and the NMDA channel blocker ketamine (10 microM). They were reversibly blocked by the broad spectrum excitatory amino acid antagonist kynurenic acid (1 mM) and by the selective non‐NMDA receptor antagonist 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX, 10 microM). 8. It is concluded that PICs are generated in neonatal neurones by a synchronous, pulsatile release of glutamate from presynaptic nerve terminals, secondary to oscillations in intracellular calcium.
Embedding a Block-based Intra Mode in Frame-based Pixel Domain Wyner-Ziv Video Coding

Distributed source coding principles have been recently applied to video coding in order to achieve a flexible distribution of the complexity burden between the encoder and the decoder. In this paper we elaborate on a pixel based WynerZiv video codec that shifts all the complexity of the motion estimation phase to the decoder, thus achieving light encoding. We observe that the correlation noise statistics describing the relationship between the frame to be encoded and the side information available at the decoder is not spatially stationary. For this reason we introduce a mode decision scheme either at the encoder or at the decoder in such a way that when the estimated correlation is weak we opt for intra coding on a block-by-block basis. Moreover we discuss the effect of using a side information computed either from lossless or from quantized frames.
ESAM supports neutrophil extravasation, activation of Rho, and VEGF-induced vascular permeability

Endothelial cell–selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) is specifically expressed at endothelial tight junctions and on platelets. To test whether ESAM is involved in leukocyte extravasation, we have generated mice carrying a disrupted ESAM gene and analyzed them in three different inflammation models. We found that recruitment of lymphocytes into inflamed skin was unaffected by the gene disruption. However, the migration of neutrophils into chemically inflamed peritoneum was inhibited by 70% at 2 h after stimulation, recovering at later time points. Analyzing neutrophil extravasation directly by intravital microscopy in the cremaster muscle revealed that leukocyte extravasation was reduced (50%) in ESAM−/− mice without affecting leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Depletion of >98% of circulating platelets did not abolish the ESAM deficiency–related inhibitory effect on neutrophil extravasation, indicating that it is only ESAM at endothelial tight junctions that is relevant for the extravasation process. Knocking down ESAM expression in endothelial cells resulted in reduced levels of activated Rho, a GTPase implicated in the destabilization of tight junctions. Indeed, vascular permeability stimulated by vascular endothelial growth factor was reduced in ESAM−/− mice. Collectively, ESAM at endothelial tight junctions participates in the migration of neutrophils through the vessel wall, possibly by influencing endothelial cell contacts.
A new handover authentication protocol based on bilinear pairing functions for wireless networks

Seamless handover over multiple access points is highly desirable to mobile nodes, but ensuring security and efficiency of this process is challenging. Many such protocols have been proposed but most of them are either insecure or inefficient. Very recently, He et al. proposed an improved protocol to overcome the weakness of a novel handover authentication protocol, namely PairHand. Later, they pointed out that their protocol is vulnerable to a private key compromised problem under certain circumstances and proposed an improved protocol to overcome the weakness. In this paper, we examine the security of He et al.'s improved protocol and show it is vulnerable to a private key compromised problem. To improve security, we propose a new ID-based signature protocol and construct a new handover authentication protocol based on the proposed signature protocol.
LDAHash: Improved Matching with Smaller Descriptors

SIFT-like local feature descriptors are ubiquitously employed in computer vision applications such as content-based retrieval, video analysis, copy detection, object recognition, photo tourism, and 3D reconstruction. Feature descriptors can be designed to be invariant to certain classes of photometric and geometric transformations, in particular, affine and intensity scale transformations. However, real transformations that an image can undergo can only be approximately modeled in this way, and thus most descriptors are only approximately invariant in practice. Second, descriptors are usually high dimensional (e.g., SIFT is represented as a 128-dimensional vector). In large-scale retrieval and matching problems, this can pose challenges in storing and retrieving descriptor data. We map the descriptor vectors into the Hamming space in which the Hamming metric is used to compare the resulting representations. This way, we reduce the size of the descriptors by representing them as short binary strings and learn descriptor invariance from examples. We show extensive experimental validation, demonstrating the advantage of the proposed approach.
Integrating the Cognitive with the Physical: Musical Path Planning for an Improvising Robot

Embodied cognition is a theory stating that the processes and functions comprising the human mind are influenced by a person's physical body. Embodied musical cognition is a theory of the musical mind stating that the person's body largely influences his or her musical experiences and actions (such as performing, learning, or listening to music). In this work, a proof of concept demonstrating the utility of an embodied musical cognition for robotic musicianship is described. Though alternative theories attempting to explain human musical cognition exist (such as cognitivism and connectionism), this work contends that the integration of physical constraints and musical knowledge is vital for a robot in order to optimize note generating decisions based on limitations of sound generating motion and enable more engaging performance through increased coherence between the generated music and sound accompanying motion. Moreover, such a system allows for efficient and autonomous exploration of the relationship between music and physicality and the resulting music that is contingent on such a connection.