Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Saccade-related activity in the lateral intraparietal area. I. Temporal properties; comparison with area 7a.

1. The cortex of the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) contains neurons whose activity is related to saccadic eye movements. The exact role of the IPL in relation to saccades remains, however, unclear. In this and the companion paper, we approach this problem by quantifying many of the spatial and temporal parameters of the saccade-related (S) activity. These parameters have hitherto been largely unstudied. 2. The activity of single neurons was recorded from Macaca mulatta monkeys while they were performing a delayed-saccade task. The analysis presented here is based on 161 neurons recorded from the lateral intraparietal area (LIP), a recently defined subdivision of the IPL; and 54 neurons recorded from the neighboring part of the IPL, area 7a. Overall, 409 IPL neurons were isolated in this study. 3. The typical activity of IPL neurons during the delayed-saccade task has three basic phases: light sensitive (LS), memory (M), and S. These basic phases are common to neurons of both areas LIP and 7a. In each phase (LS, M, and S), individual neurons may or may not be active. Most LIP neurons, however, are active in more than one phase. 4. To compare the activity levels of different neurons, the actual firing rate was weighted by each neuron's background level, yielding an "activity index" for each neuron, in each phase of the task. We calculated the activity index for the LS and M phases and for three phases related to the saccade: a presaccadic (Pre-S), a saccade-coincident (S-Co), and a postsaccadic (Post-S) phase. For area LIP neurons the median values of the activity index were high for the LS, M, Pre-S, and S-Co activities, and slightly lower in the Post-S period. In area 7a the median values were low for the LS phase and, in particular, for the M and Pre-S phases, somewhat higher coincident with the saccade, and high post-saccadically. 5. In area LIP, in each phase, 49-63% of the neurons had excitatory activity, and 10-17% had inhibitory responses. 6. In contrast, in area 7a excitatory responses were most frequent in the Post-S phase (56%). Excitation was particularly infrequent during M (28%) and Pre-S (22%). The incidence of inhibitory responses varied too (4-18%). The time course of inhibition was roughly opposite that of excitation; the highest frequency of inhibitory responses occurred during the saccade. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Ambulatory Assessment of Instantaneous Velocity during Walking Using Inertial Sensor Measurements

A novel approach for estimating the instantaneous velocity of the pelvis during walking was developed based on Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). The instantaneous velocity was modeled by the sum of a cyclical component, decomposed in the Medio-Lateral (ML), VerTical (VT) and Antero-Posterior (AP) directions, and the Average Progression Velocity (APV) over each gait cycle. The proposed method required the availability of two IMUs, attached to the pelvis and one shank. Gait cycles were identified from the shank angular velocity; for each cycle, the Fourier series coefficients of the pelvis and shank acceleration signals were computed. The cyclical component was estimated by Fourier-based time-integration of the pelvis acceleration. A Bayesian Linear Regression (BLR) with Automatic Relevance Determination (ARD) predicted the APV from the stride time, the stance duration, and the Fourier series coefficients of the shank acceleration. Healthy subjects performed tasks of Treadmill Walking (TW) and Overground Walking (OW), and an optical motion capture system (OMCS) was used as reference for algorithm performance assessment. The widths of the limits of agreements (±1.96 standard deviation) were computed between the proposed method and the reference OMCS, yielding, for the cyclical component in the different directions: ML: ±0.07 m/s (±0.10 m/s); VT: ±0.03 m/s (±0.05 m/s); AP: ±0.06 m/s (±0.10 m/s), in TW (OW) conditions. The ARD-BLR achieved an APV root mean square error of 0.06 m/s (0.07 m/s) in the same conditions.
Influence of The KF Concentration on The Coating Process And Properties of Potentiostatic Deposited Fluoride Conversion Film on AZ31 Mg Alloy

The dependence of coating process and properties of the fluoride conversion film on AZ31 Mg alloy on the concentration of deaerated KF solutions was studied by anodic potentiostatic deposition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that the film deposited in 0.05 M KF solution is a monolayer consisting of amorphous Mg(OH)2 and MgF2, while amorphous Mg(OH)2 and MgF2 and crystallized KMgF3 as a double layer formed in 0.1 M~0.5 M KF solutions. The composition of inner layer is same as that of the monolayer, while the outer layer is composed of Mg(OH)2 and MgF2 and KMgF3. Continually increasing KF concentration reduces the content of KMgF3 in the outer layer, shortens the coating duration, and reduces the film thickness. The corrosion resistance of FCF coatings is closely correlated with the content of KMgF3 and the film thickness
A Password Manager that Doesn't Remember Passwords

The problems with passwords are well-known: secure passwords are difficult to remember, users have too many passwords, and users have difficulty matching their passwords to accounts. Password managers and cued graphical passwords are two password solutions that address the issues of memorability and keeping track of of passwords. We have developed Versipass, a password manager that incorporates key elements of password managers and cued graphical passwords to avoid existing problems of password memorability and associating passwords with accounts. Instead of remembering passwords, Versipass remembers image cues for graphical passwords. These cues help users to better remember their passwords and to more easily link passwords with accounts. Versipass also facilitates safe password reuse by allowing users to use the same image cue for multiple accounts.
Lactobionic acid as antioxidant and moisturizing active in alkyl polyglucoside‐based topical emulsions: the colloidal structure, stability and efficacy evaluation

Cosmeceutical antioxidants may protect the skin against oxidative injury, involved in the pathogenesis of many skin disorders. However, an unsuitable topical delivery system with compromising safety profile can affect the efficacy of an antioxidant active. This study investigated the antioxidant potential of lactobionic acid (LA), a newer cosmeceutical active, per se (in solution) and incorporated into natural alkyl polyglucoside (APG) emulsifier‐based system using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The α‐tocopherol was used as a reference compound. The physical stability (using rheology, polarization microscopy, pH and conductivity measurements) of an Alkyl glucoside‐based emulsion was evaluated with and without the active (LA); colloidal structure was assessed using polarization and transmission electron microscopy, rheology, thermal and texture analysis. Additionally, the safety profile and moisturizing potential were investigated using the methods of skin bioengineering. Good physical stability and applicative characteristics were obtained although LA strongly influenced the colloidal structure of the vehicle. LA per se and in APG‐based emulsion showed satisfying antioxidant activity that promotes it as mild multifunctional cosmeceutical efficient in the treatment and prevention of the photoaged skin. Employed assays were shown as suitable for the antioxidant activity evaluation of LA in APG‐based emulsions, but not for α‐tocopherol in the same vehicle.
Distinct transcriptional regulatory modules underlie STAT3’s cell type-independent and cell type-specific functions

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to short DNA sequence motifs, yet their binding specificities alone cannot explain how certain TFs drive a diversity of biological processes. In order to investigate the factors that control the functions of the pleiotropic TF STAT3, we studied its genome-wide binding patterns in four different cell types: embryonic stem cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages and AtT-20 cells. We describe for the first time two distinct modes of STAT3 binding. First, a small cell type-independent mode represented by a set of 35 evolutionarily conserved STAT3-binding sites that collectively regulate STAT3’s own functions and cell growth. We show that STAT3 is recruited to sites with E2F1 already pre-bound before STAT3 activation. Second, a series of different transcriptional regulatory modules (TRMs) assemble around STAT3 to drive distinct transcriptional programs in the four cell types. These modules recognize cell type-specific binding sites and are associated with factors particular to each cell type. Our study illustrates the versatility of STAT3 to regulate both universal- and cell type-specific functions by means of distinct TRMs, a mechanism that might be common to other pleiotropic TFs.
The importance of phase‐encoding order in ultra‐short TR snapshot MR imaging

We show the importance of phase‐encoding order in ultra‐short TR (< 10 ms) snapshot MR imaging. Contrast is more heavily dictated by the contrast preparation phase early in the measurement phase than later. When the low spatial frequencies are measured first, the resultant image contrast more closely resembles that established by the preparation phase. The transient nature of the data acquisition causes a k‐space filter to be applied to the data. The effects of this filter can be minimized by appropriate choice of scan parameters. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Epidemiology, Sero-Diagnosis and Therapeutic Studies on Nematodes Infection in Balochi Range-Sheep at District Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan

Background Among the infectious organisms of parasitic origin, gastrointestinal nematodes are very important as they have been reported worldwide. The main aim of the present research study to highlight the annual epidemiological contributing factors associated with the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and their control in sheep. Methods A total 1200 faecal samples (100 per month) were collected from farmers holding Balochi-sheep (either sexes, 1-5 years old) during January-December 2012 and analyzed to determine the prevalence of nematodes based on microscopy and ELISA based diagnostic assay. Therapeutic efficacies of different synthetic and herbal medicines against these nematodes were assessed by field trials. Results Results showed that 23.92% Balochi-sheep were infected with nematodes. Five nematodes infections were recorded with highest prevalence of Haemonchus (7.75%) followed by Nematodirus (7.58%), Strongyloides (4.42%), Trichostrongylus (2.33%) and Trichuris (1.83%). The younger and older ewes (one and five years) presented higher nematodes prevalence with peak during March/April and August/September. Haemonchus and Trichuris positive samples based on coprological examination were also showed 92-100% positive sensitivity for these nematodes by the ELISA. Sheep treated with Ivermectin showed higher reduction (97.76%) in nematode egg counts followed by Atreefal deedan (96.42%) and Oxfendazole (95.44%), respectively. Conclusion The gastro-intestinal nematodes are prevalent in all age and either sex of Balochi-sheep with peak during summer. The ELISA based diagnosis is more accurte. The synthetic and herbal products are very effective against sheep nematodes.
Tumor BRCA1, RRM1 and RRM2 mRNA Expression Levels and Clinical Response to First-Line Gemcitabine plus Docetaxel in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Background Overexpression of RRM1 and RRM2 has been associated with gemcitabine resistance. BRCA1 overexpression increases sensitivity to paclitaxel and docetaxel. We have retrospectively examined the effect of RRM1, RRM2 and BRCA1 expression on outcome to gemcitabine plus docetaxel in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methodology and Principal Findings Tumor samples were collected from 102 chemotherapy-naïve advanced NSCLC patients treated with gemcitabine plus docetaxel as part of a randomized trial. RRM1, RRM2 and BRCA1 mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative PCR and correlated with response, time to progression and survival. As BRCA1 levels increased, the probability of response increased (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.09: p = 0.01) and the risk of progression decreased (hazard ratio [HR], 0.99; p = 0.36). As RRM1 and RRM2 levels increased, the probability of response decreased (RRM1: OR, 0.97; p = 0.82; RRM2: OR, 0.94; p<0.0001) and the risk of progression increased (RRM1: HR, 1.02; p = 0.001; RRM2: HR, 1.005; p = 0.01). An interaction observed between BRCA1 and RRM1 allowed patients to be classified in three risk groups according to combinations of gene expression levels, with times to progression of 10.13, 4.17 and 2.30 months (p = 0.001). Low BRCA1 expression was the only factor significantly associated with longer time to progression in 31 patients receiving cisplatin-based second-line therapy. Conclusions The mRNA expression of BRCA1, RRM1 and RRM2 is potentially a useful tool for selecting NSCLC patients for individualized chemotherapy and warrants further investigation in prospective studies.
Pubertal Timing Is an Independent Predictor of Central Adiposity in Young Adult Males

The role of puberty and normal variations in pubertal timing for the development of obesity in men is unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of pubertal timing and prepubertal BMI (kg/m2) for young adult BMI and fat mass distribution. Detailed growth charts from birth to age 18–20 years were retrieved for the men participating in the population-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants study. Age at peak height velocity (PHV) and BMI at age 10 years were estimated for 579 subjects, and PHV was used as an assessment of pubertal timing. The fat mass characterization and distribution were analyzed using dual X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral as well as abdominal computed tomography at age 18.9 ± 0.5 years. We demonstrate that age at PHV is an independent negative predictor of young adult BMI and whole-body fat mass. Interestingly, age at PHV is an independent negative predictor of central, but not peripheral, fat mass. In contrast, BMI at 10 years of age predicts both central and peripheral subcutaneous fat mass. In conclusion, we demonstrate that early pubertal onset specifically predicts a central fat mass distribution, while a predominantly subcutaneous obese phenotype is strongly predicted by a high prepubertal BMI.
Anxiety but not depression is associated with metabolic syndrome: The Isfahan Healthy Heart Program

Background: Only a few studies have carried out to evaluate the association of depression and anxiety with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the depression and anxiety are associated with MetS and its different components. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study forms part of the prospective Isfahan Cohort Study. A total of 470 participants were chosen. Anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). The MetS was diagnosed according to the American Heart Association and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. One-way analysis of variance and binary logistic regression were used. Results: The mean age of participants was 55.7 ± 9.3. The prevalence of MetS in female participants with symptoms of depression (P < 0.0001), concurrent anxiety and depression (P = 0.004), anxiety (P < 0.0001), and asymptomatic individuals (P = 0.001) was significantly different when compared to male participants. Moreover, the analysis showed that having anxiety symptoms is in a negative relationship with MetS (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12–0.78). In addition, with each 10-year increase in age, the probability of MetS will decrease 40% (OR = 0.59; 95%Cl = 0.53–0.72). Body mass index (OR = 1.29; 95%CI = 1.21–1.37), and gender (higher age for women) (OR = 0.34; 95%CI = 0.11–0.98) had positive relationship with MetS. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that the prevalence of MetS in patients with anxiety was lower than the healthy subjects, while no significant association was found between depression, concurrent depression, an anxiety with MetS.
Influence of Al/TiN/SiO2 structure on MOS capacitor, Schottky diode, and fin field effect transistors devices

Titanium nitride (TiN) films were tested for their suitability as upper electrodes in metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitors and Schottky diodes and as metal gate electrodes in fin field effect transistor devices. TiOxNy formation on TiN surfaces was confirmed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and appears to be associated with exposure of the metal electrodes to ambient air. In order to avoid the formation of TiOxNy and TiO2, a layer of aluminum (Al) was deposited in situ after the TiN deposition. TiN work function was calculated for the devices to study how dipole variation at the interface TiN/SiO2 influences TiN work function. TiOxNy and TiO2 formation at the film surface was found to affect the dipole variations at the TiN/SiO2 interface increasing the dipole influence on MOS structure. Furthermore, the estimated values TiN work function are suitable for complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Finally, this work had shown that Al/TiN structure can be used in CMOS technology, e.
Josephson Persistent-Current Qubit

features are very similar to those observed in the ϳ2500-Ma Mt. McRae Shale, and their age is supported by more thorough analytical protocols (24). The discovery and careful analysis of biomarkers in rocks of still greater age and of different Archean environments will potentially offer new insights into early microbial life and its evolution. A qubit was designed that can be fabricated with conventional electron beam lithography and is suited for integration into a large quantum computer. The qubit consists of a micrometer-sized loop with three or four Josephson junctions ; the two qubit states have persistent currents of opposite direction. Quantum superpositions of these states are obtained by pulsed microwave modulation of the enclosed magnetic flux by currents in control lines. A su-perconducting flux transporter allows for controlled transfer between qubits of the flux that is generated by the persistent currents, leading to entanglement of qubit information. In a quantum computer, information is stored on quantum variables such as spins, photons, or atoms (1–3). The elementary unit is a two-state quantum system called a qubit. Computations are performed by the creation of quantum su-perposition states of the qubits and by controlled entanglement of the information on the qubits. Quantum coherence must be conserved to a high degree during these operations. For a quantum computer to be of practical value, the number of qubits must be at least 10 4. Qubits have been implemented in cavity quantum elec-trodynamics systems (4), ion traps (5), and nuclear spins of large numbers of identical molecules (6). Quantum coherence is high in these systems, but it seems difficult or impossible to realize the desired high number of interacting qubits. Solid state circuits lend themselves to large-scale integration, but the multitude of quantum degrees of freedom leads in general to short decoherence times. Proposals have been put forward for future implementation of qubits with spins of individual donor atoms in silicon (7), with spin states in quantum dots (8), and with d-wave superconductors (9); the technology for practical realization still needs to be developed. In superconductors, all electrons are condensed in the same macrosopic quantum state, separated by a gap from the many quasi-particle states. This gap is a measure for the strength of the superconducting effects. Superconductors can be weakly coupled with Josephson tunnel junctions (regions where only a thin oxide separates them). The coupling energy is given by E J (1 Ϫ cos …
Influence of Thymus Genotype on Acquisition of Responsiveness in Delayed‐type Hypersensitivity

Antigen‐pulsed macrophages (Mph) could sensitize syngeneic mice for delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and also elicit sensitivity from mice sensitized to antigen in adjuvant provided these were syngeneic or semi‐allogeneic to the strain providing the Mph. Sensitivity could not be elicited with antigen‐pulsed allogeneic Mph. Antigen‐pulsed Mph from low‐responder (LR) strains could not sensitize LR mice nor F1 hybrids between responder (R) and LR strains. Normal F1 mice could he sensitized to respond to antigen presented on Mph of either parental type (i.e. P1 or P2): if, however, they were sensitized to antigen on P1 Mph. DTH transfer was restricted to naive P1 mice, not to P2 (restriction imposed by priming). F1 T cells derived from stem cells differentiating in a P1 thymus graft could he sensitized but could transfer sensitivity only to naive P1 mice, not to P2 (restriction imposed in thymus). When an antigen under Ir gene control was used, LR derived T cells differentiating in an (R×LR)F1 thymus could be sensitized but only if antigen was presented on (R×LR)F1 Mph not on LR Mph. Totally allogeneic chimaeras could be sensitized but only if given antigen in association with the appropriate Mph. These findings suggest that restriction of T cell activities can be imposed as a result of priming in some cases and as a result of differentiation within the thymus in others. LR strains appear to have a lesion at the level of antigen presentation by Mph; whether they also have a defect at the level of generation of T cell repertoire cannot he determined from the present investigations.
Association of environmental tobacco smoking exposure with an increased risk of hospital admissions for pneumonia in children under 5 years of age in Vietnam

Background: The association between environmental tobacco smoking (ETS) and childhood pneumonia has not been established in developed or developing countries. A study was conducted to assess the effect and impact of ETS exposure on pneumonia among children in central Vietnam. Methods: A population-based large-scale cross-sectional survey was conducted covering all residents of 33 communes in Khanh Hoa Province, the central part of Vietnam. Information on demographics, socioeconomic status and house environment, including smoking status of each household member, was collected from householders. Hospital admissions for pneumonia among children aged <5 years in each household in the previous 12 months were recorded based on caregiver’s report. Results: A total of 353 525 individuals living in 75 828 households were identified in the study areas. Of these, 24 781 (7.0%) were aged <5 years. The prevalence of ETS was 70.5% and the period prevalence of hospital admissions for pneumonia was 2.6%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to ETS was independently associated with hospital admissions for pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio 1.55, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.92). The prevalence of tobacco smoking was higher among men than women (51.5% vs 1.5%). It is estimated that 28.7% of childhood pneumonia in this community is attributable to ETS. Conclusions: Children in Vietnam are exposed to substantial levels of ETS which results in 44 000 excess hospital admissions due to pneumonia each year among children aged <5 years.