Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of differential environments on brain weights and enzyme activities in gerbils, rats, and mice.

In 2 experiments, littermate male gerbils were kept in enriched (EC), standard colony (SC), or impoverished (IC) environments from 30 to 60 days of age. Cerebral effects of these environmental treatments were compared with results obtained previously with laboratory rats and mice. The EC gerbils show, in comparsion with IC, an increase in cortical weight and an increase in the cortical/subcortical weight ratio, a decrease in cortical acetylcholinesterase per unit of weight, and a slight increase in the ratio of cholinesterase to acetylcholinesterase in the cortex. These changes for the most part follow the pattern of EC-IC effects found in the rat and mouse. In both absolute brain measures and in EC-IC effects, the gerbil resembles the rat more closely than the mouse. The results extend the generality of findings within Rodentia from the family Muridae, which includes rats and mice, to the family Cricetidae, to which gerbils belong. Furthermore, the gerbil, unlike the laboratory rat and mouse, has not been subjected to many years of selection for laboratory conditions.
Median Nerve Injuries Caused by Carpal Tunnel Injections

Local steroid injections are widely used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve injury is the most serious complication in association with carpal tunnel injections although the incidence is low. A median nerve injury will be presented with shooting pain at the injection time along with other sensory distortion, motor weakness and muscle atrophy. The management includes a conservative treatment and a surgical exploration. Carpal tunnel injections should be used at a minimum only. If such steroid injection is required, an appropriate needle positioning is vital for the nerve injury prevention. The patient should not be heavily sedated and should be encouraged to inform experiences of numbness/paresthesia during the procedure immediately.
Gas assisted injection molding of a handle: Three-dimensional simulation and experimental verification

Methods implemented in a three-dimensional finite element code for the simulation of gas assisted injection molding are described, and predictions compared with the results of molding trials. The emphasis is on prediction of primary gas penetration and plastic wall thickness, including the effects of cooling during a delay before gas injection. For the latter, time dependent heat transfer coefficients at the cavity surface are used, determined in a separate analysis of transient heat conduction through the plastic and the mold tool to the circulating coolant. This shows how the initial value of 25,000 W/m2K falls by about an order of magnitude during the first few seconds of cooling, and also how values vary from cycle to cycle as steady periodic conditions are approached. For a tubular handle molded in polystyrene, with melt flow modeled by a Cross WLF model, comparisons of simulations with sectioned parts show excellent prediction of wall thickness and its variation circumferentially and in bends. The increase in wall thickness due to cooling during a gas delay is accurately modeled, as is the occurrence of a blow out. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 45:1049–1058, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rheological characterization of egg yolk custard developed by isostatic high pressure

Summary In recent years high pressure technology has received considerable attention as a food preservation method, but many studies have shown that most proteins undergo denaturation and may reform into a modified conformation. There is evidence that these changes modify the functional properties of egg components. The egg yolk proteins undergo aggregation and changes in structure following pressure treatment results in new rheological properties. From this point of view, the application of pressure to egg proteins may be a contribution for innovation and research of new foods. The aim of this study was to characterize rheologically the egg yolk custard developed by application of high pressure (500, 600 and 700 MPa at 20oC during 20 min) and to compare it with that treated by heat (80oC/20 min). The formulation (30% egg yolk, sugar, powdered milk, ι-carrageen and water) at pH 7.0 showed a viscoelastic behaviour that was measured by oscillatory, creep and recovery tests also flow behaviour was analysed. The frequency sweep test revelled that samples displayed true gel-like behaviour, such that G’ is higher then G’’ but this value no increased when pressure increased, a similar trend was found for yield stress. The creep and recovery analysis showed that samples treated to 600 MPa showed the lowest values for Compliance and those treated at 500 or 700 MPa had the highest ones. The flow curve was analysed by Herschel-Buckley model. The samples showed shear-thinning behaviour and changes in the consistency. In conclusion, egg yolk custards with similar rheological characteristics to custards processed by heat can be obtained by means of high pressure processing. The rheological characterization showed that all the samples treated by pressure had true gel behaviour, and the custard treated at 600 MPa was very similar to the heated one.
ERP Modulation during Observation of Abstract Paintings by Franz Kline

The aim of this study was to test the involvement of sensorimotor cortical circuits during the beholding of the static consequences of hand gestures devoid of any meaning.In order to verify this hypothesis we performed an EEG experiment presenting to participants images of abstract works of art with marked traces of brushstrokes. The EEG data were analyzed by using Event Related Potentials (ERPs). We aimed to demonstrate a direct involvement of sensorimotor cortical circuits during the beholding of these selected works of abstract art. The stimuli consisted of three different abstract black and white paintings by Franz Kline. Results verified our experimental hypothesis showing the activation of premotor and motor cortical areas during stimuli observation. In addition, abstract works of art observation elicited the activation of reward-related orbitofrontal areas, and cognitive categorization-related prefrontal areas. The cortical sensorimotor activation is a fundamental neurophysiological demonstration of the direct involvement of the cortical motor system in perception of static meaningless images belonging to abstract art. These results support the role of embodied simulation of artist’s gestures in the perception of works of art.
Hillslope asymmetry maps reveal widespread, multi‐scale organization

Hillslope asymmetry is the condition in which oppositely‐facing hillslopes within an area have differing average slope angles, and indicates aspect‐related variability in hillslope evolution. As such, the presence, orientation and magnitude of asymmetry may be a useful diagnostic for understanding process dominance. We present a new method for quantifying and mapping the spatial distribution of hillslope asymmetry across large areas. Resulting maps for the American Cordillera of the Western Hemisphere and the western United States reveal that hillslope asymmetry is widespread, with distinct trends at continental to drainage scales. Spatial patterns of asymmetry correlate with latitude along the American Cordillera, mountain‐range orientation for many ranges in the western United States, and elevation in the Idaho Batholith of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Spatial organization suggests that non‐stochastic, process‐driven controls cause these patterns. The hillslope asymmetry metric objectively captures previously‐documented extents and frequencies of valley asymmetry for the Gabilan Mesa of the central California Coast Range. Broad‐scale maps of hillslope asymmetry are of interest to a wide range of disciplines, as spatial patterns may reflect the influence of tectonics, atmospheric circulation, topoclimate, geomorphology, hydrology, soils and ecology on landscape evolution. These maps identify trends and regions of hillslope asymmetry, allow possible drivers to be spatially constrained, and facilitate the extrapolation of site‐specific results to broader regions.
A Simulated Hospital Pharmacy Module Using an Electronic Medical Record in a Pharmaceutical Care Skills Laboratory Course

Objectives. To implement and evaluate the effects of a simulated hospital pharmacy module using an electronic medical record on student confidence and abilities to perform hospital pharmacist duties. Design. A module was developed that simulated typical hospital pharmacist tasks. Learning activities were modified based upon student feedback and instructor assessment. Assessments. Ninety-seven percent of respondents reported full-time hospital internship experience and 72% had electronic medical record experience prior to completing the module. Mean scores on confidence with performing typical hospital pharmacist tasks significantly increased from the pre-module survey to the post-module survey from 1.5-2.9 (low comfort/confidence) to 2.0-3.4 (moderate comfort/confidence). Course assessments confirmed student achievement of covered competencies. Conclusions. A simulated hospital pharmacy module improved pharmacy students’ hospital practice skills and their perceived comfort and confidence in completing the typical duties of a hospital pharmacist.
Expert Systems With Applications

Machine learning classiﬁcation algorithms are widely applied to different malware analysis problems because of their proven abilities to learn from examples and perform relatively well with little human input. Use cases include the labelling of malicious samples according to families during triage of suspected malware. However, automated algorithms are vulnerable to attacks. An attacker could carefully manipulate the sample to force the algorithm to produce a particular output. In this paper we discuss one such attack on Android malware classiﬁers. We design and implement a prototype tool, called IagoDroid, that takes as input a malware sample and a target family, and modiﬁes the sample to cause it to be classi-ﬁed as belonging to this family while preserving its original semantics. Our technique relies on a search process that generates variants of the original sample without modifying their semantics. We tested Iago-Droid against RevealDroid, a recent, open source, Android malware classiﬁer based on a variety of static features. IagoDroid successfully forces misclassiﬁcation for 28 of the 29 representative malware families present in the DREBIN dataset. Remarkably, it does so by modifying just a single feature of the original malware. On average, it ﬁnds the ﬁrst evasive sample in the ﬁrst search iteration, and converges to a 100% evasive population within 4 iterations. Finally, we introduce RevealDroid ∗ , a more robust classi-ﬁer that implements several techniques proposed in other adversarial learning domains. Our experiments suggest that RevealDroid ∗ can correctly detect up to 99% of the variants generated by IagoDroid. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license. ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Role of the hydrophobic and charged residues in the 218–226 region of apoA-I in the biogenesis of HDL1[S]

We investigated the significance of hydrophobic and charged residues 218–226 on the structure and functions of apoA-I and their contribution to the biogenesis of HDL. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of apoA-I[L218A/L219A/V221A/L222A] in apoA-I−/− mice decreased plasma cholesterol and apoA-I levels to 15% of wild-type (WT) control mice and generated pre-β- and α4-HDL particles. In apoA-I−/− × apoE−/− mice, the same mutant formed few discoidal and pre-β-HDL particles that could not be converted to mature α-HDL particles by excess LCAT. Expression of the apoA-I[E223A/K226A] mutant in apoA-I−/− mice caused lesser but discrete alterations in the HDL phenotype. The apoA-I[218–222] and apoA-I[E223A/K226A] mutants had 20% and normal capacity, respectively, to promote ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux. Both mutants had ∼65% of normal capacity to activate LCAT in vitro. Biophysical analyses suggested that both mutants affected in a distinct manner the structural integrity and plasticity of apoA-I that is necessary for normal functions. We conclude that the alteration of the hydrophobic 218–222 residues of apoA-I disrupts apoA-I/ABCA1 interactions and promotes the generation of defective pre-β particles that fail to mature into α-HDL subpopulations, thus resulting in low plasma apoA-I and HDL. Alterations of the charged 223, 226 residues caused milder but discrete changes in HDL phenotype.
Comparison of the force applied on oral structures during intubation attempts by novice physicians between the Macintosh direct laryngoscope, Airway Scope and C-MAC PM: a high-fidelity simulator-based study

Objective We examined whether the use of Airway Scope (AWS) and C-MAC PM (C-MAC) decreased the force applied on oral structures during intubation attempts as compared with the force applied with the use of Macintosh direct laryngoscope (DL). Design Prospective cross-over study. Participants A total of 35 novice physicians participated. Interventions We used 6 simulation scenarios based on the difficulty of intubation and intubation devices. Outcome measures Our primary outcome measures were the maximum force applied on the maxillary incisors and tongue during intubation attempts, measured by a high-fidelity simulator. Results The maximum force applied on maxillary incisors was higher with the use of the C-MAC than with the DL and AWS in the normal airway scenario (DL, 26 Newton (N); AWS, 18 N; C-MAC, 52 N; p<0.01) and the difficult airway scenario (DL, 42 N; AWS, 24 N; C-MAC, 68 N; p<0.01). In contrast, the maximum force applied on the tongue was higher with the use of the DL than with the AWS and C-MAC in both airway scenarios (DL, 16 N; AWS, 1 N; C-MAC, 7 N; p<0.01 in the normal airway scenario; DL, 12 N; AWS, 4 N; C-MAC, 7 N; p<0.01 in the difficult airway scenario). Conclusions The use of C-MAC, compared with the DL and AWS, was associated with the higher maximum force applied on maxillary incisors during intubation attempts. In contrast, the use of video laryngoscopes was associated with the lower force applied on the tongue in both airway scenarios, compared with the DL. Our study was a simulation-based study, and further research on living patients would be warranted.
Empirical Prediction Equations for Peak Ground Velocity Derived from Strong-Motion Records from Europe and the Middle East

Peak ground velocity (PGV) has many applications in earthquake engineering, but there are relatively few prediction equations for this parameter in comparison with the large numbers of equations for estimating peak ground accel- eration and response spectral ordinates. This lack of empirical equations for PGV has led to widespread use of the practice of scaling peak velocity from the 5%-damped response spectral ordinate at 1 sec, which is a poor substitute for direct prediction of the parameter. Responding to the need to provide equations for the prediction of PGV, this article derives new equations using the strong-motion database for the seismically active areas of Europe and the Middle East, following a new processing of all of the records. A total of 532 strong-motion accelerograms recorded at distances of up to 100 km from 131 earthquakes with moment magnitudes ranging from M 5 to 7.6 are used to derive equations for both the larger and the geometric mean of the horizontal components. The predictions are found to be broadly consistent with those from previous European equations, and also with preliminary results from the Next Generation of Attenuation (NGA) project, suggesting that systematic differences in ground motions from active crustal regions, if any, are sufficiently small not to prevent the combined use of strong-motion data from southern Europe, western North America, and other tectonically active areas of shallow crustal seismicity.
Susceptibilities of serial Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from patients with recurrent cryptococcal meningitis to amphotericin B and fluconazole

Amphotericin B and fluconazole susceptibilities of 13 Cryptococcus neoformans isolates from five patients with recurrent cryptococcal meningitis were determined. For each patient, serial isolates showed no increase in antibiotic resistance relative to the initial isolate. For these patients, recurrent disease was not due to drug resistance but may reflect changes in immune function and/or poor compliance.
Increased incidence of infections following the late introduction of mycophenolate mofetil in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND Late introduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is used in renal transplant patients to allow calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal. This change in treatment may alter the immunosuppressive load predisposing patients to infections. To assess this we have analysed infection rates in 30 consecutive patients with chronic allograft nephropathy commenced on MMF for CNI withdrawal. Methods and results. The study period was from 12 months pre-commencement to 12 months post-commencement. At commencement, patient mean age was 51.2 +/- 12.9 years and mean time post-transplant was 3170 +/- 2130 days. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the start of the study period and at conversion was 30.7 +/- 12.1 ml/min and 23.1 +/- 9.9 ml/min, respectively. The mean dose of MMF post-conversion was 1575 +/- 428 mg/day. Estimated GFR had stabilized at 12 months post-conversion to 25.3 +/- 12.2 ml/min. There was a significant increase in infections following conversion: pre-conversion, 26.7% (8/30); post-conversion, 66.6% (20/30) (chi(2) = 24.5, P < 0.0005). There was an inverse correlation between eGFR at conversion and infection rates post-conversion (r = -0.379, P = 0.039). There were no hospitalizations for infection pre-conversion and 6 patients (20%) were hospitalized post-conversion, for a total of 285 days (7-107). CONCLUSION There is significant morbidity associated with an increased incidence of infection after late introduction of MMF at standard doses in renal transplant recipients. This risk may be related to GFR at the time of conversion.
RNA-Seq Analysis Reveals Candidate Genes for Ontogenic Resistance in Malus-Venturia Pathosystem

Ontogenic scab resistance in apple leaves and fruits is a horizontal resistance against the plant pathogen Venturia inaequalis and is expressed as a decrease in disease symptoms and incidence with the ageing of the leaves. Several studies at the biochemical level tried to unveil the nature of this resistance; however, no conclusive results were reported. We decided therefore to investigate the genetic origin of this phenomenon by performing a full quantitative transcriptome sequencing and comparison of young (susceptible) and old (ontogenic resistant) leaves, infected or not with the pathogen. Two time points at 72 and 96 hours post-inoculation were chosen for RNA sampling and sequencing. Comparison between the different conditions (young and old leaves, inoculated or not) should allow the identification of differentially expressed genes which may represent different induced plant defence reactions leading to ontogenic resistance or may be the cause of a constitutive (uninoculated with the pathogen) shift toward resistance in old leaves. Differentially expressed genes were then characterised for their function by homology to A. thaliana and other plant genes, particularly looking for genes involved in pathways already suspected of appertaining to ontogenic resistance in apple or other hosts, or to plant defence mechanisms in general. In this work, five candidate genes putatively involved in the ontogenic resistance of apple were identified: a gene encoding an “enhanced disease susceptibility 1 protein” was found to be down-regulated in both uninoculated and inoculated old leaves at 96 hpi, while the other four genes encoding proteins (metallothionein3-like protein, lipoxygenase, lipid transfer protein, and a peroxidase 3) were found to be constitutively up-regulated in inoculated and uninoculated old leaves. The modulation of the five candidate genes has been validated using the real-time quantitative PCR. Thus, ontogenic resistance may be the result of the corresponding up- and down-regulation of these genes.
Effect of particle size on the polycrystalline CeB_6 cathode prepared by spark plasma sintering

完整的 densification 多晶的铈 hexaboride (CeB6 ) 阴极材料被使用火花血浆 sintering (SPS ) 准备在氧的方法免费系统。 有 50 nm 的一种平均谷物尺寸的开始的先锋 nanopowders 被高精力的球 milling 准备。 球工厂 nanopowder 充分在 1550 唠協$ 被使增加密度
Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Mechanisms of the Development of Neocortical Lamination

The neocortex is a laminated brain structure that is the seat of higher cognitive capacity and responses, long-term memory, sensory and emotional functions, and voluntary motor behavior. Proper lamination requires that progenitor cells give rise to a neuron, that the immature neuron can migrate away from its mother cell and past other cells, and finally that the immature neuron can take its place and adopt a mature identity characterized by connectivity and gene expression; thus lamination proceeds through three steps: genesis, migration, and maturation. Each neocortical layer contains pyramidal neurons that share specific morphological and molecular characteristics that stem from their prenatal birth date. Transcription factors are dynamic proteins because of the cohort of downstream factors that they regulate. RNA-binding proteins are no less dynamic, and play important roles in every step of mRNA processing. Indeed, recent screens have uncovered post-transcriptional mechanisms as being integral regulatory mechanisms to neocortical development. Here, we summarize major aspects of neocortical laminar development, emphasizing transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, with the aim of spurring increased understanding and study of its intricacies.
Analytical Modeling of CMUTs in Coupled Electro-Mechano-Acoustic Domains Using Plate Vibration Theory

This paper proposes an analytical capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) model that couples three physical domains using plate vibration and radiation theories. The model accounts for the spatial distribution of the normal deflection over the CMUT cell membrane. A mode superposition expression is used to capture the complicated flexural-plate-like movement. We compare the results of analytical calculations using the proposed plate model with those of finite-element modeling, together with the analytical results of the piston-like models. This approach shows promise for more detailed and convenient physical modeling of CMUTs, which could lead to new ways of designing and controlling them.