Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Altered Neural Responses to Sounds in Primate Primary Auditory Cortex during Slow-Wave Sleep

How sounds are processed by the brain during sleep is an important question for understanding how we perceive the sensory environment in this unique behavioral state. While human behavioral data have indicated selective impairments of sound processing during sleep, brain imaging and neurophysiology studies have reported that overall neural activity in auditory cortex during sleep is surprisingly similar to that during wakefulness. This responsiveness to external stimuli leaves open the question of how neural responses during sleep differ, if at all, from wakefulness. Using extracellular neural recordings in the primary auditory cortex of naturally sleeping common marmosets, we show that slow-wave sleep (SWS) alters neural responses in the primate auditory cortex in two specific ways. SWS reduced the sensitivity of auditory cortex such that quiet sounds elicited weak responses in SWS compared with wakefulness, while loud sounds evoked similar responses in SWS and wakefulness. Furthermore, SWS reduced the extent of sound-evoked response suppression. This pattern of alterations was not observed during rapid eye movement sleep and could not be easily explained by the presence of slow rhythms in SWS. The alteration of excitatory and inhibitory responses during SWS suggests limitations in auditory processing and provides novel insights for understanding why certain sounds are processed while others are missed during deep sleep.
Advertising "Global Warming" : Verbal and Visual Framing in Japanese Advertisements (青池愼一教授退任記念号)

Current research is attempting to answer the following questions by analyzing environmental advertisements in Japanese newspapers: (1) How are global warming issues constructed in advertising? (2) How have these issues been used for marketing purposes in Japan? Analysis of 153 global warming-related ads in Asahi Shimbun from 1998 to 2007 revealed that future-oriented positive framing was often used and that individual gain-framed messages were also emphasized in commercial advertising. This framing might project an image of consumers who can combat global warming by buying and using energy-saving products that also benefit the individual. Overall, global warming in Japanese commercial advertising tends to be constructed as an opportunity for Japanese companies, especially those with high-level environmental technology.
Within and between Population Variation in Epidermal Club Cell Investment in a Freshwater Prey Fish: A Cautionary Tale for Evolutionary Ecologists

Many prey fishes possess large club cells in their epidermis. The role of these cells has garnered considerable attention from evolutionary ecologists. These cells likely form part of the innate immune system of fishes, however, they also have an alarm function, releasing chemical cues that serve to warn nearby conspecifics of danger. Experiments aimed at understanding the selection pressures leading to the evolution of these cells have been hampered by a surprisingly large intraspecific variation in epidermal club cell (ECC) investment. The goal of our current work was to explore the magnitude and nature of this variation in ECC investment. In a field survey, we documented large differences in ECC investment both within and between several populations of minnows. We then tested whether we could experimentally reduce variation in mean ECC number by raising fish under standard laboratory conditions for 4 weeks. Fish from different populations responded very differently to being held under standard laboratory conditions; some populations showed an increase in ECC investment while others remained unchanged. More importantly, we found some evidence that we could reduce within population variation in ECC investment through time, but could not reduce among-population variation in mean ECC investment. Given the large variation we observed in wild fish and our limited ability to converge mean cell number by holding the fish under standard conditions, we caution that future studies may be hard pressed to find subtle effects of various experimental manipulations; this will make elucidating the selection pressures leading to the evolution of the cells challenging.
Why do business service firms employ fewer apprentices?: A comparison between Germany and The Netherlands

This paper analyses why in Germany and The Netherlands the share of apprentices in the business service sector is lower than in other economic sectors. A theoretical introduction surveys the potential reasons that could be responsible for this. The subsequent empirical analysis shows that the level of skill apprentices gain is the main explanation for the relatively low supply of apprenticeships in German business service enterprises. In The Netherlands, the option to hire skilled employees from full‐time schools instead of training apprentices seems to be crucial. For these reasons, this paper proposes to offer obligatory extra formal training in areas such as IT skills and foreign languages for the apprentices in business service firms in Germany in order to increase the attractiveness of the dual apprenticeship system for prospective apprentices as well as business service firms.
A Multistep Generalization of Runge-Kutta Methods With Four or Five Stages

To obtain high-order integration methods for ordinary differential equatic which combine to some extent the advantage of Runge-Kutta methods on one hand and line multistep methods on the other, the use of “modified multistep” or “hybrid” method has been proposed by various researchers. In this paper formulas are derived for method which use one extra intermediate point than in the previously published methods so that there are analogues of the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. A five-stage method of order 7 is already given.
On the jet speeds of classical double radio sources

A simple integral relation is obtained for the distribution functions of jet speeds and jet-counterjet flux asymmetries of classical double radio sources on the basis of a simple model in which it is assumed that the jets are intrinsically symmetric and that the asymmetries are attributed to relativistic beaming. Analytic expressions relating the mean jet speed and the mean jet flux asymmetry, and their variances are derived. The results are considered in the light of orientation-based unified schemes, and an analytical equation for the critical angle separating quasars and radio galaxies is derived. The mean jet speeds of classical double radio sources are estimated using the asymmetry of jet-counterjet flux densities taken from the 3CRR and B2 samples. For FRI radio sources the mean jet speed is ∼(0.54 ± 0.03)c, while for FRII low-redshift radio galaxies and intermediate-redshift quasars the values found are ∼(0.4 ± 0.06)c and > 0.6c respectively.
Does hysteroscopy worsen prognosis in women with type II endometrial carcinoma?

Background Prior studies evaluating the impact of hysteroscopy on outcomes in endometrial cancer have predominantly evaluated type I tumors. We sought to evaluate whether hysteroscopy worsens prognosis in type II endometrial cancer. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis of 140 patients from two institutions with type II endometrial cancer was performed. Women who underwent either diagnostic hysteroscopy (HSC) or dilation and curettage (D&C) for cancer diagnosis from June 2001 until June 2010 were included. The clinical and pathologic characteristics, including peritoneal cytology results were reviewed. The primary endpoint was disease-specific survival (DSS). The exposure of interest was hysteroscopy. Survival curves were projected using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results There was no difference in age, histology, stage, depth of myometrial invasion, adnexal involvement, or nodal metastasis between HSC and D&C patients. Positive cytology was found in 16/54 (30%) patients following HSC and in 10/86 (12%) following D&C (p = 0.008). Fourteen patients with stage I and II disease had positive peritoneal cytology, with 11/40 (27.5%) patients in the HSC group and 3/59 (5%) patients in the D&C group(p = 0.002). Median DSS was clinically different for the HSC and D&C groups, but statistical significance was not reached (53 versus 63.5 months, p = 0.34). For stage I and II patients, 18/99 (18%) were dead of EC, with a median DSS of 60 months for HSC and 71 months for D&C (p = 0.82). Overall 46 (33%) patients developed a recurrence, with 18/54 (33%) in the HSC group compared to 28/86 (32%) in the D&C group (p = 0.92). There was no difference in recurrence location between groups. Conclusions Diagnostic hysteroscopy significantly increased the rate of positive peritoneal cytology at the time of surgical staging in this cohort of patients with type II EC. However, we were unable to detect a difference in prognosis as measured by DSS.
Superconducting Transition Edge Sensor for Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

Superconducting Transition edge sensor (TES) coupled with a heavy metal absorber is a promising microcalorimeter for Gammaray (γ-ray) spectroscopy with ultra-high energy resolution and high detection efficiency. It is very useful for the non-destructed inspection of the nuclide materials. High resolving power of γ-ray peaks can precisely identify multiple nuclides such as Plutonium (Pu) and Actinides with high efficiency and safety. For this purpose, we have developed the TES coupled with a tin absorber. We suggest the new device structure using the gold bump post which connects a tin absorber to the thermometer of the superconducting Ir/Au bilayer. High thermal conductivity of the gold bump post realized strong thermal coupling between the thermometer and the γ-ray absorber, and it brought the benefit of large pulse height and fast decay time. Our TES achieved the good energy resolution of 84 eV FWHM at 59.5 keV. Using this TES device, we also succeeded to demonstrate the nuclear material measurements. In the measurement of a Pu sample, we detected the sharp γ-ray peaks from 239Pu and 240Pu, and of a Fission Products (FP) sample, we observed fluorescence X-ray peaks emitted by the elements contained in FP. The TES could resolve the fine structures of each fluorescence X-ray line like Kα1 and Kα2. In addition to that, we developed the TES coupled with tantalum absorber, which is expected to have higher absorption efficiency for γ-rays. This device reported the best energy resolution of 465 eV at 662 keV. key words: transition edge sensor, gamma-ray, nuclide analysis
Probe Minimization by Schedule Optimization: Supporting Top-K Queries with Expensive Predicates

This paper addresses the problem of evaluating ranked top-k queries with expensive predicates. As major DBMSs now all support expensive user-defined predicates for Boolean queries, we believe such support for ranked queries can be even more important: first, ranked queries often need to model user-specific concepts of preference, relevance, or similarity, which call for dynamic user-defined functions. Second, middleware systems must incorporate external predicates for integrating autonomous sources typically accessible only by per-object queries. Third, ranked queries often accompany Boolean ranking conditions, which may turn predicates into expensive ones, as the index structure on the predicate built on the base table may be no longer effective in retrieving the filtered objects in order. Fourth, fuzzy joins are inherently expensive, as they are essentially user-defined operations that dynamically associate multiple relations. These predicates, being dynamically defined or externally accessed, cannot rely on index mechanisms to provide zero-time sorted output, and must instead require per-object probe to evaluate. To enable probe minimization, we develop the problem as cost-based optimization of searching over potential probe schedules. In particular, we decouple probe scheduling into object and predicate scheduling problems and develop an analytical object scheduling optimization and a dynamic predicate scheduling optimization, which combined together form a cost-effective probe schedule
Seasonal Biomass and Starch Allocation of Common Reed (Phragmites australis) (Haplotype I) in Southern Alabama, USA

Abstract Common reed (Phragmites australis) is a nonnative invasive perennial grass that is problematic in aquatic and riparian environments across the United States. Common reed often forms monotypic stands that displace native vegetation which provide food and cover for wildlife. To help maintain native habitats and manage populations of common reed in the United States, an understanding of its life history and starch allocation patterns are needed. Monthly biomass samples were harvested from sites throughout the Mobile River delta in southern Alabama, USA from January 2006 to December 2007 to quantify seasonal biomass and starch allocation patterns. Total biomass of common reed throughout the study was between 1375 and 3718 g m−2 depending on the season. Maximum aboveground biomass was 2200 ± 220 g m−2 in October of 2006 and 1302 ± 88 g m−2 in December of 2007. Maximum belowground biomass was seen in November of 2006 and 2007 with 1602 ± 233 and 1610 ± 517 g m−2 respectively. Biomass was related to ambient temperature, in that, as temperature decreased aboveground biomass (p = 0.05) decreased. Decreases in aboveground biomass were followed by an increase in belowground biomass (p < 0.01). Starch comprised 1 to 10% of aboveground biomass with peak temporary storage occurring in July and August 2006 and September to November of 2007. Belowground tissues stored the majority of starch for common reed regardless of the time of year. Overall, belowground tissues stored 5 to 20% of total starch for common reed with peak storage occurring in December 2006 and October 2007. Starch allocation to belowground tissues increased as temperatures decreased. Understanding seasonal life history patterns can provide information to guide management strategies by identifying the vulnerable points in biomass and starch reserves in common reed. Nomenclature: Common reed, Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud PHRCO. Management Implications: Common reed is an invasive grass that continues to spread across the United States. The genetic haplotype I is the dominant form of this species along the Gulf Coast of the United States. During this two year study, common reed biomass fluctuated seasonally, though maximum biomass exceeded 3700 g m−2. Biomass allocation was influenced by seasonal temperatures in that aboveground biomass peaked in early fall, followed by a peak in belowground biomass. The peak in belowground biomass allocation corresponded to increased starch allocation to underground tissues. Understanding these seasonal life history patterns can provide information to guide management strategies by identifying the vulnerable points in biomass and starch reserves in common reed. Based on these data it may be beneficial to implement management techniques in early spring when starch reserves in belowground tissues are being used to support shoot growth. Aboveground biomass during this time would be reduced as plants would be small, and therefore, may be more susceptible to management.
The Angra Neutrino Project

We present the status of the Angra Neutrino project, describing the development of an antineutrino detector aimed to monitor nuclear reactor activity. The experiment will take place at the Brazilian nuclear power plant located in Angra dos Reis. The Angra II reactor, with 4GW of thermal power, will be used as a source of antineutrinos. We expect to observe about one thousand events per day with a detector of one ton scale, placed at about 60 meters of the reactor core. We intend, in a first step, to use the measured neutrino event rate to monitor, with a few per cent accuracy, the thermal power delivered by the reactor. In a second step we intend to determine the fuel isotopic composition through a precise neutrino energy spectrum measurement. In addition to the safeguards issues the project will provide an alternative tool to have an independent control of the reactor delivered thermal power.
Asymmetric Partial Adjustment toward Target Leverage: International Evidence

Examining the roles of costs of deviations from target leverage and costs of leverage adjustments, we find that firms in France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US asymmetrically adjust toward their target leverage. Firms’ adjustment speeds depend on their deviations from target leverage and financing gaps. Specifically, firms that have a financing deficit and are over-levered have the fastest adjustment speeds. Further, firms that tend to adjust more quickly toward target leverage have lower profitability and growth opportunities, fewer tangible assets and are smaller in size. Our results are consistent with the dynamic trade-off theory of capital structure. * Viet Dang, Vietanh.Dang@mbs.ac.uk, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, M15 6PB, UK; Ian Garret, Ian.Garret@mbs.ac.uk, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, M15 6PB, UK; Cuong Nguyen, Cuong.Nguyen@postgrad.mbs.ac.uk, Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, M15 6PB, UK. We would like to thank Arif Khurshed, Maria Marchica, Roberto Mura, David Smith (FMA Asian Conference discussant), Norman Strong and Martin Walker for helpful comments and suggestions on earlier drafts of this paper. Any remaining errors are our own.
Thalidomide-based Regimens for Elderly and/or Transplant Ineligible Patients with Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-analysis

Background:Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic drug that has shown promise in patients with myeloma. Trials comparing efficacy of standard melphalan and prednisone (MP) therapy with MP plus thalidomide (MPT) in transplant-ineligible or elderly patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have provided conflicting evidence. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide in previously untreated elderly patients with myeloma. Methods:Medline, the Cochrane Controlled Trials register, conference proceedings of the American Society of Hematology (1995–2014), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (1995–2014), and CBM, VIP, and CNKI databases were searched for randomized control trials with the use of the medical subject headings “MM” and “thalidomide”. Trials were assessed by two reviewers for eligibility. Meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed effects model. Sensitivity analysis was performed to test the robustness of the findings. Results:Overall, seven trials were identified, covering a total of 1821 subjects. The summary hazard ratio (thalidomide vs. control) was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–0.94) for overall survival (OS), and 0.65 (95% CI: 0.58–0.73) for progression-free survival, in favor of thalidomide treated group. The risk ratio of complete response with induction thalidomide was 3.48 (95% CI: 2.24–5.41). A higher rate of III/IV adverse events were observed in MPT arm compared with the MP arm. However, analysis of sub-groups administering anticoagulation as venous thromboembolism prophylaxis suggested no difference in relative risk of thrombotic events between two arms (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.43–5.07, P = 0.54). Further analysis of trials on the treatment effects of MPT versus MP on adverse events-related mortality showed no statistical difference between two arms (RR = 1.24, 95% CI: [0.95–1.63], P = 0.120). Conclusion:Thalidomide appears to improve the OS of elderly and/or transplant-ineligible patients with MM when it is added to standard MP therapy.
Potentiation of colon cancer susceptibility in mice by colonic epithelial PPAR-δ/β overexpression.

BACKGROUND The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ/β (PPAR-d) is upregulated in human colorectal cancers, but its role in colonic tumorigenesis remains controversial. METHODS We generated a novel mouse model of intestinally targeted PPAR-d overexpression to simulate PPAR-d upregulation in human colon carcinogenesis. Colon-specific PPAR-d overexpression was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and activity assays. Mice with and without targeted PPAR-d overexpression were tested for azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic tumorigenesis. Mouse whole-genome transcriptome microarray analyses were performed to identify PPAR-d target genes to promote tumorigenesis. We used linear models to test for PPAR-d overexpression trend effects on tumor multiplicity. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Targeted PPAR-d overexpression markedly increased colonic tumor incidence (from 0 of 10 wild-type [WT] littermate mice to 9 of 10 mice [P < .001] in 2 FVB/N background mouse lines [villin-PPAR-d-1 and villin-PPAR-d-2] at a 5-mg/kg AOM dose) and multiplicity (number of tumors per mouse per mg/kg dose of AOM increased from 0.47 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.22 to 0.72] for the WT littermates to 2.15 [95% CI = 1.90 to 2.40] [P < .001] for the villin-PPAR-d-1 mice and from 0.44 [95% CI = 0.09 to 0.79] for the WT littermates to 1.91 [95% CI = 1.57 to 2.25] [P < .001] for the villin-PPAR-d-2 mice). PPAR-d overexpression reversed resistance to AOM-induced colonic tumorigenesis in C57BL/6 mice. PPAR-d overexpression modulated expression of several novel PPAR-d target genes in normal-appearing colonic epithelial cells of mice with PPAR-d overexpression in a pattern that matched the changes in colonic tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our finding that PPAR-d upregulation profoundly enhances susceptibility to colonic tumorigenesis should impact the development of strategies of molecularly targeting PPAR-d in cancer and noncancerous diseases.
Magnetoelectric spin wave amplifier for spin wave logic circuits

We propose and analyze a spin wave amplifier aimed to enhance the amplitude of the propagating spin wave via the magnetoelectric effect. The amplifier is a two-layer multiferroic structure, which comprises piezoelectric and ferromagnetic materials. By applying electric field to the piezoelectric layer, the stress is produced. In turn, the stress changes the direction of the easy axis in the ferromagnetic layer. The rotation frequency of the easy axis is the same as the frequency of the spin wave propagating through the ferromagnetic layer. As a result of this two-stage process, the amplitude of the spin wave can be amplified depending on the angle of the easy axis rotation. We present results of numerical simulations illustrating the operation of the proposed amplifier. According to numerical estimates, the amplitude of the spin wave signal can be increased by several orders of magnitude. The energy efficiency of the electric-to-magnetic power conversion is discussed. The proposed amplifier preserves the .