Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary Restriction Affects Neuronal Response Property and GABA Synthesis in the Primary Visual Cortex

Previous studies have reported inconsistent effects of dietary restriction (DR) on cortical inhibition. To clarify this issue, we examined the response properties of neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) of DR and control groups of cats using in vivo extracellular single-unit recording techniques, and assessed the synthesis of inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA in the V1 of cats from both groups using immunohistochemical and Western blot techniques. Our results showed that the response of V1 neurons to visual stimuli was significantly modified by DR, as indicated by an enhanced selectivity for stimulus orientations and motion directions, decreased visually-evoked response, lowered spontaneous activity and increased signal-to-noise ratio in DR cats relative to control cats. Further, it was shown that, accompanied with these changes of neuronal responsiveness, GABA immunoreactivity and the expression of a key GABA-synthesizing enzyme GAD67 in the V1 were significantly increased by DR. These results demonstrate that DR may retard brain aging by increasing the intracortical inhibition effect and improve the function of visual cortical neurons in visual information processing. This DR-induced elevation of cortical inhibition may favor the brain in modulating energy expenditure based on food availability.
A new species of Bachia Gray, 1845 (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the Cerrado of Midwestern Brazil

A new species of Bachia is described from two localities in the states of Mato Grosso and Rondonia, in Midwestern Brazil. The new species mostly resembles Bachia bresslaui in pholidosis and biometry, differing from this and from all other taxa from bresslaui group by the presence of two clawed digits in the forefeet.
Patterns in nutrient limitation and chlorophyll a along an anthropogenic eutrophication gradient in French Mediterranean coastal lagoons

A cross-ecosystem comparison of data obtained from 20 French Mediterranean lagoons with contrasting eutrophication status provided the basis for investigating the variables that best predict chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations and nutrient limitation of phytoplankton biomass along a strong nutrient enrichment gradient. Summer concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (DIP) comprised only a small fraction of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP). On the basis of inorganic nutrient concentrations, the most oligotrophic lagoons appeared to be phosphorus-limited, with a tendency towards the development of nitrogen limitation as eutrophication increased, as evidenced by decreasing DIN:DIP ratios. A weak but significantly positive relationship was found between dissolved silicate (DSi) and Chl a, reflecting DSi accumulation in the water column along the trophic state gradient and implying a progressive shift away from potential Si limitation of phytoplankton growth. Observed concentrations of Chl a were far better explained by TN and TP than by DIN and DIP concentrations, suggesting that a total nutrient based approach is likely to be the most appropriate for managing eutrophication in Mediterranean lagoons and other coastal waters. These results give credence to the idea that marine and freshwater environments respond in a similar fashion to nutrient enrichment.
Semantic Processing in Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children: Large N400 Mismatch Effects in Brain Responses, Despite Poor Semantic Ability

Difficulties in auditory and phonological processing affect semantic processing in speech comprehension for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children. However, little is known about brain responses related to semantic processing in this group. We investigated event-related potentials (ERPs) in DHH children with cochlear implants (CIs) and/or hearing aids (HAs), and in normally hearing controls (NH). We used a semantic priming task with spoken word primes followed by picture targets. In both DHH children and controls, cortical response differences between matching and mismatching targets revealed a typical N400 effect associated with semantic processing. Children with CI had the largest mismatch response despite poor semantic abilities overall; Children with CI also had the largest ERP differentiation between mismatch types, with small effects in within-category mismatch trials (target from same category as prime) and large effects in between-category mismatch trials (where target is from a different category than prime), compared to matching trials. Children with NH and HA had similar responses to both mismatch types. While the large and differentiated ERP responses in the CI group were unexpected and should be interpreted with caution, the results could reflect less precision in semantic processing among children with CI, or a stronger reliance on predictive processing.
Early predictors of post‐concussion symptoms in patients with mild head injury

A small proportion of patients with mild head injury (MHI) develop post‐concussion symptoms (PCSs). We searched simple measures for the early detection of patients who are probable to develop PCSs. We recorded signs and symptoms, history of previous diseases, medications, and lifestyle factors and measured serum protein S‐100B on admission in a series of 172 consecutive MHI patients admitted into the emergency room of a general hospital. A modified Rivermead Post‐Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire was used to identify the patients with and without PCSs 1 month after the injury. We identified 37 patients with MHI who developed PCSs (22%). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) after adjustment for possible confounding variables were calculated by logistic regression. Independent early risk factors for PCSs in the MHI patients were skull fracture (OR 8.0, 95% CI 2.6–24.6), serum protein S‐100B ≥ 0.50 μg/l (OR 5.5, 95% CI 1.6–18.6), dizziness (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2–8.0), and headache (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.5). Serum protein S‐100B proved to be a specific, but not sensitive predictor of PCSs. The presence of skull fracture, elevated serum protein S‐100B, dizziness, and headache may help the emergency room physician to identify patients at risk of PCSs and to refer them for further examination and follow‐up.
Smile attractiveness. Self-perception and influence on personality.

OBJECTIVES To investigate self-perception of smile attractiveness and to determine the role of smile line and other aspects correlated with smile attractiveness and their influence on personality traits. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Participants judged their smile attractiveness with a patient-specific questionnaire. The questionnaire contained a spontaneous smiling photograph of the participant. Objective smile-line height was measured using a digital videographic method for smile analysis. Personality was assessed with the Dutch Personality Index. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha for the smile judgment questionnaire was . 77. The results showed that size of teeth, visibility of teeth, and upper lip position were critical factors in self-perception of smile attractiveness (social dimension). Color of teeth and gingival display were critical factors in satisfaction with smile appearance (individual dimension). Participants, smiling with teeth entirely displayed and some gingival display (two to four millimeters), perceived their smile line as most esthetic. Smiles with disproportional gingival display were judged negatively and correlated with the personality characteristics of neuroticism and self-esteem. Visibility and position of teeth correlated with dominance. CONCLUSION The results of this research underpin the psychosocial importance and the dental significance of an attractive smile.
Structural and mechanical study of nanocomposite Ti-Zr-C-H coatings prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering

Nanocomposite structures formed by small crystallites embedded in a lubricant matrix present moderate–high hardness, good toughness, and low values of friction coefficient and wear rate, and they are a promising alternative for protective tasks. In this study, we have prepared Ti–Zr–C–H films as potential candidates as protective layers for biocompatible applications. The constituting elements were selected due to their proven good biocompatibility at the macroscale. The films were prepared by reactive dc magnetron sputtering, and further characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Mechanical and tribological properties were also evaluated.
Midzone microtubule bundles are continuously required for cytokinesis in cultured epithelial cells [published erratum appears in J Cell Biol 1996 Dec;135(6 Pt 1):1679]

The current model of cytokinesis proposes that spindle poles and associated microtubules determine the cleavage plane, and, once the signal has been delivered to the cortex, the entire mitotic apparatus can be removed without affecting cell division. While supported by compelling data from Echinoderm embryos, recent observations suggest that the model may not be universally applicable. In this study, we have examined the relationship(s) among microtubules, chromosomes, and cleavage activity in living normal rat kidney (NRK) cells with multipolar mitotic figures. We found that cleavage activity correlated with the distribution of midzone microtubule bundles and Telophase Disc 60 protein (TD60) rather than the position of spindle poles. In addition, reduction of midzone microtubules near the cortex, by either nocodazole treatment or spontaneous reorganization in tripolar cells, caused inhibition or regression of furrowing. These results demonstrate that continuous interaction between midzone microtubule bundles and the cortex is required for successful cleavage in tissue culture cells.
Diagnosis of the presence of lymph node metastasis and decision of operative indication using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography in patients with primary lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES We evaluate whether integrated fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scan can diagnose the presence of lymph node metastasis more accurately than computed tomography (CT) scan alone. METHODS Forty-two patients with lung cancer preoperatively underwent integrated PET/CT scan using FDG and CT scan and underwent pulmonary resection and lymph node dissection. We judged cases as lymph node metastasis if the lymph node visually accumulated FDG at PET/CT scan and measured 1 cm or greater in the short axis at CT scan. We retrospectively analyzed whether our judgments in each modality were consistent with the pathological diagnosis. RESULTS Two-hundred and seventeen stations of lymph node were dissected and 21 stations (9.7%) were histologically diagnosed as positive metastasis. Thirty-two stations of lymph node visually accumulated FDG at PET/CT scan and 17 stations measured 1 cm or greater in the short axis at CT scan. Concerning the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis, PET/CT scan showed significantly higher sensitivity than CT scan (81% vs. 48%, p=0.024). The false-positive rate was significantly high in PET-positive lymph nodes measuring less than 1 cm in diameter. There were 4 false-negative lymph nodes with both scans. All of these were less than 7 mm in diameter and had a low percentage of metastatic foci in the lymph node. Concerning the diagnosis of N staging, there was no significant difference between PET/CT scan and CT scan (83% vs. 69%, p=0.124). However, the identification of N2 disease at PET/CT scan was significantly more accurate than that at CT scan (100% vs. 38%, p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS PET/CT is superior to CT scan in lymph node staging. However, because the false-positive rate is high in PET-positive lymph nodes measuring less than 1 cm in diameter, we think that clinical background should be considered and other modalities or histological examinations should be undertaken if necessary. J. Med. Invest. 57: 305-313, August, 2010.
Do Rapid Releases Affect Bug Reopening? A Case Study of Firefox

Large software organizations have been adopting rapid release cycles to deliver features and bug fixes earlier to their users. Because this approach reduces time for testing, it raises concerns about the effectiveness of quality assurance in this setting. In this paper, we study how the adoption of rapid release cycles impacts bug reopening rate, an indicator for the quality of the bug fixing process. To this end, we analyze thousands of bug reports from Mozilla Firefox, both before and after their adoption of rapid releases. Results suggest that the bug reopening rate of versions developed in rapid cycles was about 7% higher. Also, as a warning to the software analytics community, we report contradictory results from three attempts to answer our research question, performed with varying degrees of knowledge about the Firefox release process.
Dynamics of Passive and Active Particles in the Cell Nucleus

Inspite of being embedded in a dense meshwork of nuclear chromatin, gene loci and large nuclear components are highly dynamic at C. To understand this apparent unfettered movement in an overdense environment, we study the dynamics of a passive micron size bead in live cell nuclei at two different temperatures ( and C) with and without external force. In the absence of a force, the beads are caged over large time scales. On application of a threshold uniaxial force (about 10 pN), the passive beads appear to hop between cages; this large scale movement is absent upon ATP-depletion, inhibition of chromatin remodeling enzymes and RNAi of lamin B1 proteins. Our results suggest that the nucleus behaves like an active solid with a finite yield stress when probed at a micron scale. Spatial analysis of histone fluorescence anisotropy (a measure of local chromatin compaction, defined as the volume fraction of tightly bound chromatin) shows that the bead movement correlates with regions of low chromatin compaction. This suggests that the physical mechanism of the observed yielding is the active opening of free-volume in the nuclear solid via chromatin remodeling. Enriched transcription sites at C also show caging in the absence of the applied force and directed movement beyond a yield stress, in striking contrast with the large scale movement of transcription loci at C in the absence of a force. This suggests that at physiological temperatures, the loci behave as active particles which remodel the nuclear mesh and reduce the local yield stress.
Nanofilled Polypropylene/Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Blends: A Morphological and Mechanical Properties Study

Polypropylene (PP) /poly(trimethylene terephthalate), (PTT), binary blends in the presence of two interfacial modifier as well as two organically modified nanoclay additives were studied in terms of mechanical and morphological characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the incompatibility of the system which was solved to some extent through incorporating the nanoclay as well as functional compatibilizers. An evaluation of the specimens via static mechanical tests in tensile mode gave credence to the assumption that the higher the PTT content, the higher the mechanical performance would be. Furthermore, the compatibilizer-containing blends not only exhibited higher toughness, but also possessed enhanced stiffness when a maleated compatibilizer was added. The tensile modulus was promoted further in the presence of clay nanoparticles; however, toughness was somewhat sacrificed. The Barentsen as well as Halpin-Tsai models were found to describe the binary blends modulus. The reinforcing impact of the nanoclay was exploited to a greater degree in the presence of the compatibilizer.
De Novo Transcriptome Assembly in Firmiana danxiaensis, a Tree Species Endemic to the Danxia Landform

Many Firmiana species are locally endemic, providing an interesting system for studying adaptation and speciation. Among these species, F. danxiaensis is a tree species endemic to Mount Danxia in Guangdong, China, which is an area known for presenting the Danxia landform. How F. danxiaensis could have adapted to the stressful environment of rocky cliffs covered with barren soils in the Danxia landform is still unknown. In this study, we performed de novo assembly of the transcriptome of F. danxiaensis, obtaining 47,221 unigenes with an N50 value of 987 bp. Homology analysis showed that 32,318 of the unigenes presented hits in the NCBI non-redundant database, and 31,857 exhibited significant matches with the protein database of Theobroma cacao. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation showed that hundreds of unigenes participated in responses to various stresses or nutritional starvation, which may help us to understand the adaptation of F. danxiaensis to Danxia landform. Additionally, we found 263 genes related to responses to Cd, partially explaining the high accumulation of Cd observed in Firmiana species. The EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups (KOG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations revealed many genes playing roles in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and environmental adaptation, which may also contribute to the survivor and success of Firmiana species in extreme environments. Based on the obtained transcriptome, we further identified a Firmiana-specific whole-genome duplication event that occurred approximately 20 Mya, which may have provided raw materials for the diversification of Firmiana species.
A Social-Aware Service Recommendation Approach for Mashup Creation

Mashup is a user-centric approach to create value-added new services by utilizing and recombining existing service components. However, as services become increasingly more spontaneous and prevalent on the Internet, finding suitable services from which to develop a mashup based on users' explicit and implicit requirements remains a daunting task. Several approaches already exist for recommending specific services for users but they are limited to proposing only services with similar functionality. In order to recommend a set of suitable services for a general mashup based on users' functional specifications, a novel social-aware service recommendation approach, where multi-dimensional social relationships among potential users, topics, mashups, and services are described by a coupled matrix model, is proposed in this paper. Accordingly, a factorization algorithm is designed to predict unobserved relationships, and as a result, a comprehensive service recommendation model can be readily constructed. Experimental results for a realistic mashup data set indicate that the proposed approach outperforms other state-of-the-art methods.
Densification Study and Mechanical Properties of Microwave‐Sintered Mullite and Mullite–Zirconia Composites

The objective of this research is to evaluate microwave sintering as a viable technique to reliably process high-strength mullite and mullite–zirconia composites. In this report, the advantage of microwave processing over conventional heating is realized by comparing the densification behavior and mechanical properties of sintered mullite and mullite–zirconia composites. Commercially procured mullite powders were sintered using a 3 kW, 2.45 GHz microwave furnace in the range of 14001–15001C, for 1 h. For pure mullite, an increase in sintering temperature from 14001 to 15001C decreased the porosity from 30% to 13%, which increased the compressive strength from 128718 to 387721 MPa with 1 wt% MgO as a sintering aid to mullite. Furthermore, yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (3Y-TZP) was incorporated (up to 20 wt%) to improve the microwave absorption efficiency of mullite. A maximum density of 92% can be achieved for mullite with 1 wt% MgO and 10 wt% ZrO2 composites sintered at 15001C in microwave furnace and exhibited a maximum hardness of B10.2470. 61 GPa, compressive strength of B740738 MPa and a moderately high indentation fracture toughness of B3.6570. 43 MPa . m 1/2 . M icrowave sintering data, when compared with those of conventional sintering, revealed that volumetric heating of microwaves led to considerable improvement in strength of mullite and mullite–zirconia composites while utilizing reduced time and energy.
Capacity-approaching bandwidth-efficient coded modulation schemes based on low-density parity-check codes

We design multilevel coding (MLC) and bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) schemes based on low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The analysis and optimization of the LDPC component codes for the MLC and BICM schemes are complicated because, in general, the equivalent binary-input component channels are not necessarily symmetric. To overcome this obstacle, we deploy two different approaches: one based on independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) channel adapters and the other based on coset codes. By incorporating i.i. d. channel adapters, we can force the symmetry of each binary-input component channel. By considering coset codes, we extend the concentration theorem based on previous work by Richardson et al. ( see ibid., vol.47, p.599-618, Feb. 2001) and Kavc/spl caron/ic/spl acute/ et al.(see ibid., vol.49, p.1636-52, July 2003) We also discuss the relation between the systems based on the two approaches and show that they indeed have the same expected decoder behavior. Next, we jointly optimize the code rates and degree distribution pairs of the LDPC component codes for the MLC scheme. The optimized irregular LDPC codes at each level of MLC with multistage decoding (MSD) are able to perform well at signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) very close to the capacity of the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. We also show that the optimized BICM scheme can approach the parallel independent decoding (PID) capacity as closely as does the MLC/PID scheme. Simulations with very large codeword length verify the accuracy of the analytical results. Finally, we compare the simulated performance of these coded modulation schemes at finite codeword lengths, and consider the results from the perspective of a random coding exponent analysis.
Accurate computation of the MGF of the lognormal distribution and its application to sum of lognormals

Sums of lognormal random variables (RVs) are of wide interest in wireless communications and other areas of science and engineering. Since the distribution of lognormal sums is not log-normal and does not have a closed-form analytical expression, many approximations and bounds have been developed. This paper develops two computational methods for the moment generating function (MGF) or the characteristic function (CHF) of a single lognormal RV. The first method uses classical complex integration techniques based on steepest-descent integration. The saddle point of the integrand is explicitly expressed by the Lambert function. The steepest-descent (optimal) contour and two closely-related closed-form contours are derived. A simple integration rule (e.g., the midpoint rule) along any of these contours computes the MGF/CHF with high accuracy. The second approach uses a variation on the trapezoidal rule due to Ooura and Mori. Importantly, the cumulative distribution function of lognormal sums is derived as an alternating series and convergence acceleration via the Epsilon algorithm is used to reduce, in some cases, the computational load by a factor of 106! Overall, accuracy levels of 13 to 15 significant digits are readily achievable.