Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Context-dependent incremental timing cells in the primate hippocampus

Significance Episodic memory refers to the ability to recall specifics of past events in our lives. An essential aspect of events is timing when things occur during an episode. A number of recent studies have shown that the hippocampus, a structure known to be essential to form episodic memories, possesses neurons that explicitly mark moments in time. We add a previously unidentified finding to this work by showing that individual primate hippocampal neurons not only track time, but do so only when specific contextual information (e.g., object identity/location) is cued. These time context-sensitive neurons represent a novel way in which the brain unites disparate streams that comprise an episode and will aid in our understanding of how we store and retrieve episodic memories. We examined timing-related signals in primate hippocampal cells as animals performed an object-place (OP) associative learning task. We found hippocampal cells with firing rates that incrementally increased or decreased across the memory delay interval of the task, which we refer to as incremental timing cells (ITCs). Three distinct categories of ITCs were identified. Agnostic ITCs did not distinguish between different trial types. The remaining two categories of cells signaled time and trial context together: One category of cells tracked time depending on the behavioral action required for a correct response (i.e., early vs. late release), whereas the other category of cells tracked time only for those trials cued with a specific OP combination. The context-sensitive ITCs were observed more often during sessions where behavioral learning was observed and exhibited reduced incremental firing on incorrect trials. Thus, single primate hippocampal cells signal information about trial timing, which can be linked with trial type/context in a learning-dependent manner.
A New Approach for Provenance Studies of Archaeological Finds: Inferences from Trace Elements in Carbonate Minerals of Alpine White Marbles by a Bench-to-Top μ-XRF Spectrometer

The metamorphic rocks outcropping in the Western Alps are characterised by a great variety of white marbles which have been used since the antiquity. This variety mostly includes nine historical Piedmont white marbles (Ornavasso, Candoglia, Crevola, Pont Canavese, Foresto, Chianocco, Prali, Brossasco, and Garessio marbles) coming from well-known quarry sites and belonging to different metamorphic geological units of the Western Alps. The petrographical, minerochemical, and C–O isotopic data of these white marbles have been integrated with CaO and trace element (Fe, Mn, and Sr) concentration determined on single crystals of carbonate minerals (i.e., calcite and/or dolomite) by means of a bench-to-top µ-XRF spectrometer. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed on a data set of 178 observations containing CaO, Fe, Mn, and Sr concentration as well as the maximum grain size (MGS), δ18O and δ13C. The use of only five selected variables (CaO, Fe, Mn, Sr, and δ18O) has provided the correct allocation of each individual observation to its relevant class. Therefore, this approach based mostly on a noninvasive µ-XRF determination will be useful to define the provenance of unknown marbles of alpine origin used in antiquity for cultural heritage.
Palygorskite genesis through silicate transformation in Tunisian continental Eocene deposits

Abstract The mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of Eocene continental sediments in south central Tunisia (Chebket Bouloufa and Jebel Hamri) and in north central Tunisia (Jebel Lessouda and Jebel Rhe´ouis), which contain considerable amounts of palygorskite, were studied. The clay fraction of the sediments also comprises illite, kaolinite, Mg smectite and Al smectite, together with carbonates (calcite and/or dolomite), quartz, gypsum and feldspars, all of which are present in extremely variable proportions. The textural characteristics of the samples containing most palygorskite, as well as the chemical composition of the fibres and the contents of certain trace and rare earth elements suggest that the genesis of this fibrous clay is intimately linked to the diagenetic transformation of illite, mixedlayered minerals and/or Al smectite, as has also been observed in contemporaneous deposits in Morocco.
Efficacy of surgical treatment using microwave coagulo-necrotic therapy for unresectable multiple colorectal liver metastases

Background Five or more colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are considered marginally resectable and cannot be treated solely by hepatic resection (Hr). This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of surgical treatment using microwave coagulo-necrotic therapy (MCN) and/or Hr for marginally resectable or unresectable multiple CRLM. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 82 consecutive CRLM patients with ≥5 CRLM who underwent MCN, Hr, or both, at our institution from 1994 to 2012. Presuming all CRLM were resected curatively, virtual remnant liver volume was calculated using preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Virtual remnant liver volume <30% was defined as unresectable. Patients were divided into marginally resectable (Group Y; n=29) and unresectable (Group N; n=53). Overall and recurrence-free survival were assessed. Results Mean maximum tumor diameter and tumor number were 3.1 and 6.0 cm in Group Y and 3.3 and 11.3 cm in Group N. Surgical methods included MCN (n=16), MCN+Hr (n=9), and Hr (n=4) in Group Y, and MCN (n=28) and MCN+Hr (n=25) in Group N. One- and 2-year recurrence-free survival rates were 38.0% and 22.8% in Group Y, and 18.9% and 3.8% in Group N (P=0.01). However, 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of Group N (86.8%, 44.6%, and 33.7%, respectively) were similar to those of Group Y (82.8%, 51.4%, and 33.3%, respectively; P= not significant each). Conclusion MCN may improve survival for patients with unresectable multiple CRLM, similar to that in patients with marginally resectable multiple CRLM.
Reinforcement Learning with a Hierarchy of Abstract Models

Reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms have traditionally been thought of as trial and error learning methods that use actual control experience to incrementally improve a control policy. Sutton's DYNA architecture demonstrated that RL algorithms can work as well using simulated experience from an environment model, and that the resulting computation was similar to doing one-step lookahead planning. Inspired by the literature on hierarchical planning, I propose learning a hierarchy of models of the environment that abstract temporal detail as a means of improving the scalability of RL algorithms. I present H-DYNA (Hierarchical DYNA), an extension to Sutton's DYNA architecture that is able to learn such a hierarchy of abstract models. H-DYNA differs from hierarchical planners in two ways: first, the abstract models are learned using experience gained while learning to solve other tasks in the same environment, and second, the abstract models can be used to solve stochastic control tasks. Simulations on a set of compositionally-structured navigation tasks show that H-DYNA can learn to solve them faster than conventional RL algorithms. The abstract models also serve as mechanisms for achieving transfer of learning across multiple tasks.
Effectiveness of DuPont Typar sheeting in controlling macrophyte regrowth after overwinter drawdown.

: A new polypropylene sheeting compound, DuPont Typar 3201 and 3301, was applied to the sediments of Country Lake (Portage Co., Ohio) in March 1978 after an overwinter drawdown, and regrowth of rooted macrophytes was compared to an adjacent control area in summer 1978. Regrowth was slight, and macrophyte biomass was at least 100X less than in controls. The sheeting material was permeable to gases and did not “balloon. ” This material is recommended for use around docks, swimming areas, and boat mooring sites. Cost in 1978 was about $0.24/m2.
On a Hybodont Shark (Tristychius) from the Calciferous Sandstone Series of Eskdale (Dumfries-Shire)

The Elasmobranchs of the Carboniferous Period, already known by more than isolated teeth or spines, are very different from all the Elasmobranchs of the Mesozoic and Kainozoic Eras. Some of them approach the theoretical ancestors of the sub-class in their internal anatomy and in the skeletal supports of their fins; others are peculiar in the development of bilaterally symmetrical plates in the cranial roof, or in the presence of dermal head-plates; others seem to have a dentition intermediate between that of the Selachii and the Holocephali, which have been distinct orders since Jurassic times ; and a few form an unique group in which at least the symphysial teeth do not fall out when done with, but fuse with their successors and hang in front of the mouth, either forming a complete spiral or falling away at occasional intervals. Only one specimen has been briefly noticed that seems to approach more nearly the later types of sharks, and this is now worthy of detailed study and description. The specimen in question is the anterior portion of a small shark shown of the natural size in fig. A (p. 339), and it was referred by Traquair to Tristychius, probably T. arcuatus Agassiz. It is displayed on the counterpart halves of a slab of shale from the Calciferous Sandstone Series of Eskdale (Dumfries-shire), and is now in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. I am indebted to Dr. James Ritchie, Keeper of the Natural History Department, for the opportunity of investigating it. The
Threshold Friction Velocities of Saltation Sand Particles for Different Soil Moisture Conditions in the Taklimakan Desert

Using an objective method to calculate the saltation threshold friction velocity u*t based on measurements using a sand particle counter, the values of u*t were determined to be 0.48 and 0.56 m s-1 under dry (θv = 0.002 m3 m-3) and wet (θv = 0.009 m3 m-3) conditions, respectively, at a gobi site in the Taklimakan Desert. This result shows that u*t increased when soil moisture increased resulting from snowfall in March 2003. A simple relationship was found between the saltation flux q(z) at a reference height z and friction velocity u* and u*t.
Annual and semiannual VTEC effects at low solar activity based on GPS observations at different geomagnetic latitudes

[1] The aim of this work is the analysis of the annual, semiannual, and seasonal effects in the total electron content (TEC) of the terrestrial atmosphere during low solar activity. Spatial and temporal ionospheric variability are investigated from global International Global Navigation Satellite System Service (IGS) VTEC maps during low solar activity in 2006. Two different techniques, principal component analysis (PCA) and Fourier analysis, are applied to the data set. Applying the PCA technique on a time series of global IGS VTEC maps gives us a method to analyze the main ionospheric anomalies on a global scale. The Fourier series provide us a comparison with the results obtained with PCA. The behavior of VTEC variations at 2 h periods centered at 1200 and 2200 local time (LT) are analyzed. Particular characteristics associated with each period and with the geomagnetic region are highlighted. All the stations show an annual behavior, which means that the maxima variations of the VTEC occur in summer while minimum variations are in winter, except in the stations located at the Northern Hemisphere at noon. Some regions show patterns of the semiannual anomaly during local noon, and it is also possible to see a higher peak of VTEC during spring rather than autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. However, if we analyze the pattern in the Southern Hemisphere, both peaks in equinox are of the same magnitude. Results obtained with Fourier series are comparable with the ones mentioned above.
A Matrix Metalloproteinase Induction/Activation System Exists in the Human Left Ventricular Myocardium and Is Upregulated in Heart Failure

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) contribute to matrix remodeling in disease states such as tumor metastases. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) has been reported to increase MMP expression, and membrane-type MMP or MT1-MMP has been implicated to activate MMPs. The present study examined whether and to what degree EMMPRIN and MT1-MMP were expressed in human left ventricular (LV) myocardium as well as the association with MMP activity and expression in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods and ResultsLV myocardial zymographic MMP activity increased by >2-fold with both nonischemic DCM (n=21) and ischemic DCM (n=16) compared with normal (n=13). LV myocardial abundance of MMP-9 was increased with both forms of DCM. MMP-2 and MMP-3 were increased with nonischemic DCM. MMP-1 levels were decreased with both forms of DCM. EMMPRIN increased by >250% and MT1-MMP increased by >1000% with both forms of DCM. ConclusionsIncreased LV myocardial MMP activity and selective upregulation of MMPs with nonischemic and ischemic forms of DCM occurred. Moreover, a local MMP induction/activation system was identified in isolated normal human LV myocytes that was upregulated with DCM. The control of MMP activation and expression in the failing human LV myocardium represents a new and potentially significant therapeutic target for this disease process.
Visualizing Volcanic Ash Forecasts: Scientist and Stakeholder Decisions Using Different Graphical Representations and Conflicting Forecasts

AbstractDuring volcanic eruptions, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres issue ash advisories for aviation showing the forecasted outermost extent of the ash cloud. During the 2010 Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokull eruption, the Met Office produced supplementary forecasts of quantitative ash concentration, due to demand from airlines. Additionally, satellite retrievals of estimated volcanic ash concentration are now available. To test how these additional graphical representations of volcanic ash affect flight decisions, whether users infer uncertainty in graphical forecasts of volcanic ash, and how decisions are made when given conflicting forecasts, a survey was conducted of 25 delegates representing U.K. research and airline operations dealing with volcanic ash. Respondents were more risk seeking with safer flight paths and risk averse with riskier flight paths when given location and concentration forecasts compared to when given only the outermost extent of the ash. Respondents representing operations were .
ArchExplorer.org: A methodology for facilitating a fair Comparison of research ideas

While reproducing the experimental results of research articles is standard practice in mature domains of science, such as physics or biology, it has not yet become mainstream in computer architecture. However, recent research shows that the lack of a fair and broad comparison of research ideas can be significantly detrimental to the progress, and thus the productivity, of research. At the same time, the complexity of architecture simulators and the fact that simulators are not systematically disseminated with novel ideas are largely responsible for this situation. While this methodology has a fundamental impact on research, it is by essence a practical issue. In this article, we present and set up an atypical approach to overcome this practical methodology issue, which takes the form of an open and continuous exploration through ArchExplorer, a server-side web infrastructure, that can significantly ease the process of fairly and quantitatively comparing research ideas. The web infrastructure ArchExplorer.org is now publicly open, and we demonstrate the approach with a set of data cache mechanisms. We show that this broad exploration can challenge some earlier assessments about data cache research, and even challenges the conclusions of an earlier but less thorough study on data cache comparison.
Assessing objective techniques for gauge‐based analyses of global daily precipitation

[1] Three objective techniques used to obtain gauge-based daily precipitation analyses over global land areas are assessed. The objective techniques include the inverse-distance weighting algorithms of Cressman (1959) and Shepard (1968), and the optimal interpolation (OI) method of Gandin (1965). Intercomparisons and cross-validation tests are conducted to examine their performance over various parts of the globe where station network densities are different. The gauge data used in the examinations are quality controlled daily precipitation reports from roughly 16,000 stations over the global land areas that have been collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC). Data sources include daily summary files from the Global Telecommunication System (GTS), and the CPC unified daily gauge data sets over the contiguous United States (CONUS), Mexico, and South America. All three objective techniques are capable of generating useful daily precipitation analyses with biases of generally less than 1% over most parts of the global land areas. The OI method consistently performs the best among the three techniques for almost all situations (regions, seasons, and network densities). The Shepard scheme compares reasonably well with the OI, while the Cressman method tends to generate smooth precipitation fields with wider raining areas relative to the station observations. The quality of the gauge-based analyses degrades as the network of station observations becomes sparser, although the OI technique exhibits relatively stable performance statistics over regions covered by fewer gauges.
Effect of surface applications of lime, gypsum and phosphogypsum on the alleviating of surface and subsurface acidity in a soil under pasture

Changes in the chemistry of an acidic grey massive earth soil in response to various ameliorant treatments (gypsum and phosphogypsum in the presence or absence of lime) were investigated in a subterranean clover-based pasture in the southern highlands of New South Wales. Lime, gypsum, and phosphogypsum, or lime in combination with gypsum and phosphogypsum were broadcast at 2500 kg ha-1 on the surface of the soil in May 1990. Pasture production was determined and the soil was sampled to 25 cm depth, 6 and 18 months after treatment application. Surface soil pH was increased to 6-1 by the application of lime, gypsum plus lime and phosphogypsum plus lime treatments in the 0-5 cm depth interval, but remained unchanged when gypsum or phosphogypsum was used alone. Calcium chloride extractable aluminium increased down the soil profile under all treatments to 10-15 cm, but was highest in the gypsum treatment at depth. The application of phosphogypsum increased the 0.01 m CaCl2 extractable fluoride in the surface 5 cm from 26 to 43 µM. In contrast, fluoride concentrations were decreased to between 5.3 and 7.3 µM in the lime, gypsum plus lime and phosphogypsum plus lime treatments. Gypsum and phosphogypsum decreased the concentration of Al3+ in solution and on the exchange sites in the 0-5 cm depth interval. However, the effectiveness of the amendments to reduce toxic Al3+ concentrations were confined to the surface 5 cm. The concentration of aluminium and the activity of Al3+ in the 0-5 cm soil layer at both soil samplings were decreased by the amendments. Lime, and gypsum or phosphogypsum in combination with lime, were the most effective treatments for reducing the activity of Al3+. The activity of Al3+ increased with depth in all treatments. The pH and activity of Al3+ measured in the 0.01 m CaCl2 extracts plot near the gibbsite solubility line and suggest that Al solubility was controlled by this mineral. Exchangeable Ca in the 0-5 cm soil layer was significantly increased by the application of lime whereas exchangeable aluminium was decreased by lime, gypsum and phosphogypsum. There was no significant change in exchangeable cations other than Al below the surface 5 cm which suggests limited leaching of lime, gypsum and phosphogypsum in the profile within the 18 month study period. Pasture yield was significantly increased by the addition of lime and was related to the decrease in the activity of Al3+ in the surface soil.
Reconsidering Health Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident

The Chernobyl accident led to major human suffering caused by the evacuation and other counter-measures. However, the direct health consequences of the accident-related radiation exposures, besides the acute effects and small number of thyroid cancers, have not been observed. This absence is challenged by some influential groups affecting public policies who claim that the true extent of radiogenic health consequences is covered up. We consider such claims. The most conservative (in this case – overestimating) linear no-threshold hypothesis was used to calculate excess cancer expectations for cleanup workers, the population of the contaminated areas and the global population. Statistical estimations were performed to verify whether such expected excess was detectable. The calculated cancer excess for each group is much less than uncertainties in number of cancer cases in epidemiological studies. Therefore the absence of detected radiation carcinogenesis is in full correspondence with the most conservative a priori expectations. Regarding the cover-up claims, rational choice analysis was performed. Such analysis shows that these claims are ill-founded. The present overcautious attitude to radiological hazards should be corrected in order to mitigate the present suffering and to avoid such suffering in the future.
Combination of dexamethasone and local anaesthetic solution in peripheral nerve blocks: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND Dexamethasone decreases postoperative pain and prolongs the duration of local anaesthetic peripheral nerve blocks in studies including a limited number of patients. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of combining dexamethasone with local anaesthetic on sensory and motor peripheral nerve blockade in adults. DESIGN A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. DATA SOURCES We systematically searched in Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register up to December 2013. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomised trials testing dexamethasone combined with local anaesthetic. RESULTS Twelve trials (1054 patients, 512 receiving perineural dexamethasone) were included. Ten studies evaluated dexamethasone for brachial plexus nerve block. Four to 10 mg dexamethasone-containing local anaesthetic solutions had a faster onset of action and resulted in a significant increase in the duration of analgesia [weighted mean difference (WMD) 351 min, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 288 to 413, P < 0.001] and motor blockade (WMD 277 min, 95% CI 167 to 387, P < 0.001) compared with local anaesthetic solutions alone. Time to onset of sensory and motor blocks was significantly reduced with dexamethasone (WMD −78 s, 95% CI −112 to −44, and −90 s, 95% CI −131 to −48, respectively). Dexamethasone significantly decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV, 9 vs. 27%, relative risk 0.36, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.70). Subgroup analyses showed that dexamethasone approximately doubled the duration of postoperative analgesia when it was combined with intermediate-acting (lidocaine, mepivacaine) or long-acting (bupivacaine, ropivacaine) local anaesthetics. CONCLUSION Combining dexamethasone with local anaesthetics results in a prolongation of the duration of peripheral nerve block.