Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic stability of sequential stimulus representations in adapting neuronal networks

The ability to acquire and maintain appropriate representations of time-varying, sequential stimulus events is a fundamental feature of neocortical circuits and a necessary first step toward more specialized information processing. The dynamical properties of such representations depend on the current state of the circuit, which is determined primarily by the ongoing, internally generated activity, setting the ground state from which input-specific transformations emerge. Here, we begin by demonstrating that timing-dependent synaptic plasticity mechanisms have an important role to play in the active maintenance of an ongoing dynamics characterized by asynchronous and irregular firing, closely resembling cortical activity in vivo. Incoming stimuli, acting as perturbations of the local balance of excitation and inhibition, require fast adaptive responses to prevent the development of unstable activity regimes, such as those characterized by a high degree of population-wide synchrony. We establish a link between such pathological network activity, which is circumvented by the action of plasticity, and a reduced computational capacity. Additionally, we demonstrate that the action of plasticity shapes and stabilizes the transient network states exhibited in the presence of sequentially presented stimulus events, allowing the development of adequate and discernible stimulus representations. The main feature responsible for the increased discriminability of stimulus-driven population responses in plastic networks is shown to be the decorrelating action of inhibitory plasticity and the consequent maintenance of the asynchronous irregular dynamic regime both for ongoing activity and stimulus-driven responses, whereas excitatory plasticity is shown to play only a marginal role.
Spatio-temporal remote sensing of vertical and seasonal chlorophyll-a:b ratio in Tamarix ramosissima

ABSTRACT Remotely sensed spectral reflectance data have provided avenues for large-scale non-destructive estimation of temporal and spatial variations of physiological processes in plants. This study established the potential for tracking (chlorophyll) chl-a:b ratio in Tamarix ramosissima based on -leaf-scale photochemical reflectance index (PRI) at Fukang Station of Desert Ecology in the hinterland of the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, northwest China. Leaves were sampled on a monthly basis over a 3-year growing period. T. ramosissima tolerance to the fragile arid conditions revealed higher coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.6) between chl-a:b ratio and N content at each light condition. This implied a higher potential for irradiance acclimation through plasticity in photosynthetic apparatus, and hence an important attribute for colonizing wider desert ecological range. PRI was negatively correlated to chl-a:b ratio regardless of season but was more sensitive to changes in light condition. The modified PRI (PRImod, R510–R570 nm) performed better than the original PRI (PRI, R531–R570 nm) with R2 improvement in all data sets of this species. These results implied that seasonality and leaf age, within canopy resource variation and the individual species must be considered when applying PRImod to estimate chl-a:b ratio. Application of empirical indices avails a non-destructive timely leaf-level, species and site-specific avenue of detecting vegetation status in arid ecosystems. Remote estimation of chl-a:b ratio obtained at leaf scale in this study could be scaled to ecosystem and global scale by effective estimation of spatial distribution and seasonal variation using other pigment-related vegetation index such as the normalized difference vegetation index, or combination of PRI and the water band index.
Modeling time series with fuzzy cognitive maps

Fuzzy Cognitive Maps are recognized knowledge modeling tool. FCMs are visualized with directed graphs. Nodes represent information, edges represent relations within information. The core element of each Fuzzy Cognitive Map is weights matrix, which contains evaluations of connections between map's nodes. Typically, weights matrix is constructed by experts. Fuzzy Cognitive Map can be also reconstructed in an unmanned mode. In this article authors present their own, new approach to time series modeling with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps. Developed methodology joins Fuzzy Cognitive Map reconstruction procedure with moving window approach to time series prediction. Authors train Fuzzy Cognitive Maps to model and forecast time series. The size of the map corresponds to the moving window size and it informs about the length of historical data, which produces time series model. Developed procedure is illustrated with a series of experiments on three real-life time series. Obtained results are compared with other approaches to time series modeling. The most important contribution of this paper is description of the methodology for time series modeling with Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and moving windows.
Weed Infestation, Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influencedby Periods of Weed Interference

Field trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Kwara State University, Nigeria, during the 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons. The aim was to determine the effect of periods of weed interference on weed infestation, maize growth and yield. The experiment consisted of 10 treatments, namely, plots initially kept weed-free for 3, 6, 9 and 12 Weeks After Sowing (WAS) and subsequently left weedy until harvest and plots initially left weedy for 3, 6, 9 and 12 Weeks After Sowing (WAS) and subsequently kept weed--free till harvest. There were two control plots, one left weedy and the other kept weed-free till harvest. The treatments were laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Parameters measured were weed dry weight, maize plant height, leaf area, number of leaves/plant, cob weight, number of kernel rows/cob, 100 seed weight and grain yield. Results show that weed interference in maize for 6 WAS and beyond significantly depressed growth parameters and grain yield. Plots left weedy for only 3 WAS produced significantly higher yield which was comparable to the maximum. Therefore, it is required that maize plot be kept weed-free between 3 and 6 WAS which is the critical period of weed interference, in other to get optimal yield.
Normal‐appearing white matter in multiple sclerosis has heterogeneous, diffusely prolonged T2

T2 relaxation in normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was reexamined using more complete sampling and analysis of decay curves, and to assess focal vs. diffuse abnormalities. Nine MS patients and 10 controls were scanned using a single‐slice 32‐echo pulse sequence with a 10‐ms echo spacing. Decay curves from outlined white and gray matter structures were analyzed using non‐negative least‐squares (NNLS). Resulting T2 distributions were each summarized by the geometric mean T2, T2. Different white matter structures had different mean (over the subjects in a group) T2. Mean T2 in NAWM was always greater than that of controls. Differences were not caused by a few voxels with extreme T2 (i.e., focal lesions), but rather by shifts of the entire T2 distribution (diffuse prolongation). This T2 increase suggests diffuse myelin or axonal pathology. Magn Reson Med 47:403–408, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Porous polymer membranes: synthesis and applications

A novel, nanoparticle-assisted process for the continuous fabrication of polymer (polyethersulfone) ultrafiltration membranes is reported. Incorporating acid-soluble carbonate nanoparticles into polymers and subsequent roll coating or solvent casting of these composites provides a low cost access to large area membrane preforms. Contacting these films with dilute acids removes the nanoparticle template and results in highly porous polymer films. The pore size of the membrane can be modified by the size and morphology of the nanoparticle templates, typically carbonates. The template forming nanoparticles and the morphology of the polymer ultrafiltration membranes were characterized by electron microscopy. The molecular weight cut off (MWCO) of the membranes was determined by a dextran rejection profile test and the amount of residue inorganic material was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The here outlined process may provide an alternative to the current phase inversion production processes particularly since pore templating by soluble nanoparticles is broadly applicable to technically attractive polymers.
Impact of the dopamine receptor gene family on temperament traits in a population‐based birth cohort

Although the genetic determinants of personality have been intensively investigated especially since Cloninger proposed his psychobiological model of temperament and character, findings to date remain inconclusive and very few studies have addressed the topic in large population cohorts. In the current study we investigated one gene family in its entirety by addressing the role of all known dopamine receptor genes, DRD1–DRD5, on Cloninger's temperament traits in a Finnish population‐based birth cohort. The study sample (n = 1,434) was ascertained from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 with over 5,000 study individuals tested at the age of 31 years. We utilized the genetic homogeneity and genealogical structure of this population to uncover putative effects of these genes on temperament traits at the population level. Our strategy utilizing a large birth cohort and its well established genealogical structure represents an optimal design for studying normally distributed traits. We also wished to provide a comprehensive view to one biologically relevant gene family instead of testing single candidate genes. We report evidence of association of several SNPs at the 5′ end of dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) with Novelty seeking (low) and Harm avoidance (high), and at the 3′ end of DRD2 with Persistence. The strongest evidence of association emerged from females. Our study supports the involvement of the dopamine pathway in temperament traits, in particular underlining the role of DRD2 in Novelty seeking, Harm avoidance and Persistence. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Can Hedge Funds Time Market Liquidity?

We explore a new dimension of fund managers' timing ability by examining whether they can time market liquidity through adjusting their portfolios' market exposure as aggregate liquidity conditions change. Using a large sample of hedge funds, we find strong evidence of liquidity timing. A bootstrap analysis suggests that top-ranked liquidity timers cannot be attributed to pure luck. In out-of-sample tests, top liquidity timers outperform bottom timers by 4.0–5.5% annually on a risk-adjusted basis. We also find that it is important to distinguish liquidity timing from liquidity reaction, which primarily relies on public information. Our results are robust to alternative explanations, hedge fund data biases, and the use of alternative timing models, risk factors, and liquidity measures. The findings highlight the importance of understanding and incorporating market liquidity conditions in investment decision making.
Intensity and directionality of bat echolocation signals

The paper reviews current knowledge of intensity and directionality of bat echolocation signals. Recent studies have revealed that echolocating bats can be much louder than previously believed. Bats previously dubbed “whispering” can emit calls with source levels up to 110 dB SPL at 10 cm and the louder open space hunting bats have been recorded at above 135 dB SPL. This implies that maximum emitted intensities are generally 30 dB or more above initial estimates. Bats' dynamic control of acoustic features also includes the intensity and directionality of their sonar calls. Aerial hawking bats will increase signal directionality in the field along with intensity thus increasing sonar range. During the last phase of prey pursuit, vespertilionid bats broaden their echolocation beam considerably, probably to counter evasive maneuvers of eared prey. We highlight how multiple call parameters (frequency, duration, intensity, and directionality of echolocation signals) in unison define the search volume probed by bats and in turn how bats perceive their surroundings. Small changes to individual parameters can, in combination, drastically change the bat's perception, facilitating successful navigation and food acquisition across a vast range of ecological niches. To better understand the function of echolocation in the natural habitat it is critical to determine multiple acoustic features of the echolocation calls. The combined (interactive) effects, not only of frequency and time parameters, but also of intensity and directionality, define the bat's view of its acoustic scene.
Turning crocodilian hearts into bird hearts: growth rates are similar for alligators with and without right-to-left cardiac shunt

SUMMARY The functional and possible adaptive significance of non-avian reptiles' dual aortic arch system and the ability of all non-avian reptiles to perform central vascular cardiac shunts have been of great interest to comparative physiologists. The unique cardiac anatomy of crocodilians – a four-chambered heart with the dual aortic arch system – allows for only right-to-left (R–L; pulmonary bypass) cardiac shunt and for surgical elimination of this shunt. Surgical removal of the R–L shunt, by occluding the left aorta (LAo) upstream and downstream of the foramen of Panizza, results in a crocodilian with an obligatory, avian/mammalian central circulation. In this study, R–L cardiac shunt was eliminated in age-matched, female American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis; 5–7 months of age). We tested the hypothesis that surgical elimination of R–L cardiac shunt would impair growth (a readily measured proxy for fitness) compared with sham-operated, age-matched controls, especially in animals subjected to exhaustive exercise. While regular exercise caused a decrease in size (snout-to-vent length, head length and body mass), elimination of the capacity for R–L cardiac shunt did not greatly reduce animal growth, despite a chronic ventricular enlargement in surgically altered juvenile alligators. We speculate that, despite being slightly smaller, alligators with an occluded LAo would have reached sexual maturity in the same breeding season as control alligators. This study suggests that crocodilian R–L cardiac shunt does not provide an adaptive advantage for juvenile alligator growth and supports the logic that cardiac shunts persist in crocodilians because they have not been selected against.
High Specificity of Quantitative Methylation-Specific PCR Analysis for MGMT Promoter Hypermethylation Detection in Gliomas

Normal brain tissue from 28 individuals and 50 glioma samples were analyzed by real-time Quantitative Methylation-Specific PCR (QMSP). Data from this analysis were compared with results obtained on the same samples by MSP. QMSP analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in both methylation level (P = .000009 Mann Whitney Test) and frequencies (P = .0000007, Z-test) in tumour samples as compared with normal brain tissues. Although QMSP and MSP showed similar sensitivity, the specificity of QMSP analysis was significantly higher (93%; CI95%: 84%–100%) as compared with MSP (64%; 95%CI: 46%–82%). Our results suggest that QMSP analysis may represent a powerful tool to identify glioma patients that will benefit from alkylating agents chemotherapy.
Functional Characterization of the Human Organic Cation Transporter 2 Variant p.270Ala>Ser

The organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2, SLC22A2) plays an important role for renal drug elimination. Recent clinical studies indicate an impact of the frequent nonsynonymous c.808G>T (p.270Ala>Ser) polymorphism on renal clearance of metformin and the extent of the metformin-cimetidine interaction. The role of this polymorphism for renal disposition of endogenous compounds and drugs other than metformin has not been investigated. In addition, it is unclear whether the observed genotype dependence of an OCT2-mediated drug-drug interaction might occur also with other OCT inhibitors. To address these issues, we generated human embryonic kidney cells stably expressing wild-type OCT2 or the p.270Ala>Ser variant. No differences in protein expression levels and membrane incorporation pattern were observed between the two cell lines. The p.270Ala>Ser variant significantly impaired uptake kinetics of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, dopamine, norepinephrine, and propranolol. Vmax values were significantly reduced for uptake of all four compounds mediated by the p.270Ala>Ser variant compared with wild-type OCT2. In addition, a significant difference in the affinity to wild-type and mutant OCT2 was observed for dopamine (Km dopamine: 932 ± 77 versus 1285 ± 132 μM). Moreover, out of a set of 27 compounds p.270Ala>Ser OCT2 was significantly less sensitive to inhibition by cimetidine, flurazepam, metformin, mexiletine, propranolol, and verapamil than wild-type OCT2 (e.g., for propranolol: IC50 wild type versus p.270Ala>Ser 189 versus 895 μM, P < 0.001). Our results indicate that the common OCT2 c.808G>T single nucleotide polymorphism significantly alters uptake of endogenous compounds and drugs. Moreover, for selected compounds the extent of OCT2-mediated drug interactions could depend on OCT2 c.808G>T genotype.
Racial and insurance based disparities in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis: a study of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Background and purpose Minorities and uninsured/underinsured patients have poorer access to healthcare system resources, especially preventative treatments. We sought to determine whether racial and insurance based disparities existed in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis. Methods Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, hospitalizations for carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis from 2005 to 2011 were identified. We calculated χ2 tests, and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fit to assess differences in the characteristics of patients receiving carotid revascularization for asymptomatic compared with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Demographic characteristics studied included race/ethnicity (white, black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander) and primary payer status (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, self-pay and no charge). Results Between 2005 and 2011, 890 680 patients underwent carotid revascularization for the treatment of carotid artery stenosis (92.1% asymptomatic and 7.9% symptomatic). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Medicaid (OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.92, p<0.0001) and self-pay patients (OR=0.48, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.51, p<0.0001) had a lower odds of being revascularized for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis compared with private insurance patients. Black (OR=0.81, 95% CI −0.77 to 0.84, p<0.0001) and Hispanic (OR=0.86, 95% CI −0.83 to 0.90, p<0.0001) patients had significantly lower odds of revascularization for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis compared with white patients. Conclusions Minorities and self-pay/Medicaid patients were less likely to receive carotid revascularization when asymptomatic—rather they were more likely to have treatment only after symptoms had developed. These findings suggest possible disparities in the degree of morbidity related to carotid artery stenosis, the likelihood of early detection, and/or the likelihood of treatment conditional on indication.
Are recent cohorts of women with engineering bachelors less likely to stay in engineering?

Women are an increasing percentage of Bachelors in Engineering (BSEs) graduates—rising from 1% in 1970 to 20% in the 2000s—encouraged by increasing K-12 emphasis on attracting girls to STEM and efforts to incorporate engineering and technology into K-12 curricula. Retention of women in STEM and in engineering in particular has been a concern historically. In this paper, we investigate whether this gap has increased because a larger proportion of females entering engineering find themselves ill-matched to this field, or whether the gap has decreased as engineering becomes more accommodating to women. Using 1993–2010 nationally representative NSF SESTAT surveys, we compare cohorts of BSEs at the same early-career stages (from 1–2 to 7–8 years post-bachelors). We find no evidence of a time trend in the gender gap in retention in engineering and a slightly decreasing gender gap in leaving the labor force. We find, as others have, that the majority of the gender retention gap is due to women leaving the labor force entirely and that this exit is highly correlated with child-bearing; yet women with engineering majors are half as likely as all college-educated women to leave the labor market. There are no clear time trends in female BSEs leaving the labor market. Single childless women are actually more likely than men to remain in engineering jobs. Some of the gender differences in retention we find are caused by differences in race and engineering subfield. With controls for these, there is no gender retention difference by 7–8 years post-bachelors for those full-time employed. There were two unusual cohorts—women with 1991–1994 BSEs were particularly likely to remain in engineering and women with 1998–2001 BSEs were particularly likely to leave engineering, compared to men. Cohorts before and after these revert toward the mean, indicating no time trend. Also, women who leave engineering are just as likely as men to stay in math-intensive STEM jobs.
Incommensurate Antiferromagnetism Coexisting with Superconductivity in Two-Dimensional d-p Model(Condensed matter: electronic structure and electrical, magnetic, and optical properties)

Numerical studies of the two-dimensional d–p model using the Gutzwiller ansatz have exhibited the incommensurate antiferromagnetic state coexisting with superconductivity in the under- and lightly doped regions. Our results are based on the variational Monte Carlo method for the three-band Hubbard model with d and p orbitals. We obtained the finite superconducting condensation energy for the coexistent sate at the doping rate x =1/8, 1/12, and 1/16, up to the systems of 256 unit cells with 768 atoms (oxygen and copper atoms). The phase diagram for the hole-doped case is consistent with recent results reported for layered high temperature cuprates.
On Sets of Integers Which Contain No Three Terms in Arithmetical Progression.

Example 6. Let space be that of Example 2, but now let K denote the point set AB2 + AB3 + . , letM denote A + (S AB1) and let D denote S (AB1 + AB2) + . ). The point set M*K is now K, D is compact and A3, the boundary of M, is the point A which is a subcontinuum of K lying in D and coinciding with fl3D. ButKD is A + O which is not connected. Theorem 9 does not remain true if the stipulation that M.K is compact is replaced by the stipulation that D is compact even though the resulting hypothesis is strengthened by the elimination of the word "either" and "or there exists a subcontinuum of K lying in D and containing # -D. " Consider the following example. Example 7. In a Cartesian plane E, let A, A1 and A2 denote the points (0, 4), (0, 1) and (0, 3), respectively and, for each n, let Bn denote (1/n, 0) and let ABn denote the straight-line interval whose extremities are A and Bn. Let T denote a semi-circle passing through (1, 2) and with its extremities at A, and A2. Let K denote the point set A1 + A2 + AB2 + AB3 +