Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Loss of the Anorexic Response to Systemic 5-Aminoimidazole-4-Carboxamide-1-β-D-Ribofuranoside Administration Despite Reducing Hypothalamic AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphorylation in Insulin-Deficient Rats

This study tested whether chronic systemic administration of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR) could attenuate hyperphagia, reduce lean and fat mass losses, and improve whole-body energy homeostasis in insulin-deficient rats. Male Wistar rats were first rendered diabetic through streptozotocin (STZ) administration and then intraperitoneally injected with AICAR for 7 consecutive days. Food and water intake, ambulatory activity, and energy expenditure were assessed at the end of the AICAR-treatment period. Blood was collected for circulating leptin measurement and the hypothalami were extracted for the determination of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) content, as well as the content and phosphorylation of AMP-kinase (AMPK), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Rats were thoroughly dissected for adiposity and lean body mass (LBM) determinations. In non-diabetic rats, despite reducing adiposity, AICAR increased (∼1.7-fold) circulating leptin and reduced hypothalamic SOCS3 content and food intake by 67% and 25%, respectively. The anorexic effect of AICAR was lost in diabetic rats, even though hypothalamic AMPK and ACC phosphorylation markedly decreased in these animals. Importantly, hypothalamic SOCS3 and STAT3 levels remained elevated and reduced, respectively, after treatment of insulin-deficient rats with AICAR. Diabetic rats were lethargic and displayed marked losses of fat and LBM. AICAR treatment increased ambulatory activity and whole-body energy expenditure while also attenuating diabetes-induced fat and LBM losses. In conclusion, AICAR did not reverse hyperphagia, but it promoted anti-catabolic effects on skeletal muscle and fat, enhanced spontaneous physical activity, and improved the ability of rats to cope with the diabetes-induced dysfunctional alterations in glucose metabolism and whole-body energy homeostasis.
The Expression of Emotions in 20th Century Books

We report here trends in the usage of “mood” words, that is, words carrying emotional content, in 20th century English language books, using the data set provided by Google that includes word frequencies in roughly 4% of all books published up to the year 2008. We find evidence for distinct historical periods of positive and negative moods, underlain by a general decrease in the use of emotion-related words through time. Finally, we show that, in books, American English has become decidedly more “emotional” than British English in the last half-century, as a part of a more general increase of the stylistic divergence between the two variants of English language.
Donor and Recipient Envs from Heterosexual Human Immunodeficiency Virus Subtype C Transmission Pairs Require High Receptor Levels for Entry

ABSTRACT Compact, glycan-restricted envelope (Env) glycoproteins are selected during heterosexual transmission of subtype C HIV-1. Donor and recipient glycoproteins (Envs) from six transmission pairs were evaluated for entry into HeLa cells expressing different levels of CD4 and CCR5. Donor and recipient Envs demonstrated efficient entry into cells expressing high levels of CD4 and CCR5, and entry declined as CCR5 levels decreased. Infectivity for all Envs was severely impaired in cells expressing low levels of CD4, even at the highest CCR5 levels. In 5/6 pairs, there was no significant difference in efficiency of receptor utilization between the donor and recipient Envs in these HeLa-derived cell lines. Thus, HIV-1 transmission does not appear to select for viruses that can preferentially utilize low levels of entry receptors.
Attitudes toward Physical Education Classes of Primary School Students in Turkey

The purposes of this study were to report an investigation of attitudes toward physical education in a sample of primary school students and examine the predictive influence of students' sex, grades in physical education classes, and parents' education and socioeconomic status on students' attitudes. Participants, 963 (474 girls and 489 boys) primary school students from Grades 6 (12.7%), 7 (10.3%) and 8 (77%), completed the Wear Attitude Inventory. Analysis indicated students had positive scores on General Attitudes rather than on Social, Emotional, and Physical Attitudes. In addition, girls (M = 32.6, SD=3.9) had more positive General Attitudes than boys (M = 32.0, SD = 4.6). Also, students' grades in physical education classes were statistically significantly related to their Attitudes toward physical education (Wilks λ, F1,1110 = 2.88, p < .05). However, parents' education and socioeconomic status were not. One may infer that ways of encouraging more favorable attitudes might be planned.
Phenotypic trait changes in laboratory – reared colonies of the maize herbivore, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

Abstract The North American and European maize pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was used to assess whether conditions of the natal field, subsequent laboratory rearing, or genetic population origin affect phenotypic traits of fitness, activity, or morphometrics. Standardized laboratory bioassays with large sample sizes revealed that none of the 16 tested traits, except crawling behaviours, appeared consistently stable across all seven tested colonies. Environmental conditions in the natal field of the F 0 generation affected trait averages of the subsequently reared F 1 generation in laboratory in ca. 47% of cases, and trait variability in 67% of cases. This was apparent for fitness and morphometrics, but less obvious for activity traits. Early generation laboratory rearing affected trait averages in ca. 56% of cases: morphometrics changed; fecundity and egg survival increased from F 1 to F 2. Trait variability increased or decreased in 38% of cases. Laboratory rearing for over more than 190 generations affected the trait averages in 60% of cases, reflected by decreases in flight activity and increases in body size, weight, and fecundity to some extent. It had little effect on trait variability, especially so for morphometric variability. The genetic population origin affected average levels of 55% and variability of 63% of phenotypic traits. A comparison among D. v. virgifera studies might be difficult if they use different populations or laboratory colonies. It is advised to consider possible effects of original field conditions, laboratory rearing, and population genetics when planning comparative studies targeting fitness, activity, or morphometric questions regarding Diabrotica species.
Neural correlates of speech anticipatory anxiety in generalized social phobia

Patients with generalized social phobia fear embarrassment in most social situations. Little is known about its functional neuroanatomy. We studied BOLD-fMRI brain activity while generalized social phobics and healthy controls anticipated making public speeches. With anticipation minus rest, 8 phobics compared to 6 controls showed greater subcortical, limbic, and lateral paralimbic activity (pons, striatum, amygdala/uncus/anterior parahippocampus, insula, temporal pole) – regions important in automatic emotional processing – and less cortical activity (dorsal anterior cingulate/prefrontal cortex) –regions important in cognitive processing. Phobics may become so anxious, they cannot think clearly or vice versa.
Early Presence of Regulatory Cells in Transplanted Rats Rendered Tolerant by Donor-Specific Blood Transfusion1

Mechanisms by which donor-specific blood transfusion (DSBT) promotes organ allograft acceptance are unclear. In a rat fully mismatched cardiac allograft model, we found that DSBT alone (without immunotherapy) induces the development of regulatory T cells (DSBT-Tregs) posttransplant, thereby shedding new light in the mechanisms of the transfusion effect. Compartments and timing of expansion, requirements, and phenotype of DSBT-Tregs are unknown. It is generally assumed that some time is necessary before Tregs develop. However, we show—by adoptive transfer from DSBT—tolerant into naive recipients: 1) the presence of DSBT-Tregs at 5 days posttransplant in spleen and lymph nodes; 2) their gradual expansion in these compartments; and 3) their presence in the graft 14 of 30 days posttransplant. DSBT-Tregs are donor specific and do not protect third-party allografts. Splenocytes from DSBT-treated nontransplanted recipients or from transplanted DSBT-untreated (rejecting) recipients do not transfer tolerance, indicating that both DSBT and graft are required for sufficient numbers of DSBT-Tregs to develop. Thymectomy (or splenectomy) before DSBT (not at transplantation) abrogate DSBT-Tregs generation and tolerance, showing that thymus (and spleen) are required for DSBT-Tregs generation (not for expansion/maintenance). In contrast with other Tregs models, DSBT-Tregs activity is not restricted to CD4+CD25+ but to CD4+CD45RC− cells, whereas CD4+CD45RC+ cells act as effector cells and accelerate rejection. In conclusion, DSBT alone induces—rapidly posttransplant—the development of alloantigen-specific Tregs in lymphoid tissues and in the graft. DSBT, graft, thymus, and spleen are required for DSBT-Tregs generation. DSBT-Tregs in this model are CD4+CD45RC− (identical to Tregs protecting from autoimmunity in rats).
Large-scale fluid simulation using velocity-vorticity domain decomposition

Simulating fluids in large-scale scenes with appreciable quality using state-of-the-art methods can lead to high memory and compute requirements. Since memory requirements are proportional to the product of domain dimensions, simulation performance is limited by memory access, as solvers for elliptic problems are not compute-bound on modern systems. This is a significant concern for large-scale scenes. To reduce the memory footprint and memory/compute ratio, vortex singularity bases can be used. Though they form a compact bases for incompressible vector fields, robust and efficient modeling of nonrigid obstacles and free-surfaces can be challenging with these methods. We propose a hybrid domain decomposition approach that couples Eulerian velocity-based simulations with vortex singularity simulations. Our formulation reduces memory footprint by using smaller Eulerian domains with compact vortex bases, thereby improving the memory/compute ratio, and simulation performance by more than 1000x for single phase flows as well as significant improvements for free-surface scenes. Coupling these two heterogeneous methods also affords flexibility in using the most appropriate method for modeling different scene features, as well as allowing robust interaction of vortex methods with free-surfaces and nonrigid obstacles.
Causal discovery from medical textual data

Medical records usually incorporate investigative reports, historical notes, patient encounters or discharge summaries as textual data. This study focused on learning causal relationships from intensive care unit (ICU) discharge summaries of 1611 patients. Identification of the causal factors of clinical conditions and outcomes can help us formulate better management, prevention and control strategies for the improvement of health care. For causal discovery we applied the Local Causal Discovery (LCD) algorithm, which uses the framework of causal Bayesian Networks to represent causal relationships among model variables. LCD takes as input a dataset and outputs causes of the form variable Y causally influences variable Z. Using the words that occur in the discharge summaries as attributes for input, LCD output 8 purported causal relationships. The relationships ranked as most probable subjectively appear to be most causally plausible.
Tremadoc trilobites from the Florintine Valley Formation, Tim Shea area, Tasmania

Trilobites from several horizons in the Florentine Valley Formation of the Tim Shea area *esi of Maydena, southwestern Tasmania are described and assigned late rremadoc to possibly early Arenig ages. I hen ayes approximate the Lancefieldian I a 1.5 /one of Psigraplus, La2 and possibly La3. raxa described are Hystricurus penchiensis Lu, //. lewisi (Kobayashi), //. sp, cf. //. rpbustus Ross, Tanvbresma rasmaniensis gen. ei sp. now, Chosenia adamsensis sp. nov., Asaphellus sp. el. A. trinodosus Chang, Megistaspis (Ekeraspis) eudides (Walcott), Dlkelokephalina asiatica Kobayashi, isaphopsoides flarentinensii (Etheridge), Scotoharpes tauriei sp. nov., Pilekiidae gen. et sp. nov., Pilekia sp. nov., Protopliomerops hamaxhus sp. nov. and P. sp. el. P. punctatus Kobayashi.
Prediction error method for second-order blind identification

Blind channel identification methods based on the oversampled channel output are a problem of current theoretical and practical interest. In this paper, we introduce a second-order blind identification technique based on a linear prediction approach. In contrast to eigenstructure-based methods, it will be shown that the linear prediction error method is "robust" to order overdetermination. An asymptotic performance analysis of the proposed estimation method is carried out, consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimates is established. A closed-form expression for the asymptotic covariance of the estimates is given. Numerical simulations and investigations are finally presented to demonstrate the potential and the "robustness" of the proposed method.
Challenges and critical aspects in stable boundary layer representation in numerical weather prediction modeling: diagnostic analyses and proposals for improvement

This thesis explores the use of a lower limit to turbulent diffusivity (long-tail) in operational numerical weather prediction modelling. Its introduction in the 90's was advocated by a better simulation of the synoptic scale dynamics, but led to inaccurate representation of the scarcely diffusive stable boundary layer (SBL). After 20 years, a clear alternative to long-tail in operational forecast does not exist yet. This dissertation develops the hypothesis that the parametrization of processes occurring at the unresolved scale, and currently neglected, can increase the cross-isobaric flow as much as the long-tail formulations. The topic is investigated by using a limited area model, COSMO, operational at several European weather services. First, the turbulence and transfer schemes operational in COSMO are described. Then the applied long-tail formulations are described, their influence on SBL is investigated, alternative formulations are proposed in case their turbulence-enhancing effect is an undesired side effect and finally their influence on the operational transfer scheme is explored. Finally, the potential role of two neglected subgrid scale processes, to overcome the operational long-tail need in SBL, is evaluated: i) the kinetic energy transfer from circulations induced by unresolved orography to turbulence, ii) the modification on the SBL structure induced by unresolved thermal heterogeneity of the surface. Results show that the parametrization of the first process, already in COSMO, gives a more physical but still partial answer to the operational long tail need. The second process is described by the tile approach, whose behaviour in SBL has not been fully investigated yet. The approach is explored by idealized numerical experiments, also combining it with different order turbulence schemes. Results indicate that the tile method manages to represent, at least partially, the modifications induced by the thermal heterogeneous terrain and has the potential to produce a positive feedback on large scale dynamics.
The VariLift® Interbody Fusion System: expandable, standalone interbody fusion

Intervertebral fusion cages have been in clinical use since the 1990s. Cages offer the benefits of bone graft containment, restored intervertebral and foraminal height, and a more repeatable, stable procedure compared to interbody fusion with graft material alone. Due to concerns regarding postoperative stability, loss of lordosis, and subsidence or migration of the implant, interbody cages are commonly used with supplemental fixation such as pedicle screw systems or anterior plates. While providing additional stability, supplemental fixation techniques increase operative time, exposure, cost, and morbidity. The VariLift® Interbody Fusion System (VariLift® system) has been developed as a standalone solution to provide the benefits of intervertebral fusion cages without the requirement of supplemental fixation. The VariLift® system, FDA-cleared for standalone use in both the cervical and lumbar spine, is implanted in a minimal profile and then expanded in situ to provide segmental stability, restored lordosis, and a large graft chamber. Preclinical testing and analyses have found that the VariLift® System is durable, and reduces stresses that may contribute to subsidence and migration of other standalone interbody cages. Fifteen years of clinical development with the VariLift® system have demonstrated positive clinical outcomes, continued patient maintenance of segmental stability and lordosis, and no evidence of implant migration. The purpose of this report is to describe the VariLift® system, including implant characteristics, principles of operation, indications for use, patient selection criteria, surgical technique, postoperative care, preclinical testing, and clinical experience. The VariLift® System represents an improved surgical option for a stable interbody fusion without requiring supplemental fixation.
Determination of quality parameters in Cavendish banana during ripening by NIR spectroscopy.

Studies have been carried out to determine the chemical (soluble solid content) and physical (firmness) parameters of locally grown Cavendish banana by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. NIR spectra in the wavelength region of 680-2500 nm were obtained from a total of 408 Cavendish bananas of different ripeness indices. Chemometrics using multiple linear regression (MLR) was applied to develop calibration models for prediction of firmness and soluble solid content (SSC) of Cavendish banana. Results showed that NIR spectroscopy had the feasibility for non-destructive determination of the quality of Cavendish banana. The coefficient of determination (R2) for firmness and SSC calibration models at different ripeness indices ranged from 0.78 to 0.86 and 0.75 to 0.96, respectively. The calibration models were validated using independent sets of data and prediction models developed with the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) ranged from 0.01 to 0.26 kgf and 0.039 to 0.788 Brix for firmness and SSC, respectively. The multi-index models showed considerable robustness but higher prediction error with RMSEP of 0.336 kgf for firmness and 0.937% Brix for SSC compared to index specific model.
Functional gradient descent method for Metric Temporal Logic specifications

Metric Temporal Logic (MTL) specifications can capture complex state and timing requirements. Given a nonlinear dynamical system and an MTL specification for that system, our goal is to find a trajectory that violates or satisfies the specification. This trajectory can be used as a concrete feedback to the system designer in the case of violation or as a trajectory to be tracked in the case of satisfaction. The search for such a trajectory is conducted over the space of initial conditions, system parameters and input signals. We convert the trajectory search problem into an optimization problem through MTL robust semantics. Robustness quantifies how close the trajectory is to violating or satisfying a specification. Starting from some arbitrary initial condition and parameter and given an input signal, we compute a descent direction in the search space, which leads to a trajectory that optimizes the MTL robustness. This process can be iterated to reach local optima (min or max). We demonstrate the method on examples from the literature.
NMR Even Echo Rephasing in Slow Laminar Flow

In nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, flowing fluids possess several unusual properties not found in stationary materials. One of these is the strong signal emitted during slow flow by unsaturated protons just entering the imaging volume. Another is the observation that even echoes of a multiple spin-echo train have higher intensity than the odd. The two phenomena have not previously been distinguished in the NMR imaging literature and the term “paradoxical enhancement” has been applied to both. In this communication we consider the conditions under which such a phenomenon occurs, derive general mathematical relationships, and show clinical examples in which an understanding of spin-echo rephasing is especially useful.
Determinants Affecting Consumer Adoption of Contactless Credit Card: An Empirical Study

The contactless credit card is one of the most promising technological innovations in the field of electronic payments. It provides consumers with greater control of payments, convenience, and transaction speed. However, contactless credit cards have yet to gain significant rates of adoption in the marketplace. Thus, effort must be made to identify factors affecting consumer adoption of contactless credit cards. Based on the technology acceptance model, innovation diffusion theory, and the relevant literature, seven variables (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, compatibility, perceived risk, trust, consumer involvement, availability of infrastructure) are proposed to help predict consumer adoption of contactless credit cards. Data collected from 312 respondents in Taiwan is tested against the proposed prediction model using the logistic regression approach. The results and implications of our study contribute to an expanded understanding of the factors that affect consumer adoption of contactless credit cards.
Existence Theorems for Scheduling to Meet Two Objectives

We will look at the existence of schedules which are simultaneously near-optimal for two criteria. First, we will present some techniques for proving existence theorems, in a very general setting, for bicriterion scheduling problems. We will then use these techniques to prove existence theorems for a large class of problems. We will consider the relationship between objective functions based on completion time, flow time, lateness and the number of on-time jobs. We will also present negative results first for the problem of simultaneously minimizing the maximum flow time and average weighted flow time and second for minimizing the maximum flow time and simultaneously maximizing the number of on-time jobs. In some cases we will also present lower bounds and algorithms that approach our bicriterion existence theorems. Finally we will improve upon our general existence results in one more specific environment.
Gender Differences in Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening: A National Cross-Sectional Study in Korea

The rate of and factors influencing colorectal cancer screening differs by gender. We aimed to determine the behaviors for and predict the factors influencing self-reported colorectal cancer screening in Korean adults. Secondary analysis was performed with data from the cross-sectional 2012 Community Health Survey. We examined the relationship between gender and self-reported screening using data for 115 045 adults aged ≥50 years; 62.4% of men and 65.5% of women underwent colorectal cancer screening. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, men with private insurance and who attended regular health checkups were more likely to undergo screening; men who were employed, ate salty food, were older, or smoked were less likely. Women with private insurance, who lived with a spouse, were more educated, were housewives, or attended regular health checkups were more likely, and older women were less likely to undergo screening. Therefore, gender-specific interventions are needed to encourage colorectal cancer screening.