Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A New Leptoceratopsid (Ornithischia, Ceratopsia) with a Unique Ischium from the Upper Cretaceous of Shandong Province, China

The partial skeleton of a leptoceratopsid dinosaur, Ischioceratops zhuchengensis gen. et sp. nov., was excavated from the bone-beds of the Upper Cretaceous Wangshi Group of Zhucheng, Shandong Province, China. This fossil represents the second leptoceratopsid dinosaur specimen recovered from the Kugou locality, a highly productive site in Zhucheng. The ischium of the new taxon is morphologically unique among known Dinosauria, flaring gradually to form an obturator process in its middle portion and resembling the shaft of a recurve bow. An elliptical fenestra perforates the obturator process, and the distal end of the shaft forms an axehead-shaped expansion. The discovery of Ischioceratops increases the known taxonomic diversity and morphological disparity of the Leptoceratopsidae.
Proactive Psychotherapy with Handheld Devices

This paper presents a set of components that support psychotherapy processes on mobile and office settings. One provides patients the required access to psychotherapy artefacts, enabling an adequate and tailored aid and motivation for fulfilment of common therapy tasks. Another offers therapists the ability to define and refine the artefacts, in order to present, help and react to the patient according to his/her specific needs and therapy progress. Two other components allow the analysis and annotation of the aforementioned artefacts. All these components run on a PDA base. Evaluation results validated some of the design choices, and indicate future directions and improvements.
Perceived social isolation, evolutionary fitness and health outcomes: a lifespan approach

Sociality permeates each of the fundamental motives of human existence and plays a critical role in evolutionary fitness across the lifespan. Evidence for this thesis draws from research linking deficits in social relationship—as indexed by perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness)—with adverse health and fitness consequences at each developmental stage of life. Outcomes include depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, unfavourable cardiovascular function, impaired immunity, altered hypothalamic pituitary–adrenocortical activity, a pro-inflammatory gene expression profile and earlier mortality. Gaps in this research are summarized with suggestions for future research. In addition, we argue that a better understanding of naturally occurring variation in loneliness, and its physiological and psychological underpinnings, in non-human species may be a valuable direction to better understand the persistence of a ‘lonely’ phenotype in social species, and its consequences for health and fitness.
Learning Deep Sketch Abstraction

Human free-hand sketches have been studied in various contexts including sketch recognition, synthesis and fine-grained sketch-based image retrieval (FG-SBIR). A fundamental challenge for sketch analysis is to deal with drastically different human drawing styles, particularly in terms of abstraction level. In this work, we propose the first stroke-level sketch abstraction model based on the insight of sketch abstraction as a process of trading off between the recognizability of a sketch and the number of strokes used to draw it. Concretely, we train a model for abstract sketch generation through reinforcement learning of a stroke removal policy that learns to predict which strokes can be safely removed without affecting recognizability. We show that our abstraction model can be used for various sketch analysis tasks including: (1) modeling stroke saliency and understanding the decision of sketch recognition models, (2) synthesizing sketches of variable abstraction for a given category, or reference object instance in a photo, and (3) training a FG-SBIR model with photos only, bypassing the expensive photo-sketch pair collection step.
Capacity analysis of 802.11 multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh networks

IEEE 802.11 based wireless mesh networks have recently attracted much attention as they provide a quick and inexpensive way to extend access to the existing wired networks. A significant problem of such networks is their limited capacity due to signal interference. A frequently proposed approach to increasing mesh network capacity is to equip each mesh node with multiple radios, which can work on multiple non-interfering channels simultaneously. In this paper, we characterize the relationship between the mesh network capacity and the number of non-interfering channels as well as the number of radios per node, assuming that each radio works on a statically assigned channel. Our main result is that, given k non-interfering channels and m radios on each node, the network capacity improvement is bound by O(min (k, m2/t)), where t is the average node degree per neighbor (i.e., the average number of common channels shared by a pair of neighboring nodes). The parameter t and the number of neighbors around each node determine the mesh network’s average node degree, which affects the network connectivity. To validate our analysis, we use simulation results of two channel assignment algorithms and find that both can achieve a constant factor of the theoretical upper bound. Our work offers practical insights for designing and evaluating channel assignment algorithms and for deploying 802.11 wireless mesh networks.
Soluble guanylyl cyclase is a critical regulator of migraine-associated pain

Background Nitric oxide (NO) has been heavily implicated in migraine. Nitroglycerin is a prototypic NO-donor, and triggers migraine in humans. However, nitroglycerin also induces oxidative/nitrosative stress and is a source of peroxynitrite – factors previously linked with migraine etiology. Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is the high affinity NO receptor in the body, and the aim of this study was to identify the precise role of sGC in acute and chronic migraine. Methods We developed a novel brain-bioavailable sGC stimulator (VL-102), and tested its hyperalgesic properties in mice. We also determined the effect of VL-102 on c-fos and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) immunoreactivity within the trigeminovascular complex. In addition, we also tested the known sGC inhibitor, ODQ, within the chronic nitroglycerin migraine model. Results VL-102-evoked acute and chronic mechanical cephalic and hind-paw allodynia in a dose-dependent manner, which was blocked by the migraine medications sumatriptan, propranolol, and topiramate. In addition, VL-102 also increased c-fos and CGRP expressing cells within the trigeminovascular complex. Importantly, ODQ completely inhibited acute and chronic hyperalgesia induced by nitroglycerin. ODQ also blocked hyperalgesia already established by chronic nitroglycerin, implicating this pathway in migraine chronicity. Conclusions These results indicate that nitroglycerin causes migraine-related pain through stimulation of the sGC pathway, and that super-activation of this receptor may be an important component for the maintenance of chronic migraine. This work opens the possibility for negative sGC modulators as novel migraine therapies.
Piezoelectric sensitivity of a layered film of chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals

Free-standing biodegradable films were fabricated by mixing cellulose nanocrystals and nanofibers with a water-based chitosan solution. The piezoelectric sensitivity of the films was measured to find out their suitability in sensing and actuation applications. Also their structure was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. Our initial results show that a simple solvent casting method can be used to prepare films with varying piezoelectric properties. The composite films of chitosan and cellulose nanocrystals were noticed to have a phase-separated layered structure, resulting in an interesting side-dependent piezoelectric response. Moreover, the sensitivity values of plain chitosan were close to those of a non-degradable commercial sensor material polyvinylidene fluoride. The fabrication process has to be studied further to control and optimize the structure and piezoelectric properties of the films. © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Peer-review under responsibility of the organizing committee of the 30th Eurosensors Conference.
Few-shot Generative Modelling with Generative Matching Networks

Despite recent advances, the remaining bottlenecks in deep generative models are necessity of extensive training and difficulties with generalization from small number of training examples. We develop a new generative model called Generative Matching Network which is inspired by the recently proposed matching networks for one-shot learning in discriminative tasks. By conditioning on the additional input dataset, our model can instantly learn new concepts that were not available in the training data but conform to a similar generative process. The proposed framework does not explicitly restrict diversity of the conditioning data and also does not require an extensive inference procedure for training or adaptation. Our experiments on the Omniglot dataset demonstrate that Generative Matching Networks significantly improve predictive performance on the fly as more additional data is available and outperform existing state of the art conditional generative models.
Hydrodynamic Models of Line-driven Accretion Disk Winds. III. Local Ionization Equilibrium

We present time-dependent numerical hydrodynamic models of line-driven accretion disk winds in cataclysmic variable systems and calculate wind mass-loss rates and terminal velocities. The models are 2.5-dimensional, include an energy balance condition with radiative heating and cooling processes, and include local ionization equilibrium introducing time dependence and spatial dependence on the line radiation force parameters. The radiation field is assumed to originate in an optically thick accretion disk. Wind ion populations are calculated under the assumption that local ionization equilibrium is determined by photoionization and radiative recombination, similar to a photoionized nebula. We find a steady wind flowing from the accretion disk. Radiative heating tends to maintain the temperature in the higher density wind regions near the disk surface, rather than cooling adiabatically. For a disk luminosity Ldisk = L☉, white dwarf mass Mwd = 0.6 M☉, and white dwarf radii Rwd = 0.01 R☉, we obtain a wind mass-loss rate of Ṁ wind = 4 × 10-12 M☉ yr-1 and a terminal velocity of ~3000 km s-1. These results confirm the general velocity and density structures found in our earlier constant ionization equilibrium adiabatic cataclysmic variable wind models. Further, we establish here 2.5-dimensional numerical models that can be extended to QSO/AGN winds where the local ionization equilibrium will play a crucial role in the overall dynamics.
Association Between Carotid Artery Function and Structure in the Northern Manhattan Study

Background and purpose Carotid plaque (CP), carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), and stiffness (STIFF) are pre-clinical markers of atherosclerosis and predictors of cerebrovascular disease (CVD). We sought to investigate whether STIFF is a significant determinant of cIMT and CP, which may provide an insight into the mechanism by which STIFF adds to the risk of CVD. Methods We analyzed 876 stroke-free subjects from the Northern Manhattan Study with available ultrasound measures. To obtain the associations with STIFF, we performed multivariable-adjusted regression, negative binomial regression (for CP number), and multinomial logistic regression (for plaque area). Results The mean age was 64 ± 9 years; 63% women and 65% Caribbean Hispanics. The mean cIMT was 0.93 ± 0.9 mm, the mean diastolic diameter 6.24 ± 0.94 mm, and STIFF 8.6 ± 6.2 ln mmHg. Prevalence of CP was 57%, and the mean total plaque area was 22.6 ± 23.0 mm2. STIFF was positively associated with cIMT but not with CP. There was an association between diastolic diameter and thick plaque. For each millimeter increase in diastolic diameter, there was about a 20% increased risk of having thick plaque (vs. no plaque). In longitudinal analyses, each millimeter increase in diastolic diameter was associated with a 37% increased risk of incident plaque. Conclusion Increased STIFF was associated with increased cIMT and carotid artery dilatation with greater plaque burden. Increased cIMT and plaque burden represent vascular remodeling likely resulting from the two different age-related mechanisms, one that includes diffuse wall thickening (cIMT) with STIFF and another that incorporates focal atherosclerosis (plaque) with luminal dilatation.
Motor Learning Induces Plasticity in the Resting Brain—Drumming Up a Connection

Abstract Neuroimaging methods have recently been used to investigate plasticity‐induced changes in brain structure. However, little is known about the dynamic interactions between different brain regions after extensive coordinated motor learning such as drumming. In this article, we have compared the resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐FC) in 15 novice healthy participants before and after a course of drumming (30‐min drumming sessions, 3 days a week for 8 weeks) and 16 age‐matched novice comparison participants. To identify brain regions showing significant FC differences before and after drumming, without a priori regions of interest, a multivariate pattern analysis was performed. Drum training was associated with an increased FC between the posterior part of bilateral superior temporal gyri (pSTG) and the rest of the brain (i.e., all other voxels). These regions were then used to perform seed‐to‐voxel analysis. The pSTG presented an increased FC with the premotor and motor regions, the right parietal lobe and a decreased FC with the cerebellum. Perspectives and the potential for rehabilitation treatments with exercise‐based intervention to overcome impairments due to brain diseases are also discussed.
A 5 W AlGaN/GaN power amplifier MMIC for 25–27 GHz downlink applications

This work presents the design and analysis of a 5 W power amplifier (PA) MMIC operating between 25 and 27 GHz. The technology used is the 0.1 µm AlGaN/GaN HEMT process of Fraunhofer IAF. To benchmark its performance around 26 GHz two preliminary designs are synthesized and analyzed. The measured results demonstrate for the final MMIC up to 5.2 W of output power associated with 32 % of power added efficiency (PAE). A peak PAE of 35 % was observed in continuous-wave (CW) operation at a drain supply voltage of 15 V.
Improving Nelumbo nucifera genome assemblies using high‐resolution genetic maps and BioNano genome mapping reveals ancient chromosome rearrangements

Genetic and physical maps are powerful tools to anchor fragmented draft genome assemblies generated from next-generation sequencing. Currently, two draft assemblies of Nelumbo nucifera, the genomes of 'China Antique' and 'Chinese Tai-zi', have been released. However, there is presently no information on how the sequences are assembled into chromosomes in N. nucifera. The lack of physical maps and inadequate resolution of available genetic maps hindered the assembly of N. nucifera chromosomes. Here, a linkage map of N. nucifera containing 2371 bin markers [217 577 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)] was constructed using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing data of 181 F2 individuals and validated by adding 197 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Additionally, a BioNano optical map covering 86.20% of the 'Chinese Tai-zi' genome was constructed. The draft assembly of 'Chinese Tai-zi' was improved based on the BioNano optical map, showing an increase of the scaffold N50 from 0.989 to 1.48 Mb. Using a combination of multiple maps, 97.9% of the scaffolds in the 'Chinese Tai-zi' draft assembly and 97.6% of the scaffolds in the 'China Antique' draft assembly were anchored into pseudo-chromosomes, and the centromere regions along the pseudo-chromosomes were identified. An evolutionary scenario was proposed to reach the modern N. nucifera karyotype from the seven ancestral eudicot chromosomes. The present study provides the highest-resolution linkage map, the optical map and chromosome level genome assemblies for N. nucifera, which are valuable for the breeding and cultivation of N. nucifera and future studies of comparative and evolutionary genomics in angiosperms.
A Behavioral Taxonomy of Loneliness in Humans and Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Social relationships endow health and fitness benefits, but considerable variation exists in the extent to which individuals form and maintain salutary social relationships. The mental and physical health effects of social bonds are more strongly related to perceived isolation (loneliness) than to objective social network characteristics. We sought to develop an animal model to facilitate the experimental analysis of the development of, and the behavioral and biological consequences of, loneliness. In Study 1, using a population-based sample of older adults, we examined how loneliness was influenced both by social network size and by the extent to which individuals believed that their daily social interactions reflected their own choice. Results revealed three distinct clusters of individuals: (i) individuals with large networks who believed they had high choice were lowest in loneliness, (ii) individuals with small social networks who believed they had low choice were highest in loneliness, and (iii) the remaining two groups were intermediate and equivalent in loneliness. In Study 2, a similar three-group structure was identified in two separate samples of adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) living in large social groups: (i) those high in sociability who had complex social interaction with a broad range of social partners (putatively low in loneliness), (ii) those low in sociability who showed tentative interactions with certain classes of social partners (putatively high in loneliness), and (iii) those low in sociability who interacted overall at low levels with a broad range of social partners (putatively low or intermediate in loneliness). This taxonomy in monkeys was validated in subsequent experimental social probe studies. These results suggest that, in highly social nonhuman primate species, some animals may show a mismatch between social interest and social attainment that could serve as a useful animal model for experimental and mechanistic studies of loneliness.
A Novel Hyperchaotic Image Encryption Scheme Based on DNA Encoding, Pixel-Level Scrambling and Bit-Level Scrambling

In this paper, a novel image encryption scheme has been proposed using pixel-level scrambling, bit-level scrambling, and DNA encoding. First, initial conditions of five-dimensional hyperchaotic system are computed and chaotic sequences are generated. Then, pixel-level scrambling and bit-level scrambling are implemented to permute the plain image. Permuted image and generated pseudorandom sequence are executed decomposition operations in order to enhance security. DNA encoding, DNA xor operation, and DNA complementary rules are also adopted to improve the security of the cryptosystem. Experiments results and theoretical analysis show that the proposed scheme is secure enough and can resist known plain text attack, statistical attacks, and differential attacks. It is suitable for practical application.
Family-Centered Breastfeeding Education to Promote Primiparas’ Exclusive Breastfeeding in China

Background: Few breastfeeding education programs focus on primiparas and the importance of family members on exclusive breastfeeding in China. Research aim: This study aimed to explore the influence of a family-centered breastfeeding education program in promoting exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months postpartum and to improve women’s attitude and knowledge, family members’ knowledge, and family support. Methods: This was a two-group quasi-experimental design with multiple comparisons. Participants (N = 59) were randomized to either the intervention (n = 29) or the control (n = 30) group. The intervention group received two prenatal breastfeeding education lectures that included important family members, three home visits, eight telephone calls, text or video/audio support, and quality online resources during lactation. The control group received in-hospital care and follow-up by community nurses after discharge. Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group was more likely to exclusively breastfeed in the first 6 months, odds ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval [0.20, 0.98]. The mean knowledge level of the intervention group improved more across time (p < .05) and was higher than the control group (p < .05). Perceived family support within the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group from 1 to 6 months (p < .05). Conclusion: The breastfeeding education program is an effective strategy to promote exclusive breastfeeding in China.
Prediction of HIV Type 1 Subtype C Tropism by Genotypic Algorithms Built From Subtype B Viruses

Background:Genotypic predictions of HIV-1 tropism could simplify CCR5 antagonist usage. However, the genotypic algorithms built from subtype B viruses could be inadequate for non-B subtypes. We therefore performed paired genotypic and phenotypic determination of subtype C tropism. Methods:We studied 52 patients recruited in Malawi and 21 patients recruited in France. We directly sequenced the V3 env region and performed a recombinant virus phenotypic entry assay in parallel. Results:The Malawi patients had 29% of CXCR4-using subtype C viruses compared with only 5% in the patients from France. For detecting CXCR4-using subtype C viruses, the genotypic rule combining the amino acids at positions 11/25 and the net charge of V3 was 93.3% sensitive and 96.4% specific. The Geno2pheno tool was 86.7% sensitive and 89.1% specific. The WebPSSM tool with the SI/NSI matrix was 80% sensitive and 98.2% specific in its subtype B version and 93.3% sensitive and 81.8% specific in its subtype C version. Conclusions:The genotypic determinants of coreceptor usage for HIV-1 subtype C were mainly in V3 and were globally similar to those previously reported for subtype B viruses. The main genotypic algorithms built from subtype B viruses perform well when applied to subtype C viruses.
Persistence of mercury-induced motor and sensory neurotoxicity: systematic review of workers previously exposed to mercury vapor

Abstract Elemental mercury (Hg0) is a well-recognized neurotoxicant, but it is uncertain whether and for how long its neurotoxicity persists. Among studies that evaluated previously-exposed workers, only one examined workers during and also years after exposure had ceased. The objective of this review is to create a series of ‘synthetic’ longitudinal studies to address the question of persistence of Hg0 neurotoxicity in occupationally exposed workers. We systematically reviewed studies describing objective motor and sensory effects in previously-exposed mercury workers. Data from physical examination (PE), neurobehavioral (NB) tests, and electrophysiological studies (EPS) were extracted into structured tables and examined for their consistency and dose-relatedness and then compared with the corresponding results from studies of currently exposed workers. We identified six cohorts that described neurological findings in 1299 workers, examined an average of 4.8–30 years after the cessation of exposure. Historical group mean UHg levels ranged from 23 to >500 μg/L, with UHg levels >6000 μg/L in some individuals. Overall, few findings were significant; most were inconsistent across the previous-exposure studies, and in comparisons between studies of previously and currently exposed workers. The results of this systematic review indicate that Hg0-related neurotoxic effects detectable on PE, NB testing, and EPS are substantially reversed over time. To the extent that such effects do persist, they are reported principally in workers who have had very high-dose exposures. In addition, based on the limited available data, those effects reported to persist have been described as having little or no functional significance.