Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A phylogeographical analysis of the range disjunction for foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana, Pinaceae): the role of Pleistocene glaciation

Biogeographical patterns within the California Floristic Province have been greatly affected by geological and climatic events. Here, we investigate the phylogeography of foxtail pine (Pinus balfouriana) in an effort to date its range disjunction using molecular data and to further our understanding of phylogeographical patterns for plants within the California Floristic Province. The distribution of foxtail pine is characterized by a 500‐km disjunction separating populations located in the Klamath Mountains from those in the southern Sierra Nevada. Previous authors suggested that this disjunction occurred approximately 4000–8000 years ago during the Holocene Xerotherm when western North America became warmer and drier. Those dates, however, are inconsistent with the morphological differences that separate regional populations into formally recognized subspecies. Using the coalescent‐based isolation with migration model and DNA sequence data from the chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear genomes, we evaluate several hypotheses addressing the timing of this range disjunction and its effects on subsequent patterns of gene flow. Results from all three genomes are largely consistent with Middle to Early Pleistocene divergence dates. Those dates correspond to the Sherwin glaciation, which was the largest Pleistocene glacial episode in the Sierra Nevada. Gene flow, moreover, was only documented using data from the chloroplast genome, suggesting that low levels of long‐distance pollen dispersal (Nem < 0.5) have occurred since this divergence event. These results are extended to a discussion of the biogeographical development of subalpine forests in California.
When Seeing Is Misleading: Clutter Leads to High-Confidence Errors

Did you ever arrange to meet a friend at a busy street corner, then rush up to a total stranger thinking it was your friend? Neuroscientists have a theory to explain why such potentially embarrassing mistakes occur. We're trying to detect a target (our friend) amid a noisy background filled with distracters (a street filled with strangers) that impede our visual perception. Neuroscientists probe the underlying perceptual and neural processes of visual search by studying how distracters affect performance of a visual search task under controlled conditions in the lab.
Decreased bacteria activity on Si3N4 surfaces compared with PEEK or titanium

A significant need exists for orthopedic implants that can intrinsically resist bacterial colonization. In this study, three biomaterials that are used in spinal implants – titanium (Ti), polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK), and silicon nitride (Si3N4) – were tested to understand their respective susceptibility to bacterial infection with Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphlococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus. Specifically, the surface chemistry, wettability, and nanostructured topography of respective biomaterials, and the effects on bacterial biofilm formation, colonization, and growth were investigated. Ti and PEEK were received with as-machined surfaces; both materials are hydrophobic, with net negative surface charges. Two surface finishes of Si3N4 were examined: as-fired and polished. In contrast to Ti and PEEK, the surface of Si3N4 is hydrophilic, with a net positive charge. A decreased biofilm formation was found, as well as fewer live bacteria on both the as-fired and polished Si3N4. These differences may reflect differential surface chemistry and surface nanostructure properties between the biomaterials tested. Because protein adsorption on material surfaces affects bacterial adhesion, the adsorption of fibronectin, vitronectin, and laminin on Ti, PEEK, and Si3N4 were also examined. Significantly greater amounts of these proteins adhered to Si3N4 than to Ti or PEEK. The findings of this study suggest that surface properties of biomaterials lead to differential adsorption of physiologic proteins, and that this phenomenon could explain the observed in-vitro differences in bacterial affinity for the respective biomaterials. Intrinsic biomaterial properties as they relate to resistance to bacterial colonization may reflect a novel strategy toward designing future orthopedic implants.
Space- and time-efficient polynomial multiplication

Countless algorithms have been developed for the multiplication of univariate polynomials and multiprecision integers, but all those with sub-quadratic time complexity currently require at least Ω(<i>n</i>) extra space for the computation. A new routine based on the Karatsuba/Ofman algorithm is presented with the same time complexity of <i>O</i>(<i>n</i><sup>1.59</sup>) but only <i>O</i>(log <i>n</i>) extra space. A second routine based on the method of Schönhage/Strassen achieves the same pseudo-linear time and <i>O</i>(1) extra space, but only under certain conditions. A preliminary implementation over <b>F</b><sub><i>p</i></sub>[χ], where <i>p</i> fits into a single machine word, is presented and compared with existing software.
Mutational analysis of the interaction between albumin‐binding domain from streptococcal protein G and human serum albumin

Streptococcal protein G (SpG) is a bacterial cell surface receptor exhibiting affinity to both human immunoglobulin (IgG) and human serum albumin (HSA). Interestingly, the serum albumin and immunoglobulin‐binding activities have been shown to reside at functionally and structurally separated receptor domains. The binding domain of the HSA‐binding part has been shown to be a 46‐residue triple α‐helical structure, but the binding site to HSA has not yet been determined. Here, we have investigated the precise binding region of this bacterial receptor by protein engineering applying an alanine‐scanning procedure followed by binding studies by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The secondary structure as well as the HSA binding of the resulting albumin‐binding domain (ABD) variants were analyzed using circular dichroism (CD) and affinity blotting. The analysis shows that the HSA binding involves residues mainly in the second α‐helix.
The aperiodic multiprocessor utilization bound for liquid tasks

Real-time scheduling theory has developed powerful tools for translating conditions on aggregate system utilization into per-task schedulability guarantees. The main breakthrough has been Liu and Layland's utilization bound for schedulability of periodic tasks. In 2001 this bound was generalized by Abdelzaher and Lu to the aperiodic task case. In this paper we further generalize the aperiodic bound to the case of multiprocessors, and present key new insights into schedulability, analysis of aperiodic tasks. We consider a special task model, called the liquid task model, representative of high-performance servers with aperiodic workloads, such as network routers, web servers, proxies, and real-time databases. For this model, we derive the optimal multiprocessor utilization bound, defined on a utilization-like metric we call "synthetic utilization". This bound allows developing constant-time admission control tests that provide utilization-based absolute delay, tees. We show that the real utilization of admitted tasks can be close to unity even when synthetic utilization is kept below the bound. Thus, our results lead to multiprocessor systems which combine constant-time admission control with high utilization while making no periodicity assumptions regarding the task arrival pattern.
Inhibitory Effect of the Melanocortin Receptor Agonist Melanotan-II (MTII) on Feeding Depends on Dietary Fat Content and not Obesity in Rats on Free-Choice Diets

Introduction: Conflicting data exist on sensitivity changes of the melanocortin system during diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that melanocortin sensitivity depends on diet composition, in particular on the fat content rather than the level of obesity. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of diet composition on feeding responses to a melanocortin receptor agonist, using free-choice diets that differ in food components. Methods: Male Wistar rats were subjected to a chow (CHOW) diet or a free-choice (fc) diet of either chow, saturated fat and liquid sugar (fcHFHS), chow and saturated fat (fcHF), or chow and liquid sugar (fcHS) for 4 weeks. Melanocortin sensitivity was tested by measuring food intake following administration of the melanocortin 3/4 receptor agonist melanotan II (MTII) or vehicle in the lateral ventricle. In a separate experiment, proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) mRNA levels were determined in the arcuate nucleus with in situ hybridization in rats subjected to the free-choice diets for 4 weeks. Results: Rats on the fcHFHS diet for 4 weeks show increased caloric intake and body weight gain compared to rats on the CHOW, fcHS and fcHF diet. Caloric intake and body weight gain was comparable between rats on the fcHF, fcHS, and CHOW diet. After 4 weeks diet, POMC and AgRP mRNA levels were not different between diet groups. MTII inhibited caloric intake to a larger extent in rats on the fcHF diet compared to rats on the CHOW, fcHFHS or fcHS diet. Moreover, the fat component was the most inhibited by MTII, and the sugar component the least. Conclusion: Rats on the fcHF diet show stronger food intake inhibition to the melanocortin receptor agonist MTII than rats on the CHOW, fcHS, and fcHFHS diet, which is independent of caloric intake and body weight gain. Our data point toward an important role for diet composition, particularly the dietary fat content, and not obesity in the sensitivity of the melanocortin system.
Validation of the female sexual distress scale-revised for assessing distress in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

INTRODUCTION The concept of sexually related personal distress is currently central to the diagnosis of all female sexual dysfunctions (FSD). In the current study, we have focused on validating a slightly revised version of the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), the FSDS-Revised (FSDS-R), to enhance the sensitivity of the instrument with patients suffering from hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). In addition, we have attempted to extend the validation generalizability of the scale by demonstrating that both instruments possess reliability and discriminative validity in premenopausal women with HSDD. AIM To assess the validity of the revised version of the FSDS, the FSDS-R, for measuring sexual distress in women with HSDD. METHODS A prospective methodological study carried out at 27 centers in North America enrolled 296 women aged 18-50 years with HSDD, another female sexual dysfunction (FSD), or no FSD. The subjects completed the FSDS-R at baseline, day 7, and day 28, with a 30-day recall at baseline and with a 7-day recall on days 7 and 28. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of FSDS, FSDS-R, and FSDS-R item 13 were used for the differentiation of HSDD from no FSD, while intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to estimate test-retest reliability. Cronbach's coefficient alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of the FSDS-R and Pearson's correlation coefficient to assess FSDS, FSDS-R, and FSDS-R item 13 with different recall periods (7 and 30 days). RESULTS Mean total FSDS, FSDS-R, and FSDS-R item 13 scores with either recall period were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in women with FSD or HSDD than in women with no FSD, showing both tests had discriminant validity. ROC analysis confirmed these findings, while an ICC of >0.74 showed the test-retest reliability of both scales, including FSDS-R item 13 alone, and Cronbach's coefficient alpha of >0.86 confirmed the internal consistency of both tests. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with the FSDS, the FSDS-R demonstrated good discriminant validity, high test-retest reliability, and a high degree of internal consistency in measuring sexually related personal distress in women with HSDD. FSDS-R item 13 alone also demonstrated good discriminant validity and test-retest reliability.
Constitutive Cyclin O deficiency results in penetrant hydrocephalus, impaired growth and infertility

Cyclin O (encoded by CCNO) is a member of the cyclin family with regulatory functions in ciliogenesis and apoptosis. Homozygous CCNO mutations have been identified in human patients with Reduced Generation of Multiple Motile Cilia (RGMC) and conditional inactivation of Ccno in the mouse recapitulates some of the pathologies associated with the human disease. These include defects in the development of motile cilia and hydrocephalus. To further investigate the functions of Ccno in vivo, we have generated a new mouse model characterized by the constitutive loss of Ccno in all tissues and followed a cohort during ageing. Ccno-/- mice were growth impaired and developed hydrocephalus with high penetrance. In addition, some Ccno+/- mice also developed hydrocephalus and affected Ccno-/- and Ccno+/- mice exhibited additional CNS defects including cortical thinning and hippocampal abnormalities. In addition to the CNS defects, both male and female Ccno-/- mice were infertile and female mice exhibited few motile cilia in the oviduct. Our results further establish CCNO as an important gene for normal development and suggest that heterozygous CCNO mutations could underlie hydrocephalus or diminished fertility in some human patients.
Distributed Power Control in Interference Channels With QoS Constraints and RF Energy Harvesting: A Game-Theoretic Approach

This paper develops a new distributed power control scheme for a power-splitting-based interference channel (IFC) with simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT). The considered IFC consists of multiple source-destination pairs. Each destination splits its received signal into two parts for information decoding (ID) and energy harvesting (EH), respectively. Each pair adjusts its transmit power and power splitting ratio to meet both the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) and EH constraints at its corresponding destination. To characterize rational behaviors of source-destination pairs, we formulate a noncooperative game for the considered system, where each pair is modeled as a strategic player who aims to minimize its own transmit power under both SINR and EH constraints at the destination. We derive a sufficient and necessary condition for the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium (NE) of the formulated game. The best response strategy of each player is derived, and then the NE can be achieved iteratively. Numerical results show that the proposed game-theoretic approach can achieve a near-optimal performance under various SINR and EH constraints.
Proceedings of the Seventh International Converence on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining ( KDD-Evaluating the Novelty of Text-Mined Rules Using Lexical Knowledge

In this paper, we present a new method of estimating the novelty of rules discovered by data-mining methods using WordNet, a lexical knowledge-base of English words. We assess the novelty of a rule by the average semantic distance in a knowledge hierarchy between the words in the antecedent and the consequent of the rule { the more the average distance, more is the novelty of the rule. The novelty of rules extracted by the DiscoTEX text-mining system on Amazon.com book descriptions were evaluated by both human subjects and by our algorithm. By computing correlation coeÆcients between pairs of human ratings and between human and automatic ratings, we found that the automatic scoring of rules based on our novelty measure correlates with human judgments about as well as human judgments correlate with one another.
Reservoir 1D heat transport model

Thermal stratification in lakes, hydropower or drinking water reservoirs occurs mainly by the effect of temperature on water density. One-dimensional heat transport models are widely used to simulate vertical temperature profiles since vertical temperature gradients are dominant in reservoirs. Many applications have been made using one-dimensional models, however, there are still features to be improved to reproduce physical processes or allow for better data analysis. The article describes an unsteady one-dimensional heat transport model with high spatial and temporal resolution, including an energy conservation analysis of three numerical schemes: explicit and implicit finite difference and implicit finite volume methods. It is also simulated thermal diffusivity related to advection for run-of-river reservoirs. An application of the one-dimensional heat transport model (MTCR-1) is performed in Vossoroca reservoir (located near to Curitiba, Brazil), comparison with measured data and characterization of the mixing and stratification periods using physical indices are presented.
Bone Repair by Transplantation of hTERT-Immortalized Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Mice

Background. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent stem cells found in the adult bone marrow that have the capacity to differentiate into various mesenchymal cell types. The hMSCs may provide a potential therapy to restore damaged tissues or organs of mesenchymal origin; however, a drawback is their limited life span in vitro. Methods. We immortalized normal hMSCs with retrovirally transmitted human telomerase reverse transcriptase cDNA. One of the immortalized clones (YKNK-12) was established, and the biological characteristics were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results. YKNK-12 cells were capable of differentiating adipocytes, osetoblasts, and chondrocytes. Osteogenically differentiated YKNK-12 cells produced significant levels of growth factors BMP4, BMP6, FGF6, FGF7, transforming growth factor-&bgr;1, and transforming growth factor-&bgr;3. Microcomputer tomography T and soft X-ray assays showed an excellent calvarial bone healing in mice after transplantation of osteogenically differentiated YKNK-12 cells. These cells expressed human-specific osteocalcin and increased the gene expression of runt-related transcription factor 2, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and osterix in the bone regenerating area. YKNK-12 cell transplant corrected the bone defect without inducing any adverse effects. Conclusions. We conclude that hMSCs immortalized by transduction with human telomerase reverse transcriptase may provide an unlimited source of cells for therapeutic use in bone regeneration.
Quality of life among older adults resident in long-stay care facilities.

OBJECTIVES to evaluate the older adults' perceptions of their quality of life (QoL) in two long-stay care facilities in Pouso Alegre and Santa Rita in Sapucaí, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil , and to identify the sociodemographic and health variables which interfere in this perception. METHOD a cross-sectional epidemiological study of 77 older adults resident in institutions. The instruments used were: personal characterization; WHOQOL-bref and WHOQOL OLD. RESULT the highest average obtained in the instruments was: the "Social Relationships" domain in the WHOQOL-bref (68%) and the "Sensory abilities" aspect in the WHOQOL-OLD (73.7%). The variables age, sex, physical activity and level of schooling have a significant correlation with the WHOQOL-bref and the variables sex and leisure have the same with the WHOQOL OLD. CONCLUSION older adults who are younger, with higher levels of schooling and who undertake physical and leisure activity have, on average, better perceptions of their QoL. The older adults' QoL in this study had higher rates than that reported in the literature and was similar to that in the community. The results suggest the need to train those involved with older adults in institutions so that they may develop strategies which promote the adaptation, adjustment and maintenance of QoL.
Robust PCA in High-dimension: A Deterministic Approach

We consider principal component analysis for contaminated data-set in the high dimensional regime, where the dimensionality of each observation is comparable or even more than the number of observations. We propose a deterministic high-dimensional robust PCA algorithm which inherits all theoretical properties of its randomized counterpart, i.e., it is tractable, robust to contaminated points, easily kernelizable, asymptotic consistent and achieves maximal robustness - a breakdown point of 50%. More importantly, the proposed method exhibits significantly better computational efficiency, which makes it suitable for large-scale real applications.
TESTING FOR ANCIENT ADAPTIVE RADIATIONS IN NEOTROPICAL CICHLID FISHES

Most contemporary studies of adaptive radiation focus on relatively recent and geographically restricted clades. It is less clear whether diversification of ancient clades spanning entire continents is consistent with adaptive radiation. We used novel fossil calibrations to generate a chronogram of Neotropical cichlid fishes and to test whether patterns of lineage and morphological diversification are congruent with hypothesized adaptive radiations in South and Central America. We found that diversification in the Neotropical cichlid clade and the highly diverse tribe Geophagini was consistent with diversity‐dependent, early bursts of divergence followed by decreased rates of lineage accumulation. South American Geophagini underwent early rapid differentiation in body shape, expanding into novel morphological space characterized by elongate‐bodied predators. Divergence in head shape attributes associated with trophic specialization evolved under strong adaptive constraints in all Neotropical cichlid clades. The South American Cichlasomatini followed patterns consistent with constant rates of morphological divergence. Although morphological diversification in South American Heroini was limited, Eocene invasion of Central American habitats was followed by convergent diversification mirroring variation observed in Geophagini. Diversification in Neotropical cichlids was influenced by the early adaptive radiation of Geophagini, which potentially limited differentiation in other cichlid clades.
Logic and semantic networks

An extended form of semantic network is defined, which can be regarded as a syntactic variant of the clausal form of logic. By virtue of its relationship with logic, the extended semantic network is provided with a precise semantics, inference rules, and a procedural interpretation. On the other hand, by regarding semantic networks as an abstract data structure for the representation of clauses, we provide a theorem-prover with a potentially useful indexing scheme and path-following strategy for guiding the search for a proof.