Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Muscles of Chondrichthyan Paired Appendages: Comparison With Osteichthyans, Deconstruction of the Fore–Hindlimb Serial Homology Dogma, and New Insights on the Evolution of the Vertebrate Neck

Here we present the first study comparing all the paired appendages muscles of representatives of each major extant gnathostome group. We address a crucial and enigmatic question in evolutionary and comparative anatomy: Why are the pelvic and pectoral appendages of gnathostomes, and particularly of tetrapods, in general so similar to each other? We argue that an integrative analysis of the new myological data and the information from the literature contradicts the idea that the forelimbs and hindlimbs are serial homologues. The data show that many of the strikingly similar fore‐ and hindlimb muscles of extant tetrapods evolved independently in each appendage because the ancestors of extant gnathostomes and osteichthyans only had an adductor and an abductor in each fin. Therefore, these data contradict the idea that at least some muscles present in the tetrapod fore‐ and hindlimbs were already present in some form in the first fishes with pectoral and pelvic appendages, as the result of an ancestral duplication of the paired appendages leading to a true serial homology. The origin of the pectoral girdle was instead likely related to head evolution, as illustrated by the cucullaris of gnathostomes such as chondrichthyans inserting onto both the branchial arches and pectoral girdle. Only later in evolution the cucullaris became differentiated into the levatores arcuum branchialium and protractor pectoralis, which gave rise to the amniote neck muscles trapezius and sternocleidomastoideus. These changes therefore contributed to an evolutionary trend toward a greater anatomical and functional independence of the pectoral girdle from head movements. Anat Rec, 298:513–530, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Distribution of Coumarins and Furanocoumarins in Citrus Species Closely Matches Citrus Phylogeny and Reflects the Organization of Biosynthetic Pathways

Citrus plants are able to produce defense compounds such as coumarins and furanocoumarins to cope with herbivorous insects and pathogens. In humans, these chemical compounds are strong photosensitizers and can interact with medications, leading to the “grapefruit juice effect”. Removing coumarins and furanocoumarins from food and cosmetics imply additional costs and might alter product quality. Thus, the selection of Citrus cultivars displaying low coumarin and furanocoumarin contents constitutes a valuable alternative. In this study, we performed ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analyses to determine the contents of these compounds within the peel and the pulp of 61 Citrus species representative of the genetic diversity all Citrus. Generally, Citrus peel contains larger diversity and higher concentrations of coumarin/furanocoumarin than the pulp of the same fruits. According to the chemotypes found in the peel, Citrus species can be separated into 4 groups that correspond to the 4 ancestral taxa (pummelos, mandarins, citrons and papedas) and extended with their respective secondary species descendants. Three of the 4 ancestral taxa (pummelos, citrons and papedas) synthesize high amounts of these compounds, whereas mandarins appear practically devoid of them. Additionally, all ancestral taxa and their hybrids are logically organized according to the coumarin and furanocoumarin pathways described in the literature. This organization allows hypotheses to be drawn regarding the biosynthetic origin of compounds for which the biogenesis remains unresolved. Determining coumarin and furanocoumarin contents is also helpful for hypothesizing the origin of Citrus species for which the phylogeny is presently not firmly established. Finally, this work also notes favorable hybridization schemes that will lead to low coumarin and furanocoumarin contents, and we propose to select mandarins and Ichang papeda as Citrus varieties for use in creating species devoid of these toxic compounds in future breeding programs.
Scalable Evaluation of k-NN Queries on Large Uncertain Graphs

Large graphs are prevalent in social networks, traffic networks, and biology. These graphs are often inexact. For example, in a friendship network, an edge between two nodesu andv indicates that users u and v have a close relationship. This edge may only exist with a probability. To model such information, the uncertain graph model has been proposed, in which each edge e is augmented with a probability that indicate the chance that e exists. Given a node q in an uncertain graph G, we study the k-NN query of q, which looks for k nodes in G whose distances from q are the shortest. The k-NN query can be used in friend-search, data mining, and pattern-recognition. Despite the importance of this query, it has not been well studied. In this paper, we develop a tree-based structure called the U-tree. Given a k-NN query, the U-tree produces a compact representation of G, based on which the query can be executed efficiently. Our results on real and synthetic datasets show that our algorithm can scale to large graphs, and is 75% faster than the state-of-the-art solutions.
Effects of compassion meditation on a psychological model of charitable donation.

Compassion is critical for societal wellbeing. Yet, it remains unclear how specific thoughts and feelings motivate compassionate behavior, and we lack a scientific understanding of how to effectively cultivate compassion. Here, we conducted 2 studies designed to a) develop a psychological model predicting compassionate behavior, and b) test this model as a mediator of a Compassion Meditation (CM) intervention and identify the "active ingredients" of CM. In Study 1, we developed a model predicting compassionate behavior, operationalized as real-money charitable donation, from a linear combination of self-reported tenderness, personal distress, perceived blamelessness, and perceived instrumental value of helping with high cross-validated accuracy, r = . 67, p < . 0001. Perceived similarity to suffering others did not predict charitable donation when controlling for other feelings and attributions. In Study 2, a randomized controlled trial, we tested the Study 1 model as a mediator of CM and investigated active ingredients. We compared a smartphone-based CM program to 2 conditions-placebo oxytocin and a Familiarity intervention-to control for expectancy effects, demand characteristics, and familiarity effects. Relative to control conditions, CM increased charitable donations, and changes in the Study 1 model of feelings and attributions mediated this effect (pab = .002). The Familiarity intervention led to decreases in primary outcomes, while placebo oxytocin had no significant effects on primary outcomes. Overall, this work contributes a quantitative model of compassionate behavior, and informs our understanding of the change processes and intervention components of CM. (PsycINFO Database Record
Microstructure and Thermal Diffusivity of Gd2Zr2O7 Powders

The selection of new TBC materials is restricted by few basic requirements such as: high melting point, no phase transformation between room and the operation temperatures, low thermal conductivity, chemical inertness to the combustion gases and environment, thermal expansion match with the metallic substrate, good adherence to the metallic substrate and low sintering rate of the porous microstructure. Among these properties, one of the most important is thermal diffusivity. The number of material that can be used as TBCs is limited and so far only a few materials have been found to basically satisfy these requirements. Recent research has shown that certain rare-earth zirconates, such as Gd2Zr2O7, have even lower thermal conductivities than 7YSZ, and this has spurred an intensive research in discovering alternative TBC materials. The results of microstructure tests performed on the powders intended for thermally sprayed TBCs with APS method were presented in this article. The tests of phase and chemical composition of the analysed powder were performed. The carbon, sulphur and gas nitrogen contents were, among other things, determined during those tests. The x-ray powder diffraction phase identification in as received material was determined. The tested material showed the presence of Gd2Zr2O7 compound as the predominant one and Gd2O3 and ZrO2 oxides. The surface morphology analysis of the powder was carried out and its internal structure was characterized. The tested material shows porous structure typical for agglomerated powders. The second testing area applied to analysis of the powder thermal properties. The thermal diffusivity of the compressed samples with density similar to the solid material was determined with the laser flash (LF) method. The measurement results show that requirements for the materials used for new generation TBCs are met.
Selective Retina Therapy with Real-Time Feedback-Controlled Dosimetry for Treating Acute Idiopathic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy in Korean Patients

Purpose To evaluate short-term treatment outcomes following selective retina therapy (SRT) with real-time feedback-controlled dosimetry in Korean patients with acute idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods Sixteen eyes (16 patients) with acute idiopathic CSC (symptom duration < 3 months) were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a single session of SRT with real-time feedback-controlled dosimetry. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) before and 3 months after treatment were examined and compared. Results The logarithm of minimal angle of resolution BCVA was significantly better 3 months after treatment (0.16 ± 0.18) than at the time of diagnosis (0.27 ± 0.18, P = 0.002). Additionally, subretinal fluid had resolved in all 16 eyes 3 months after treatment and CFT was significantly lower 3 months after treatment (215.6 ± 17.9 μm) than at baseline (441.4 ± 124.8 μm, P < 0.001). No notable SRT-related complications were observed during the study period. Conclusion The results of the present study suggest that SRT is a useful therapeutic option for patients with acute idiopathic CSC. Further studies are required to better understand the long-term efficacy of this treatment. This trial is registered with clinical trial registration number NCT03339856.
Comparisons of Different Metabolic Syndrome Definitions and Associations with Coronary Heart Disease, Stroke, and Peripheral Arterial Disease in a Rural Chinese Population

Objectives We estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and compared associations of different MetS definitions with coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a rural Chinese population. Methods Among 4,748 residents (2,145 men and 2,603 women) aged 30+ years in rural China from 2006 to 2007, the prevalence of MetS was estimated by using five different definitions: modified World Health Organization (WHO), Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS), the updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) for Asian-Americans, International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and Joint Interim Statement (JIS). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were implemented to estimate the association between MetS and the prevalence of CHD, stroke and PAD, respectively. Results Prevalence of MetS in men was 11.5% (WHO), 14.8% (CDS), 32.4% (NCEP-ATP III), 27.5% (IDF) and 39.7% (JIS) and in women was 15.7% (WHO), 20.7% (CDS), 54.2% (NCEP-ATP III), 51.5% (IDF) and 54.2% (JIS), respectively. Respective ORs (95% CI) for associating MetS with CHD in men were 1.79 (1.02-3.17), 1.25 (0.69-2.26), 1.61 (1.01-2.58), 1.84 (1.14-2.96), and 1.53 (0.96-2.43). Corresponding ORs (95% CI) for stroke in men were 2.18 (95% CI 1.20 to 3.97), 2.20 (95% CI 1.25 to 3.89), 1.71 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.84), 1.30 (95% CI 0.77 to 2.23), and 1.61 (95% CI 0.97 to 2.68), respectively. In women, CHD and stroke were significantly associated with MetS using all five definitions of MetS. In addition, PAD was associated with all five MetS definitions in men, but not in women. Only hyperglycemia and BMI were significantly associated with PAD in women. Conclusions In this rural Chinese population, the JIS, IDF and CDS criteria may not be more suitable than WHO and updated NCEP-ATPIII definitions for screening high-risk individuals and estimating the risk of CHD and stroke from MetS, especially in men.
A NOVEL OPHTHALMIC DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM: IN-SITU GEL

The ophthalmic in-situ gels now days proved an palpable sustained drug delivery in various eye diseases. The formulation of in-situ gels for eye which carries the advantages like easy for administration, reduces frequency of dose and improves patient compliance. The formation of in-situ gels depends on phase transition system or sol-gel transition system. The formulation approaches like temperature intonation, pH change and presence of ions from which the drug gets released in a sustained and controlled manner are utilised for in-situ gels. Various polymers that are used for the formulation of in-situ gels include chitosan, Pluronic F-127, poly-caprolactone, gellan gum, alginic acid, xyloglucan, pectin etc. INTRODUCTION: Ophthalmic drug delivery is one of the challenging endeavors facing the pharmaceutical scientist today. The structural and functional aspects of the eye render this organ highly impervious to foreign substances. A significant challenge to the formulator is to overcome the protective barriers of the eye without causing permanent tissue damage. The major problem encountered with topical administration is the rapid pre‐corneal loss caused by nasolacrymal drainage and high tear fluid turnover which leads to only 10% drug concentrations available at the site of actions . In the last decade, greater attention has been focused on development of controlled and sustained drug delivery systems. Many patents for their use in various biomedical applications including drug delivery have been reported . Eye seems an ideal, easily accessible target organ for topical treatment. However the eye is in fact well protected against absorption of xenobiotics, first by the eyelids and tear-flow and then by the cornea, which forms the physical-biological barrier. Poor bioavailability of drugs from ocular dosage forms is mainly due to the tear production, non-productive absorption, transient residence time, and impermeability of corneal epithelium . Most ocular treatments like eye drops and suspensions call for the topical administration of ophthalmic drugs to the tissues around the ocular cavity. These dosage forms are easy to instil but have the inherent drawback that the majority of the medication in them is immediately diluted. Extensive research has been carried in designing of polymeric drug delivery systems.
PHASE CHANGES OF PETROLEUM MIXTURES BY MONITORING TEMPERATURE AND CONDUCTIVITY FOR PARAFFIN FORMATION

Along the petroleum transportation in pipelines and other stages of oil processing, paraffin generation is an important problem. In this work, an experimental methodology is proposed to quantify and characterize the paraffin formed in the crude oil. The thermometry technique was applied to determine the solubility profiles of the paraffin in different types of alkanes, all featuring short and linear chains. The conductivimetry technique was also used in the experiments as a filtering analytical method. An equilibrium cell and other required apparatus were projected and built to carry out the experiments. These devices permitted the simultaneous acquisition of temperature and conductivity data.
Development of a Core Set of Outcomes for Randomized Controlled Trials with Multiple Outcomes – Example of Pulp Treatments of Primary Teeth for Extensive Decay in Children

Objectives Evidence-based comparisons of interventions can be challenging because of the diversity of outcomes in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to describe outcomes in RCTs assessing pulp treatments for primary teeth and to develop a core set of component outcomes to be part of composite outcome defining the failure of a pulp treatment. Methods We systematically reviewed articles of RCTs comparing pulp treatments for primary molars published up to February 2012. We abstracted all outcomes assessed in each trial, then used a small-group consensus process to group similar outcomes, which were reduced to a composite outcome of failure of a pulp treatment by a 3-round Delphi process involving expert authors and dentists. Results We included 47 reports of RCTs in the review, for 83 reported outcomes (median 11 outcomes per RCT). These outcomes were grouped into 24 overarching outcome categories. We contacted 210 experts for the Delphi process and 25% to 30% participated. The process identified the following 5 component outcomes as part of a composite outcome of failure of a pulp treatment: soft-tissue pathology, pain, pathologic mobility, pathologic radiolucency and pathologic root resorption. Conclusions RCTs of pulp treatments for primary teeth investigate diverse outcomes. Our consensus process, involving clinicians but no patient, allowed for compiling a core set of component outcomes to define the composite outcome failure of a pulp treatment for primary teeth.
Immune regulation by Tim-3

T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is a transmembrane protein that in both mice and humans has been shown to possess various functions in a context-dependent manner. Thus, Tim-3 has been associated with both inhibitory and co-stimulatory function, depending in part on the specific cell type and immune response course. Though originally described on T cells, Tim-3 is now known to be expressed by both lymphoid and non-lymphoid cells within the immune system and even by non-immune cells. In addition, though widely thought of as a negative regulator of immunity, Tim-3 has been shown in more recent studies to have a positive function on both myeloid and lymphoid cells, including T cells. Tim-3 is often expressed at a high level on exhausted T cells in tumors and chronic infection and may engage in crosstalk with other so-called “checkpoint” molecules such as PD-1. Thus, Tim-3 has emerged as a possible therapeutic target, which is being actively explored both pre-clinically and clinically. However, recent research suggests a more complex in vivo role for this protein, compared with other targets in this area.
High-speed low-area-cost VLSI design of polar codes encoder architecture using radix-k processing engines

Polar Codes applied for next-generation MIMO systems is an emerging research topic. In this work, we propose an efficient VLSI hardware architecture of the Polar encoder using radix-k processing engines. Under TSMC 90nm CMOS technology, the 16384-point radix-2 based Polar encoder design is synthesized with 0.244mm2 under maximum clock frequency of 2.0GHz. In the similar manner, the VLSI hardware can be extended to radix-k based design. In the chip implementation with APR results, the radix-2 based Polar encoder only occupies 0.305mm2 and dissipates 357.8mW with maximum clock frequency of 1.61GHz, delivering total throughput of 1.61Gbps.
Computational Information Geometry for Binary Classification of High-Dimensional Random Tensors

Evaluating the performance of Bayesian classification in a high-dimensional random tensor is a fundamental problem, usually difficult and under-studied. In this work, we consider two Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)-based binary classification problems of interest. Under the alternative hypothesis, i.e., for a non-zero SNR, the observed signals are either a noisy rank-R tensor admitting a Q-order Canonical Polyadic Decomposition (CPD) with large factors of size Nq×R, i.e., for 1≤q≤Q, where R,Nq→∞ with R1/q/Nq converge towards a finite constant or a noisy tensor admitting TucKer Decomposition (TKD) of multilinear (M1,…,MQ)-rank with large factors of size Nq×Mq, i.e., for 1≤q≤Q, where Nq,Mq→∞ with Mq/Nq converge towards a finite constant. The classification of the random entries (coefficients) of the core tensor in the CPD/TKD is hard to study since the exact derivation of the minimal Bayes’ error probability is mathematically intractable. To circumvent this difficulty, the Chernoff Upper Bound (CUB) for larger SNR and the Fisher information at low SNR are derived and studied, based on information geometry theory. The tightest CUB is reached for the value minimizing the error exponent, denoted by s⋆. In general, due to the asymmetry of the s-divergence, the Bhattacharyya Upper Bound (BUB) (that is, the Chernoff Information calculated at s⋆=1/2) cannot solve this problem effectively. As a consequence, we rely on a costly numerical optimization strategy to find s⋆. However, thanks to powerful random matrix theory tools, a simple analytical expression of s⋆ is provided with respect to the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) in the two schemes considered. This work shows that the BUB is the tightest bound at low SNRs. However, for higher SNRs, the latest property is no longer true.
Predicting frequent COPD exacerbations using primary care data

Purpose Acute COPD exacerbations account for much of the rising disability and costs associated with COPD, but data on predictive risk factors are limited. The goal of the current study was to develop a robust, clinically based model to predict frequent exacerbation risk. Patients and methods Patients identified from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database (OPCRD) with a diagnostic code for COPD and a forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7 were included in this historical follow-up study if they were ≥40 years old and had data encompassing the year before (predictor year) and year after (outcome year) study index date. The data set contained potential risk factors including demographic, clinical, and comorbid variables. Following univariable analysis, predictors of two or more exacerbations were fed into a stepwise multivariable logistic regression. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for subpopulations of patients without any asthma diagnosis ever and those with questionnaire data on symptoms and smoking pack-years. The full predictive model was validated against 1 year of prospective OPCRD data. Results The full data set contained 16,565 patients (53% male, median age 70 years), including 9,393 patients without any recorded asthma and 3,713 patients with questionnaire data. The full model retained eleven variables that significantly predicted two or more exacerbations, of which the number of exacerbations in the preceding year had the strongest association; others included height, age, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and several comorbid conditions. Significant predictors not previously identified included eosinophilia and COPD Assessment Test score. The predictive ability of the full model (C statistic 0.751) changed little when applied to the validation data set (n=2,713; C statistic 0.735). Results of the sensitivity analyses supported the main findings. Conclusion Patients at risk of exacerbation can be identified from routinely available, computerized primary care data. Further study is needed to validate the model in other patient populations.