Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human dopamine receptor D2/D3 availability predicts amygdala reactivity to unpleasant stimuli

Dopamine (DA) modulates the response of the amygdala. However, the relation between dopaminergic neurotransmission in striatal and extrastriatal brain regions and amygdala reactivity to affective stimuli has not yet been established. To address this issue, we measured DA D2/D3 receptor (DRD2/3) availability in twenty‐eight healthy men (nicotine‐dependent smokers and never‐smokers) using positron emission tomography with [18F]fallypride. In the same group of participants, amygdala response to unpleasant visual stimuli was determined using blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging. The effects of DRD2/3 availability in emotion‐related brain regions and nicotine dependence on amygdala response to unpleasant stimuli were examined by multiple regression analysis. We observed enhanced prefrontal DRD2/3 availability in those individuals with higher amygdala response to unpleasant stimuli. As compared to never‐smokers, smokers showed an attenuated amygdala BOLD response to unpleasant stimuli. Thus, individuals with high prefrontal DRD2/3 availability may be more responsive toward aversive and stressful information. Through this mechanism, dopaminergic neurotransmission might influence vulnerability for affective and anxiety disorders. Neuronal reactivity to unpleasant stimuli seems to be reduced by smoking. This observation could explain increased smoking rates in individuals with mental disorders. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Convex Optimization Approach to Modeling Consumer Heterogeneity in Conjoint Estimation

We propose and test a new approach for modeling consumer heterogeneity in conjoint estimation based on convex optimization and statistical machine learning. We develop methods both for metric and choice data. Like hierarchical Bayes (HB), our methods shrink individual-level partworth estimates towards a population mean. However, while HB samples from a posterior distribution that is influenced by exogenous parameters (the parameters of the second-stage priors), we minimize a convex loss function that depends only on endogenous parameters. As a result, the amounts of shrinkage differ between the two approaches, leading to different estimation accuracies. In our comparisons, based on simulations as well as empirical data sets, the new approach overall outperforms standard HB (i.e., with relatively diffuse second-stage priors) both with metric and choice data.
Posterior patterning genes and the identification of a unique body region in the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana

All arthropods share the same basic set of Hox genes, although the expression of these genes differs among divergent groups. In the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, their expression is limited to the head, thoracic/trunk and genital segments, but is excluded from more posterior parts of the body which consist of six post-genital segments and the telson (bearing the anus). Nothing is currently known about the genes that specify the identity of these posterior structures. We examine the expression patterns of four candidate genes, Abdominal-B, caudal/Cdx, even-skipped/Evx and spalt, the homologues of which are known to play an important role in the specification of posterior structures in other animals. Abdominal-B is expressed in the genital segments of Artemia, but not in the post-genital segments at any developmental stage. The expression of caudal, even-skipped and spalt in the larval growth-zone suggests they may play a role in the generation of body segments (perhaps comparable with the role of gap and segmentation genes in insects), but not a direct role in defining the identity of post-genital segments. The expression of caudal at later stages suggests a role in the specification of anal structures. A PCR screen designed to isolate Hox genes expressed specifically in the posterior part of the body failed to identify any new Hox genes. We conclude that the post-genital segments of Artemia are not defined by any of the genes known to play a role in the specification of posterior segments in other arthropods. We argue that these segments constitute a unique body region that bears no obvious homology to previously characterised domains of Hox gene activity.
Rod outer segment retinol formation is independent of Abca4, arrestin, rhodopsin kinase, and rhodopsin palmitylation.

PURPOSE The reactive aldehyde all-trans retinal is released in rod photoreceptor outer segments by photoactivated rhodopsin and is eliminated through reduction to all-trans retinol. This study was undertaken to determine whether all-trans retinol formation depends on Abca4, arrestin, rhodopsin kinase, and the palmitylation of rhodopsin, all of which are factors that affect the release and sequestration of all-trans retinal. METHODS Experiments were performed in isolated retinas and single living rods derived from 129/sv wild-type mice and Abca4-, arrestin-, and rhodopsin kinase-deficient mice and in genetically modified mice containing unpalmitylated rhodopsin. Formation of all-trans retinol was measured by imaging its fluorescence and by HPLC of retina extracts. The release of all-trans retinal from photoactivated rhodopsin was measured in purified rod outer segment membranes according to the increase in tryptophan fluorescence. All experiments were performed at 37°C. RESULTS The kinetics of all-trans retinol formation in the different types of genetically modified mice are in reasonable agreement with those in wild-type animals. The kinetics of all-trans retinol formation in 129/sv mice are similar to those in C57BL/6, although the latter are known to regenerate rhodopsin much more slowly. The release of all-trans retinal from rhodopsin in purified membranes is significantly faster than the formation of all-trans retinol in intact cells and is independent of the presence of the palmitate groups. CONCLUSIONS The regeneration of rhodopsin and the recycling of its chromophore are not strongly coupled. Neither the activities of Abca4, rhodopsin kinase, and arrestin, nor the palmitylation of rhodopsin affects the formation of all-trans retinol.
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection After Low Transverse Cesarean Section

Background. Independent risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) after cesarean section have not been well documented, despite the large number of cesarean sections performed and the relatively common occurrence of SSI. Objective. To determine independent risk factors for SSI after low transverse cesarean section. Design. Retrospective case-control study. Setting. Barnes-Jewish Hospital, a 1,250-bed tertiary care hospital. Patients. A total of 1,605 women who underwent low transverse cesarean section during the period from July 1999 to June 2001. Methods. Using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes for SSI or wound complication and/or data on antibiotic use during the surgical hospitalization or at readmission to the hospital or emergency department, we identified potential cases of SSI in a cohort of patients who underwent a low transverse cesarean section. Cases of SSI were verified by chart review using the definitions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System. Control patients without SSI or endomyometritis were randomly selected from the population of patients who underwent cesarean section. Independent risk factors for SSI were determined by logistic regression. Results. SSIs were identified in 81 (5.0%) of 1,605 women who underwent low transverse cesarean section. Independent risk factors for SSI included development of subcutaneous hematoma after the procedure (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 11.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.1–33.2]), operation performed by the university teaching service (aOR, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.4–5.2]), and a higher body mass index at admission (aOR, 1.1 [95% CI, 1.0–1.1]). Cephalosporin therapy before or after the operation was associated with a significantly lower risk of SSI (aOR, 0.2 [95% CI, 0.1–0.5]). Use of staples for skin closure was associated with a marginally increased risk of SSI. Conclusions. These independent risk factors should be incorporated into approaches for the prevention and surveillance of SSI after surgery.
Heterospecific Aggression and Dominance in a Guild of Coral-Feeding Fishes: The Roles of Dietary Ecology and Phylogeny

Interspecific competition mediates biodiversity maintenance and is an important selective pressure for evolution. Competition is often conceptualized as being exploitative (indirect) or involving direct interference. However, most empirical studies are phenomenological, focusing on quantifying effects of density manipulations, and most competition theory has characterized exploitation competition systems. The effects on resource use of traits associated with direct, interference competition has received far less attention. Here we examine the relationships of dietary ecology and phylogeny to heterospecific aggression in a guild of corallivorous reef fishes. We find that, among chaetodontids (butterflyfishes), heterospecific aggression depends on a synergistic interaction of dietary overlap and specialization: aggression increases with dietary overlap for interactions between specialists but not for interactions involving generalists. Moreover, behavioral dominance is a monotonically increasing function of dietary specialization. The strong, positive relationship of dominance to specialization suggests that heterospecific aggression may contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity where it promotes resource partitioning. Additionally, we find strong phylogenetic signals in dietary overlap and specialization but not behavioral dominance. Our results support the use of phylogeny as a proxy for ecological similarity among butterflyfishes, but we find that direct measures of dietary overlap and specialization predict heterospecific agression much better than phylogeny.
Content Selection in Data-to-Text Systems: A Survey

Data-to-text systems are powerful in generating reports from data automatically and thus they simplify the presentation of complex data. Rather than presenting data using visualisation techniques, data-to-text systems use natural (human) language, which is the most common way for human-human communication. In addition, data-to-text systems can adapt their output content to users' preferences, background or interests and therefore they can be pleasant for users to interact with. Content selection is an important part of every data-to-text system, because it is the module that determines which from the available information should be conveyed to the user. This survey initially introduces the field of data-to-text generation, describes the general data-to-text system architecture and then it reviews the state-of-the-art content selection methods. Finally, it provides recommendations for choosing an approach and discusses opportunities for future research.
Is Urban Morphology a Panacea or a Peril to Sustainability

In the recent decades, realisation that global warming and climate change is caused and exacerbated by increased urbanisation and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has heightened studies on the links between urban morphological parameters of development density, land use, vegetation index and the urban sustainability parameters of urban heat islands, air quality, climate change and global warming. The urban morphological attributes notably the development densities, building materials and configuration, street orientation and width, man-made structures and green belts attenuates wind flow within the street canyons and the urban canopy layer which in turn affects the distribution of the urban thermal values as well as the dispersal and concentration of air pollutants. The above further explains the occurrences of higher surface temperatures in the cities relative to their hinterlands. Scholars therefore agree that there is a significant relationship existing between urban morphology and sustainability parameters of surface temperatures and air quality. This paper therefore explores the potentials and pitfalls of urban morphology in the achievements of urban sustainability.
Association between Gingival Phenotype and Periodontal Disease Severity—A Comparative Longitudinal Study among Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Therapy and Invisalign Treatment

This longitudinal study aimed to compare the association between gingival phenotype (thin vs. thick) and periodontal disease severity in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy (FOT) and Invisalign treatment over a six-month follow-up period. Clinical periodontal parameters, including full mouth plaque score (FMPS), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), keratinized tissue width (KTW), transgingival probing, and gingival biotype assessment, were recorded at baseline and 6 months into treatment for both orthodontic groups and a control group. Statistical analysis evaluated differences in parameters between groups and across time points. In the thick phenotype, both Invisalign and FOT groups showed a significant mean reduction in FMPS (baseline to 6 months) by −24.8707 and −12.3489, respectively (p < 0.05). The gingival index decreased significantly for both groups, with Invisalign and FOT showing reductions of −0.83355 and −1.10409, respectively (p < 0.05). FMBS (baseline to 6 months) decreased significantly for Invisalign and FOT, with mean differences of −9.10298 and −12.6579 (p < 0.05). Probing pocket depth (baseline to 6 months) was also significantly reduced for both Invisalign and FOT groups while CAL showed non-significant differences in both groups (p > 0.05). Similar changes were seen in the thin phenotype too. This study highlights the positive influence of both Invisalign and fixed orthodontic therapy on periodontal health, particularly in patients with thin and thick gingival biotypes. These findings, with significant reductions in key periodontal parameters, offer valuable insights to guide orthodontic treatment decisions and enhance patient outcomes.
Effect of whole body vibration in energy expenditure and perceived exertion during intense squat exercise.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of whole body vibration in oxygen uptake during intense squatting exercise with an added weight and whole body vibration compared with the same exercise without vibration. METHODS Nine male sub- jects performed three trials of dynamic squatting with an additional load of 50% of their body weight during 3 min. One trial without vibration, one trial with the frequency of 40 Hz and amplitude of 2 mm and one trial with the frequency of 40 Hz and amplitude of 4 mm. RESULTS The results showed no difference between the three experimental trials in relative and absolute oxygen uptake. However, the metabolic power and energy expended in whole body vibration (2 mm) were significantly different from exercise without vibration. The data analysis also showed a significant difference in rating of perceived exertion with whole body vibration (4 mm) compared with the exercise without vibration. Results showed that the addition of vibration stimulus has an increase in the energy expenditure particularly with 40 Hz and 2 mm amplitude, suggesting that the high metabolic power during heavy resistance training could be increased by the addition of vibration stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Involuntary contractions generated by the vibration can be used by coaches to increase the intensity of heavy resistance training or to increase the energy expended during the workouts if the goal is a decrease of body mass.
LoRaWAN for Vehicular Networking: Field Tests for Vehicle-to-Roadside Communication

Vehicular wireless networks are one of the most valuable tools for monitoring platforms in the automotive domain. At the same time, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions are playing a crucial role in the same framework, allowing users to connect to vehicles in order to gather data related to their working cycle. Such tasks can be accomplished by resorting to either cellular or non-cellular wireless technologies. While the former can ensure low latency but require high running costs, the latter can be employed in quasi-real-time applications but definitely reduce costs. To this end, this paper proposes the results of two measurement campaigns aimed at assessing the performance of the long-range wide-area network (LoRaWAN) protocol when it is exploited as an enabling technology to provide vehicles with connectivity. Performances are evaluated in terms of packet loss (PL) and received signal strength indicator (RSSI) in wireless links. The two testing scenarios consisted of a transmitter installed on a motorbike running on an elliptical track and a receiver placed in the centre of the track, and a transmitter installed on the roof of a car and a receiver placed next to a straight road. Several speeds were tested, and all the spreading factors (SFs) foreseen by the protocol were examined, showing that the Doppler effect has a marginal influence on the receiving performance of the technology, and that, on the whole, performance is not significantly affected by the speed. Such results prove the feasibility of LoRaWAN links for vehicular network purposes.
The Liver Connexin32 Interactome Is a Novel Plasma Membrane-Mitochondrial Signaling Nexus

Connexins are the structural subunits of gap junctions and act as protein platforms for signaling complexes. Little is known about tissue-specific connexin signaling nexuses, given significant challenges associated with affinity-purifying endogenous channel complexes to the level required for interaction analyses. Here, we used multiple subcellular fractionation techniques to isolate connexin32-enriched membrane microdomains from murine liver. We show, for the first time, that connexin32 localizes to both the plasma membrane and inner mitochondrial membrane of hepatocytes. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation-high throughput mass spectrometry, reciprocal co-IP, and subcellular fractionation methodologies, we report a novel interactome validated using null mutant controls. Eighteen connexin32 interacting proteins were identified. The majority represent resident mitochondrial proteins, a minority represent plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, or cytoplasmic partners. In particular, connexin32 interacts with connexin26 and the mitochondrial protein, sideroflexin-1, at the plasma membrane. Connexin32 interaction enhances connexin26 stability. Converging bioinformatic, biochemical, and confocal analyses support a role for connexin32 in transiently tethering mitochondria to connexin32-enriched plasma membrane microdomains through interaction with proteins in the outer mitochondrial membrane, including sideroflexin-1. Complex formation increases the pool of sideroflexin-1 that is present at the plasma membrane. Together, these data identify a novel plasma membrane/mitochondrial signaling nexus in the connexin32 interactome.
PRICE ENDINGS IN ASIA

Retail prices ending in 9 are common in the USA. Theories advanced to explain this phenomenon include perceived gain, consumer underestimation, and common practice. Previous research has used prices in printed media, primarily newspapers, as evidence. This research used the web in place of print media. First the USA research that used printed media was replicated, demonstrating the convergence of the print and web media as research tools. Then the research was extended to five Asian countries. The paper makes contributions to both method and theory. The web method improved the sampling of prices, provided prices less contaminated by sales, and allowed international research to be conducted easily and with standard methods in each country. The theoretical contribution was the addition of a new explanation for price endings, namely cultural preference. In Asia 8 is deemed lucky by several cultures, and was more frequently used than the 9 ending predicted by consumer behavior theories. This result also demonstrates that the results of consumer research undertaken in the USA cannot be treated as universally applicable.
First-Trimester Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Examining the Potential of Combining Maternal Characteristics and Laboratory Measures

OBJECTIVE Predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been widely studied, but few studies have considered multiple measures. Our objective was to integrate several potential GDM predictors with consideration to both simple and novel measures and to determine the extent to which GDM can be predicted in the first trimester. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We identified first-trimester maternal samples from 124 women who developed GDM and 248 control subjects who did not. We gathered data on age, BMI, parity, race, smoking, prior GDM, family history of diabetes, and blood pressure. Using retrieved samples, we measured routine (lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and γ-glutamyltransferase) and novel (adiponectin, E-selectin, and tissue plasminogen activator [t-PA]) parameters. We determined independent predictors from stepwise regression analyses, calculated areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROC), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) for relevant models. RESULTS Compared with control subjects, women who subsequently developed GDM were older, had higher BMIs, were more likely to be of Asian origin, had a history of GDM or family history of type 2 diabetes, and had higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05 for all). With regard biochemical measures, stepwise analyses identified only elevated t-PA and low HDL cholesterol levels as significant (P ≤ 0.015) independent predictors of GDM beyond simple non–laboratory-based maternal measures. Their inclusion improved the AUC-ROC from 0.824 to 0.861 and IDI by 0.052 (0.017–0.115). CONCLUSIONS GDM can be usefully estimated from a mix of simple questions with potential for further improvement by specific blood measures (lipids and t-PA).
BCI Competition III: Dataset II- Ensemble of SVMs for BCI P300 Speller

Brain-computer interface P300 speller aims at helping patients unable to activate muscles to spell words by means of their brain signal activities. Associated to this BCI paradigm, there is the problem of classifying electroencephalogram signals related to responses to some visual stimuli. This paper addresses the problem of signal responses variability within a single subject in such brain-computer interface. We propose a method that copes with such variabilities through an ensemble of classifiers approach. Each classifier is composed of a linear support vector machine trained on a small part of the available data and for which a channel selection procedure has been performed. Performances of our algorithm have been evaluated on dataset II of the BCI Competition III and has yielded the best performance of the competition.