Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reveals Separation and Integration of Shape and Motion Cues in Biological Motion Processing

In a series of human functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments, we systematically manipulated point-light stimuli to identify the contributions of the various areas implicated in biological motion processing (for review, see Giese and Poggio, 2003). The first experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 factorial design with global shape and kinematics as factors. In two additional experiments, we investigated the contributions of local opponent motion, the complexity of the portrayed movement and a one-back task to the activation pattern. Experiment 1 revealed a clear separation between shape and motion processing, resulting in two branches of activation. A ventral region, extending from the lateral occipital sulcus to the posterior inferior temporal gyrus, showed a main effect of shape and its extension into the fusiform gyrus also an interaction. The dorsal region, including the posterior inferior temporal sulcus and the posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), showed a main effect of kinematics together with an interaction. Region of interest analysis identified these interaction sites as the extrastriate and fusiform body areas (EBA and FBA). The local opponent motion cue yielded only little activation, limited to the ventral region (experiment 3). Our results suggest that the EBA and the FBA correspond to the initial stages in visual action analysis, in which the performed action is linked to the body of the actor. Moreover, experiment 2 indicates that the body areas are activated automatically even in the absence of a task, whereas other cortical areas like pSTS or frontal regions depend on the complexity of movements or task instructions for their activation.
Early Mesozoic Coexistence of Amniotes and Hepadnaviridae

Hepadnaviridae are double-stranded DNA viruses that infect some species of birds and mammals. This includes humans, where hepatitis B viruses (HBVs) are prevalent pathogens in considerable parts of the global population. Recently, endogenized sequences of HBVs (eHBVs) have been discovered in bird genomes where they constitute direct evidence for the coexistence of these viruses and their hosts from the late Mesozoic until present. Nevertheless, virtually nothing is known about the ancient host range of this virus family in other animals. Here we report the first eHBVs from crocodilian, snake, and turtle genomes, including a turtle eHBV that endogenized >207 million years ago. This genomic “fossil” is >125 million years older than the oldest avian eHBV and provides the first direct evidence that Hepadnaviridae already existed during the Early Mesozoic. This implies that the Mesozoic fossil record of HBV infection spans three of the five major groups of land vertebrates, namely birds, crocodilians, and turtles. We show that the deep phylogenetic relationships of HBVs are largely congruent with the deep phylogeny of their amniote hosts, which suggests an ancient amniote–HBV coexistence and codivergence, at least since the Early Mesozoic. Notably, the organization of overlapping genes as well as the structure of elements involved in viral replication has remained highly conserved among HBVs along that time span, except for the presence of the X gene. We provide multiple lines of evidence that the tumor-promoting X protein of mammalian HBVs lacks a homolog in all other hepadnaviruses and propose a novel scenario for the emergence of X via segmental duplication and overprinting of pre-existing reading frames in the ancestor of mammalian HBVs. Our study reveals an unforeseen host range of prehistoric HBVs and provides novel insights into the genome evolution of hepadnaviruses throughout their long-lasting association with amniote hosts.
Polychaete worms--a vector for white spot syndrome virus (WSSV).

The present work provides the first evidence of polychaete worms as passive vectors of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in the transmission of white spot disease to Penaeus monodon broodstocks. The study was based on live polychaete worms, Marphysa spp. , obtained from worm suppliers/worm fishers as well as samples collected from 8 stations on the northern coast of Tamilnadu (India). Tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon broodstock with undeveloped ovaries were experimentally infected with WSSV by feeding with polychaete worms exposed to WSSV. Fifty percent of polychaete worms obtained from worm suppliers were found to be WSSV positive by 2-step PCR, indicating high prevalence of WSSV in the live polychaetes used as broodstock feed by hatcheries in this area. Of 8 stations surveyed, 5 had WSSV positive worms with prevalence ranging from 16.7 to 75%. Polychaetes collected from areas near shrimp farms showed a higher level of contamination. Laboratory challenge experiments confirmed the field observations, and > 60% of worms exposed to WSSV inoculum were proved to be WSSV positive after a 7 d exposure. It was also confirmed that P. monodon broodstock could be infected with WSSV by feeding on WSSV contaminated polychaete worms. Though the present study indicates only a low level infectivity in wild polychaetes, laboratory experiments clearly indicated the possibility of WSSV transfer from the live feed to shrimp broodstock, suggesting that polychaete worms could play a role in the epizootiology of WSSV.
Comparative study of oral and vaginal misoprostol for induction of labour, maternal and foetal outcome.

BACKGROUND Misoprostol is a new promising agent for cervical ripening and induction of labour . The ideal dose, route and frequency of administration of misoprostol are still under investigation. Although, vaginal application of misoprostol has been validated as a reasonable mean of induction, there is a patient resistance to digital examination and there is a risk of ascending infection. For this reason, oral administration of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labour induction has been tried. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To compare 50μg of oral misoprostol versus 25μg of intravaginal misoprostol for induction of labour at term and maternal, foetal outcomes. METHODS Two hundred women who were at term, with indication for induction of labour and Bishop scores of ≤5 were randomly assigned to receive misoprostol 50μg or 25μg intravaginal, every 4-6 hours, for a maximum of 5 doses. In either group, pregnant females with inadequate uterine contractions despite being given maximum 5 doses of misoprostol, were augmented using oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was time-interval from induction to vaginal delivery and vaginal delivery rate within 24 hours. RESULTS The median induction to vaginal delivery time in oral group (12.92h) and vaginal group (14.04 h) was not significant. Oral misoprostol resulted in more number of vaginal deliveries as compared to vaginal misoprostol (94% as compared to 86%), which was not significant. There was a significantly higher incidence of uterine tachysystole in the vaginal group, as compared to oral group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to oxytocin augmentation, caesarean section rate, analgesic requirement and neonatal outcome. CONCLUSION Oral misoprostol is as efficacious as vaginal misoprostol because of shorter induction delivery interval, lower caesarean section rates, and lower incidence of failed induction rates. Lower incidence of foetal distress and easy intake are observed if the drug is administered orally.
Weight Status as a Mediator of the Association Between Preschool Extraversion and Adolescent Restrained Eating

Objectives To determine the longitudinal association between preschool extraversion and weight/dieting outcomes in adolescence. Methods Children (N = 180) were recruited as part of a longitudinal study, with child temperament assessed in preschool (age 5.25 years), weight assessed in 2nd grade and early adolescence, and eating outcomes assessed in early adolescence (mean age = 12.02 years). Results Preschoolers high in extraversion were significantly more likely to have higher body mass index z-scores (zBMI) and more restrained eating behaviors in adolescence. zBMI was found to mediate the relationship between extraversion and restrained eating, such that children with high levels of extraversion were more likely to have higher zBMI in adolescence and, owing to this higher weight status, to engage in more restrained eating. Conclusions Temperament is an important predictor of later maladaptive weight/dieting outcomes in adolescence, making it a potentially important early factor to consider in weight management interventions.
Gender power imbalance and differential psychosocial correlates of intended condom use among male and female adolescents from Venda, South Africa.

OBJECTIVES In South Africa, a gender power imbalance exists which may prevent women from negotiating safe sexual encounters. In this study we tested which constructs from Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) under these circumstances were most related to condom use intention. We hypothesized that in a situation of gender power imbalance self-efficacy would be a more salient correlate of intended condom use for females, while for males attitude to condoms and subjective norm would be more important. DESIGN This study employed a cross-sectional questionnaire design. METHOD Male participants (N=94) and female participants (N=101) from Venda, South Africa completed standard, multi-item, reliable measures of TPB constructs (condom-related attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, intention) and PMT constructs (vulnerability, severity, fear, response-efficacy, self-efficacy) and reported their past condom use behaviour. RESULTS Regression analysis indicated that among males attitude to condoms and subjective norm were significantly related to intended condom use. Among females attitude and self-efficacy were significantly related to intended condom use. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that in a situation of gender power imbalance psychosocial correlates of intended condom use differ for males and females. Gender-specific analysis of determinants of condom use may be more appropriate in a situation of gender power imbalance.
Incremental Subgradients for Constrained Convex Optimization: A Unified Framework and New Methods

We present a unifying framework for nonsmooth convex minimization bringing together $\epsilon$-subgradient algorithms and methods for the convex feasibility problem. This development is a natural step for $\epsilon$-subgradient methods in the direction of constrained optimization since the Euclidean projection frequently required in such methods is replaced by an approximate projection, which is often easier to compute. The developments are applied to incremental subgradient methods, resulting in new algorithms suitable to large-scale optimization problems, such as those arising in tomographic imaging.
Targeting α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors in epilepsy

Introduction: Despite epilepsies being between the oldest and most studied neurological diseases, new treatment remains an unmet need of scientific research due to the high percentage of refractory patients. Several studies have identified new suitable anti-seizure targets. Glutamate activation of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (AMPARs) have long ago been identified as suitable targets for the development of anti seizure drugs. Areas covered: Here, we describe: i) AMPARs' structure and their involvement and role during seizures and in epilepsy and ii) the efficacy of AMPAR antagonists in preclinical models of seizures and epilepsy. Expert opinion: The physiological and pathological role of AMPAR in the CNS and the development of AMPAR antagonists have recently gained attention considering their recent involvement in status epilepticus and the marketing of perampanel. The need for new anti-seizure drugs represents a major challenge in both preclinical and clinical epilepsy. The introduction into the market of perampanel for the treatment of epilepsy will shed new light on the real potential of AMPAR antagonism in clinical settings outside the limited world of clinical trials. While research will go on in this area, fundamental will be the post-marketing evaluation of perampanel efficacy and tolerability and a better definition of the role of this receptor in the epileptic brain.
Synthesis and characterization of the multi-photon absorption and excited-state properties of a neat liquid 4-propyl 4′-butyl diphenyl acetylene

The synthesis, characterization, and quantitative electronic structure modeling of multi-photon absorption properties of a neat liquid L34 (4-propyl 4′-butyl diphenyl acetylene) are reported. The liquid is (linearly) transparent in the visible spectrum, but possesses large two-photon absorption (2PA) and 2PA-induced singlet and triplet excited-state absorption as measured by the Z-scan technique and non-linear transmission measurements using both picosecond and nanosecond pulses. The most dominant contributions to the intensity-dependent non-linear absorption come from the 2PA-induced triplet excited states in the nanosecond time regime. We also present transient absorption spectra of the liquid obtained by nanosecond laser-flash photolysis and compare these results with electronic structure calculations. The energy of the absorption bands, both singlet and triplet are in reasonable agreement with calculations performed with Gaussian 03. The experimentally measured spectra and theoretical electronic structure modeling provide information about the energy levels of the excited states of this liquid, including 2PA and 2PA-induced process that is responsible for its non-linear optical properties.
Use of Minimax Probability Machine Regression for Modelling of Settlement of Shallow Foundations on Cohesionless Soil

This article examines the performance of Minimax Probability Machine Regression (MPMR) for prediction of settlement(s) of shallow foundation on cohesionless soil. MPMR maximizes the minimum probability that future predicted outputs of the regression model will be within some bound of the true regression function. Width of footing (B), net applied pressure (q), average Standard Penetration Test (SPT) blow count (N), length (L), and embedment depth (Df) have been adopted as inputs of the MPMR. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to determine the effect of each input. The results of MPMR have been compared with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN).
Concentration band dynamics in free-surface Couette flow of a suspension

Particle concentration banding has been studied by experiments in the flow driven by the inner cylinder of a partially filled concentric cylinder, or Couette, device. In this geometry, alternating bands of relatively concentrated and dilute particle fraction are observed along the axis. A small ratio of the inner to outer radius was used, with Ri/Ro=0.29, and Ri=0.64 cm, resulting in concentration bands which were confined to the vicinity of the inner cylinder. This work examines the dynamics of band formation and subsequent band motions for a range of filled fractions of the annular region, f, and angles of inclination of the Couette device relative to the horizontal, α. The majority of the experiments were performed at a bulk average particle volume fraction of φ=0.2, although banding was observed over the range of concentrations 0.01⩽φ⩽0.4. The focus of this work is on band dynamics, which have been analyzed by time-lapse video imaging and image analysis. At zero inclination angle, the concentrated ban.
Dielectrics in electric fields

1. Introductory Concepts 2. Polarization and Static Dielectric Constant 3. Dielectric Loss and Relaxation-I 4. Dielectric Loss and Relaxation-II 5. Experimental Data (Frequency Domain) 6. Absorption and Desorption Currents 7. Field Enhanced Conduction 8. Fundamental Aspects of Gaseous Breakdown-I 9. Fundamental Aspects of Electrical Breakdown-II 10. Thermally Stimulated Processes 11. Space Charge in Solids Dielectrics
Immune responses and resistance to brucellosis in mice vaccinated orally with Brucella abortus RB51

Immune responses and resistance to infection with Brucella abortus 2308 (S2308) were measured in mice following oral or intraperitoneal (i.p.) vaccination with strain RB51 (SRB51). Bacteria persisted in the parotid lymph node for 4 weeks following oral vaccination of mice with 5 x 10(8) or 5 x 10(6) CFU of SRB51. Bacteria did not appear in the spleen during 12 weeks after oral vaccination, whereas they did appear in the spleen for 8 weeks following i.p. vaccination of mice with SRB51 (5 x 10(8) or 5 x 10(6) CFU). Increased resistance to S2308 infection occurred at 12 to 20 weeks in mice vaccinated i.p. with SRB51 (5 x 10(8) or 5 x 10(6) CFU) but occurred at 12 weeks only in mice vaccinated orally with SRB51 (5 x 10(8) CFU). Oral SRB51 vaccination induced lower levels of antibodies to the surface antigens of intact SRB51 bacteria than did i.p. vaccination. However, neither route of vaccination induced anamnestic antibody responses to the surface antigens of intact S2308 bacteria after challenge infection of the vaccinated mice with S2308. Mice vaccinated orally with SRB51 and challenged with S2308 at 12 to 20 weeks had lower and less persistent spleen cell proliferation and production of gamma interferon in response to S2308 and certain immunodominant S2308 proteins (32 to < or = 18 kDa) than did mice vaccinated i.p. with SRB51. However, mice vaccinated orally or i.p. with SRB51 and challenged with S2308 had similar spleen cell tumor necrosis factor alpha production. These results indicate that oral vaccination of mice with SRB51 was effective in inducing protective immunity to S2308 infection, although the immunity was lower and less persistent than that induced by i.p. vaccination. The lower protective immunity induced by oral vaccination may have resulted from lower and less persistent cell-mediated immunity and gamma interferon production in response to S2308 and S2308 proteins.
Immunoglobulin Binding Protein (BiP) Function Is Required to Protect Cells from Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress but Is Not Required for the Secretion of Selective Proteins*

BiP/GRP78 is a lumenal stress protein of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that interacts with polypeptide folding intermediates transiting the secretory compartment. We have studied the secretion and the stress response in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that overexpress either wild-type immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP) or a BiP deletion molecule (residues 175-201) that can bind peptides and ATP but is defective in ATP hydrolysis and concomitant peptide release. Overexpressed wild-type BiP was localized to the ER and unique vesicles within the nucleus, whereas overexpressed ATPase-defective BiP was localized to the ER and cytoplasmic vesicles but was absent from the nucleus. Compared with wild-type CHO cells, overexpression of ATPase-defective BiP prevented secretion of factor VIII, a coagulation factor that extensively binds BiP in the lumen of the ER. Under these conditions factor VIII was stably associated with the ATPase-defective BiP. In contrast, the secretion of monocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor, a protein that is not detected in association with BiP, was not affected by overexpression of ATPase-defective BiP. These results show that BiP function is not required for secretion of some proteins and suggest that some proteins do not interact with BiP upon transport through the ER. The presence of unfolded protein in the ER induces transcription of BiP and also elicits a general inhibition of protein synthesis. Overexpression of wild-type BiP prevented the stress-mediated transcriptional induction of BiP in response to either calcium ionophore A23187 treatment or tunicamycin treatment. In contrast, overexpression of ATPase-defective BiP did not prevent the stress induction of BiP, showing that the ATPase activity is required to inhibit transcriptional induction. Overexpression of wild-type BiP, but not ATPase-defective BiP, increased survival of cells treated with A23187. The increased survival mediated by overexpressed wild-type BiP correlated with reduced translation inhibition in response to the stress condition. These results indicate that overexpressed BiP alleviated the stress in the ER to prevent BiP transcriptional induction and permit continued translation of cellular mRNAs.
Eco-Virological Approach for Assessing the Role of Wild Birds in the Spread of Avian Influenza H5N1 along the Central Asian Flyway

A unique pattern of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreaks has emerged along the Central Asia Flyway, where infection of wild birds has been reported with steady frequency since 2005. We assessed the potential for two hosts of HPAI H5N1, the bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) and ruddy shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), to act as agents for virus dispersal along this ‘thoroughfare’. We used an eco-virological approach to compare the migration of 141 birds marked with GPS satellite transmitters during 2005–2010 with: 1) the spatio-temporal patterns of poultry and wild bird outbreaks of HPAI H5N1, and 2) the trajectory of the virus in the outbreak region based on phylogeographic mapping. We found that biweekly utilization distributions (UDs) for 19.2% of bar-headed geese and 46.2% of ruddy shelduck were significantly associated with outbreaks. Ruddy shelduck showed highest correlation with poultry outbreaks owing to their wintering distribution in South Asia, where there is considerable opportunity for HPAI H5N1 spillover from poultry. Both species showed correlation with wild bird outbreaks during the spring migration, suggesting they may be involved in the northward movement of the virus. However, phylogeographic mapping of HPAI H5N1 clades 2.2 and 2.3 did not support dissemination of the virus in a northern direction along the migration corridor. In particular, two subclades (2.2.1 and 2.3.2) moved in a strictly southern direction in contrast to our spatio-temporal analysis of bird migration. Our attempt to reconcile the disciplines of wild bird ecology and HPAI H5N1 virology highlights prospects offered by both approaches as well as their limitations.
Patching task-level robot controllers based on a local μ-calculus formula

We present a method for mending strategies for GR(1) specifications. Given the addition or removal of edges from the game graph describing a problem (essentially transition rules in a GR(1) specification), we apply a μ-calculus formula to a neighborhood of states to obtain a “local strategy” that navigates around the invalidated parts of an original synthesized strategy. Our method may thus avoid global resynthesis while recovering correctness with respect to the new specification. We illustrate the results both in simulation and on physical hardware for a planar robot surveillance task.