Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
What are we missing here? Brain imaging evidence for higher cognitive functions in primary visual cortex V1

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and neuron electrophysiology (neurophysiology) are two well‐established ways to measure brain activity. Even though the spatial and temporal resolution of these techniques is very different, both measurements show a high level of consistency, i.e., for mapping feature preferences of cortical areas. There are, however, other striking differences between fMRI and neurophysiology, for example, fMRI has good accessibility to higher cognitive functions, a bias to measure synaptic activity, and a good sensitivity to detect feedback‐related activity, all of which can shed a new light on the function of well‐known brain areas like primary visual cortex, V1. Classically, it is believed that V1 cells are exhaustively characterized by their complex receptive field properties. Contrary to this view, however, fMRI shows that response properties in area V1 are spatially unstable, influenced by contextual information, and depend on internal states. This review will highlight some of the most striking new fMRI findings that show V1 is involved in higher cognitive functions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 20, 131–139, 2010
Rule-Based Fingerprint Quality Estimation System Using the Optimal Orientation Certainty Level Approach

The fingerprint quality can be used as a good predictor for fingerprint recognition performance. Knowing the fingerprint quality in advance is useful to improve the performance of fingerprint recognition system. In this paper, we propose an effective quality estimation system with 4 rules which are applied in two-step. Each rule consists of a Back-Propagation Neural Networks (BPNN) classifier based on Optimized Orientation Certainty Level (OOCL) features extracted locally from fingerprint images. Experimental results show that the proposed two-step OOCL method can estimate fingerprint quality more effectively.
IL-10 production in non–small cell lung carcinoma patients is regulated by ERK, P38 and COX-2

Immune dysfunction is hallmark of patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The molecular mechanism involved in COX‐2– and PGE2‐mediated production of immunosuppressive cytokine IL‐10 is not well‐understood. Our study addresses the involvement of T cell downstream signalling intermediates, cytokines (IL‐10 and IFN‐γ) and their transcription factors (T‐bet and GATA‐3) in COX‐2–mediated regulation of lymphocyte functions in NSCLC patients. In comparison to healthy individual, a marked decrease in lymphocyte proliferation to anti‐CD3 MAb was observed in NSCLC patients by thymidine incorporation assay. Using flow cytometry, decrease in intracellular calcium release with increase in reactive oxygen species was observed in lymphocytes of NSCLC patients. These patients showed increased IL‐10 and PGE2 with reduced IFN‐γ production by ELISA. Results demonstrated defect in regulation of transcription factors T‐bet and GATA‐3 as analysed by Western blotting (WB), immunoprecipitation and EMSA. Overexpression of p‐p38, p‐ERK and COX‐2 were observed with diminished p‐JNK by WB. IL‐10/IFN‐γ levels were found to be differentially regulated via p38 and ERK mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in cooperation with COX‐2. Inhibition of these pathways using selective inhibitors lead to increased lymphocyte proliferative response to anti‐CD3 MAb and IFN‐γ production with decrease in IL‐10 production. Studies showed involvement of ERK, p38 and COX‐2 pathways in high IL‐10 production, driven by lung tumour derived PGE2. The selective COX‐2 inhibitor rofecoxib showed ability to alter the cytokine balance by affecting regulation of T‐bet and GATA‐3 transcription factors.
Anticancer nanodelivery system with controlled release property based on protocatechuate–zinc layered hydroxide nanohybrid

Background We characterize a novel nanocomposite that acts as an efficient anticancer agent. Methods This nanocomposite consists of zinc layered hydroxide intercalated with protocatechuate (an anionic form of protocatechuic acid), that has been synthesized using a direct method with zinc oxide and protocatechuic acid as precursors. Results The resulting protocatechuic acid nanocomposite (PAN) showed a basal spacing of 12.7 Å, indicating that protocatechuate was intercalated in a monolayer arrangement, with an angle of 54° from the Z-axis between the interlayers of the zinc layered hydroxide, and an estimated drug loading of about 35.7%. PAN exhibited the properties of a mesoporous type material, with greatly enhanced thermal stability of protocatechuate as compared to its free counterpart. The presence of protocatechuate in the interlayers of the zinc layered hydroxide was further supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Protocatechuate was released from PAN in a slow and sustained manner. This mechanism of release was well represented by a pseudo-second order kinetics model. PAN has shown increased cytotoxicity compared to the free form of protocatechuic acid in all cancer cell lines tested. Tumor growth suppression was extensive, particularly in HepG2 and HT29 cell lines. Conclusion PAN is suitable for use as a controlled release formulation, and our in vitro evidence indicates that PAN is an effective anticancer agent. PAN may have potential as a chemotherapeutic drug for human cancer.
Accounting Information Quality, Stock Returns, and Macroeconomic Conditions

This paper reexamines whether accounting information quality proxied by accruals quality (AQ) is priced. In two-stage cross-sectional regression tests, we find that the AQ risk factor is statistically and economically priced after the exclusion of low-priced stocks. Our results are robust to various approaches of portfolio formations and beta estimations. Since the market capitalization of low-priced stocks is only two percent of that of non-low-priced stocks, these findings suggests that AQ is priced in most stocks in terms of market capitalization. Furthermore, we show that AQ is related to fundamental risk as evidence by (i) poorer AQ firms are more responsive to the change of macroeconomic conditions; (ii) the risk premium associated with AQ systematically varies with macroeconomic conditions and business cycles; and (iii) the risk premium of AQ and the dispersion of AQ between poor and good accounting quality firms are related to future economic activities. Overall, our findings support the argument that accounting information quality is a priced risk factor.
Identification of a Drosophila Glucose Receptor Using Ca2+ Imaging of Single Chemosensory Neurons

Evaluation of food compounds by chemosensory cells is essential for animals to make appropriate feeding decisions. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, structurally diverse chemicals are detected by multimeric receptors composed of members of a large family of Gustatory receptor (Gr) proteins. Putative sugar and bitter receptors are expressed in distinct subsets of Gustatory Receptor Neurons (GRN) of taste sensilla, thereby assigning distinct taste qualities to sugars and bitter tasting compounds, respectively. Here we report a Ca2+ imaging method that allows association of ligand-mediated responses to a single GRN. We find that different sweet neurons exhibit distinct response profiles when stimulated with various sugars, and likewise, different bitter neurons exhibit distinct response profiles when stimulated with a set of bitter chemicals. These observations suggest that individual neurons within a taste modality are represented by distinct repertoires of sweet and bitter taste receptors, respectively. Furthermore, we employed this novel method to identify glucose as the primary ligand for the sugar receptor Gr61a, which is not only expressed in sweet sensing neurons of classical chemosensory sensilla, but also in two supersensitive neurons of atypical taste sensilla. Thus, single cell Ca2+ imaging can be employed as a powerful tool to identify ligands for orphan Gr proteins.
The effects of migration and drift on local adaptation to a heterogeneous environment

Local adaptation experiments are widely used to quantify the levels of adaptation within a heterogeneous environment. However, theoretical studies generally focus on the probability of fixation of alleles or the mean fitness of populations, rather than local adaptation as it is commonly measured experimentally or in field studies. Here, we develop mathematical models and use them to generate analytical predictions for the level of local adaptation as a function of selection, migration and genetic drift. First, we contrast mean fitness and local adaptation measures and show that the latter can be expressed in a simple and general way as a function of the spatial covariance between population mean phenotype and local environmental conditions. Second, we develop several approximations of a population genetics model to show that the system exhibits different behaviours depending on the rate of migration. The main insights are the following: with intermediate migration, both genetic drift and migration decrease local adaptation; with low migration, drift decreases local adaptation but migration speeds up adaptation; with high migration, genetic drift has no effect on local adaptation. Third, we extend this analysis to cases where the trait under selection is continuous using classical quantitative genetics theory. Finally, we discuss these results in the light of recent experimental work on local adaptation.
Leaving the wild: lessons from community technology handovers

As research increasingly turns to work 'in the wild' to design and evaluate technologies under real-world conditions, little consideration has been given to what happens when research ends. In many cases, users are heavily involved in the design process and encouraged to integrate the resulting technologies into their lives before they are withdrawn, while in some cases technologies are being left in place after research concludes. Often, little is done to assess the impact and legacy of these deployments. In this paper, we return to two examples in which we designed technologies with the involvement of communities and examine what steps were taken to ensure their long-term viability and what happened following the departure of researchers. From these examples, we provide guidelines for planning and executing technology handovers when conducting research with communities.
Interstitial Lung Disease Induced by Drugs and Radiation

An ever-increasing number of drugs can reproduce variegated patterns of naturally occurring interstitial lung disease (ILD), including most forms of interstitial pneumonias, alveolar involvement and, rarely, vasculitis. Drugs in one therapeutic class may collectively produce the same pattern of involvement. A few drugs can produce more than one pattern of ILD. The diagnosis of drug-induced ILD (DI-ILD) essentially rests on the temporal association between exposure to the drug and the development of pulmonary infiltrates. The histopathological features of DI-ILD are generally consistent, rather than suggestive or specific to the drug etiology. Thus, the diagnosis of DI-ILD is mainly made by the meticulous exclusion of all other possible causes. Drug dechallenge produces measurable improvement in symptoms and imaging in the majority of patients, whereas corticosteroid therapy is indicated if symptoms are present or drug dechallenge is without an effect. Rechallenge is justified in a minority of patients, and is discouraged for diagnostic purposes only. Pneumotox® (www.pneumotox.com) provides updated information on drug-induced respiratory disease.
Global field synchronization reveals rapid eye movement sleep as most synchronized brain state in the human EEG

Sleep is characterized by a loss of consciousness, which has been attributed to a breakdown of functional connectivity between brain regions. Global field synchronization (GFS) can estimate functional connectivity of brain processes. GFS is a frequency-dependent measure of global synchronicity of multi-channel EEG data. Our aim was to explore and extend the hypothesis of disconnection during sleep by comparing GFS spectra of different vigilance states. The analysis was performed on eight healthy adult male subjects. EEG was recorded during a baseline night, a recovery night after 40 h of sustained wakefulness and at 3 h intervals during the 40 h of wakefulness. Compared to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, REM sleep showed larger GFS values in all frequencies except in the spindle and theta bands, where NREM sleep showed a peak in GFS. Sleep deprivation did not affect GFS spectra in REM and NREM sleep. Waking GFS values were lower compared with REM and NREM sleep except for the alpha band. Waking alpha GFS decreased following sleep deprivation in the eyes closed condition only. Our surprising finding of higher synchrony during REM sleep challenges the view of REM sleep as a desynchronized brain state and may provide insight into the function of REM sleep.
Self-control in decision-making involves modulation of the vmPFC valuation system

Dieter's Dilemma The ability to exercise self-control is central to human success and well-being. However, little is known about the neurobiological underpinnings of self-control and how or why these neural mechanisms might differ between successful and unsuccessful decision-makers. Hare et al. (p. 646) used brain imaging in a dieting population undergoing real-life decisions between a healthy or a tempting, yet nutritionally inferior, choice of food. Activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex correlated with the value of the stimulus, termed goal value. Importantly, this activity integrated both health and taste values in individuals who were able to exert self-control in their choices, while reflecting only taste in those unable to exert self-control. The neural circuitry underlying choice and self-control is revealed by modeling and brain imaging. Every day, individuals make dozens of choices between an alternative with higher overall value and a more tempting but ultimately inferior option. Optimal decision-making requires self-control. We propose two hypotheses about the neurobiology of self-control: (i) Goal-directed decisions have their basis in a common value signal encoded in ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), and (ii) exercising self-control involves the modulation of this value signal by dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor brain activity while dieters engaged in real decisions about food consumption. Activity in vmPFC was correlated with goal values regardless of the amount of self-control. It incorporated both taste and health in self-controllers but only taste in non–self-controllers. Activity in DLPFC increased when subjects exercised self-control and correlated with activity in vmPFC.
Predicting Grapevine Water Status Based on Hyperspectral Reflectance Vegetation Indices

Several vegetation indices (VI) derived from handheld spectroradiometer reflectance data in the visible spectral region were tested for modelling grapevine water status estimated by the predawn leaf water potential (Ψpd). The experimental trial was carried out in a vineyard in Douro wine region, Portugal. A statistical approach was used to evaluate which VI and which combination of wavelengths per VI allows the best correlation between VIs and Ψpd. A linear regression was defined using a parameterization dataset. The correlation analysis between Ψpd and the VIs computed with the standard formulation showed relatively poor results, with values for squared Pearson correlation coefficient (r2) smaller than 0.67. However, the results of r2 highly improved for all VIs when computed with the selected best combination of wavelengths (optimal VIs). The optimal Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI) and Normalized Difference Greenness Vegetation Index (NDGI) showed the higher r2 and stability index results. The equations obtained through the regression between measured Ψpd (Ψpd_obs) and optimal VARI and between Ψpd_obs and optimal NDGI when using the parameterization dataset were adopted for predicting Ψpd using a testing dataset. The comparison of Ψpd_obs with Ψpd predicted based on VARI led to R2 = 0.79 and a regression coefficient b = 0.96. Similar R2 was achieved for the prediction based on NDGI, but b was smaller (b = 0.93). Results obtained allow the future use of optimal VARI and NDGI for estimating Ψpd, supporting vineyards irrigation management.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Aspirin Therapy for the Treatment of Acute and Recurrent Idiopathic Pericarditis

Aspirin (ASA) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a mainstay of therapy for the treatment of idiopathic pericarditis (IP). A comprehensive review consisting of pertinent clinical literature, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic considerations, has not been released in recent years. This review will facilitate the clinician’s understanding of pharmacotherapeutic considerations for using ASA/NSAIDs to treat IP. Data were compiled using clinical literature consisting of case reports, cohort data, retrospective and prospective studies, and manufacturer package inserts. ASA, ibuprofen, indometacin, and ketorolac relatively have the most evidence in the treatment of IP, provide symptomatic relief of IP, and should be tapered accordingly. ASA is the drug of choice in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), or renal disease, but should be avoided in patients with asthma and nasal polyps, who are naïve to ASA therapy. Ibuprofen is an inexpensive and relatively accessible option in patients who do not have concomitant CAD, HF, or renal disease. Indometacin is not available over-the-counter in the USA, and has a relatively higher incidence of central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects. Ketorolac is an intravenous option; however, clinicians must be mindful of the maximum dose that can be administered. While ASA/NSAIDs do not ameliorate the disease process of IP, they are part of first-line therapy (along with colchicine), for preventing recurrence of IP. ASA/NSAID choice should be dictated by comorbid conditions, tolerability, and adverse effects. Additionally, the clinician should be mindful of considerations such as tapering, high-sensitivity CRP monitoring, bleeding risk, and contraindications to ASA/NSAID therapy.
Image-Difference Prediction: From Color to Spectral

We propose a new strategy to evaluate the quality of multi and hyperspectral images, from the perspective of human perception. We define the spectral image difference as the overall perceived difference between two spectral images under a set of specified viewing conditions (illuminants). First, we analyze the stability of seven image-difference features across illuminants, by means of an information-theoretic strategy. We demonstrate, in particular, that in the case of common spectral distortions (spectral gamut mapping, spectral compression, spectral reconstruction), chromatic features vary much more than achromatic ones despite considering chromatic adaptation. Then, we propose two computationally efficient spectral image difference metrics and compare them to the results of a subjective visual experiment. A significant improvement is shown over existing metrics such as the widely used root-mean square error.
PlayWithEyes: A new way to test children eyes

One of the major problems of doctors when dealing with children is to capture and maintain their attention. This is particularly true for oculists that must test children eyes, especially if they are very young. In this paper we present PlayWithEyes, a serious game that aims at testing the children eyes while they are having fun playing with Lea symbols and images taken from popular cartoons, using a touch interface. PlayWithEyes was created to perform screening of visual acuity of very young children, since early diagnosis is very important for some sight defects like amblyopia (lazy eye).
Remembering to Pay? Reminders vs. Financial Incentives for Loan Payments

We report the results from a field experiment with a micro lender in Uganda to test the effectiveness of privately implemented incentives for loan repayment. Using a randomized control trial we measure the impact of three different treatments: Borrowers are either given a lump sum cash reward upon completion of the loan (equivalent to a 25% interest rate reduction on the current loan), a 25% reduction of the interest rate in the next loan the borrower takes from the bank, or a monthly text message reminder before the loan payment is due (SMS). We find that on average the size of the treatment effect is similar across all the treatment groups: borrowers in the treatment groups have a 7-9% increase in the probability of paying on time and the average days late drop by 2 days a month. The results suggest that simple text messages which help borrowers to better manage their repayment dates have similar effects as large changes in the cost of capital of 25% of interest. The impact of the cash back incentives are stronger for customers with smaller loans and less banking experience, the reduced future interest rate seemed to be most effective for customers with larger loans, while the SMS text messages were particularly effective for younger customers.
Happiness, excellence, and optimal human functioning revisited: Examining the peer-reviewed literature linked to positive psychology

Since the original call by Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000) for a new science of happiness, excellence, and optimal human functioning, there has been an explosion of activity in, acclaim for, and criticism of positive psychology. The purpose of this study was to identify and examine the peer-reviewed literature linked to the positive psychology movement. An extensive systematic review identified 1336 articles published between 1999 and 2013. More than 750 of these articles included empirical tests of positive psychology theories, principles, and interventions. The results show a fairly consistent increase in the rate of publication, and that the number of empirical studies has grown steadily over the time period. The findings demonstrate that positive psychology is a growing and vibrant sub-area within the broader discipline of psychology, committed to using the same rigorous scientific methods as other sub-areas, in pursuit of understanding well-being, excellence, and optimal human functioning.
An Inhibitory Role of the G-Protein Regulator AGS3 in mTOR-Dependent Macroautophagy

Macroautophagy is a cellular process whereby the cell sequesters and recycles cytosolic constituents in a lysosome-dependent manner. It has also been implicated in a number of disorders, including cancer and neurodegeneration. Although a previous report that AGS3 over-expression promotes macroautophagy suggests a stimulatory role of AGS3 in this process, we have found that knock-down of AGS3, unexpectedly, also induces macroautophagy, indicating an inhibitory function of endogenous AGS3 in macroautophagy. Interestingly, AGS3 phosphorylation is decreased upon induction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent macroautophagy. Moreover, unlike wild-type AGS3, over-expression of an AGS3 mutant lacking this modification fails to enhance macroautophagic activity. These observations imply that AGS3 phosphorylation may participate in the modulation of macroautophagy.