Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gq-Coupled Receptor Agonists Mediate Cardiac Hypertrophy Via the Vasculature

Abstract—The Gq-coupled receptor-signaling pathway has been implicated in the cardiac hypertrophic response to stress, but little is actually known about the contributions of Gq signaling in either the heart or the vasculature. Therefore, we developed a line of transgenic mice that express a peptide inhibitor of Gq (GqI) in vascular smooth muscle to determine if vascular Gq signaling was important in the cardiac hypertrophic response. After chronic administration of the Gq agonists phenylephrine, serotonin, and angiotensin II, we observed an attenuation of mean arterial blood pressure and an inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy in the transgenic mice with vascular-specific GqI expression. In contrast, cardiac GqI peptide expression did not attenuate the hypertension or the cardiac hypertrophy. Importantly, all mice were capable of cardiac hypertrophy, because direct &bgr;-adrenergic receptor stimulation induced a similar level of hypertrophy in both lines of transgenic mice. This clearly suggests that after chronic Gq-coupled receptor agonist administration, it is the hypertensive state induced by vascular Gq activation that mediates remodeling of the heart, rather than direct stimulation of cardiac Gq-coupled receptors. Thus, the contribution of vascular Gq-coupled signaling to the development of cardiac hypertrophy is significant and suggests that expression of the GqI peptide is a novel therapeutic strategy to lower Gq-mediated hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.
Reward Reduces Conflict by Enhancing Attentional Control and Biasing Visual Cortical Processing

How does motivation interact with cognitive control during challenging behavioral conditions? Here, we investigated the interactions between motivation and cognition during a response conflict task and tested a specific model of the effect of reward on cognitive processing. Behaviorally, participants exhibited reduced conflict during the reward versus no-reward condition. Brain imaging results revealed that a group of subcortical and fronto-parietal regions was robustly influenced by reward at cue processing and, importantly, that cue-related responses in fronto-parietal attentional regions were predictive of reduced conflict-related signals in the medial pFC (MPFC)/ACC during the upcoming target phase. Path analysis revealed that the relationship between cue responses in the right intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and interference-related responses in the MPFC during the subsequent target phase was mediated via signals in the left fusiform gyrus, which we linked to distractor-related processing. Finally, reward increased functional connectivity between the right IPS and both bilateral putamen and bilateral nucleus accumbens during the cue phase, a relationship that covaried with across-individual sensitivity to reward in the case of the right nucleus accumbens. Taken together, our findings are consistent with a model in which motivationally salient cues are employed to upregulate top–down control processes that bias the selection of visual information, thereby leading to more efficient stimulus processing during conflict conditions.
User Migration in Online Social Networks: A Case Study on Reddit During a Period of Community Unrest

Platforms like Reddit have attracted large and vibrant communities, but the individuals in those communities are free to migrate to other platforms at any time. History has borne this out with the mass migration from Slashdot to Digg. The underlying motivations of individuals who migrate between platforms, and the conditions that favor migration online are not well-understood. We examine Reddit during a period of community unrest affecting millions of users in the summer of 2015, and analyze large-scale changes in user behavior and migration patterns to Reddit-like alternative platforms. Using self-reported statements from user comments, surveys, and a computational analysis of the activity of users with accounts on multiple platforms, we identify the primary motivations driving user migration. While a notable number of Reddit users left for other platforms, we found that an important pull factor that enabled Reddit to retain users was its long tail of niche content. Other platforms may reach critical mass to support popular or “mainstream” topics, but Reddit’s large userbase provides a key advantage in supporting niche topics.
Are Creativity and Schizotypy Products of a Right Hemisphere Bias?

Prior research has shown associations between higher creativity (e.g., semantic association, verbal fluency), higher schizotypy (e.g., magical ideation), and relatively stronger right hemisphere laterality measures--when each of the three pairings has been studied individually. Our prior study related creativity and schizotypy to signal detection theory response criterion aspects of laterality. The present study attempted to integrate findings regarding these three constructs and to replicate the signal detection theory laterality results by providing measures of all three constructs in a within subjects design. Participants were 60 undergraduates who completed a test battery including two measures of creativity, three measures of schizotypy, a lateralized lexical decision task, and a dichotic listening task. Results are consistent with individual differences in creativity and schizotypy being partly related to a response criterion favoring right hemisphere, possibly nonconscious, processing. Dichotic listening results revealed a strong association of better right hemisphere (left ear) localization ability and creativity.
Finding your “Inner-Annotator”: An Experiment in Annotator Independence for Rating Discourse Coherence Quality in Essays

An experimental annotation method is described, showing promise for a subjective labeling task – discourse coherence quality of essays. Annotators developed personal protocols, reducing front-end resources: protocol development and annotator training. Substantial inter-annotator agreement was achieved for a 4-point scale. Correlational analyses revealed how unique linguistic phenomena were considered in annotation. Systems trained with the annotator data demonstrated utility of the data.
Predicting the results of uterine artery embolization: correlation between initial intramural fibroid volume and percentage volume decrease

Introduction and objective Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic fibroids. Long-term follow-up studies have shown that at five-year follow-up after UAE, up to 30% of patients required a hysterectomy. Therefore, it seems of utmost importance to identify patients, who are unlikely to benefit from UAE. It has been postulated that the percentage volume reduction of fibroids may predict long-term UAE outcome. The results of available studies are equivocal, therefore it seemed of interest to investigate the correlation between the preinterventional intramural fibroid volume and imaging outcome of UAE in premenopausal patients. Material and methods Uterine artery embolization was performed in 65 premenopausal patients with symptomatic, intramural fibroids. Dominant fibroid volume was assessed using an integrated VOCAL (Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis) imaging program at baseline and 3 months after UAE. The percentage reduction of fibroid volume was calculated. The association between preinterventional fibroid volumes and percentage volume reductions was determined with the Spearman rank correlation test. Results Before UAE, the median dominant fibroid volume was 101 cm3 (range 23.6-610). At three-month follow-up the median dominant leiomyoma volume decreased to 50.4 cm3 (range 6.9-193.9). Median percentage reduction of fibroid volume three months after UAE was calculated at 50.1% (range 2.7-93.5). The Spearman correlation test between the preinterventional dominant fibroid volume and percentage volume reduction showed a statistically significant, positive correlation (R = 0.33; p = 0.006). Conclusions The percentage volume reduction of intramural leiomyomas after UAE seems to be more pronounced in the case of larger tumors.
Your hand movements in my somatosensory cortex: a visuo-kinesthetic function in human area 2

Does viewing someone's actions activate a viewer's somatosensory cortex? We tested if visual information of limb movements activated limb sections in somatosensory areas that are normally engaged in kinesthetic processing of the limb. We showed, with functional magnetic resonance imaging in 17 right-handed healthy subjects, that passive observation of flexion-extension movements of an experimenter's right hand activated the observer's contralateral hand section of area 2 which is involved in kinesthetic processing of right hand movements. This could be interpreted as a pragmatic function of the brain that permits visual information to reach the somatosensory area, and suggests human area 2 has an association function between kinesthesia and vision.
Executive Pay, Hidden Compensation and Managerial Entrenchment

We consider a managerial optimal framework for top executive compensation, where top management sets their own compensation subject to limited entrenchment, instead of the conventional setting where such compensation is set by a board that maximizes firm value. Top management would like to pay themselves as much as possible, but are constrained by the need to ensure sufficient efficiency to avoid a replacement. Shareholders can remove a manager, but only at a cost, and will therefore only do so if the anticipated future value of the manager (given by anticipated future performance net of future compensation) falls short of that of a replacement by this replacement cost. In this setting, observable compensation (salary) and hidden compensation (perks, pet projects, pensions, etc.) serve different roles for management and have different costs, and both are used in equilibrium. We examine the relationship between observable and hidden compensation and other variables in a dynamic model, and derive a number of unique predictions regarding these two types of pay. We then test these implications and find results that generally support the predictions of our model.
Diffusion-based distributed adaptive estimation utilizing gradient-descent total least-squares

We develop a gradient-descent distributed adaptive estimation strategy that compensates for error in both input and output data. To this end, we utilize the concepts of total least-squares estimation and gradient-descent optimization in conjunction with a recently-proposed framework for diffusion adaptation over networks. The proposed strategy does not require any prior knowledge about the noise variances and has a computational complexity comparable to the diffusion least mean square (DLMS) strategy. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed strategy provides significantly improved estimation performance compared with the DLMS and bias-compensated DLMS (BC-DLMS) strategies when both the input and output signals are noisy.
Specialty and sex as predictors of depression in dentists

BACKGROUND Stress, burnout, substance abuse and suicide among dentists have been studied, yet no study in the United States has specifically addressed depression in e dentists. The objective of the authors' study was to determine if sex and dental specialty were correlated with depression in dentists. METHODS The authors conducted a survey of a sample of dentists chosen randomly from the American Dental Association's mailing list of member dentists. The survey, stratified by sex and specialty, resulted in 560 responses, for a 53 percent response rate. The authors used the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale to measure depression. The authors examined the respondents' sex, age, number of children, marital status, specialty, practice type, location of practice, years in practice and hours worked per week. RESULTS The rate of depression in the overall sample was 9 percent. Sex was associated with depression (P < .001), but specialty was not. However, multiple regression analysis found that sex was significantly related to depression in only two specialties: periodontics and pediatric dentistry. Overall, the regression model explained an unimpressive 6 percent of the variance in depression scores. The most important finding of the study was that only 15 percent of depressed dentists were receiving treatment. CONCLUSIONS The survey results showed that only female pediatric dentists and periodontists were more depressed than their male counterparts. None of the other variables studied contributed significantly to the understanding of depression in dentists. Depressed dentists, like other depressed people, tend not to seek treatment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Depression and serious depression occur among dentists, and much of it is untreated. Because depression is harmful to dentists and raises quality-of-care issues, they should be educated to help them recognize depression and encouraged to seek treatment.
Association Study of Val66Met Polymorphism in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene with Clozapine-Induced Metabolic Syndrome: Preliminary Results

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is higher among patients receiving atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) treatment, and even among AAPs, treatment with clozapine has been shown to be associated with a higher long-term incidence rate of MetS. Likewise, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) deficiency has been reported to result in metabolic traits, such as increased food intake, hyperphagia and obesity, etc. In this study, we hypothesized that a functional polymorphism (Val66Met) in the BDNF gene may confer susceptibility to clozapine-induced MetS, potentially in a sex-specific manner, since an interaction between Val66Met polymorphism and sex was observed in our previous studies. A total of 199 schizophrenia patients being treated with clozapine were divided into two groups, MetS and non-MetS, based on the diagnostic criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. We genotyped the Val66Met polymorphism, and measured the serum levels of fasting glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). There was a trend indicating a significant association between the homozygous Met/Met genotype and MetS in male patients (OR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.05–5.41; p = 0.039; corrected p = 0.078). Among the six risk factors listed in the ATPIII criteria, we found a significant association between fasting GLU levels and Val66Met polymorphism in males (p = 0.005; corrected p = 0.03), but not in females (p = 0.65). Post-hoc analysis in males revealed that the Met/Met carriers had significant higher levels of fasting GLU than those with Val/Val or Val/Met genotypes (p = 0.007; corrected p = 0.042 and p = 0.002; corrected p = 0.012, respectively). In conclusion, we observed a weak association between the Val66Met polymorphism and clozapine-induced MetS in a sex-specific manner. While preliminary, such findings prompt further, large-scale longitudinal studies to replicate these findings.
PDE-Based Graph Signal Processing for 3-D Color Point Clouds : Opportunities for cultural heritage

With the advance of three-dimensional (3-D) scanning technology, the cultural heritage community is increasingly interested in 3-D scans of cultural objects such as antiques, artifacts, and heritage sites. Digitization of these objects is commonly aimed at heritage preservation. Since 3-D color scanning has the potential to tackle a variety of traditional documentation challenges, the use of signal processing techniques on such data can be expected to yield new applications that are feasible for the first time with the aid of captured 3-D color point clouds. Our contributions are twofold. First, we propose a simple method to solve partial differential equations (PDEs) on point clouds using the framework of partial difference equations (PdEs) on graphs. Second, we survey several applications of 3-D color point cloud processing on real examples for which signal processing researchers can develop tools that can be valuable for museum specialists. The results of these methods have been reviewed by experts in the arts and found promising.
Prospective Physical Education Teachers' Attitudes Toward Teaching Students with Disabilities

In recent years, attitudinal research has emerged with regard to the inclusion of students with disabilities into general physical activity settings (Heikinaro-Johansson & Vogler, 1996). Inclusion is a philosophical paradigm that calls for the placement of students with diverse abilities and disabilities (mild to severe) into general education classes with peers in their neighborhood schools. Moreover, these students are viewed as valued participants within such classes and must be provided appropriate support services (Block, 1994a; 1994b; Block & Vogler, 1994). Of paramount importance to the success of this paradigmatic focus is the attitudes of physical educators toward teaching students with disabilities (Heikinaro- Johansson & Sherrill, 1994; Murata, Hodge, &Jansma, 1994).
Urban Heat Island and Park Cool Island Intensities in the Coastal City of Aracaju, North-Eastern Brazil

In this study, an evaluation of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) and Park Cool Island (PCI) intensities in Aracaju, North-Eastern Brazil, was performed. The basis of our evaluation is a 2-year dataset from the urban climatological network installed with the principles and concepts defined for urban areas related to climatic scales, sitting and exposure, urban morphology, and metadata. The current findings update UHI intensities in Aracaju refuting the trend registered in previous studies. On average, the UHI was more intense in the cool season (1.3 °C) than in hot season (0.5 °C), which was caused by wind speed decrease. In relation to the PCI, mitigation of high air temperatures of 1.5–2 °C on average was registered in the city. However, the urban park is not always cooler than the surrounding built environment. Consistent long-term monitoring in the cities is very important to provide more accurate climatic information about the UHI and PCI to be applied in urban planning properly, e.g., to provide pleasant thermal comfort in urban spaces.
Associations of Self-Reported Erectile Function with Non-Invasive Measurements of Endothelial Function: A Preliminary Study

Purpose To evaluate the association of self-reported erectile function and endothelial function using the EndoPAT device. Materials and Methods We prospectively enrolled 76 men (age≥40 years) after obtaining a complete medical history and a self-reported questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5], SEP Q2, Q3). Endothelial function was noninvasively measured with an EndoPAT 2000, recorded as the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), and analyzed according to the patients' baseline characteristics. Results The mean patient age and IIEF-5 score were 62.50±8.56 years and 11.20±6.36, respectively. In comparing the RHI according to erectile dysfunction (ED) risk factors, the RHI was significantly lower in older subjects (p=0.004). There was no difference in the RHI according to age, body mass index, waist circumference, obesity, smoking habit, or other comorbidities. When the subjects were divided into four groups according to the severity of ED, no statistical differences in the RHI value were found among the groups. There was no difference in IIEF-5 according to the RHI when categorized according to the normal cutoff value or quartile ranges. The second subdomain of IIEF-5 (erection firmness) was significantly correlated with the RHI value (R=0.309, p=0.007); however, this was not the case with the other IIEF-5 subdomains. Self-assessment showed a tendency toward a negative correlation with the RHI value (R=-0.202, p=0.080). Conclusions The role of endothelial function measurement by the EndoPAT in the evaluation and management of ED patients remains inconclusive. However, further studies are needed to validate the role of endothelial function measurement, by the EndoPAT or any other device.
Insights into the effects of polygalacturonase FaPG1 gene silencing on pectin matrix disassembly, enhanced tissue integrity, and firmness in ripe strawberry fruits

Antisense-mediated down-regulation of the fruit-specific polygalacturonase (PG) gene FaPG1 in strawberries (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) has been previously demonstrated to reduce fruit softening and to extend post-harvest shelf life, despite the low PG activity detected in this fruit. The improved fruit traits were suggested to be attributable to a reduced cell wall disassembly due to FaPG1 silencing. This research provides empirical evidence that supports this assumption at the biochemical, cellular, and tissue levels. Cell wall modifications of two independent transgenic antisense lines that demonstrated a >90% reduction in FaPG1 transcript levels were analysed. Sequential extraction of cell wall fractions from control and ripe fruits exhibited a 42% decrease in pectin solubilization in transgenic fruits. A detailed chromatographic analysis of the gel filtration pectin profiles of the different cell wall fractions revealed a diminished depolymerization of the more tightly bound pectins in transgenic fruits, which were solubilized with both a chelating agent and sodium carbonate. The cell wall extracts from antisense FaPG1 fruits also displayed less severe in vitro swelling. A histological analysis revealed more extended cell–cell adhesion areas and an enhanced tissue integrity in transgenic ripe fruits. An immunohistological analysis of fruit sections using the JIM5 antibody against low methyl-esterified pectins demonstrated a higher labelling in transgenic fruit sections, whereas minor differences were observed with JIM7, an antibody that recognizes highly methyl-esterified pectins. These results support that the increased firmness of transgenic antisense FaPG1 strawberry fruits is predominantly due to a decrease in pectin solubilization and depolymerization that correlates with more tightly attached cell wall-bound pectins. This limited disassembly in the transgenic lines indicates that these pectin fractions could play a key role in tissue integrity maintenance that results in firmer ripe fruit.
Effect of Oncotic Pressure of Diaspirin Cross-Linked Hemoglobin (DCLHb Trademark) on Brain Injury After Temporary Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Previous studies have shown that diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DCLHb Trademark, 10 g/dL) decreases cerebral ischemia and the resultant injury in a dose-dependent manner, requiring large volumes of DCLHb Trademark for maximum efficacy. We assessed the effect of a more concentrated (20 g/dL) and more hyperoncotic preparation of DCLHb Trademark on cerebral infarction volume. Immediately after middle cerebral artery occlusion, rats were randomized to one of the following groups: Control, hematocrit not manipulated; 10/Hb, hematocrit decreased to 30% with 10% DCLHb Trademark (oncotic pressure 43 mm Hg); 7.5/Alb, hematocrit decreased to 30% with 7.5% albumin (oncotic pressure 43 mm Hg); 20/Hb, the same dose of DCLHb Trademark (20%, oncotic pressure 129 mm Hg) as the 10/Hb group (half the volume); or 15/Alb, the same dose of albumin (15%, oncotic pressure 130 mm Hg) as the 7.5/Alb group (half the volume). After 90 min of ischemia, 72 h of reperfusion was allowed. Infarction volume (mm3, mean +/- SD) was less in the DCLHb Trademark groups (10/Hb = 79 +/- 17; 20/Hb = 51 +/- 14) than the oncotically matched albumin groups (7.5/Alb = 124 +/- 21; 15/Alb = 85 +/- 18) and the Control group (135 +/- 17) (P < 0.05). These data indicate that in this model of cerebral ischemia, DCLHb Trademark decreases ischemic brain injury more effectively than albumin, and that a hyperoncotic preparation of DCLHb Trademark is preferable. (Anesth Analg 1996;83:342-7)