Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Penetration, Perceptual Learning and Neural Plasticity

Cognitive penetration of perception, broadly understood, is the influence that the cognitive system has on a perceptual system (e.g., visual, auditory, haptic). The paper shows a form of cognitive penetration in the visual system (defined as early vision) which I call ‘architectural’. Architectural cognitive penetration is the process whereby the behaviour or the structure of the perceptual system is influenced by the cognitive system, which consequently may have an impact on the content of the perceptual experience. I scrutinize a study in perceptual learning that provides empirical evidence that cognitive influences in the visual system produce neural reorganization in the primary visual cortex. The type of cognitive penetration can be synchronic and diachronic.
Quantum effects in liquid water: Path-integral simulations of a flexible and polarizable ab initio model

We examine quantum effects in liquid water at ambient conditions by performing path-integral molecular dynamics simulations of a flexible, polarizable water model that was parameterized from ab initio calculations. The quantum liquid is less structured and has a smaller binding energy, in accord with previous simulations. The difference between the quantum and classical liquid binding energies (∼1.5 kcal/mol) is in reasonable agreement with a simple harmonic model, and is somewhat larger than previous estimates in the literature. Quantum effects do not appear to significantly modify the average induced dipole moment for a polarizable model, although the distribution is broader, especially for the component along the C2 axis of symmetry.
Cortical Projection Topography of the Human Splenium: Hemispheric Asymmetry and Individual Differences

The corpus callosum is the largest white matter pathway in the human brain. The most posterior portion, known as the splenium, is critical for interhemispheric communication between visual areas. The current study employed diffusion tensor imaging to delineate the complete cortical projection topography of the human splenium. Homotopic and heterotopic connections were revealed between the splenium and the posterior visual areas, including the occipital and the posterior parietal cortices. In nearly one third of participants, there were homotopic connections between the primary visual cortices, suggesting interindividual differences in splenial connectivity. There were also more instances of connections with the right hemisphere, indicating a hemispheric asymmetry in interhemispheric connectivity within the splenium. Combined, these findings demonstrate unique aspects of human interhemispheric connectivity and provide anatomical bases for hemispheric asymmetries in visual processing and a long-described hemispheric asymmetry in speed of interhemispheric communication for visual information.
Diagnostic accuracy of forceps biopsy versus polypectomy for gastric polyps: a prospective multicentre study

Aims: To determine whether an adequate histological diagnosis of gastric polyps can be attained on the basis of forceps biopsy. Patients and methods: In a prospective multicentre study, 194 patients with 222 endoscopically removable gastric polyps (≥5 mm) underwent forceps biopsy and complete polypectomy. Patients with fundic gland polyps and polyposis syndrome were not included. Specimens were evaluated by primary and reference pathologists, and the complication rate of gastric polypectomy was also determined. Results: Of the 222 polyps, histological examination of the polypectomy specimens revealed tumour-like lesions in 77% (10% focal foveolar hyperplasia, 59% hyperplastic polyps, 4% inflammatory fibroid polyps, 4% other polyps) and neoplasia in 19% (10% tubular adenoma, 2% tubulovillous adenoma, 1% high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 6% adenocarcinoma). When biopsy results were compared, complete agreement was found in 124 cases (55.8%) and, in an additional 77 cases (34.7%), the clinically important differentiation between tumour-like lesions and neoplasia was possible. However, relevant differences were found by the reference pathologist in six cases (2.7%), the most common reason being failure of biopsy to reveal foci of carcinoma in hyperplastic polyps. Bleeding was observed after polypectomy in 16 patients (7.2%), in 15 of whom it was managed conservatively. Conclusions: We recommend complete removal by an experienced endoscopist of all epithelial gastric polyps larger than 5 mm after thorough individualised risk-benefit analysis.
Association of Lymphotoxin Alpha Polymorphism with Type 1 Diabetes in a Tunisian Population

We investigated the association of the lymphotoxin (LT)-a gene polymorphism ? 249A/G with type 1 diabetes. The distribution of genotypes of the LT-a ? 249A/G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was assessed in 115 diabetic patients and 123 normoglycemic control subjects, using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Among unselected patients, the SNP was significantly associated with increased risk of diabetes (v = 8.44, p = 0.014) and was found to be more pronounced among female (v = 8.37, p = 0.02) than male (v = 6.11, p = 0.047) patients. A significant association was detected between LTa ? 249A/G and increased risk of diabetes, in particular for young-onset patients (v = 6.92, p = 0.031). Moreover, we reported significant differences in levels of HbA1c, triglycerides, alanine transaminase, and anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase65 among alleles. Additional studies with extended patient age groups and different ethnicities are needed to confirm our findings. M. Stayoussef and I. Zidi contributed equally to this work. M. Stayoussef J. B. Mansour T. Mahjoub Research Unit of Hematological and Autoimmune Diseases, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Tunis, Tunisia I. Zidi (&) Laboratoire Microorganismes et Biomolécules Actives, Sciences Faculty, Tunis El-Manar University, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia e-mail: ines.zidi@techemail.com I. Moumni Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Hematology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, Tunis El-Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia W. Y. Almawi College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Bahrain 123 Biochem Genet (2014) 52:79–89 DOI 10.1007/s10528-013-9629-2
Transabdominal Laparoscopic Repair of Amyand's Hernia: A Case Report

The occurrence of appendicitis within an inguinal hernia, known as Amyand's hernia, is a rare condition. Laparoscopic approach to this type of hernia is not widely used, and there is little data comparing it to the open surgery approach. This article presents a case of Amyand's hernia treated successfully by laparoscopy via a transabdominal approach supported by a short review of literature on this rare condition.
An Effective Texture Mapping Approach for 3D Models Obtained from Laser Scanner Data to Building Documentation

Abstract: Obtaining virtual models from real buildings, terrains, or building works is a matter of increased interest in construction. The application of such models ranges from technical use in architecture and civil engineering, to multimedia presentation, or remote visits through the web. This is becoming possible thanks to recent advances in laser scanning technology and related 3D processing algorithms. Moreover, real texture mapped onto 3D models is often required for communication, cataloguing, or digital documentation projects. In this article, an effective methodology to obtain digital building documentation based on 3D textured models is presented. First of all, a brief presentation of laser scanners is given as their data are used. An approach for mapping photographic images onto 3D models is also presented. The proposed approach, based on a camera registration method, offers high flexibility as it is based on hand‐held cameras and can be implemented in a computing‐effective way. A method for automatic image selection in overlapped areas is also presented. Finally, some hints are given concerning the automatic extraction of sections, orthophotos, and feature lines from the models. Experimental results focused on heritage buildings are shown, which demonstrate the suitability of the proposed techniques.
Long-term pair bonding and genetic evidence for monogamy among urban coyotes (Canis latrans)

Abstract Coyotes (Canis latrans) occur across North America in many types of ecosystems, including urban areas, yet certain aspects of coyote behavior remain obscure. Previous observational studies have provided evidence that coyotes are socially monogamous; however, the degree to which coyotes exhibit genetic monogamy has not previously been determined. We used radiotelemetry and genetic techniques to determine the mating system of an urban coyote population. We obtained samples from 236 coyotes captured during 2000–2006 in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area of Illinois. Individuals were genotyped using 12 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Among 18 litters comprising 96 offspring, we found no evidence of polygamy, and detected a single instance of a double litter (pups from different parents sharing the same den). The 2 mated pairs that contributed to the double litter had not interbred. However, the relatedness values shared between 1 mated pair and the pups that were not their offspring suggested that they were closely related, possibly as cousins or grandparents/grandoffspring. Across all radiocollared mated pairs, mean home range overlap for the male and female was 80.1% (SD = 13.4). Among 7 mated pairs, 3 of which were radiotracked over multiple years, there was no evidence of mate abandonment and multiyear monogamy was maintained. Despite the high food resources available and high population density, urban coyotes display no variability in their monogamous mating system.
Ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks combined with sedoanalgesia versus spinal anesthesia in total knee arthroplasty

Background Although regional anesthesia is the first choice for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it may not be effective and the risk of complications is greater in patients who are obese or who have spinal deformities. We compared the success of ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks with sedoanalgesia versus spinal anesthesia in unilateral TKA patients in whom spinal anesthesia was difficult. Methods We enrolled 30 patients; 15 for whom spinal anesthesia was expected to be difficult were classified as the block group, and 15 received spinal anesthesia. Regional anesthesia was achieved with bupivacaine 62.5 mg and prilocaine 250 mg to the sciatic nerve, and bupivacaine 37.5 mg and prilocaine 150 mg to the femoral nerve. Bupivacaine 20 mg was administered to induce spinal anesthesia. Hemodynamic parameters, pain and sedation scores, and surgical and patient satisfaction were compared. Results A sufficient block could not be obtained in three patients in the block group. The arterial pressure was significantly lower in the spinal group (P < 0.001), and the incidence of nausea was higher (P = 0.017) in this group. Saturation and patient satisfaction were lower in the block group (P < 0.028), while the numerical pain score (P < 0.046) and the Ramsay sedation score were higher (P = 0.007). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided sciatic and femoral nerve blocks combined with sedoanalgesia were an alternative anesthesia method in selected TKA patients.
Neurokinin 1 receptor, IB4 lectin and nitric oxide synthase localizations in whole-mount preparation of the rat meninges following noxious stimulation.

Distribution and immunocytochemical characterization of the nerve fibers and their terminals in Wistar rats (n=15) meninges were studied by using neurokinin 1 receptor, IB4 lectin and nitric oxide synthase labeling after the application of noxious peripheral stimulation. For immunocytochemistry, free floating specimens were incubated with neurokinin 1 receptor, nitric oxide synthase and IB4 lectin antibodies and then observed with avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. The neuronal markers stained in all unmyelinated nerve fibres throughout the meninges. Neurokinin 1 receptor- and IB4 lectinimmunoreactive nerve fibers were localized in all leptomeningeal compartments, where they terminated close to the subarachnoid space or within the connective tissue, thus suggesting extensive distribution of nerve fibres in the meninges. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-positive nerve fibers and a prominent mast cell population were seen in the rat leptomeninx and dura. The presence of a significant number of putative nociceptive fibres suggests a possible role for nociceptive function in the context of pathophysiological aspects. The distributions pattern of IB4 lectin binding sites, neurokinin 1 receptor and nitric oxide synthase could be due to the function of particular segments in the pathogenesis of meningeal vascular network.
McCallum rules, exchange rates, and the term structure of interest rates

McCallum (1994a) proposes a monetary rule where policymakers have some tendency to resist rapid changes in exchange rates to explain the forward premium puzzle. We estimate this monetary policy reaction function within the framework of an affine term structure model to find that, contrary to previous estimates of this rule, the monetary authorities in Canada, Germany and the U.K. respond to nominal exchange rate movements. Our model is also able to replicate the forward premium puzzle.
Genome-Wide Association Studies Identified Three Independent Polymorphisms Associated with α-Tocopherol Content in Maize Kernels

Tocopherols are a class of four natural compounds that can provide nutrition and function as antioxidant in both plants and animals. Maize kernels have low α-tocopherol content, the compound with the highest vitamin E activity, thus, raising the risk of vitamin E deficiency in human populations relying on maize as their primary vitamin E source. In this study, two insertion/deletions (InDels) within a gene encoding γ-tocopherol methyltransferase, Zea mays VTE4 (ZmVTE4), and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located ∼85 kb upstream of ZmVTE4 were identified to be significantly associated with α-tocopherol levels in maize kernels by conducting an association study with a panel of ∼500 diverse inbred lines. Linkage analysis in three populations that segregated at either one of these three polymorphisms but not at the other two suggested that the three polymorphisms could affect α-tocopherol content independently. Furthermore, we found that haplotypes of the two InDels could explain ∼33% of α-tocopherol variation in the association panel, suggesting ZmVTE4 is a major gene involved in natural phenotypic variation of α-tocopherol. One of the two InDels is located within the promoter region and associates with ZmVTE4 transcript level. This information can not only help in understanding the underlying mechanism of natural tocopherol variations in maize kernels, but also provide valuable markers for marker-assisted breeding of α-tocopherol content in maize kernels, which will then facilitate the improvement of maize as a better source of daily vitamin E nutrition.
Fragmentation of massive protostellar discs

We examine whether massive-star accretion discs are likely to fragment due to self-gravity. Rapid accretion and high angular momentum push these discs toward fragmentation, whereas viscous heating and the high protostellar luminosity stabilize them. We find that for a broad range of protostar masses and for reasonable accretion times, massive discs larger than ∼ 150 au are prone to fragmentation. We develop an analytical estimate for the angular momentum of accreted material, extending the analysis of Matzner & Levin to account for strongly turbulent initial conditions. In a core-collapse model, we predict that discs are marginally prone to fragmentation around stars of about 4-15 M ⊙ - even if we adopt conservative estimates of the discs' radii and tendency to fragment. More massive stars are progressively more likely to fragment, and there is a sharp drop in the stability of disc accretion at the very high accretion rates expected above 110 M ⊙ . Fragmentation may starve accretion in massive stars, especially above this limit, and is likely to create swarms of small, coplanar companions.
ESTIMATION OF A DYNAMIC CAR OWNERSHIP MODEL: A PSEUDO-PANEL APPROACH

This paper presents a new approach to the estimation of dynamic transport demand models by using information from independent samples of cross-sections of the population collected over time. A "pseudo-panel" approach is used to estimate a dynamic model of vehicle ownership, based on data from annual Family Expenditure Surveys in the United Kingdom. The determinants of car ownership investigated include income, the costs of car ownership and use, public transport fares, and the sociodemographic characteristics of the households. The results obtained suggest that the applied methodology can provide a very fruitful basis for exploring the dynamics of household transport behavior.
Multidimensional scaling of emotional facial expressions: Similarity from preschoolers to adults.

Structural models of emotion represent the fact that we perceive emotions as systematically interrelated. These interrelations may reveal a basic property of the human conception of emotions, or they may represent an artifact that is due to semantic relations learned along with the emotion lexicon. The first alternative was supported by results from a series of scalings of 20 emotional facial expressions, results that could not easily be attributed to word similarity. Similarity data on the facial expressions were obtained from 30 adults and 42 preschoolers. For preschoolers, prior evidence indicates that emotion labels are not readily available; for both groups, we measured similarity without the use of emotion labels by asking subjects to group together people who appear to feel alike. The structure of emotions obtained from both children and adults was as predicted: a roughly circular order in a two-dimensional space, the axes of which could be interpreted as pleasure-disp leasure and arousal-sleepiness. The form and meaning of this structure was supported through two additional scalings of the facial expressions with adults: a multidimension al scaling based on direct ratings of similarity-di ssimilarity, and unidimensional scalings on the pleasuredispleasure and arousal-sleepiness dimensions.
XMM-Newton observation of the brightest X-ray flare detected so far from Sgr A

We report the high S/N observation on October 3, 2002 with XMM-Newton of the brightest X-ray flare detected so far from Sgr A* with a duration shorter than one hour (~2.7 ks). The light curve is almost symmetrical with respect to the peak flare, and no significant difference between the soft and hard X-ray range is detected. The overall flare spectrum is well represented by an absorbed power-law with a soft photon spectral index of $\Gamma =2.5 \pm0.3$, and a peak 2–10 keV luminosity of 3.6$^{+0.3}_{-0.4}\times 10 ^{35}$ erg s -1 , i.e. a factor 160 higher than the Sgr A* quiescent value. No significant spectral change during the flare is observed. This X-ray flare is very different from other bright flares reported so far: it is much brighter and softer. The present accurate determination of the flare characteristics challenge the current interpretation of the physical processes occuring inside the very close environment of Sgr A* by bringing very strong constraints for the theoretical flare models.
Graphical Methods for Investigating the Size and Power of Hypothesis Tests

Simple techniques for the graphical display of simulation evidence concerning the size and power of hypothesis tests are developed and illustrated. Three types of figures--called P value plots, P value discrepancy plots, and size-power curves--are discussed. Some Monte Carlo experiments on the properties of alternative forms of the information matrix test for linear regression models and probit models are used to illustrate these figures. Tests based on the outer-product-of-the-gradient regression generally perform much worse in terms of both size and power than efficient score tests. Copyright 1998 by Blackwell Publishers Ltd and The Victoria University of Manchester
A Self-Learning Particle Swarm Optimizer for Global Optimization Problems

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) has been shown as an effective tool for solving global optimization problems. So far, most PSO algorithms use a single learning pattern for all particles, which means that all particles in a swarm use the same strategy. This monotonic learning pattern may cause the lack of intelligence for a particular particle, which makes it unable to deal with different complex situations. This paper presents a novel algorithm, called self-learning particle swarm optimizer (SLPSO), for global optimization problems. In SLPSO, each particle has a set of four strategies to cope with different situations in the search space. The cooperation of the four strategies is implemented by an adaptive learning framework at the individual level, which can enable a particle to choose the optimal strategy according to its own local fitness landscape. The experimental study on a set of 45 test functions and two real-world problems show that SLPSO has a superior performance in comparison with several other peer algorithms.
In It Together: The Inside Story of the Coalition Government

Matthew d'Ancona's In It Together is the revelatory inside story of Britain's coalition government. Andrew Rawnsley told the inside story of new labour in Servants of the People and The End of the Party and now renowned political journalist Matt d'Ancona cuts right to the heart of the Lib Dem/Tory struggle in In It Together. With exclusive, unprecedented access to all the major senior figures, from David Cameron, George Osborne, Boris Johnson and Nick Clegg, he will tell the truth behind key relationships, the U-turns, the shifts in policies, the dramatic fights and arguments and the warring within the party. A breathtaking book that takes you into the heart of government, it reveals the truth behind the corridors of Whitehall and Number 10. Matthew d'Ancona is the award-winning political columnist for The Sunday Telegraph, a position he has held since 1996. He was Deputy Editor of that paper before becoming editor of The Spectator in 2006. During his editorship, the magazine enjoyed record circulation and he was named Editor of the Year (Current Affairs) in the 2007 BSME awards.
Beyond Rio: the environmental crisis and sustainable livelihoods in the Third World.

Foreword - Acknowledgements - Notes on the Contributors - Introduction: In Quest of Sustainable Livelihood I.Ahmed - PART 1: CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES - Environmental Degradation at Different Stages of Economic Development T.Panayotou - Sustainable Livelihoods and Environmentally Sound Technology: Theoretical and Conceptual Approaches C.Perrings - PART 2: EMPIRICAL STUDIES - Technology, Environment and Employment in Third World Agriculture A.Markandya - Incentives for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa C.Perrings - Quantification of the Trade-Offs in Zambia between Environment, Employment, Income and Food Security D.J.Thampapillai, P.T. Maleka & J.T. Milimo - Soil Conservation and Sustainable Development in the Sahel: A Study of Two Senegalese Villages E.H. Golan - The Green Revolution, Biotechnology and Environmental Concerns: A Case Study of the Philippines R.Sathiendrakumar & K.Norris - Technology-Environment-Employment Linkages and the Rural Poor of Bangladesh: Insights from Farm-Level Data M.Alauddin, M.K. Mujeri & C.A. Tisdell - Sustainable Development and Employment: Forestry in Malaysia J.E. Jonish - Agrarian Structure and Sustainable Livelihoods of Tribal People in Indian Forestry V.S. Vyas - PART 3: CONCLUSION AND POLICY SYNTHESIS - Sustainable Livelihood and Employment: Pragmatic Approaches I.Ahmed - Bibliography - Index