Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relative intensity noise of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers subject to variable polarization-optical feedback

In this paper, the influence of variable polarization angle of the optical feedback on the relative intensity noise (RIN) of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is experimentally investigated. VCSEL lases in two orthogonally polarized (XP and YP) modes. For the dominant polarization mode (i.e. XP) the RIN is minimum at a polarization angle of 0°, while it is a minimum at 90° for the suppressed polarization mode (YP) it is minimum at a polarization angle of 90°. Furthermore, for a high optical feedback level the RIN of the XP mode increases rapidly with the polarization angle, whereas for the YP mode the RIN is low for angles > 45°. In addition, result shows that the relaxation oscillations are damped due to the optical feedback. We also show that as the polarization angle of the optical feedback increases a number of spectral lines appear in VCSEL spectrum, thus representing the complex dynamics behavior induced by the feedback.
Age and sex do not affect the volume, cell numbers, or cell size of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the rat: An unbiased stereological study

The circadian rhythms displayed by numerous biological functions are known to be sex specific and affected by aging. It has not been settled yet whether the sex‐ and age‐related characteristics of circadian rhythms derive from changes in the anatomy of the suprachiasmatic nucleus. To shed light on these issues, we applied unbiased stereological techniques to estimate the volume of the suprachiasmatic nucleus as well as the total number of its cells and the mean volume of their somata and nuclei in progressively older groups of male and female Wistar rats (aged 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months). The volume of the nucleus was estimated with the Cavalieri principle on serial sections. The total numbers of neurons and astrocytes were estimated by applying the optical fractionator, and the mean somatic and nuclear volumes of cells were estimated by using isotropic, uniform random sections and the nucleator method. On average, the volume of the suprachiasmatic nucleus was 0.044 mm3, and the total number of neurons and astrocytes was 17,400. Cells of the dorsomedial and ventrolateral components of the nucleus, which are morphologically different, have identical mean perikaryal and nuclear volumes, which we estimated to be 750 μm3 and 400 μm3, respectively.
Jointly Predicting Arousal, Valence and Dominance with Multi-Task Learning

An appealing representation of emotions is the use of emotional attributes such as arousal (passive versus active), valence (negative versus positive) and dominance (weak versus strong). While previous studies have considered these dimensions as orthogonal descriptors to represent emotions, there are strong theoretical and practical evidences showing the interrelation between these emotional attributes. This observation suggests that predicting emotional attributes with a unified framework should outperform machine learning algorithms that separately predict each attribute. This study presents methods to jointly learn emotional attributes by exploiting their interdependencies. The framework relies on multi-task learning (MTL) implemented with deep neural networks (DNN) with shared hidden layers. The framework provides a principled approach to learn shared feature representations that maximize the performance of regression models. The results of within-corpus and cross-corpora evaluation show the benefits of MTL over single task learning (STL). MTL achieves gains on concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) as high as 4.7% for within-corpus evaluations, and 14.0% for cross-corpora evaluations. The visualization of the activations of the last hidden layers illustrates that MTL creates better feature representation. The best structure has shared layers followed by attribute-dependent layers, capturing better the relation between attributes.
Anterior internal capsule volumes increase in patients with schizophrenia switched from typical antipsychotics to olanzapine

Abnormalities in connectivity are thought to contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia. Accumulating evidence suggests that antipsychotic medication affects both subcortical and cortical grey and white matter volumes. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of antipsychotic medication on two white matter tracts: a subcortical-cortical tract, the anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule; and a cortical-cortical tract, the corpus callosum. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted on 10 chronic schizophrenia patients treated with typical antipsychotics and 20 healthy controls at baseline. Patients were switched to olanzapine and both groups were rescanned after 1 year. At baseline, the volume of the anterior limb of the internal capsule was 24% smaller in typical-treated patients than controls (p = 0.009). Patients treated with greater amounts of chlorpromazine-equivalent daily dosage had smaller anterior internal capsule volumes at baseline (r = −0.65, p = 0.04). At follow-up, after being switched to olanzapine, there were no significant differences between patients and controls. Patients with schizophrenia had a significant 25% increase in anterior internal capsule volume from baseline to follow-up compared with controls (p = 0.04). These effects were most prominent in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, which consists of fronto-thalamic pathways, and were not statistically significant in the posterior limb of the internal capsule or corpus callosum. Olanzapine may be effective in normalizing fronto-thalamic structural connectivity in schizophrenia.
Developmental Analysis of Maize Endosperm Proteome Suggests a Pivotal Role for Pyruvate Orthophosphate Dikinase1[W][OA]

Although the morphological steps of maize (Zea mays) endosperm development are well described, very little is known concerning the coordinated accumulation of the numerous proteins involved. Here, we present a proteomic study of maize endosperm development. The accumulation pattern of 409 proteins at seven developmental stages was examined. Hierarchical clustering analysis allowed four main developmental profiles to be recognized. Comprehensive investigation of the functions associated with clusters resulted in a consistent picture of the developmental coordination of cellular processes. Early stages, devoted to cellularization, cell division, and cell wall deposition, corresponded to maximal expression of actin, tubulins, and cell organization proteins, of respiration metabolism (glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle), and of protection against reactive oxygen species. An important protein turnover, which is likely associated with the switch from growth and differentiation to storage, was also suggested from the high amount of proteases. A relative increase of abundance of the glycolytic enzymes compared to tricarboxylic acid enzymes is consistent with the recent demonstration of anoxic conditions during starch accumulation in the endosperm. The specific late-stage accumulation of the pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase may suggest a critical role of this enzyme in the starch-protein balance through inorganic pyrophosphate-dependent restriction of ADP-glucose synthesis in addition to its usually reported influence on the alanine-aromatic amino acid synthesis balance.
A Survey of Current Controversies in Scoliosis Surgery in the United Kingdom

Study Design. A 10-point questionnaire was constructed to identify the philosophy of surgeons on various aspects of scoliosis surgery, such as choice of implant, bone graft, autologous blood transfusion, cord monitoring, and computer-assisted surgery. Comparisons were then made with recommendations published in the spinal literature. Objective. To determine certain aspects of the current practice of scoliosis surgery in the United Kingdom. Summary of Background Data. Guidelines for good clinical practice in spinal deformity surgery are available in the United Kingdom but do not cover a number of controversial issues. Methods. Consultants and fellows attended the 2009 British Scoliosis Society meeting. Fifty questionnaires were completed by 45 consultants and 5 fellows. Results. All pedicle screw constructs favored by 25 of 50, hybrid 24 of 50 (1 undecided). Posterior construct of fewer than 10 levels, 20 of 50 would not cross-link, 11 of 50 used 1, and 19 of 20 used 2 or more. More than 10 levels 17 of 50 considered cross-links unnecessary, 4 of 50 used 1 and 29 of 50 used 2 or more. Eighty-eight percent preferred titanium alloy implants, whereas others used a mixture of stainless steel and cobalt chrome. When using bone graft, respondents used bone substitutes (24), iliac crest graft (14), allograft (12) and demineralized bone matrix (9) in addition to local bone. Ten of 50 would use recombinant bone morphogenetic protein (3 for revision cases only). Thirty-nine of 50 routinely used intraoperative cell salvage and 4 of 50 never used autologous blood. All used cord monitoring: sensory (19 of 50), motor (2 of 50), and combined (29 of 50). None used computer-aided surgery. Twenty-six operated alone, 12 operated in pairs, and 12 varied depending on type of case. Conclusion. This survey shows interesting variations in scoliosis surgery in the United Kingdom. It may reflect the conflicting evidence in the literature.
Almond seed wasp (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) sex pheromone: effect of trap type, trap position, blend ratio and time of the day on male attraction

Abstract Field trials were carried out in order to evaluate some of the factors affecting male response of the almond seed wasp, Eurytoma amygdali Enderlein, to traps baited with the alkadienes (Z,Z)-6,9-tricosadiene and (Z,Z)-6,9-pentacosadiene, the male attractant of this species. The trials were conducted in Latomia, Microthivae, Kanalia and Sykourion (Thessaly, Central Greece) during the 2004 growing season. In all regions, captures in traps baited with a 7:3 ratio of the above blend significantly and positively correlated with male emergence from infested almonds that had been placed in cages in the experimental fields. Traps baited with the 7:3 pheromone ratio were significantly more effective in capturing males than traps baited with the 1:1 ratio, supporting the hypothesis that (Z,Z)-6,9-tricosadiene is the main component of this attractant. Of four trap types tested, Rebel and Lasiotraps attracted significantly more males than Delta and Funnel traps. Height had no effect on trap efficiency; however, males were captured earlier in the day in traps placed 2.3 m above grown than in traps placed 1.3 m above grown. Most male activity was recorded between 10 and 12 h, but captures were continuously recorded during the entire monitoring interval from 6 to 17 h.
Conformational Dynamics and Allostery in Pyruvate Kinase*

Pyruvate kinase catalyzes the final step in glycolysis and is allosterically regulated to control flux through the pathway. Two models are proposed to explain how Escherichia coli pyruvate kinase type 1 is allosterically regulated: the “domain rotation model” suggests that both the domains within the monomer and the monomers within the tetramer reorient with respect to one another; the “rigid body reorientation model” proposes only a reorientation of the monomers within the tetramer causing rigidification of the active site. To test these hypotheses and elucidate the conformational and dynamic changes that drive allostery, we performed time-resolved electrospray ionization mass spectrometry coupled to hydrogen-deuterium exchange studies followed by mutagenic analysis to test the activation mechanism. Global exchange experiments, supported by thermostability studies, demonstrate that fructose 1,6-bisphosphate binding to the allosteric domain causes a shift toward a globally more dynamic ensemble of conformations. Mapping deuterium exchange to peptides within the enzyme highlight site-specific regions with altered conformational dynamics, many of which increase in conformational flexibility. Based upon these and mutagenic studies, we propose an allosteric mechanism whereby the binding of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate destabilizes an α-helix that bridges the allosteric and active site domains within the monomeric unit. This destabilizes the β-strands within the (β/α)8-barrel domain and the linked active site loops that are responsible for substrate binding. Our data are consistent with the domain rotation model but inconsistent with the rigid body reorientation model given the increased flexibility at the interdomain interface, and we can for the first time explain how fructose 1,6-bisphosphate affects the active site.
Beta-blocker use is associated with fragility fractures in postmenopausal women with coronary heart disease

Background and aims: An association between cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis is described. A number of drugs often used by patients with coronary heart disease, such as thiazides, statins and beta-blockers, have shown controversial effects on bone. 1) To study the possible association between coronary heart disease (CHD) and bone mass density (BMD), quantitative ultrasound measurements (QUS) and the prevalence of fragility and vertebral fractures. 2) To study the possible influence of a number of drugs, statins, thiazides and beta-blockers, on BMD and fractures. Methods: Case-control study performed on 74 postmenopausal women who had recently suffered from CHD, and 111 age-matched controls. BMD was measured by Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine and proximal femur. Quantitative Ultrasound (QUS) was also measured at the heel. Vertebral fractures were diagnosed by lateral, thoracic and lumbar X-rays. The occurrence of non-vertebral fractures was determined by an examination of medical records. Results: Patients with CHD had higher values of BMI. They had a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension and hyperlipidemia, and consequently higher consumption of beta-blockers and statins, but not of thiazides, and had lower alcohol consumption. Patients with CHD had higher BMD values, measured by DXA at the proximal femur, than controls, but there were no differences in DXA values at the lumbar spine or QUS at the heel between the two groups. The prevalence of all fragility factures was slightly higher in patients with CHD, but not to a significant extent. The prevalence of vertebral fractures was similar in the two groups. In a logistic analysis to identify factors associated with all fractures, beta-blockers were positively associated with fragility fractures, and DXA at the femoral neck was inversely associated with fragility fractures. Conclusions: Postmenopausal women with CHD have higher values of BMD at the proximal femur but, despite this, show a slight but nonsignificant increase in the prevalence of fragility fractures. Beta-blockers are independently associated with fragility fractures, but thiazides and statins are not.
Trajectories and Drivers of Genome Evolution in Surface-Associated Marine Phaeobacter

Abstract The extent of genome divergence and the evolutionary events leading to speciation of marine bacteria have mostly been studied for (locally) abundant, free-living groups. The genus Phaeobacter is found on different marine surfaces, seems to occupy geographically disjunct habitats, and is involved in different biotic interactions, and was therefore targeted in the present study. The analysis of the chromosomes of 32 closely related but geographically spread Phaeobacter strains revealed an exceptionally large, highly syntenic core genome. The flexible gene pool is constantly but slightly expanding across all Phaeobacter lineages. The horizontally transferred genes mostly originated from bacteria of the Roseobacter group and horizontal transfer most likely was mediated by gene transfer agents. No evidence for geographic isolation and habitat specificity of the different phylogenomic Phaeobacter clades was detected based on the sources of isolation. In contrast, the functional gene repertoire and physiological traits of different phylogenomic Phaeobacter clades were sufficiently distinct to suggest an adaptation to an associated lifestyle with algae, to additional nutrient sources, or toxic heavy metals. Our study reveals that the evolutionary trajectories of surface-associated marine bacteria can differ significantly from free-living marine bacteria or marine generalists.
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 and dexamethasone synergistically increase alkaline phosphatase levels through JAK/STAT signaling in C3H10T1/2 cells

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is generally believed to be a faithful marker of osteoblast differentiation, and its expression is induced by bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) and dexamethasone (Dex). However, the effects of combined administration of BMP‐2 and Dex on ALP transcription have not been extensively examined. In this study, we found that BMP‐2 and Dex synergistically increase ALP levels in mouse C3H10T1/2 pluripotent stem cells. However, switching from one inducer to the other, by adding BMP‐2 or Dex to cell cultures at different times, was no more effective than continuous treatment with either inducer alone. A significant induction of ALP mRNA expression was observed only in cells continuously treated with both inducers. This result suggests that both BMP‐2 and Dex may act in the same pathway or at the same stage of differentiation. A luciferase assay using ALP promoter deletion constructs showed that a region of the promoter containing a putative signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) response element (SRE) responds to treatment with a combination of BMP‐2 and Dex. Furthermore, a ChIP assay indicated that STAT3 bound to the SRE. In addition, a STAT3 siRNA suppressed the synergistic effect of BMP‐2 and Dex on ALP levels. These results indicate that STAT3 may play an important role in regulating ALP expression. To our knowledge, this is the first time that STAT3 has been implicated in the regulation of ALP expression by BMP‐2 and Dex. These findings raise the possibility of developing new strategies for the enhancement of bone formation using a combination of BMPs and Dex. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 123–133, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preschool children with and without developmental delay: behaviour problems, parents' optimism and well-being.

BACKGROUND Children with intellectual disability are at heightened risk for behaviour problems, and these are known to increase parenting stress. This study explored the relation of behaviour problems to less child-related domains of parent well-being (depression and marital adjustment), as well as the moderating effect of a personality trait, dispositional optimism. METHOD Participating children (N = 214) were classified as developmentally delayed, borderline, or nondelayed. Mothers' and fathers' well-being and child behaviour problems were assessed at child ages 3 and 4 years. RESULTS Parents of delayed and nondelayed preschoolers generally did not differ on depression or marital adjustment, but child behaviour problems were strongly related to scores on both measures. Optimism moderated this relationship, primarily for mothers. When child behaviour problems were high, mothers who were less optimistic reported lower scores on measures of well-being than did mothers who were more optimistic. CONCLUSIONS Interventions for parents that aim to enhance both parenting skills and psychological well-being should be available in preschool. It may be beneficial for such programmes to focus not only on behaviour management strategies aimed at child behaviour change, but also on parents' belief systems, with the aim of increasing dispositional optimism.
Power quality effects on the measurement of reactive power in three-phase power systems in the light of the IEEE Standard 1459–2000.

Reactive power is a very important quantity in electric power systems since it affects the efficiency of these systems. Also, capacitive loads can produce over-voltages in electric transformers by Ferranti effect, which produces bad power quality, so it is necessary to measure the reactive power correctly. In this paper reactive phenomena in three-phase power systems with unbalanced voltages are expressed and measured in the light of the IEEE Std 1459-2000. For analyzing the reactive phenomena the positive-sequence fundamental frequency instantaneous reactive power is used. By comparing the expressions of this instantaneous power in three-phase systems with unbalanced voltages with those corresponding to balanced voltages, the reactive phenomenon due to the unbalances is obtained by separating of the traditional reactive power yield by the reactive loads in electric power systems. These reactive phenomena in three-phase power systems are formulated in the same way as Steinmetz defined reactive power in single-phase systems, by adding the amplitudes of each phase of its respective instantaneous reactive power. In the paper, this new formulation of the reactive phenomena has been applied on actual industrial and urban electric installations to obtain values of these reactive powers. Data registered express the following conclusions: a) reactive power is divided into two components: due to the reactive loads and caused by the unbalances, b) both reactive components can be inductive or capacitive quantities and, therefore, can be added or compensated, c) reactive power caused by the unbalances can exist even though in resistive systems, when there are unbalances at sources and at loads in the same time and, generally, when there is not any symmetry in the system.
The Role of Financial Constraints in Determining Export Status

In spite of the mounting evidence on the advantages of exporters over firms focused solely on their domestic markets, the source of these differences is yet to be explained. The present contribution analyzes the role of financial constraints as one of the key factors determining firm export status. Through a survey of existing literature and an empirical analysis of Slovenian manufacturing firms the role of financial constraints that limit foreign market access to only a subset of the firms is revealed. It is shown that financial constraints, even when other factors are explicitly considered, determine the firms that will be able to enter into foreign markets and financially constrained firms end up exporting less frequently and smaller quantities than could otherwise be expected.
An Online Monitoring Scheme of DC-Link Capacitor's ESR and C for a Boost PFC Converter

As electrolytic capacitor is apt to fail in power converters, it is very important to monitor its electrical parameters, mainly the equivalent series resistance (ESR) and capacitance (C). A novel noninvasive online monitoring method of dc-link capacitor's ESR and C for boost power factor correction converter is proposed in this paper. By analyzing the capacitor voltage ripple which is composed of that of ESR and C, the calculation model is founded, which shows that instead of additional current sensor, only two values of capacitor voltage in particular moments within a line cycle need to be sampled for the calculation of ESR and C. The schematic of the monitoring system together with the design considerations of the trigger circuit, the isolated voltage amplifier, and the isolated current amplifier, is described in detail. The experimental results show the effectiveness of the method.