Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Event-related brain potentials reveal anomalies in temporal processing of faces in autism spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND Individuals with autism exhibit impairments in face recognition, and neuroimaging studies have shown that individuals with autism exhibit abnormal patterns of brain activity during face processing. The current study examined the temporal characteristics of face processing in autism and their relation to behavior. METHOD High-density event-related brain potentials (ERPs) were recorded to images of faces, inverted faces, and objects from 9 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (15-42 years old) and 14 typical individuals (16-37 years old). RESULTS With respect to a face-sensitive ERP component (N170), individuals with autism exhibited longer N170 latencies to faces than typical individuals but comparable latencies to objects. Typical individuals exhibited longer N170 latencies to inverted as compared to upright faces, whereas individuals with autism did not show differences in N170 latency to upright versus inverted faces. Neural speed of face processing, as reflected in N170 latency, correlated with performance on a face recognition task for individuals with autism. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence for slowed neural speed of face processing in autism and highlight the role of speed of processing in face processing impairments in autism.
Coreference Resolution for Russian: Taking Stock and Moving Forward

Coreference resolution is targeted at collecting all mentions of an entity within a text into a single cluster. Various approaches for this task have already been proposed but the problem is still challenging. RU-EVAL-2014, an evaluation of anaphora and coreference resolution, renewed interest for this task for the Russian language. We try to follow this trend; our work can be viewed as an extension to recent approaches. Thorough manual feature engineering allows us to significantly improve current state-of-the-art results. Additionally, we compare applicability of various clustering algorithms to building coreference groups. That is essentially the second part of the approach.
A hybrid probabilistic and point set registration approach for fusion of 3D occupancy grid maps

One of the major challenges in multi-robot exploration is to fuse the partial maps generated by individual robots into a consistent global map. We address 3D volumetric map fusion by extending the well known iterative closest point(ICP) algorithm to include probabilistic distance and surface information. In addition, the relative transformation is evaluated based on Mahalanobis distance and map dissimilarities are integrated using relative entropy filter. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is evaluated using maps generated from both simulated and real environments and is shown to generate more consistent global maps.
Improved dissolution of oleanolic acid with ternary solid dispersions

The purpose of this study was to enhance the dissolution of oleanolic acid by solid dispersions consisting of the drug, a polymeric carrier, and a surfactant. Binary solid dispersions consisting of oleanolic acid and polyvinylpyrrolidone were prepared for comparison. Polysorbate 80, a nonionic surfactant, was incorporated into binary solid dispersions as the third component to prepare ternary solid dispersions. Solid dispersions were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dissolution tests. The crystallinization of OA was prohibited in solid dispersions. Both the binary and ternary solid dispersions enhanced the dissolution of OA. Moreover, the dissolution of ternary solid dispersion was faster compared with that of binary solid dispersion. Polysorbate 80 played an important positive role in dissolution of the solid dispersion.
Replication of minichromosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is sensitive to histone gene copy number and strain ploidy

We have characterized a defect in the mitotic transmission of plasmid minichromosomes in yeast strains deleted for the more highly expressed pair of histone H3 and H4 genes. Several observations indicate that an impairment in DNA replication contributes to the decrease in minichromosome stability. First, the maintenance of ARS plasmids that lack centromeres was also defective. Second, the addition of multiple ARS elements suppressed the defect in plasmid maintenance. Third, a synergistic increase in plasmid loss rate was seen when a plasmid containing an inefficient mutated ARS was tested in a strain deleted for histone genes, implying an interaction between ARS activity and the histone gene deletion. These results support the existence of a histone‐dependent step in the initiation of DNA replication. We find that the stability of native chromosomes is not affected in strains deleted for histone genes. We propose that reduced histone H3 and H4 protein decreases the efficiency of initiation at ARS elements on plasmids and chromosomes, but that the presence of multiple origins on chromosomes compensates for the reduced efficiency. We find that decreased minichromosome stability is suppressed by increases in strain ploidy. The greater stability due to ploidy increases is not due to a relative increase in the expression of histone genes. We discuss models for the effect of strain ploidy on minichromosome maintenance. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Score Generation in Voice-Leading and Chord Spaces

Common principles of voice-leading can be represented using an orbifold (i.e. a quotient space) in which each point is a chord, and the smoothness of voice-leadings corresponds to the closeness of their chords in the space (Tymoczko 2006). The set of such voice-leadings for the major and minor triads includes the Tonnetz, which leads to an understanding of how to use related geometries for all trichords, higher arities of chord, voice-leading solutions, and chord progressions. The present work demonstrates the use of such spaces for algorithmic composition. A Lindenmayer system takes an axiom and symbol replacement rules, and recursively rewrites the axiom by applying the rules. A turtle that represents a chord, which moves within either a voice-leading space or a chord progression space, then interprets the symbols in the final production of the Lindenmayer system as commands for writing a score. This shows how score generators can work in mathematical spaces which have intrinsic musical structure.
Phase II study of topotecan in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE Topotecan is an inhibitor of topoisomerase I that has shown preclinical activity against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This phase II study was designed to determine the clinical activity and toxicity spectrum of topotecan in untreated patients with metastatic NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty previously untreated patients received topotecan every 21 days at the dose of 2 mg/m2/d intravenously (IV) for 5 days for two cycles, at which point response was assessed. Patients with either clinical response or stable disease (SD) received additional cycles of the drug until toxicity developed or disease progression (PRG) occurred. RESULTS This study was designed to enter 30 patients. However, because no clinical responses were seen in the first 20 patients entered onto the study, the early-stopping rule was invoked and patient accrual was halted. Eleven patients (55%) had SD on topotecan, and nine (45%) had PRG. Toxicity included neutropenia and rash. The median survival duration for all patients was 7.6 months. CONCLUSION We observed no objective clinical responses despite producing high-grade neutropenia. Phase II trials of topotecan using different schedules or higher doses supported by growth factors may clarify the role of topotecan in the treatment of NSCLC. The combination of topotecan with cisplatin and topoisomerase II inhibitors such as etoposide should be explored. Finally, the median survival duration of 7.6 months for 20 patients treated with an agent that failed to produce any obvious clinical responses compares favorably to the survival obtained with combinations of existing agents. This supports the further study of novel compounds in this clinical setting.
Mitochondrial Function Is Not Affected by Renal Morphological Changes in Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rat

Renal disease is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy is not well understood, but hyperglycemia seems to be a crucial factor. Recent evidence indicates that the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, observed in both clinical and experimental diabetes, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key factors in pathogenic process. The objective of this investigation was to test the hypothesis of whether hyperglycemia could affect kidney morphology and mitochondrial bioenergetics as well as susceptibility to oxidative stress in 12-month-old diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We observed that there were no significant differences in the kidney respiratory function and phosphorylation capacity between GK and age-matched control Wistar rats. Mitochondria from kidneys of diabetic rats were equally susceptible to in vitro oxidative damage as those from normal rats, while coenzyme Q and α -tocopherol concentrations were similar in both types of preparations. However, the kidney of GK rats presented in most glomerulus a capillary basement membrane thickening with mesangial widening, in evolution to segmental glomerular sclerosis, and, in some interlobular arteries, excessive deposition of PAS-positive material at the tunica intima. The results show that the mild prolonged hyperglycemia and the kidney structural changes observed in GK rats are not sufficient to cause renal dysfunction and were not associated with functional and biochemical alterations in mitochondria.
Good lives, self-regulation, and risk management : an integrated model of sexual offender assessment and treatment

In this article we follow-up on previous works pertaining to separate models of sexual offending as these relate to assessment and treatment: the Good Lives Model of offender rehabilitation (Ward & Gannon, 2006; Ward & Stewart, 2003), the Self-Regulation Model of the sexual offence process (Ward & Hudson, 1998), and our reconstruction (Ward, Melser, & Yates, 2007) of the Risk/Need/Responsivity Model of correctional intervention (Andrews & Bonta, 2003). Recently, the Good Lives and Self-Regulation Models have been integrated into a combined approach to the treatment of sexual offenders (Ward, Yates, & Long, 2006; Yates & Ward, 2007). In this article, we fully integrate these models into a comprehensive case formulation approach for use in the assessment, treatment, and supervision of sexual offenders. We also reconstruct here the SelfRegulation Model based on shortcomings identified in the framework, application to practice since its development, and integration with the Good Lives Model. We argue that none of these models singly is sufficient to guide the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders, and that an integrated model that draws on research and practice in the development of case formulation, is most likely to be effective in achieving the goals of reduced recidivism, risk reduction, and reduced rates of sexual victimisation.
Mental Health and Clinical Correlates in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Young Adults

Abstract Objective: This study examined the prevalence of mental health disorders and their clinical correlates in a university sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) students. Participants: College students at a large public university. Methods: An anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed via random e-mail generation to university students during April and May of 2011. LGBQ students were compared with their heterosexual counterparts on psychological and physical status as well as academic performance. Results: LGBQ students reported worse depressive symptoms, higher levels of perceived stress, considered themselves less attractive, and were more likely to be overweight. LGBQ students were significantly more likely to report histories of affective, substance use, and certain anxiety disorders as well as compulsive sexual behavior and compulsive buying. Conclusions: The higher rates of many psychiatric conditions among LGBQ students underscore the need for universities to provide LGBQ students a nonjudgmental environment to discuss sexual orientation and health issues.
Should elderly non-small-cell lung cancer patients be offered elderly-specific trials? Results of a pooled analysis from the North Central Cancer Treatment Group.

PURPOSE To answer the question, "should elderly non-small-cell lung cancer patients be offered elderly-specific trials? " PATIENTS AND METHODS The North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG) performed a pooled analysis of elderly patients who participated in elderly-specific trials (required age > or = 65 years) and age-unspecified trials (required age > or = 18 years). Between 1998 and 2000, all NCCTG non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with incurable cancer, age > or = 65 years, and receiving first-line chemotherapy were included. A total of 118 elderly patients participated in elderly-specific trials, and 108, in age-unspecified trials. Demographics and outcomes were compared based on trial type. RESULTS The median age of elderly patients in elderly-specific trials was greater: median (range): 73 years (65 to 87) and 70 years (65 to 85), respectively (P < .001), as was the percentage older than 80 years: 17% and 3%, respectively (P = .0008). Median survival times were 232 and 302 days, respectively (P = .08). After adjustment for baseline age, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score, cancer stage, and body mass index, this survival difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio = 1.25; P = .16). Grade 3 or worse nonhematologic adverse event rates were greater in age-unspecified trials (81% v 57%, respectively; P < .001), as were grade 3 or worse hematologic events (68% v 10%, respectively; P < .001). CONCLUSION Elderly patients in NSCLC elderly-specific trials suffered lower rates of severe adverse events with no statistically significant differences in survival. It seems that elderly-specific trials are providing quality care and helping to define optimal cancer therapy in the elderly, particularly among the "oldest of the old. "
Intraluteal Release of Angiotensin II and Progesterone In Vivo During Corpora Lutea Development in the Cow: Effect of Vasoactive Peptides1

Abstract The newly formed corpus luteum (CL) develops rapidly and has the features of active vascularization and mitosis of steroidogenic cells. Such local mechanisms must be strictly regulated by the complex relationship between angiogenic growth factors and vasoactive peptides such as angiotensin (Ang) II, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and endothelin (ET)-1. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine 1) the changes in vasoactive peptides and progesterone (P) concentrations within the developing CL, along with the changes in concentration in ovarian venous plasma (OVP) and jugular venous plasma (JVP) in the cow, 2) the effects of CL exposure to vasoactive peptides on Ang II and P secretion, and 3) the expression of mRNA for ANP type C receptor in the bovine CL and endothelial cells (ETC) from bovine developing CL. A microdialysis system (MDS) was surgically implanted into multiple CL of six cows on Day 3 after a GnRH injection that induced superovulation, and a catheter was simultaneously inserted into the ovarian vein. The Ang II concentration in OVP was higher than that in JVP throughout the experiment, while the intraluteal release of Ang II was stable. During the experimental period, the concentrations of other vasoactive peptides (ANP and ET-1) showed no clear changes in plasma and were below detectable levels in the MDS perfusate. Exposure of CL to Ang II using the MDS stimulated P release, while exposure to ANP enhanced Ang II release within the developing CL. However, ET-1 had no effect on either P or Ang II release. The expression of mRNA for ANP type C receptor was mainly observed in early CL and ETC. The results suggest that the ET-Ang-ANP system in the preovulatory follicle switches to an Ang-ANP system to enhance both the angiogenesis and steroidogenesis that are actively occurring in developing CL.
Isosporiasis in a tertiary care center of North India.

BACKGROUND Cystoisospora (Isospora) belli is a coccidian, protozoan parasite that resides in the gastrointestinal tract of humans. It is mainly reported from HIV-positive individuals. However, a few cases have been reported in other immunosuppressed individuals including renal transplant patients, and those with lymphoma and leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS During a period of 5 years (2008-2012), approximately 1700 stool samples of immunosuppressed patients were screened for the presence of opportunistic parasitic infections by a modified acid fast staining technique. RESULTS A total of 41 C. belli were reported, out of which 30 were HIV-positive individuals while 11 were HIV negative. The latter individuals were also immunosuppressed due to prolonged use of steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs. Twenty-six out of 30 HIV-positive patients and all the HIV-negative individuals with C. belli infection had diarrhea. CONCLUSION All immunosuppressed individuals should be examined for the presence of opportunistic coccidian parasitic infections and treated accordingly and alternatively, isolation of opportunistic parasites should trigger a hunt for immunocompromised state to reduce the morbidity and mortality in such patients.
Cutaneous calciphylactic reactions in the mouse and the rat and the effects of diphosphonates on the reaction in the rat

Calciphylaxis is a local tissue calcific reaction at the site of an injection of challenger substance given a critical time period after the oral administration of a sensitizer substance such as dihydrotachysterol (DHT), vitamin D or parathormone. Cutaneous calciphylaxis is readily induced in the rat but not in the mouse and this may be because, in the latter, the challenger substance is absorbed rapidly by macrophages. In the rat the administration of 500 ug/0.1 ml of DHT followed after 24 h by the subcutaneous (SC) injection of ferric chloride (FeCl3) (30 ug/0.1 ml) is followed rapidly by calcification of the SC site. There is an early transient acute inflammatory reaction with the incrustation of collagen fibres by the iron salt and an apparent exudation of calcium and phosphate ions from the bloodstream. These ions also become associated with collagen fibres. Two days after injection macrophages and multinucleated giant cells become the dominant cells. Calciphylaxis is a useful experimental model of ectopic calcification and is associated with an initial hypercalcaemia. The diphosphonates ethane‐l‐hydroxy‐1, 1‐diphosphonate (EHDP) and dichloromethylene diphosphonate (Cl2MDP) are effective inhibitors of the calciphylactic reaction when administered prior to the initiation of the experimental procedure.
An Adjustable Clock Scan Structure for Reducing Testing Peak Power

Power consumption during testing is becoming a primary concern. In this paper, an adjustable clock scan structure is presented. It can significantly reduce the peak power consumption during testing. The adjustable clock controlling multiple scan chains is used to reduce SA (switching activity) and avoid simultaneous shifting operation. Compared with exiting techniques of low power scan testing, the adjustable clock scan structure has numerous advantages. It keeps peak power below a limit and maintains the same fault coverage. Moreover, it only takes up small DFT hardwires. Theoretical analysis and experiments on ISCAS89 benchmark circuits conformably show that the peak power consumption is reduced by about 60% during testing.
Yop1p, the Yeast Homolog of the Polyposis Locus Protein 1, Interacts with Yip1p and Negatively Regulates Cell Growth*

Rab proteins are small GTPases that are essential elements of the protein transport machinery of eukaryotic cells. Each round of membrane transport requires a cycle of Rab protein nucleotide binding and hydrolysis. We have recently characterized a protein, Yip1p, which appears to play a role in Rab-mediated membrane transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this study, we report the identification of a Yip1p-associated protein, Yop1p. Yop1p is a membrane protein with a hydrophilic region at its N terminus through which it interacts specifically with the cytosolic domain of Yip1p. Yop1p could also be coprecipitated with Rab proteins from total cellular lysates. The TB2 gene is the human homolog of Yop1p (Kinzler, K. W., Nilbert, M. C., Su, L.-K., Vogelstein, B., Bryan, T. M., Levey, D. B., Smith, K. J., Preisinger, A. C., Hedge, P., McKechnie, D., Finniear, R., Markham, A., Groffen, J., Boguski, M. S., Altschul, S. F., Horii, A., Ando, H. M., Y., Miki, Y., Nishisho, I., and Nakamura, Y. (1991) Science 253, 661–665). Our data demonstrate that Yop1p negatively regulates cell growth. Disruption ofYOP1 has no apparent effect on cell viability, while overexpression results in cell death, accumulation of internal cell membranes, and a block in membrane traffic. These results suggest that Yop1p acts in conjunction with Yip1p to mediate a common step in membrane traffic.
Anti‐Inflammatory effects of low‐level laser therapy (660 nm) in the early phase in carrageenan‐induced pleurisy in rat

In the classic model of pleurisy there is little evidence about the anti‐inflammatory effects of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) as well the dosage characteristics, such as wavelength, total energy, number and pattern of treatment. In this study we investigated the potential effects of LLLT on modulating the pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators of acute inflammation in a rat pleurisy model.
Development of ACPD technique for short and long crack measurement

The application of the alternating current potential drop (ACPD) technique for measurement of the depth of short cracks initiated from corrosion pits has been investigated. Cylindrical specimens were pre-pitted using a NPL procedure which enables the development of essentially a single pit of controlled depth. Cracks of varying depth were then generated under uniaxial tension-tension loading. Calibration of the measured potential drop was performed using dye, beach marking and corrosion stain techniques. The effect of stress, temperature, test environment and test duration on the ACPD measurement was evaluated. Comparison with measurement of long crack behaviour in fracture mechanics specimens is made and the effectiveness of the ACPD technique for resolving the depth of short cracks from pits is quantified.