Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Higher order spectral analysis of scalp EEG activity reveals non-linear behavior during rhythmic visual stimulation

Objective. Flickering visual stimulation is known to evoke rhythmic oscillations in the electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, called steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEP). The presence of harmonic components in the EEG signals during SSVEP suggests the non-linearity of the visual-system response to rhythmic stimulation, but the nature of this behavior has not been deeply understood. The aim of this study is the quantitative evaluation and characterization of this non-linear phenomenon and its interference with the physiological alpha rhythm by means of spectral and higher order spectral analysis. Approach. EEG signals were acquired in a group of 12 healthy subjects during a pattern-reversal stimulation protocol at three different driving frequencies (7.5 Hz, 15 Hz and 24 Hz). Spectral power values were estimated, after Laplacian spatial filtering, to quantitatively evaluate the changes in the power of the individual alpha and stimulation frequencies related harmonic components. Bicoherence measure were employed to assess the presence of quadratic phase coupling (QPC) at each channel location. Main results. Our analysis confirmed a strong non-linear response to the rhythmic stimulus principally over the parieto-occipital channel locations and a simultaneous significant alpha power suppression during 7.5 Hz and 15 Hz stimulation. A prominent sub-harmonic component characterized the resonance behavior of the 24 Hz stimulation. Significance. The findings presented suggest that bicoherence is a useful tool for the identification of QPC interactions between stimulus-related frequency components within the same signal and the characterization of the non-linearity of SSVEP-induced harmonics generation. In addition, the applied methodology demonstrates the presence of coupled EEG rhythms (harmonics of the main oscillation) both in resting condition and during stimulation, with different characteristics in the distinct brain areas.
Laparoscopic versus open pyelolithotomy: our experience of 40 patients

Background: The development of minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of patients suffering from urinary lithiasis has been greatly dependent on technologic advances in the fields of fiberoptic, radiographic imaging, and lithotripsy (shockwave, ultrasonic, electrohydraulic, and laser). The objective of this study was to compare laparoscopic with open pyelolithotomy in relation to various indices and to ascertain whether laparoscopic surgery has superseded open surgery in modern era. Methods: The study was conducted in Department of Surgery, GSVM Medical College and associated Hospital, Kanpur, Lucknow, India from January 2012 to September 2013. 40 patients who were diagnosed with renal pelvic stones, between the age group of 6-70 years were included in this study. Patients were assigned to either laparoscopy group or open group by a computer generated random number. In present study, all the patients in the laparoscopy group were operated by retroperitoneal approach. Results: The male: female ratio was 2:1. The mean pain score was significantly less in laparoscopic group. Drain removal was done earlier in laparoscopic group. The patient in laparoscopic group stayed less as compared open groups. Of the total patients, who underwent surgery 6 sustained surgical complications in open group and only 1 in laparoscopic group. The patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery returned to work earlier than those with open. Conclusions: Patients operated by laparoscopic surgery shown a better post-operative recovery course, complaints of less pain and thus required less analgesia, returned to normal routine activity earlier, intra-abdominal drain was removed at a much earlier period as compared to open group patient, this not only reduced morbidity but also because of this patient could be discharged earlier. The complication rates were more in the open group as compared to laparoscopic group in terms of surgical site infection, urine leakage and post-operative fever. Patient satisfaction with cosmesis was more in laparoscopic group as compared to open group (as assessed by visual analogue score).
Macrophages Promote Growth of Squamous Cancer Independent of T cells

Oral cancers, primarily squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), progress either slowly or aggressively. Here we assessed the role of macrophages in SCC behavior. We used mouse SCC cells derived from tumors harboring a KrasG12D activation mutation and Smad4 deletion in keratin 15–positive stem cells and a human oral SCC cell line, FaDu, which has NRAS amplification and SMAD4 deletion. SCC cells were transplanted into immune-compromised or immune-competent (syngeneic) recipients. After tumors were established, we used clodronate liposomes to ablate macrophages. We found that the number of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) was not affected by the presence of T cells but differed considerably among tumors derived from different SCC lines. Clodronate significantly reduced TAMs and splenic macrophages, resulting in reduced SCC volumes. Tumors with clodronate treatment did not show decreased proliferation but did exhibit increased apoptosis and reduced vascular density. FLIP (Fas-associated via death domain-like interleukin 1β–converting enzyme inhibitory protein), an apoptosis inhibitor abundantly produced in tumor cells and TAMs, was reduced in tumor cells of clodronate-treated mice. Reduced FLIP levels correlated with reductions in phosphorylated nuclear NFκB p65 and NFκB inhibitor attenuated FLIP protein levels in SCC cells. Furthermore, TGFβ1 serum levels and pSmad3 were reduced in clodronate-treated mice, but their reductions were insufficient to reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition or TGFβ-mediated angiogenesis in endothelial cells. Consequently, metastasis was not significantly reduced by macrophage reduction. However, reduced pSmad3 correlated with reduction of its transcriptional target, vascular endothelial growth factor A, in clodronate-treated tumor cells, which correlated with reduced vascular density in clodronate-treated tumors. Taken together, our study revealed that macrophages contribute to SCC expansion through interactions with tumor cells but are dispensable for SCC metastasis. Our study provides novel insights into understanding the contributions and limitations of TAMs in SCC progression.
Resource Saving Innovative Forms of the Industrial Enterprises

The relevance of the study is reasoned by the current economic trends which suggest that the reliability of production is possible to be provided, while preserving and enhancing of natural ecological environment, by finding of quality new, revolutionary opportunities associated with the use of resource-saving and energy-saving technologies and alternative reproducible sources of production activities, creation of favorable ecological, economic and social conditions for the accumulation and implementation of human capital. The purpose of this paper is to explore innovative forms of resource saving of the industrial enterprises, aimed at improving of the competitiveness of products, using innovative energy and resource saving technologies, minimizing the generation of waste. The leading method to the study of this problem is the modeling method that allows considering of this problem as a purposeful and organized process to improve the management of industrial enterprises. In paper gives the estimation of modern condition of mineral raw material base of hydrocarbons; scientifically substantiates recommendations on the appropriateness of innovative forms’ choice of resource-saving at industrial enterprises. The practical value is in the fact that the results of the study allow better and more targeted adjusting of innovative activity of industrial enterprises through the application of innovative forms of resource saving and can be used in the framework of sector programs that are of interest for the state statistics bodies, ministries and agencies who are responsible for strategic analysis and planning.
Nutrition, Physical Exercise, and the Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Elderly Residents in Nursing Homes in China

Background This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with sarcopenia in elderly residents in three nursing homes in Suzhou City, East China including the association with nutrition and physical exercise. Material/Methods Elderly residents (n=316) from three nursing homes included 112 men and 204 women. The appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), grip strength, and movements were measured to diagnose sarcopenia. The correlation between sarcopenia with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), ASMI, upper arm circumference, calf circumference, muscle content, grip strength, dietary intake, degree and duration of movement were also assessed. Results The prevalence of sarcopenia was 28.8% (30.4% for men and 27.9% for women). Patients with sarcopenia were older compared with controls. Height, BMI, upper arm circumference, calf circumference and arm muscle mass, lower limb muscle mass, limb skeletal muscle index and ASMI, grip strength, and pace of movement were lower than controls. The prevalence of sarcopenia correlated with the intake of meat, fish, eggs, and milk, and duration of weekly aerobic and resistance exercise. Logistic regression analysis showed a positive correlation between the prevalence of sarcopenia and age, and a negative correlation between BMI and consumption of meat, eggs, and milk. Conclusions The prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly residents in three nursing homes in Suzhou City was 28.8%. Increasing age was a risk factor for sarcopenia. Increased BMI and a diet containing meat, eggs, and milk were protective factors. The findings from this study provide support that adequate dietary protein can prevent sarcopenia in the elderly.
The possible role in the ocean heat budget of eddy‐induced mixing due to air‐sea interaction

The traditional point of view is that in the ocean, the meridional transport of heat is achieved by the wind‐driven and meridional overturning circulations. Here we point out the fundamental role played by ocean mixing processes. We argue that mixing (i.e., water mass conversion) associated with eddies, especially in the surface mixed layer, can play an important role in closing the ocean heat budget. Our results argue that the lateral mixing applied at the surface of ocean/climate models should be playing an important role in the heat balance of these models, indicating the need for physically‐based parameterizations to represent this mixing.
Characteristics and Mechanism of the 10–20-Day Oscillation of Spring Rainfall over Southern China

AbstractThe intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs) of southern China spring rainfall (SCSR) are examined based on daily rain gauge rainfall data and NCEP/Department of Energy Reanalysis 2 (NCEP-2) products for the period 1980–2008. The objective of this study is to reveal the structure and propagation of the dominant ISO of SCSR as well as its driving mechanisms, thereby gaining an understanding of the causes of extreme wet and dry SCSR.The EOF analysis and power spectrum analysis show that the 10–20-day oscillation is a predominant ISO of SCSR in most years. Composite analyses and wave-activity propagation diagnosis demonstrate that the 10–20-day oscillation of SCSR is characterized by an alternate occurrence of a huge anomalous anticyclone (cyclone) encircling the Tibetan Plateau in the lower troposphere, with anomalous low-level northeasterly (southwesterly) winds prevailing over southern China, producing lower-tropospheric divergence (convergence). In the middle and upper troposphere, the oscillation appea.
Lab And/Or Field? Measuring Personality Processes and Their Social Consequences

How can researchers study personality processes and their social consequences? In our methodology overview, we first introduce ambulatory assessment methods, which repeatedly measure experiences, physiology and behaviour in people's daily lives based on real–time assessments of self–reports, physiological activity and behavioural observations. Then, we describe methods suitable for assessing personality processes in laboratory settings: self–reports on interpersonal perception, physiological measurements and behavioural observation. We discuss the combination of field and laboratory assessment methods based on their respective strengths and limitations and then highlight ethical issues surrounding the use of these methods. Finally, we propose future avenues for how developments in mobile technology can be used to advance personality research. The increasing availability and the decreasing costs of smartphones, wearable sensors and Internet connectivity offer unique potentials for further understanding the processes underlying how personality exerts broad and important social consequences. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Indigenous and Mestizo Mexican Migrant Farmworkers: A Comparative Mental Health Analysis

Explores effect of ethnicity on mental health status among 179 indigenous and mestizo Mexican-origin migrant farmworkers using: (a) lifetime prevalence of culture-bound syndromes, (b) self-rated emotional/mental health, (c) depression measured by PHQ-9, (d) stress level. Demographic and psychosocial variables were examined by ethnicity and gender using Chi square and independent t-tests. Logistic and linear regression models were constructed for mental health variables. Indigenous participants reported significantly higher stress compared to mestizos, and indigenous women reported significantly higher stress compared to all groups. Prevalence of culture-bound syndromes and mean PHQ-9 severity score was highest for indigenous females. Mean self-rated emotional/mental health was lowest among indigenous females. Controlling for main effects and other interactions, (a) indigenous females were significantly more likely to report culture-bound syndromes, and reported significantly higher levels of stress, (b) more Spanish literate indigenous respondents were less likely to report culture-bound syndromes, and more educated indigenous respondents were less likely to have a depressive syndrome. Indigenous participants living in U.S. for seven years or more: (a) were significantly less likely to report poorer emotional/mental health, and (b) reported significantly lower stress. Adult education and literacy programs may be especially effective emotional/mental health intervention for newly arrived indigenous Mexican-origin migrants.
Basement membrane-like structures containing NTH α1(IV) are formed around the endothelial cell network in a novel in vitro angiogenesis model

Angiogenesis is a process through which new blood vessels are formed by sprouting and elongating from existing blood vessels. Several methods have been used to replicate angiogenesis in vitro, including culturing vascular endothelial cells on Matrigel and coculturing with endothelial cells and fibroblasts. However, the angiogenesis elongation process has not been completely clarified in these models. We therefore propose a new in vitro model of angiogenesis, suitable for observing vascular elongation, by seeding a spheroid cocultured from endothelial cells and fibroblasts into a culture dish. In this model, endothelial cells formed tubular networks elongated from the spheroid with a lumen structure and were connected with tight junctions. A basement membrane (BM)-like structure was observed around the tubular network, similarly to blood vessels in vivo. These results suggested that blood vessel-like structure could be reconstituted in our model. Laminin and type IV collagen, main BM components, were highly localized around the network, along with nontriple helical form of type IV collagen α1-chain [NTH α1(IV)]. In an ascorbic acid-depleted condition, laminin and NTH α1(IV) were observed around the network but not the triple-helical form of type IV collagen and the network was unstable. These results suggest that laminin and NTH α1(IV) are involved in the formation of tubular network and type IV collagen is necessary to stabilize the network.
Chikungunya Virus Infections in Military Deployments in Tropical Settings—A Narrative Minireview

Chikungunya fever is a vector-borne viral disease in subtropical and tropical areas of endemicity. Apart from the burden on local populations, chikungunya virus infection also poses a risk for travelers and, in particular, soldiers during prolonged deployment-associated outdoor activities. The absence of rapid diagnostic tests makes surveillance challenging during military deployments in war and crisis zones with restricted medical infrastructure. Consequently, both historical and up-to-date surveillance data from battlefields are scarce. From several studies and postdeployment assessments, some information on the epidemiology of chikungunya virus infections in deployed military personnel is nevertheless available. The few published data homogeneously suggest a low infection risk in the endemic setting. During outbreaks, however, the infection risk of military personnel is comparable to that of the local population. Infection clusters of soldiers without pronounced outdoor activity have been reported under such circumstances as well. In spite of efforts focusing on the development of a chikungunya virus vaccine, no licensed product is available so far.
“Candida Albicans Interactions With The Host: Crossing The Intestinal Epithelial Barrier”

ABSTRACT Formerly a commensal organism of the mucosal surfaces of most healthy individuals, Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections ranging from superficial to the more life-threatening disseminated infections, especially in the ever-growing population of vulnerable patients in the hospital setting. In these situations, the fungus takes advantage of its host following a disturbance in the host defense system and/or the mucosal microbiota. Overwhelming evidence suggests that the gastrointestinal tract is the main source of disseminated C. albicans infections. Major risk factors for disseminated candidiasis include damage to the mucosal intestinal barrier, immune dysfunction, and dysbiosis of the resident microbiota. A better understanding of C. albicans’ interaction with the intestinal epithelial barrier will be useful for designing future therapies to avoid systemic candidiasis. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of pathogenicity that allow the fungus to reach and translocate the gut barrier. Graphical abstract Invasion of C. albicans through the intestinal epithelial barrier.
The 21-cm radiation from minihaloes as a probe of small primordial non-Gaussianity

We present a new probe of primordial non-Gaussianity via the 21cm radiation from minihalos at high redshifts. We calculate the fluctuations in the brightness temperature (measured against the cosmic microwave background) of the 21cm background from minihalos containing HI at redshift � 6 20, and find a significant enhancement due to small non-Gaussianity with amplitude fNL . 1. This enhancement can be attributed to the nonlinear bias which is strongly increased in the presence of non-Gaussianity. We show that our results are robust against changes in the assumed mass function and some physical aspects of minihalo formation, but are nevertheless sensitive to the presence of strong radiation sources within or around the minihalos. Our findings are relevant for constraining and searching for small primordial non-Gaussianity with upcoming radio telescopes such as LOFAR and SKA.
Analysis of selected species of ascidians as bioindicators of metals in marine ecosystem

The coastal environments have always attracted the focus of scientific research as they have rich biodiversity. The increase of anthropogenic pollutants in the past two decades have caused extensive damage to the life and activities of living marine organisms and even to mass mortality. Among the pollutants the analysis of metals in the marine forms is of global importance as it helps to predict the pollution status of marine habitat and the significant risks to species. These metals gain entry into the sea through atmospheric deposition, erosion of geological matrix or due to the discharge of industrial effluents, domestic sewage, mining wastes etc.,. The marine organisms in particular the benthic species accumulate metals several times above ambient levels. These tolerant species in polluted coastal areas could serve as bioindicators.
The Importance of Product Innovation in Driving Brand Success: An Empirical Study on Automotive Industry

Nowadays, business markets are characterized by high competition and therefore, reinforcing brand success is one of the challenging tasks for organizations. One of the key indicators of brand success appears in an organization’s ability to form strong brand equity. Previous literature reported that consumers form decisions based on their perceptions of added values and unique offerings of a brand. Among the key factors that ensure value embeddedness and attractive offering is product innovation. However, despite the importance of product innovation in driving brand success and competitiveness, but there are very limited researches that investigated its link with brand equity. Therefore, this paper is designed to test the association between product innovation and brand equity in Malaysian automotive industry. The data were gathered using a survey method from a sample of 287 passenger car users in northern Malaysia. The outcomes of this study showed that product innovation had significant positive relationship with brand equity. The findings also confirmed that product innovation has significant positive relationship with all elements of brand equity; namely brand awareness, brand loyalty, brand image and brand leadership. These findings open avenues for future studies to further examine the role of product innovation in driving brand equity and competitiveness with regard to different brands.
The Effect of Load Uncertainty on Neuromotor Control in Catching: Gender Differences and Short Foreperiods

Abstract To reveal how the CNS copes with load uncertainty in catching, electromyography (EMG) was recorded in 15 females and 14 males while catching visually identical balls of known and unknown weights under varied (1–10 s) and constant (1 s) foreperiods (warning time). EMG integrals, which represented total muscle activity, were computed for three time intervals prior to the catch (anticipatory), and one interval after (compensatory). Load uncertainty caused the CNS to utilize an anticipatory strategy in several muscles, primarily during the ball-flight interval, characterized by preparation to catch balls of unknown weight by utilizing an average of 99.7% of the muscle activation used to catch the heaviest ball under the known weight condition. The constant 1 s foreperiod, which permitted precise temporal anticipation of ball release, did not influence the anticipatory strategy adopted by the CNS to cope with load uncertainty. There were no observed differences in the neuromotor control used by men and women to manage load uncertainty in catching, although there was an interesting difference in the way men and women employed the triceps to prepare to catch balls of a known weight.