Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Local regulatory mechanism to coordinate colorectal motility in rats

The presence of a fecal pellet in the colorectum causes ascending contraction and descending relaxation, propelling the pellet aborally. However, random occurrence of the reflexes at multiple sites would disturb sequential excretion of the pellets, resulting in inefficient defecation. Hence, we postulated that a regulatory mechanism to coordinate peristaltic motility initiated at adjacent portions of the colorectum may exist. Colorectal motility was recorded with balloons located at 2 cm, 5 cm and 7 cm from the anus in vivo in anesthetized rats. The presence of a balloon in the colorectum inhibited motility of the oral side and enhanced motility of the anal side. Both the ascending inhibitory and descending facilitatory actions were unaffected by cutting the pelvic nerves, suggesting little contribution of the lumbosacral defecation center. In contrast, disrupting the continuity of the enteric nervous system abolished the local reflex mechanism. The ascending inhibitory pathway operated in a condition in which facilitatory input from the lumbosacral defecation center was fully activated by intrathecal injection of ghrelin. We also found that functional impairment of the local reflex pathways was evident in rats that recovered from 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzensulfonic acid‐induced colitis. These results demonstrate that an intrinsic regulatory mechanism to coordinate peristaltic motility initiated at adjacent portions exists in the rat colorectum. The regulation may be beneficial to propel multiple pellets efficiently. In addition, impairment of the local regulatory mechanism might be involved in postinflammatory dysmotility in the colorectum.
Morphology and function of the copulatory system in freshwater crabs of the genus Potamon

To understand the reproductive processes of freshwater crabs of the genus Potamon, we examined the first and second gonopod and the gonoducts of the female by histological methods. The gonopods are highly modified compared to those of other brachyuran crabs. In particular, the second gonopod is unusually long and has a special morphology, ending in a long sclerotized tube. Suggestions for the function of both gonopods and their different parts are presented. Tubulation of the first and second gonopod is observed. Rosette glands, which are abundant in the subterminal joint of the first gonopod, are connected to the sperm channel by cuticular pores. In females, the chitinous parts of the inner vulva may prove to have a more constant morphology than the external flexible structures. J. Morphol. 239:157–166, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ABY3: A Mixed Protocol Framework for Machine Learning

Machine learning is widely used to produce models for a range of applications and is increasingly offered as a service by major technology companies. However, the required massive data collection raises privacy concerns during both training and prediction stages. In this paper, we design and implement a general framework for privacy-preserving machine learning and use it to obtain new solutions for training linear regression, logistic regression and neural network models. Our protocols are in a three-server model wherein data owners secret share their data among three servers who train and evaluate models on the joint data using three-party computation (3PC). Our main contribution is a new and complete framework ($\textABY ^3$) for efficiently switching back and forth between arithmetic, binary, and Yao 3PC which is of independent interest. Many of the conversions are based on new techniques that are designed and optimized for the first time in this paper. We also propose new techniques for fixed-point multiplication of shared decimal values that extends beyond the three-party case, and customized protocols for evaluating piecewise polynomial functions. We design variants of each building block that is secure against \em malicious adversaries who deviate arbitrarily. We implement our system in C++. Our protocols are up to \em four orders of magnitude faster than the best prior work, hence significantly reducing the gap between privacy-preserving and plaintext training.
Is Politeness Catalytic and Contagious? Effects on Participation in Online News Discussions

This study investigates how the politeness strategies of readers who comment on online news articles influence the participation and politeness behaviors of subsequent readers. We analyzed comments and replies collected from a South Korean news aggregator using a computer-mediated discourse analysis approach [15]; the gender of commenters was considered as a potential moderating factor. Results show that the politeness of comments did not affect the frequency of replies, and violations of politeness were prevalent in replies to all types of comments and addressees, especially in threads with mostly male participants. However, significant differences were found in responses to polite comments in maledominant versus female-dominant discussions. Polite comments served as a catalyst for active participation by repliers, but only when men dominated the discussions, and these comments elicited harsh replies. Conversely, only when women participated more did any replies tend to use polite language, and that was only when addressing the original commenter.
Tracking the Effect of Cathodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cortical Excitability and Connectivity by Means of TMS-EEG

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is increasingly used in both research and therapeutic settings, but its precise mechanisms remain largely unknown. At a neuronal level, tDCS modulates cortical excitability by shifting the resting membrane potential in a polarity-dependent way: anodal stimulation increases the spontaneous firing rate, while cathodal decreases it. However, the neurophysiological underpinnings of anodal/cathodal tDCS seem to be different, as well as their behavioral effect, in particular when high order areas are involved, compared to when motor or sensory brain areas are targeted. Previously, we investigated the effect of anodal tDCS on cortical excitability, by means of a combination of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Electroencephalography (EEG). Results showed a diffuse rise of cortical excitability in a bilateral fronto-parietal network. In the present study, we tested, with the same paradigm, the effect of cathodal tDCS. Single pulse TMS was delivered over the left posterior parietal cortex (PPC), before, during, and after 10 min of cathodal or sham tDCS over the right PPC, while recording HD-EEG. Indexes of global and local cortical excitability were obtained both at sensors and cortical sources level. At sensors, global and local mean field power (GMFP and LMFP) were computed for three temporal windows (0–50, 50–100, and 100–150 ms), on all channels (GMFP), and in four different clusters of electrodes (LMFP, left and right, in frontal and parietal regions). After source reconstruction, Significant Current Density was computed at the global level, and for four Broadmann's areas (left/right BA 6 and 7). Both sensors and cortical sources results converge in showing no differences during and after cathodal tDCS compared to pre-stimulation sessions, both at global and local level. The same holds for sham tDCS. These data highlight an asymmetric impact of anodal and cathodal stimulation on cortical excitability, with a diffuse effect of anodal and no effect of cathodal tDCS over the parietal cortex. These results are consistent with the current literature: while anodal-excitatory and cathodal-inhibitory effects are well-established in the sensory and motor domains, both at physiological and behavioral levels, results for cathodal stimulation are more controversial for modulation of exitability of higher order areas.
Boolean modeling of mammalian cell cycle and cancer pathways

The cell division cycle is controlled by a complex molecular network: a recent model of the cell cycle and cancer pathways includes close to a hundred genes [Fumiã and Martins, 2013]. To cope with such complexity, different approaches have been used by modelers. Recently, Deritei et al [2016] have emphasized modularity as a key organizational principle. Their model however, includes only 21 components. This raises the question how the approach would fare on larger models such as the one published by Fumiã and Martins.To explore that question we first convert these two models to a common modeling framework [Naldi et al., 2009]. Preliminary results show that there is only limited overlap between the two models, with shared variables being controlled by different regulators. This suggests that at this stage module definition may still depend on the modeler and thus may not yet reflect actual biological organization.
The Effect of a New Sodium Bicarbonate Loading Regimen on Anaerobic Capacity and Wrestling Performance

Gastrointestinal side effects are the main problem with sodium bicarbonate (SB) use in sports. Therefore, our study assessed the effect of a new SB loading regimen on anaerobic capacity and wrestling performance. Fifty-eight wrestlers were randomized to either a progressive-dose regimen of up to 100 mg∙kg−1 of SB or a placebo for 10 days. Before and after treatment, athletes completed an exercise protocol that comprised, in sequence, the first Wingate, dummy throw, and second Wingate tests. Blood samples were taken pre- and post-exercise. No gastrointestinal side effects were reported during the study. After SB treatment, there were no significant improvements in the outcomes of the Wingate and dummy throw tests. The only index that significantly improved with SB, compared to the placebo (p = 0.0142), was the time-to-peak power in the second Wingate test, which decreased from 3.44 ± 1.98 to 2.35 ± 1.17 s. There were also no differences in blood lactate or glucose concentrations. In conclusion, although the new loading regimen eliminated gastrointestinal symptoms, the doses could have been too small to elicit additional improvements in anaerobic power and wrestling performance. However, shortening the time-to-peak power during fatigue may be particularly valuable and is one of the variables contributing to the final success of a combat sports athlete.
Identity Centrality and Psychosocial Functioning

There has been increased recognition that identity operates within several “components” and that not every component is likely to be equally central to one’s sense of self. The aim of the current study was to determine the extent to which identity components (i.e., personal, relational, collective, and public) are differentially central to emerging adults’ identity. We used a two-step cluster analytic procedure to identify distinct clusters and determine how these configurations might differ in relation to psychosocial functioning (i.e., well-being, externalizing and internalizing symptoms, illicit drug use, risky sex, and impaired driving). The sample consisted of 8,309 college students (72.8% female; M age = 19.94 years, 18–29, SD = 2.01) from 30 U.S. colleges and universities. Analyses identified six unique clusters based on the centrality of the four identity components. The findings indicated that a more well-rounded identity was associated with the most favorable psychosocial functioning. Results are discussed in terms of important directions for identity research and practical implications.
Effectiveness of Disease-Specific Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Youth With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a disease-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol on anxiety and depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Method A parallel group randomized controlled trial was conducted in 6 centers of (pediatric) gastroenterology. Included were 70 patients and young adults (10-25 years) with IBD and subclinical anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Patients were randomized into 2 groups, stratified by center: (a) standard medical care (care-as-usual [CAU]) plus disease-specific manualized CBT (Primary and Secondary Control Enhancement Training for Physical Illness; PASCET-PI), with 10 weekly sessions, 3 parent sessions, and 3 booster sessions (n = 37), or (b) CAU only (n = 33). Primary analysis concerned the reliable change in anxiety and depressive symptoms after 3 months (immediate posttreatment assessment). Exploratory analyses concerned (1) the course of anxiety and depressive symptoms and HRQOL in subgroups based on age, and (2) the influence of age, gender, and disease type on the effect of the PASCET-PI. Results Overall, all participants improved significantly in their anxiety and depressive symptoms and HRQOL, regardless of group, age, gender, and disease type. Primary chi-square tests and exploratory linear mixed models showed no difference in outcomes between the PASCET-PI (n = 35) and the CAU group (n = 33). Conclusions In youth with IBD and subclinical anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, preliminary results of immediate post-treatment assessment indicated that a disease-specific CBT added to standard medical care did not perform better than standard medical care in improving psychological symptoms or HRQOL. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02265588.
Vitamin D status and its relationship with age in type 2 diabetic patients

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes has become a chronic worldwide epidemic with advancing complications and has caused many premature deaths. Its global prevalence is about 9.7%, with 92.4 million suffering from the disease. Vitamin D level has been recently considered as an adjustable risk factor of cardiovascular diseases in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Objectives: The aim of the current study is to investigate the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and age in type 2 diabetes patients. Patients and Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 101 type 2 diabetes patients of Imam Ali clinic in Shahrekord were investigated. Serum vitamin D levels of the participants were measured by DRG (USA) Elisa kits. The results were analyzed using SPSS software with a 95% confidence level. Results: Of 101 studied patients, 32 were male and 69 were female. The average age of the subjects was 61.25 ± 11.75 years. The average age of the males was 63.09 ± 11.15 years and the average age of the females was 60.39 ± 12 years. Around 72 subjects were vitamin D deficient. No significant difference of vitamin D levels between males and females (P = 0.985) was detected. Serum vitamin D levels of type 2 diabetes patients were significantly positive correlated with their ages (r = 0.282, P = 0.004). Conclusion: In the present study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in type 2 diabetes patients was 71.3 %. We found a positive significant relationship between the vitamin D level and age. It is possible that ageing process is not one of the causes of vitamin D deficiency.
Temperature response of parameters of a biochemically based model of photosynthesis. II. A review of experimental data

The temperature dependence of C 3 photosynthesis is known to vary with growth environment and with species. In an attempt to quantify this variability, a commonly used biochemically based photosynthesis model was parameterized from 19 gas exchange studies on tree and crop species. The parameter values obtained described the shape and amplitude of the temperature responses of the maximum rate of Rubisco activity ( V cmax ) and the potential rate of electron transport ( J max ). Original data sets were used for this review, as it is shown that derived values of V cmax and its temperature response depend strongly on assumptions made in derivation. Values of J max and V cmax at 25 ° C varied considerably among species but were strongly correlated, with an average J max : V cmax ratio of 1·67. Two species grown in cold climates, however, had lower ratios. In all studies, the J max : V cmax ratio declined strongly with measurement temperature. The relative temperature responses of J max and V cmax were relatively constant among tree species. Activation energies averaged 50 kJ mol − 1 for J max and 65 kJ mol − − − 1 for V cmax , and for most species temperature optima averaged 33 ° ° ° C for J max and 40 ° C for V cmax . However, the cold climate tree species had low temperature optima for both J max ( 19 ° C) and V cmax (29 ° ° ° C), suggesting acclimation of both processes to growth temperature. Crop species had somewhat different temperature responses, with higher activation energies for both J max and V cmax , implying narrower peaks in the temperature response for these species. The results thus suggest that both growth environment and
The geography of snake reproductive mode: a global analysis of the evolution of snake viviparity

Aim : Although most reptiles are oviparous, viviparity is a commonmode of reproduction in squamates and has evolved multiple times in different lineages.We test two prevailing hypotheses regarding the biogeography of reptile reproductive modes to evaluate the selective forces driving the evolution of viviparity in snakes. The cold climate hypothesis posits that viviparity is selected for in cold climates, whereas the climatic predictability hypothesis predicts that viviparity is advantageous in seasonal climates. Methods : We collated detailed distribution maps and reproductive mode data for 2663 species of the world’s terrestrial alethinophidian snakes.We studied the relationship between snake reproductive mode and environmental predictors. We applied both an ecological and an evolutionary approach to study snake reproductive mode by performing the analyses at the assemblage level and species level, respectively. We analysed our data at the global and continental scales to learn whether tendencies to viviparity are similar world-wide. Results : We found strong support for the cold climate hypothesis and the assumption that viviparity is an adaptation to cold environments. There was little support for the climatic predictability hypothesis. Nonetheless, viviparous species are not restricted to cold environments. Main conclusions : We conclude that viviparity is adaptive in cold climates, but not necessarily in unpredictable/seasonal climates. Current distributions may not reflect the climate at the time and place of speciation.We suspect many viviparous snakes inhabiting warm climates are members of lineages that originated in colder regions, and their occurrence in maladaptive environments is a result of phylogenetic conservatism.
Testing the adaptive hypothesis of Batesian mimicry among hybridizing North American admiral butterflies

Batesian mimicry is characterized by phenotypic convergence between an unpalatable model and a palatable mimic. However, because convergent evolution may arise via alternative evolutionary mechanisms, putative examples of Batesian mimicry must be rigorously tested. Here, we used artificial butterfly facsimiles (N = 4000) to test the prediction that (1) palatable Limenitis lorquini butterflies should experience reduced predation when in sympatry with their putative model, Adelpha californica, (2) protection from predation on L. lorquini should erode outside of the geographical range of the model, and (3) mimetic color pattern traits are more variable in allopatry, consistent with relaxed selection for mimicry. We find support for these predictions, implying that this convergence is the result of selection for Batesian mimicry. Additionally, we conducted mark–recapture studies to examine the effect of mimicry and found that mimics survive significantly longer at sites where the model is abundant. Finally, in contrast to theoretical predictions, we found evidence that the Batesian model (A. californica) is protected from predation outside of its geographic range. We discuss these results considering the ongoing hybridization between L. lorquini and its sister species, L. weidemeyerii, and growing evidence that selection for mimicry predictably leads to a reduction in gene flow between nascent species.
Sales Potential : Modelling Sellability of Visual Aesthetics of a Fashion Product

Fashion is a domain primarily driven by its visual content. Look and feel of a fashion product is dicult to quantify as it is essentially subjective and driven by a host of subtle factors. In this work we formulate a mechanism that grades the look of a product, which we call Sales Potential (SP), that captures visual aesthetics. Our approach normalizes the eects of merchandising factors like discounts, price, list views and brand eects introduced in the e-commerce platform that inuences buyers behaviour. Our approach also relies on the observation that similar looking fashion products(styles) should have similar scores in a given fashion category. We show two applications of this SP score in assortment planning. In one we look for products in other social/e-commerce platforms and grade them relative to our platform. In second we look at grading products within the platform for replenishment.
Biomechanical and Proprioceptive Differences during Drop Landings between Dancers and Non-dancers

International Journal of Exercise Science 6(4) : 289-299, 2013. The focus of this research was to determine if female dancers have differing kinematic and kinetic characteristics when landing from three heights (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 m) both with and without vision compared to non-dancers. It was hypothesized that dancers would show differing kinematic and kinetic patterns of control due to their increased proprioceptive awareness. Eight collegiate dancers and seven collegiate controls who were neither dancers nor collegiate jumping athletes volunteered for this study. Sagittal plane lower limb joint angles were measured at 100 Hz prior to landing through stability with a high-speed camera, and peak vertical ground reaction forces relative to body weight were recorded with an indwelling force plate. Results indicated biomechanical differences across height and vision conditions, as well as between groups. Kinetic results showed a significant height effect with respect to vertical ground reaction forces. From the 0.8 m drop, both dancers and non-dancers produced significantly greater ground reaction forces when landing without vision compared to when they landed with vision. No significant kinetic differences were found between groups. Kinematic results revealed a significant height effect for the hip and knee angles across groups and vision conditions, meaning that as drop height increased, the participants demonstrated greater range of motion in their hip and knee joints. Dancers and non-dancers responded differently when dropping from 0.8 m without vision. Dancers significantly increased hip flexion compared to landing with vision, while non-dancers tended to stiffen up and reduced hip flexion. These findings suggest that dancers utilize proprioceptive input more effectively as they adopted a hip strategy (flexion of the hips) to maintain stability. Training dancers without vision may impact dance instruction and reduce the risk of injuries when landing.