Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inverse Littlewood-Offord problems and The Singularity of Random Symmetric Matrices

Let $M_n$ denote a random symmetric $n$ by $n$ matrix, whose upper diagonal entries are iid Bernoulli random variables (which take value -1 and 1 with probability 1/2). Improving the earlier result by Costello, Tao and Vu, we show that $M_n$ is non-singular with probability $1-O(n^{-C})$ for any positive constant $C$. The proof uses an inverse Littlewood-Offord result for quadratic forms, which is of interest of its own.
β-Glucan Fiber from Spent Brewer’s Yeast Reduces Early Atherosclerosis Greater Than Psyllium in Hypercholesterolemic Syrian Golden Hamsters

β-Glucans, mostly from oats, have been shown to reduce blood concentrations of total and LDL-cholesterol in animals and humans. After processing, spent brewer’s yeast, a by-product of the fermentation process, contains 85% - 90% β-glucans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of yeast-derived β-glucan fiber on plasma lipids and early atherosclerosis development in hamsters consuming a semi-purified hypercholesterolemic diet (HCD). Animals were fed either the HCD or the HCD containing psyllium or β-glucan fiber from yeast for 12 weeks. Both the psyllium and β-glucan fiber from yeast showed significant decreases in plasma total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, triacylglycerol, and aortic fatty streak area when compared to the HCD. Also, the β-glucan fiber from yeast had significantly less aortic fatty streak area compared to the psyllium diet. Findings from this study show that while both β-glucan fiber from yeast and psyllium produced similar reductions in plasma lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, the β-glucan fiber from yeast prevented the development early atherosclerosis better than psyllium in the hamsters.
Global Gene Expression Profiling of the Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Escherichia coli Strain 83972 in the Human Urinary Tract

ABSTRACT Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are an important health problem worldwide, with many million cases each year. Escherichia coli is the most common organism causing UTIs in humans. The asymptomatic bacteriuria E. coli strain 83972 is an excellent colonizer of the human urinary tract, where it causes long-term bladder colonization. The strain has been used for prophylactic purposes in patients prone to more severe and recurrent UTIs. For this study, we used DNA microarrays to monitor the expression profile of strain 83972 in the human urinary tract. Significant differences in expression levels were seen between the in vivo expression profiles of strain 83972 in three patients and the corresponding in vitro expression profiles in lab medium and human urine. The data revealed an in vivo lifestyle of microaerobic growth with respiration of nitrate coupled to degradation of sugar acids and amino acids, with no signs of attachment to host tissues. Interestingly, genes involved in NO protection and metabolism showed significant up-regulation in the patients. This is one of the first studies to address bacterial whole-genome expression in humans and the first study to investigate global gene expression of an E. coli strain in the human urinary tract.
Advanced Acoustic Wake-Up System for Underwater Sensor Networks

This work was supported in part by the Spanish Government: Project funds of SABINA CTM2011-29691-C02-01 (SENSORIZACION AMBIENTAL SUBACUATICA PARA LA INSPECCION Y MONITORIZACION DE EXPLOTACIONES DE ACUICULTURA MARIAN) AND RIDEWAN TIN2011-28435-C03-01 (INVESTIGACION EN LA MEJORA DE LA CONFIABILIDAD DE APLICACIONES BASADAS EN WSN MEDIANTE EL DESARROLLO DE UNA PLATAFORMA HIBRIDA DE MONITORIZACION)
Engineering of Rat Articular Cartilage on Porous Sponges: Effects of TGF-β 1 and Microgravity Bioreactor Culture

The objective of this study was to develop an engineered rat hyaline cartilage by culturing articular chondrocytes on three-dimensional (3D) macroporous poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) sponges under chondrogenic induction and microgravity bioreactor conditions. Experimental groups consisted of 3D static and dynamic cultures, while a single cell monolayer (2D) served as the control. The effect of seeding conditions (static vs. dynamic) on cellularization of the scaffolds was investigated. MTT assay was used to evaluate the number of viable cells in each group at different time points. Formation of a hyaline-like cartilage was evaluated for up to 4 weeks in vitro. While 2D culture resulted in cell sheets with very poor matrix production, 3D culture was in the favor of tissue formation. A higher yield of cell attachment and spatially uniform cell distribution was achieved when dynamic seeding technique was used. Dynamic culture promoted cell growth and infiltration throughout the sponge structure and showed the formation of cartilage tissue, while chondrogenesis appeared attenuated more towards the outer region of the constructs in the static culture group. Medium supplemented with TGF-β 1 (5 ng/ml) had a positive impact on proteoglycan production as confirmed by histochemical analyses with Alcian blue and Safranin-O stainings. Formation of hyaline-like tissue was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry performed with antibodies against type II collagen and aggrecan. SEM confirmed higher level of cellularization and cartilage tissue formation in bioreactor cultures induced by TGF-β 1. The data suggest that PLGA sponge inside rotating bioreactor with chondrogenic medium provides an environment that mediates isolated rat chondrocytes to redifferentiate and form hyaline-like rat cartilage, in vitro.
Is puerperal psychosis the same as bipolar manic-depressive disorder? A family study

Synopsis The first degree relatives of three groups of women were interviewed; 51 women who had had an illness within two weeks of childbirth and no non-puerperal episodes (the puerperal group), 33 who had puerperal and non-puerperal episodes (the mixed group), and 19 women with bipolar manic-depressive disorder who had non-puerperal episodes only (the manic-depressive group). Over 60% of the affected relatives in all three groups had affective illnesses; in the main these were not puerperal. There were significantly more first degree relatives who had had general practitioner or hospital treatment for psychiatric illness in the puerperal group and in the mixed group than in the manic-depressive group. The puerperal patients had a better prognosis in terms of their illness (number of relapses and time on medication), work functioning and social functioning than the manic-depressive group and the mixed group. The mixed group had an earlier age of onset than the manic-depressive group and the puerperal group. The hypothesis that puerperal psychosis is the same as bipolar manic-depressive disorder was not upheld. The mixed group and the puerperal group were similar with respect to the risk in first degree relatives but differed in terms of prognosis. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to puerperal episodes in first-degree relatives, although the rate of puerperal psychosis in the first-degree relatives of the puerperal patients was significantly greater than in the general population. The hypothesis that there is a specific genetically determined puerperal psychosis was not supported. Women who had had an illness with an onset within two weeks of childbirth (mixed and puerperal) subsequently had an illness following 36% of their childbirths. In women who had had puerperal and non-puerperal episodes (mixed) the risk was higher; over 50 % of deliveries in these women were followed by psychiatric illness.
Fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis em universitários/ Risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in university students

Estudo transversal cujo objetivo foi identificar a frequencia de fatores de risco para doencas cronicas nao transmissiveis em 206 academicos de Enfermagem de uma instituicao publica de ensino superior do Piaui. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um formulario, alem de medidas antropometricas e de pressao arterial. Realizou-se analise estatistica por meio do teste de Pearson Chi-Square, com nivel de significância em 5%. Da amostra, 75,2% eram mulheres, media de idade de 21,38 anos; 53,4% se declararam pardos; 95,6% solteiros; e 51% nao moravam com a familia; 87,4% pertencem as classes economicas B e C. Verificou-se que 21,8% estavam com excesso de peso; 163 (79,1%) eram sedentarios e apenas 3% fumantes. A obesidade central foi encontrada em 23,8% dos universitarios, com maior proporcao entre as mulheres. A frequencia no consumo de bebida alcoolica e os niveis pressoricos elevados foram de 51,9% e 9,7%, respectivamente, sendo ambas as variaveis maiores entre os homens. Considerando o conhecimento desses fatores de risco no grupo estudado, ressalta-se a necessidade de acoes efetivas, tais como controlar o peso corporal e o uso do alcool, estimular a pratica de atividade fisica e controlar os niveis pressoricos.
Skeletal mass change as a function of gravitational loading.

The hypothesis that increased loading on an animal by chronic centrifugation results in an increase in skeletal mass was tested, using metabolically mature hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, Dutch rabbits and New Zealand rabbits representing a body mass range from 0.15 to 3.8 kg. Groups of 12 male animals of each species were subjeted to 2.0 g for 6 weeks on a 2.74 radius centrifuge with one degree of freedom. Subsequently, six of the animals were killed to measure whole body composition, while the rest comprised the control group, recovering for four weeks at 1.0 g prior to composition analysis. Results show a significant increase in bone mineral mass at 2.0 g. These centrifuge experiment results were then compared with the results of the USSR Cosmos Biosatellite experiment, whereby five rats experienced osteoporosis after 18.5 days of weightlessness. The opposing nature of effects that occurred at 0 g and 2.0 g is indicated schematically of particular interest is the fact that the bone mineral mass of the Cosmos 1129 flight rats was 17 pct less than that of the 1.0 g controls; whereas the bone mineral mass of the centrifuge rats was 18 pct greater than that of their 1.0 g controls. It is concluded that the bone mineral mass of the rat is directly proportional to gravitational loading over the range of 0 g to 2.0 g.
Imaging of pancreatic islet cells

At present, the onset and progress of diabetes, and the efficacy of potential treatments, can only be assessed through indirect means, i.e. blood glucose, insulin, or C‐peptide measurements. The development of non‐invasive and reliable methods for (1) quantification of pancreatic beta islet cell mass in vivo, (2) determining endogenous islet function and survival, and (3) visualizing the biodistribution, survival, and function of transplanted exogenous islets are critical to further advance both basic science research and islet cell therapy in diabetes. Islet cell imaging using magnetic resonance, bioluminescence, positron emission tomography, or single photon emission computed tomography may provide us with a direct means to interrogate islet cell distribution, survival, and function. Current state‐of‐the‐art strategies for beta‐cell imaging are discussed and reviewed here in context of their clinical relevance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is differentially regulated by Gα proteins and contributes to fibrous dysplasia

Skeletal dysplasias are common disabling disorders characterized by aberrant growth of bone and cartilage leading to abnormal skeletal structures and functions, often attributable to defects in skeletal progenitor cells. The underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of most skeletal dysplasias remain elusive. Although the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is required for skeletal progenitor cells to differentiate along the osteoblastic lineage, inappropriately elevated levels of signaling can also inhibit bone formation by suppressing osteoblast maturation. Here, we investigate interactions of the four major Gα protein families (Gαs, Gαi/o, Gαq/11, and Gα12/13) with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and identify a causative role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in fibrous dysplasia (FD) of bone, a disease that exhibits abnormal differentiation of skeletal progenitor cells. The activating Gαs mutations that cause FD potentiated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and removal of Gαs led to reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling and decreased bone formation. We further show that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in osteoblast progenitors results in an FD-like phenotype and reduction of β-catenin levels rescued differentiation defects of FD patient-derived stromal cells. Gα proteins may act at the level of β-catenin destruction complex assembly by binding Axin. Our results indicate that activated Gα proteins differentially regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling but, importantly, are not required core components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our data suggest that activated Gα proteins are playing physiologically significant roles during both skeletal development and disease by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling strength.
A new putative Zygosaccharomyces yeast species isolated from traditional balsamic vinegar

The taxonomic status and species number of the genus Zygosaccharomyces have rapidly changed in the last years. In this study, two new osmotolerant Zygosaccharomyces strains isolated from traditional balsamic vinegar, viz. ABT301 and ABT601, were investigated to elucidate their taxonomic relationships with Zygosaccharomyces rouxii species. A multi‐gene sequence approach was employed, including regions of the rDNA repeat [5.8S, two internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the 26S D1/D2 domain], COX2 mitochondrial gene and two nuclear genes (SOD2 and HIS3). Cloning and sequence analysis of 5.8S‐ITS rDNA revealed that these strains bear an unusual polymorphism for this region. Three highly divergent 5.8S‐ITS sequences were detected, one identical to Z. rouxii, the other two showing some relatedness to Z. mellis. Sequence and gene number polymorphism was also observed for the protein‐encoding nuclear genes SOD2 and HIS3, as two copies for each gene different from those found in Z. rouxii were detected. Analysis of the D1/D2 26S domain showed that ABT301 and ABT601 have only one type of D1/D2 sequence statistically different from that of Z. rouxii. The findings obtained in this work suggest that the genomic background of strains ABT301 and ABT601 is different from the other Zygosaccharomyces species. We speculated that they could belong to a new putative species related to Z. rouxii. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An identified central pattern‐generating neuron co‐ordinates sensory‐motor components of respiratory behavior in Lymnaea

Defining the attributes of individual central pattern‐generating (CPG) neurons underlying various rhythmic behaviors are fundamental to our understanding of how the brain controls motor programs, such as respiration and locomotion. To this end, we have explored a simple invertebrate preparation in which the neuronal basis of respiratory rhythmogenesis can be investigated from the whole animal to a single cell level. An identified dopaminergic neuron, termed right pedal dorsal 1 (RPeD1), is a component of the CPG network which controls hypoxia‐driven, aerial respiration in the fresh water snail Lymnaea stagnalis. Using intact, semi‐intact and isolated brain preparations, we have discovered that in addition to its role as a respiratory CPG neuron, RPeD1 co‐ordinates sensory‐motor input from the pneumostome (the respiratory orifice) at the water/air interface to initiate respiratory rhythm generation. An additional, novel role of RPeD1 was also found. Specifically, direct intracellular stimulation of RPeD1 induced pneumostome openings, in the absence of motor neuronal activity. To determine further the role of RPeD1 in the respiratory behavior of intact animals, either its axon was severed or the soma selectively killed. Many components of the respiratory behavior in the intact animals were found to be perturbed following RPeD1 axotomy or ‘somatomy’ (soma removed). Taken together, the data presented provide a direct demonstration that RPeD1 is a multifunctional CPG neuron, which also serves many additional roles in the control of breathing behavior, ranging from co‐ordination of mechanosensory input to the motor control of the respiratory orifice.
Alignment of the "Early" HL Sequence in Maltese Falling Tune Wh-Questions

This study investigates two factors related to the falling tune found in wh-questions in Maltese. It examines the alignment, of the H(igh) and L(ow) tone targets found in the early part of this tune in an attempt at providing a more definitive phonological analysis of the tune. Carefully controlled laboratory speech is used in an attempt at quantifying the alignment details. The study also addresses the issue of the accentability or otherwise of whor Q(uestion)words in Maltese. Evidence is provided for alignment of the H tone target on or around the beginning of the Qword rather than at the accented syllable for Qwords having a stressed syllable removed by at least one syllable from the left edge of the phrase. Results are as yet unclear for monosyllabic or initially-stressed Qwords, different strategies for dealing with tonal crowding possibly being at work. The analysis suggests that the Qword in Maltese does in fact receive an accent.
Movement of regulatory RNA between animal cells

Recent studies suggest that RNA can move from one cell to another and regulate genes through specific base‐pairing. Mechanisms that modify or select RNA for secretion from a cell are unclear. Secreted RNA can be stable enough to be detected in the extracellular environment and can enter the cytosol of distant cells to regulate genes. Mechanisms that import RNA into the cytosol of an animal cell can enable uptake of RNA from many sources including other organisms. This role of RNA is akin to that of steroid hormones, which cross cell membranes to regulate genes. The potential diagnostic use of RNA in human extracellular fluids has ignited interest in understanding mechanisms that enable the movement of RNA between animal cells. Genetic model systems will be essential to gain more confidence in proposed mechanisms of RNA transport and to connect an extracellular RNA with a specific biological function. Studies in the worm C. elegans and in other animals have begun to reveal parts of this novel mechanism of cell‐to‐cell communication. Here, I summarize the current state of this nascent field, highlight the many unknowns, and suggest future directions. genesis 53:395–416, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neurocognitive functioning before and after the first psychotic episode: does psychosis result in cognitive deterioration?

Background Cognitive impairment is considered to be a core characteristic of schizophrenia. The relationship between psychosis and cognitive deterioration, however, remains unclear. This longitudinal study investigated the neuropsychological functioning of patients before and after their first psychotic episode. Cognitive functioning of participants who later developed a psychosis was compared to that of people at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis who did not develop psychosis at follow-up and healthy controls. Method Participants were 41 persons at UHR for psychosis (the UHR group), of whom 17 developed psychosis between the first and second assessment. Seventeen healthy controls were included in the study. Cognitive performance was assessed at intake (T0) and again after 18 months (T1). The areas of cognitive functioning assessed include verbal memory and learning, visuospatial working memory, executive function, sustained attention and motor speed. Results The transition group did not perform significantly worse at the second assessment than at the first on any of the outcome measures. The UHR group performed better on a verbal learning and memory test at T1 compared to T0. At T0, the control group scored significantly better than the UHR group and the transition group on the verbal learning and memory test and the verbal fluency test. Conclusions The results indicate that no cognitive deterioration occurs during the first psychotic episode. Problems in verbal memory may be present before the first episode of psychosis.
Ancient Caravanserais: An Archaeological View from 'Aroer

Abstract The caravanserai formed a typical public institution of trading cultures during the pre-industrial periods. To introduce a preliminary model for the identification of caravanserais in the archaeological record, general characteristics typical of ancient caravanserais will be discussed (function, location, architectural layout) based on a combination of archaeological and ethnohistorical evidence. The preliminary model is based on six aspects: accommodation, animal keeping, existence of trade centres, protection, food preparation and consumption and water supply. The archaeological case-study that will be used here is Tel 'Aroer in the Negev. The architectural remains and the material culture that were revealed outside the fortifications, in a public building from Area A (Stratum II – end of the seventh and the beginning of the sixth centuries BCE) will be described and analyzed in light of the proposed model and in relation to the existence of the long distance South Arabian Trade system during the Late Iron Age.
Presidential Address: India Beyond the Ganges—Desultory Reflections on the Origins of Civilization in Southeast Asia

From the time when Southeast Asia first rose above their horizon, Europeans—the infinitesimal number of them who cared about such matters, that is—tended to treat that vague and insubstantial region beneath the sunrise as simply a more distant part of India. This practice went back at least to Claudius Ptolemy or, possibly, one of his redactors, who subsumed a good part of the region under the rubric “Trans-Gangetic India. ” Subsequently the whole area came to be identified with one of the “Three Indies,” though whether India Major or Minor, Greater or Lesser, Superior or Inferior, seems, often to have been a personal preference of the author concerned. When Europeans began to penetrate into Southeast Asia in earnest, they continued this tradition, attaching to various of the constituent territories such labels as Further India or Hinterindien, the East Indies, the Indian Archipelago, Insulinde, and, in acknowledgment of the presence of a competing culture, Indochina. As recently as 1884, a German ethnographer saw nothing incongruous in designating the archipelago as “the Indian Islands,” a term that with the cultural predilection of his age, he Hellenized as Indonesia. Although the powerful and pervasive influence of the “most divine and wise Ptolemy” furnished impeccable authority for this nomenclature in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, there is no doubt that the practice also signified the recognition of South Asian cultural forms and institutions in the lands beyond the Bay of Bengal. Despite these forms differing subtly—and sometimes not so subtly—from those in India proper, they were so conspicuous that it was readily inferred, given the intellectual predisposition of the day, that they were the result of Indian colonization, if not conquest, in ancient times.