Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Timing Competence and Timing Performance: A Cross‐Species Approach

How animal behavior adjusts to or is shaped by time has been the central concern in a t least two different scientific fields, fields that unfortunately have been kept separate until recently. '-' One is chronobiology, where the emphasis has been upon biological rhythms, as evidenced, at the behavioral level, by cyclic properties (circadian, circatidal, and the like) of spontaneous motor activity. The other field is experimental psychology, where the study of temporal regulations of behavior, initiated in Pavlov's laboratory, has received extensive treatment since operant techniques were developed. A wide variety of situations (schedules of reinforcement) are now available to investigate an animal's capacity to regulate its own behavior in time or to estimate the duration of external events. Refined analyses today combine the possibilities of conditioning procedures with sophisticated psychophysical model^. ^-'^ This approach differs from the chronobiological tradition in two respects: First, it is mainly concerned with adjustment to arbitrarily chosen short durations (of the order of seconds or minutes), while chronobiology is concerned mainly, although not exclusively, with longer natural cycles. Second, chronobiology has been, from its earliest time, comparative and evolutionary, exploring a wide variety of species, plants and animals; while behavioral research on temporal regulation has been characterized by an almost total neglect of cross-species comparisons, which reflects the persistent belief that schedulecontrolled behavior is essentially alike across animal species, including Data are obviously lacking to support such a general claim, and for what is known, it is clear that cross-species differences exist and should not be explained away. Despite an increased interest in biological constraints on learning, very few systematic studies have been devoted to cross-species comparison of timing behavior and time estimation. Reviewing the literature 4 years ago, we could list only a dozen mammal species (besides the widely used rats and monkeys), half a dozen birds species (besides the much-favored pigeon), and half of a half-dozen of fish species; finally, bees were the only insect studied. Part of these studies are anecdotal, part bear only on one type of situation (fixed interval [FI] or differential reinforcement of low rates [DRL] in most cases), and part were carried out in our laboratory. Four more years have not added much to the record, which is i n contrast with the expansion of research in more traditional laboratory species (rats and pigeons). Other species investigated from I979 include wood mice (.-fpodrrnirr syhmicits find jlaricolis), ' ' turt Ir doves (Srrrptaprlia r irorio) , I d frcs h-wa ter t ur t Ies ( fsrirdrmys
Electronic cell-volume analysis by use of the AMAC 1 Transducer.

A new potential-sensing transducer has been developed that produces short 5- to 10-µs pulses suitable for rapid cell counting and pulse height volume analysis rates. The use of a bridge circuit, where potential-sensing rather than current-carrying electrodes are connected to a differential amplifier with a high common-mode rejection ratio, permitted accurate determination of both pulse width and shapes from the short pulses generated with the transducer. A new sample injection subsystem permits small samples of constant volume to be continuously mixed at a variable rate with a constant flow of diluent. The counting rate can be optimized to 250,000 cells per minute at a 2% coincidence level. Polystyrene latex spheres produced pulses having the five basic shapes predicted by Grover et al. [ Biophys. J. 9, 1398 (1969)]. Human erythrocytes produced, in addition to these shapes, a sixth, castle-shaped pulse, presumably caused by rotation or distortion of the erythrocyte as it passes through the orifice. A shape factor has been calculated from the latter pulses. The electronic cell-volume pulses from the tranducer trigger an pulsed-ion laser. The 5-W peak power beam is focused through the orifice. Illumination of the cells with this intense but economical light source permits the combined measurement of electronic cell volume, fluorescence, and light scattering.
Effect of different dialysis modalities on microinflammatory status and endothelial damage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES We studied the relationship between microinflammation and endothelial damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on different dialysis modalities. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Four groups of CKD stage 5 patients were studied: 1) 14 nondialysis CKD patients (CKD-NonD); 2) 15 hemodialysis patients (HD); 3) 12 peritoneal dialysis patients with residual renal function >1 ml/min (PD-RRF >1); and 4) 13 peritoneal dialysis patients with residual renal function <or=1 ml/min (PD-RRF <or=1). Ten healthy subjects served as controls. CD14(+)CD16(+) cells and apoptotic endothelial microparticles (EMPs) were measured by flow cytometry. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured by ELISA. RESULTS CKD-NonD and HD patients had a higher percentage of CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes than PD groups and controls. CD14(+)CD16(+) was similar in the PD groups, regardless of their RRF, and controls. The four uremic groups displayed a marked increase in apoptotic EMPs and VEGF compared with controls. Apoptotic EMPs and VEGF were significantly higher in HD patients than in CKD-NonD and both PD groups. However, there were no significant differences between CKD-NonD and the two PD groups. There was a correlation between CD14(+)CD16(+) and endothelial damage in CKD-NonD and HD patients, but not in PD and controls. CONCLUSIONS There was an increase in CD14(+)CD16(+) only in CKD-NonD and HD patients. In these patients, there was a relationship between increased CD14(+)CD16(+) and endothelial damage. These results strongly suggest that other factors unrelated to the microinflammatory status mediated by CD14(+)CD16(+) are promoting the endothelial damage in PD, regardless of their RRF.
Some properties of the 'hermite' distribution.

SUMMARY The Hermite distribution is the generalized Poisson distribution whose probability generating function (P.G.F.) is exp [a1(s - 1) + a2(s2 - 1)]. The probabilities (and factorial moments) can be conveniently expressed in terms of modified Hermite polynomials (hence the proposed name). Writing these in confluent hypergeometric form leads to two quite different representations of any particular probability-one a finite series, the other an infinite series. The cumulants and moments are given. Necessary conditions on the parameters and their maximum-likelihood estimation are discussed. It is shown, with examples, that the Hermite distribution is a special case of the Poisson Binomial distribution (n = 2) and may be regarded as either the distribution of the sum of two correlated Poisson variables or the distribution of the sum of an ordinary Poisson variable and an (independent) Poisson 'doublet' variable (i.e. the occurrence of pairs of events is distributed as a Poisson). Lastly its use as a penultimate limiting form of distributions with P.G. F.
Lack of a Metabolic and Antiviral Drug Interaction between Tenofovir, Abacavir and Lamivudine

Objective An anti-HIV regimen composed of the nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate (TDF), abacavir (ABC) and lamivudine (3TC) has performed poorly in patients. This study evaluated the combination of TFV, ABC and 3TC for metabolic or antiviral antagonism in vitro. Design: Procedures were developed to evaluate the in vitro metabolism and antiviral activity of drug combinations of TFV, ABC and 3TC in cell types relevant for HIV infection. Methods Anabolism of combinations of TFV and ABC were studied over a 24 h period in the human T leukaemic CEM lymphoblast cell line and human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated with human interleukin-2 and phytohaemagglutinin. The anti-HIV activity of combinations of TFV and ABC in the presence or absence of 3TC was studied in stimulated PBMCs infected with the HXB2 strain of HIV-1. Results Levels of the active metabolites produced from TFV and ABC after incubation with CEM or PBMCs showed no significant change upon introduction of the other NRTI. Moreover, the pool sizes for the natural substrates of 2′-deoxyadenosine triphosphate and 2′-deoxyguanosine triphosphate were also unchanged. In anti-HIV assays in PBMCs, the combination of TFV and ABC was found to be additive with respect to inhibition of HIV replication. Addition of 3TC to the combination did not result in synergistic or antagonistic effects. Conclusions The poor efficacy of the triple NRTI regimen of TDF, ABC and 3TC is probably not due to a metabolic drug interaction resulting in antagonism of antiviral activity.
Systematic review of clinical features of suspected colorectal cancer in primary care.

OBJECTIVE To systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of clinical features associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) presenting in primary care. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies in primary care that provided information on clinical features predictive of CRC. Positive predictive values were used to guide the determination of clinical features associated with increased risk of CRC. STUDY SELECTION Systematic reviews or primary studies that provided possible clinical features predictive of CRC were included. SYNTHESIS Clinical features of patients presenting in primary care that are associated with increased risk of CRC, listed in descending order of association, included palpable rectal or abdominal mass; rectal bleeding combined with weight loss; iron deficiency anemia; rectal bleeding mixed with stool; rectal bleeding in the absence of perianal symptoms; rectal bleeding combined with change in bowel habits; dark rectal bleeding; rectal bleeding and diarrhea; and change in bowel habits. Being male and increasing age were also, in general, associated with increased risk of CRC. CONCLUSION Recognition of clinical features associated with increased risk of CRC by FPs might help with earlier identification and referral among patients presenting in primary care. This review might help inform providers and CRC diagnostic assessment programs about indications for assessment and further investigation.
Increased macrolide resistance of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in France directly detected in clinical specimens by real-time PCR and melting curve analysis.

OBJECTIVES Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common aetiological agent of community-acquired respiratory tract infections for which macrolides are the treatment of choice. In France, only two macrolide-resistant isolates were reported in 1999. In contrast, several recent data reported that macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae isolates have been spreading since 2000 in Japan. Mutations A2058G (Escherichia coli numbering), A2058C, A2059G, A2062G, C2611A and C2611G in domain V of the 23S rRNA gene were associated in vivo or in vitro with this resistance. The aim of this study was to determine whether macrolide resistance of M. pneumoniae is emerging in France. PATIENTS AND METHODS We developed a duplex real-time PCR for the detection of the six 23S rRNA mutations associated with macrolide resistance in M. pneumoniae and a simplex real-time PCR for the identification of the A2058G mutation, the most common one. Both methods rely on fluorescence resonance energy transfer coupled to melting curve analysis and are directly applicable to clinical samples. The duplex real-time PCR assay, first validated on 40 genetically characterized M. pneumoniae strains, was then applied directly on 248 French respiratory tract clinical samples. RESULTS Among M. pneumoniae-positive specimens collected before 2005, no macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae isolate was detected. In contrast, among 51 samples collected between 2005 and 2007, five (9.8%) yielded a resistant genotype, suggesting a recent increase in macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae isolates in France. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological monitoring of macrolide resistance in this species has become necessary in France and Europe, and will be made easier by using these PCR assays.
A power-controlled multiple access scheme for differentiated service and energy efficiency in mobile ad hoc networks and wireless LANs

In this paper, we present multiple access with lag time (MALT) for medium access control (MAC) with strong quality-of-service (QoS) supports and throughput-efficient power control in mobile ad hoc networks. On lop of conventional priority-based techniques such as different interframe spaces and backoff algorithms, MAPS supports effective differentiated service employing the distributed differentiated scheduling (DDS) to allow packets with higher priority or urgent deadline to schedule for a packet slot that is farther into the future. In this way, these higher-priority packets can schedule for their transmissions without competition from lower priority packets since the latter are not allowed to make reservation during slots with conflicting schedules yet. We demonstrate through simulations that MALT is considerably stronger than IEEE 802.11e and a power-controlled dual-channel variant of IEEE 802.11e in terms of its differentiation capability for delays, discarding/blocking ratios, and throughput. Our simulation results also show that MAPS can achieve higher throughput as compared to EDCF of IEEE 802.11e due to its supports for power-controlled variable-radius transmissions.
Metabolism of the Extracellular Matrix Formed by Intervertebral Disc Cells Cultured in Alginate

Study Design. Cells from normal rabbit nucleus pulposus (NP) and anulus fibrosus (AF) were cultured in alginate beads for as long as 14 days to allow them to reform a matrix made up of two compartments: the cell‐associated matrix (CM) and further removed matrix (FRM). At different time points, the CM and FRM made by each cell population were analyzed using histologic, biochemical, and immunologic assays. Objectives. To study the metabolism of normal rabbit NP and AF cells in alginate by characterizing the CM and FRM formed by each cell population, and to identify metabolic properties that may shed light on mechanisms at play in disc degeneration. Summary of Background Data. Little is known about the metabolism of intervertebral disc cells, in part because of the lack of microculture systems appropriate for the study of these cells in vitro. In recent studies from our laboratories, it was suggested that articular chondrocytes cultured in alginate beads remain phenotypically stable and reform a matrix similar to the one they populate in vivo. This culture system appears ideally suited for the study of intervertebral cells available only in limited numbers. Methods. Rabbit NP and AF cells released from the matrix by sequential enzyme digestion were encapsulated in alginate beads (20,000 cells/bead) and cultured for as long as 14 days. At selected time points, beads were solubilized with calcium chelating agents, and the CM and FRM were isolated. The rate of 35S‐sulfate incorporation into proteoglycans, and the contents of various extracellular matrix molecules (total sulfated proteoglycans, antigenic keratan sulfate, hyaluronan, collagen, and pyridinium crosslinks) were measured. Results. Both NP and AF cells remained phenotypically stable in the alginate gel throughout the culture period and reestablished a matrix composed of CM and FRM compartments. The two cell populations exhibited numerous differences in their metabolic activities in vitro. Nucleus pulposus cells synthesized fewer proteoglycan and collagen molecules and were less effective in incorporating these into the CM than AF cells. Conclusions. Intervertebral disc cells, especially NP cells, are extremely sluggish in reforming a CM, a protective shell rich in proteoglycans and collagen molecules. This may help explain why damage to the NP often is accompanied by progressive degeneration of the disc in vivo.
Corneal reconstruction with tissue-engineered cell sheets composed of human immature dental pulp stem cells.

PURPOSE To determine the outcome of the use of a tissue-engineered cell sheet composed of human undifferentiated immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC) for ocular surface reconstruction in an animal model of total limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). METHODS LSCD was induced by the application of 0.5 M NaOH to the right eye of rabbits for 25 seconds (mild chemical burn [MCB]) and for 45 seconds (severe chemical burn [SCB]). After 1 month, a superficial keratectomy was performed to remove the fibrovascular pannus that covered the animals' burned corneas. A tissue-engineered hIDPSC sheet was transplanted onto the corneal bed and then covered with deepithelialized human amniotic membrane (AM). In the respective control groups, the denuded cornea was covered with AM only. After 3 months, a detailed analysis of the rabbit eyes was performed with regard to clinical aspect, histology, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Corneal transparency of the rabbit eyes that underwent hIDPSC transplantation was improved throughout the follow-up, while the control corneas developed total conjunctivalization and opacification. Rabbits from the MCB group showed clearer corneas with less neovascularization. The clinical data were confirmed by histologic analysis that showed healthy uniform corneal epithelium, especially in the MCB group. The presence of hIDPSC was detected using an anti-hIDPSC antibody. The corneal tissue also showed positive immunostaining with anti-human antibodies. In the control corneas, none of these antigens were detected. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data showed that transplantation of a tissue-engineered hIDPSC sheet was successful for the reconstruction of corneal epithelium in an animal model of LSCD.
Comparison of different cultural techniques in isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from various samples

Two different enrichment procedures and plating methods for isolation of Listeria monocytogenes were compared while screening 1878 samples from animals (cattle- 475 Buffalo-70 and goats - 385 ), human beings (240) and from environment (708). The methods of enrichment included a single step enrichment procedure using Buffered Listerial broth (BLEB) and another one with two step enrichment procedure using University of Vermount (UVM) broth. Polymixin Acriflavin Lithium Chloride Ceftazidime Mannitol agar (PALCAM) and Oxford agars were the solid media used. The results of the study showed that the two step enrichment procedure using UVM and PALCAM media combination yielded maximum isolates (4.04 per cent) followed by two step enrichment using UVM and plating to Oxford media (3.35 per cent), single step enrichment using BLEB and plating to PALCAM (2.02 per cent) and finally, single step enrichment using BLEB and plating to Oxford agar (1.91 per cent). The results indicated the superiority of two step enrichment especially when sample contained more background microflora.
The relationship between students' reading motivation and reading comprehension

Reading motivation has been viewed as a multifaceted construct with multiple constituents. Our investigation of motivational multiplicity expanded on previous literature by including motivation constructs (interest, perceived control, collaboration, involvement, and efficacy), text genres, specific versus general contexts, and the self-versus other evidence sources about motivation. We expected that this multiplicity would influence the identification of reading comprehension growth predictors. Reading motivation is one of the most important factors, receives the special focus in foreign language teaching. This paper is going to investigate the relationship between reading motivation and reading comprehension. This lack of good reading motivation skill is exacerbated by the central role of reading motivation in higher education success and also students usually have problem in reading comprehension in this trend sice their motivation. Motivation is vital in reading activities, the findings indicated that reading motivation had a significantly positive effect on the English reading comprehension. Keywords: Reading motivation, Types of motivation, Reading comprehension, Types of reading.
A Quasi Two-Dimensional Conduction Model for Polycrystalline Silicon Thin-Film Transistor Based on Discrete Grains

A quasi 2-D conduction model based on the thermionic emission of charge carriers over the energy barriers at discrete grain boundaries is formulated for a polycrystalline silicon thin-film transistor with an undoped body. Each grain boundary is characterized by an energy-dispersed density of trap states. The occupied trap states are assumed to form a ldquolinerdquo charge adjacent to the interface of the channel and the gate dielectric of a transistor. The electrostatic potential of a grain boundary is subsequently determined. This general approach allows the modeling of energy barriers in a transistor without deliberate channel doping, and the resulting conduction model is continuously applicable from the ldquopseudosubthresholdrdquo to the ldquolinearrdquo regime of operation of a transistor. Good agreement between the experimental and the calculated transfer and output characteristics is obtained. The procedure for determining the density of trap states is described and demonstrated. It is found that the energy dependence of the trap states can be approximated by a simple exponential function.
Ultrasonic and radiographic study of laxity in hip joints of young dogs

In the present study, 22 hip joints of Whippet (four), Rottweiler (five) and Labrador Retriever (two) young dogs were evaluated with the aim of comparing the ultrasonic examination of coxofemoral joints with the radiographic evaluations, both distraction and conventional procedures, for the early diagnosis of passive laxity. The study was based on static ultrasonography, conventional radiography (CR) and distraction radiography (DR) methods. In order to quantify the relationship between the femur head and the acetabulum, the alpha (α) and gamma (γ) angles were measured by ultrasonographic examination, the Norberg angle (NA) was measured by CR, and the distraction index (DI) was measured by DR. It was observed a negative correlation between angles α and γ (r= -0,756; P<0.001) and correlation between DI and NA (r= -0.474; P<0.026). No correlation was observed between angles α and γ in relation to DI and NA (α and DI: r= -0.380; P<0.081; α and NA: r= 0.013; P<0.954; γ and DI: r= 0.338; P<0.124; γ and NA: r= -0.192; P<0.391). The static ultrasonographic did not prove to be a sensitive method to earlier detection of passive laxity of coxofemoral joints in dogs aging 14 and 15 day-old. The distraction index of DR was efficient in early detecting the passive laxity in dogs averaging five months old, when compared to the NA of CR. Two false negative dogs were detected by the DI. The CR method was relevant to detect osteoarthritis alterations, helping the diagnosis of hip dysplasia (HD).
Oil Volatility and the Option Value of Waiting: An Analysis of the G-7

There has recently been considerable interest in the potential adverse effects associated with excessive uncertainty in energy futures markets. Theoretical models of investment under uncertainty predict that increased uncertainty will tend to induce firms to delay production and investment. These models are widely utilized in capital budgeting and production decisions, particularly in the energy sector. There is relatively little empirical evidence, however, on whether such channels have industry-wide effects. Using a sample of G7 countries we examine whether uncertainty about a prominent commodity – oil – affects the time series variation in production in energy intensive industries. Our primary result is consistent with the predictions of real options theory – uncertainty about oil prices has had a negative and significant effect on manufacturing activity in Canada, France, UK and US.