Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hindbrain Ghrelin Receptor Signaling Is Sufficient to Maintain Fasting Glucose

The neuronal coordination of metabolic homeostasis requires the integration of hormonal signals with multiple interrelated central neuronal circuits to produce appropriate levels of food intake, energy expenditure and fuel availability. Ghrelin, a peripherally produced peptide hormone, circulates at high concentrations during nutrient scarcity. Ghrelin promotes food intake, an action lost in ghrelin receptor null mice and also helps maintain fasting blood glucose levels, ensuring an adequate supply of nutrients to the central nervous system. To better understand mechanisms of ghrelin action, we have examined the roles of ghrelin receptor (GHSR) expression in the mouse hindbrain. Notably, selective hindbrain ghrelin receptor expression was not sufficient to restore ghrelin-stimulated food intake. In contrast, the lowered fasting blood glucose levels observed in ghrelin receptor-deficient mice were returned to wild-type levels by selective re-expression of the ghrelin receptor in the hindbrain. Our results demonstrate the distributed nature of the neurons mediating ghrelin action.
Multiferroic Magnetic Spirals Induced by Random Magnetic Exchanges

Multiferroism can originate from the breaking of inversion symmetry caused by magnetic-spiral order. The usual mechanism for stabilizing a magnetic spiral is competition between magnetic exchange interactions differing by their range and sign, such as nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor interactions. In insulating compounds, it is unusual for these interactions to be both comparable in magnitude and of a strength that can induce magnetic ordering at room temperature. Therefore, the onset temperatures for multiferroism through this mechanism are typically low. By considering a realistic model for multiferroic YBaCuFeO5, we propose an alternative mechanism for magnetic-spiral order, and hence for multiferroism, that occurs at much higher temperatures. We show, using Monte Carlo simulations and electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory, that the Heisenberg model on a geometrically nonfrustrated lattice with only nearest-neighbor interactions can have a spiral phase up to high temperature when frustrating bonds are introduced randomly along a single crystallographic direction as caused, e.g., by a particular type of chemical disorder. This long-range correlated pattern of frustration avoids ferroelectrically inactive spin-glass order. Finally, we provide an intuitive explanation for this mechanism and discuss its generalization to other materials.
Formulation and evaluation of slow releasing mouth dissolving films from Emblica officinalis fruit for prevention of dental caries

Intercepting dental caries with natural material based drug delivery systems is a novel method against chemical based formulations as the latter possess several disadvantages. The purpose of this study is to formulate antibacterial, slow releasing mouth dissolving films from Emblica officinalis aqueous extract which is active against Streptococcus mutans, the primary pathogen causing dental caries. Emblica officinalis aqueous extract was prepared by decoction method and gallic acid, a polyphenol responsible for antibacterial activity was qualified using ultra frequency liquid chromatography. Minimum inhibitory concentration of extract was found to be 5%. This dose was incorporated in hydroxpropyl methyl cellulose polymer with excipients using solvent casting method. Four different formulations were prepared by varying polymer-excipient ratio along with placebo films. All four formulations were checked for mechanical properties out of which one of the formulations (F4) showed optimal properties which was used for further studies. The films were made slow releasing with 30 min dissolution time and 14.53 min disintegration time which is statistically significant (p<0.05). Aqueous suspension of films containing 5% extract showed antibacterial activity with 20 mm zone of inhibition and toxicologically were non-hematotoxic (less than 5% haemolysis) and non-teratogenic. Hence, this in vitro study concludes that Emblica officinalis aqueous extract is a natural antibacterial source which can be used in formulating slow releasing mouth dissolving films which are better over chemical formulations like mouth washes as stay-in-mouth time of these films are extended ensuring good antibacterial activity with extended local bioavailability with no drug like feel within oral cavity.
The neural mechanisms of visual selection: the view from neuropsychology

In this review, we discuss how neuropsychological impairments in visual selection can inform us about how selection normally operates. Using neuroanatomical and behavioral evidence on the disorders of neglect, extinction, and simultanagnosia, we propose functional and anatomical links between different aspects of visual selection and distinct sites in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC). This includes linking: (i) bottom‐up attentional capture and the right temporo‐parietal junction (TPJ); (ii) top‐down segmentation of displays and the medial PPC; (iii) grouping, individuation and identification, and the inferior intra‐parietal sulcus (IPS) bilaterally; and (iv) the suppression of saliency and the left IPS. In addition, when neuropsychological studies are combined with fMRI, there is evidence that these regions of the PPC interact with striate and extra‐striate cortical areas, which respond to specific properties of stimuli. Selection should be viewed as an emergent property of a network of areas involving both ventral and dorsal cortex.
Transcranial Motor-Evoked Potentials Are More Readily Acquired Than Somatosensory-Evoked Potentials in Children Younger Than 6 Years

BACKGROUND:There is a general belief that somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) are more easily obtained than transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TcMEPs) in children younger than 6 years. We tested this assumption and the assumption that motor-evoked potentials are rarely obtained in children younger than 2 years. METHODS:The records of all patients who were monitored during surgical procedures between April 1, 2010, and June 30, 2013, were reviewed and those who were younger than 72 months at the time of surgery were identified and analyzed for the rate of obtaining clinically useful SSEPs and motor-evoked potentials. Subgroup analysis was performed by age. RESULTS:A total of 146 patients were identified, 9 had SSEPs without TcMEPs monitored, 117 had both TcMEPs and SSEPs monitored, and the remainder had only electromyographic monitoring. All patients who were to have TcMEPs recorded received a total IV anesthetic. Among the 117 patients who had both SSEPs and TcMEPs monitored, clinically relevant TcMEPs were obtained more frequently than SSEPs (110/117 vs 89/117; &khgr;2 = 14.82; P = 0.00012). There were significant differences between the rates of obtaining SSEPs and TcMEPs in the 0- to 23-month (P = 0.0038) and 24- to 47-month (P = 0.0056) age groups. Utilization of a double-train stimulation technique facilitated obtaining TcMEPs in the youngest patients. CONCLUSIONS:TcMEPs can be obtained more easily than SSEPs in patients younger than 72 months if a permissive anesthetic technique is used. The success rate for obtaining TcMEPs can be further enhanced by the use of a temporal facilitation (double-train) stimulation technique.
Assessing habitat risk from human activities to inform coastal and marine spatial planning: a demonstration in Belize

Integrated coastal and ocean management requires transparent and accessible approaches for understanding the influence of human activities on marine environments. Here we introduce a model for assessing the combined risk to habitats from multiple ocean uses. We apply the model to coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds in Belize to inform the design of the country’s first Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Plan. Based on extensive stakeholder engagement, review of existing legislation and data collected from diverse sources, we map the current distribution of coastal and ocean activities and develop three scenarios for zoning these activities in the future. We then estimate ecosystem risk under the current and three future scenarios. Current levels of risk vary spatially among the nine coastal planning regions in Belize. Empirical tests of the model are strong—three-quarters of the measured data for coral reef health lie within the 95% confidence interval of interpolated model data and 79% of the predicted mangrove occurrences are associated with observed responses. The future scenario that harmonizes conservation and development goals results in a 20% reduction in the area of high-risk habitat compared to the current scenario, while increasing the extent of several ocean uses. Our results are a component of the ICZM Plan for Belize that will undergo review by the national legislature in 2015. This application of our model to marine spatial planning in Belize illustrates an approach that can be used broadly by coastal and ocean planners to assess risk to habitats under current and future management scenarios.
Energy Derivation and Extension-Flapwise Bending Vibration Analysis of a Rotating Piezolaminated Composite Timoshenko Beam

In this study, extension and flapwise bending vibrations of a rotating piezolaminated composite Timoshenko beam are analyzed. Energy expressions are derived using several explanatory tables and figures. Parameters for the hub radius, rotational speed, rotary inertia, shear deformation, slenderness ratio, and ply orientation are incorporated into the equations of motion. The differential transform method is used to transform the differential equations of motion and the boundary conditions into simple analytical expressions. Numerical results are obtained to investigate the effects of the applied voltage, ply orientation, rotational speed, and hub radius on the natural frequencies and tip deflection.
Bipolar Mapping, Revisited Or: These Aren't the Electrograms You're Looking For

The substantial technological advancements over the past decade in the catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) have failed to produce a proportional improvement in procedural outcome. Particularly in patients with nonischemic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (LVCM), the driving force for innovation has rightly focused upon enhanced characterization of arrhythmia substrate. The classical 2dimensional model for reentrant ventricular tachycardia (VT) in which all of the critical circuit elements are located superficially within the subendocardium is a clear oversimplification when applied to the transmural circuits encountered in many LVCM patients.1,2 Historically, the identification of patients with complex substrate was often made in the wake of extensive and ineffective endocardial ablation.3-6 Despite widespread adoption of the “brute force” approach to VT ablation in which the entirety of the arrhythmia substrate is targeted, most VT ablationists yearn for a physiologic renaissance. Too often clinical practice is shaped by the latest new technology, instead of refining and maximizing data from readily available sources. In response to this important diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, many electrocardiographic and imaging techniques have been developed that provide clues to the presence of arrhythmia substrate remote from the endocardium.7-14 The need for epicardial ablation, however, is often difficult to determine a priori due to patientor institution-specific challenges in preoperative data collection (e.g., lack of source electrocardiogram [ECG] data, inability to perform magnetic resonance [MR] imaging in device patients). It is also clear that the mere presence of intramural or epicardial substrate does not necessarily portend failure of endocardial ablation.6
Combination of melatonin and Wnt‐4 promotes neural cell differentiation in bovine amniotic epithelial cells and recovery from spinal cord injury

Although melatonin has been shown to exhibit a wide variety of biological functions, its effects on promoting differentiation of neural cells remain unknown. Wnt signaling mediates major developmental processes during embryogenesis and regulates maintenance, self‐renewal, and differentiation of adult mammalian stem cells. However, the role of the noncanonical Wnt pathway during neurogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, the amniotic epithelial cells ( AECs) were isolated from bovine amnion and incubated with various melatonin concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 μm) and 5 × 10−5 m all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) for screening optimum culture medium of neural differentiation, compared with each groups, 1 μm melatonin and 5 × 10−5 m RA were selected to induce neural differentiation of AECs, and then siMT1, siMT2, oWnt‐4, and siWnt‐4 were expressed in AECs to research role of these genes in neural differentiation. Efficiency of neural differentiation was evaluated after expressed above genes using flow cytometry. Cell function of neural cells was demonstrated in vivo using spinal cord injury model after cell transplantation, and damage repair of spinal cord was assessed using cell tracking and Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale scores. Results demonstrated that melatonin stimulated melatonin receptor 1, which subsequently increased bovine amniotic epithelial cell vitality and promoted differentiation into neural cells. This took place through cooperation with Wnt‐4. Additionally, following cotreatment with melatonin and Wnt‐4, neurogenesis gene expression was significantly altered. Furthermore, single inhibition of melatonin receptor 1 or Wnt‐4 expression decreased expression of neurogenesis‐related genes, and bovine amniotic epithelial cell‐derived neural cells were successfully colonized into injured spinal cord, which suggested participation in tissue repair.
Matching composite sketches to facial photos using component-based approach

Face recognition has wide potential applications in many computer area like face identification, face verification, criminal investigation. The face images can be represented by various representation approaches. Common approaches for representations includes component- based, analytic, patch-based and holistic. Also various researches on sketch recognition which focused on matching sketches drawn by professional artist based on a verbal description of the subject's appearances provided by an eyewitness. In the proposed system composite sketches are synthesized using one of the several facial composite software systems which are publically available. We propose a component-based representation (CBR) approach to measure the similarity score between a composite sketch and mugshot photograph. Using an active shape model (ASM), first automatically detect facial landmarks in composite sketches and face photos. In propose system instead of comparing whole image at the same time, facial components from dataset will be compare for matching. Depending on the component matching images will be display in sorted order. Keywords-Component-based face representation, composite sketch, faces recognition, forensic sketch, heterogeneous face recognition, modality gap.
The Hadamard transform-a tool for index assignment

We show that the channel distortion for maximum-entropy encoders, due to noise on a binary-symmetric channel, is minimized if the vector quantizer can be expressed as a linear transform of a hypercube. The index assignment problem is regarded as a problem of linearizing the vector quantizer. We define classes of index assignments with related properties, within which the best index assignment is found by sorting, not searching. Two powerful algorithms for assigning indices to the codevectors of nonredundant coding systems are presented. One algorithm finds the optimal solution in terms of linearity, whereas the other finds a very good, but suboptimal, solution in a very short time.
Circuit and System Designs of Ultra-Low Power Sensor Nodes With Illustration in a Miniaturized GNSS Logger for Position Tracking: Part I—Analog Circuit Techniques

This paper, split into Parts I and II, reviews recent innovations in circuit design that have accelerated the miniaturization of sensor nodes. Design techniques for key building blocks, such as sensor interfaces, timing reference, data communication, energy harvesting, and power management are reviewed. In particular, Part I introduces analog circuit techniques and sensor interfaces for miniaturized sensor nodes. The energy budget of such system is highly restricted due to the small battery volume. Therefore, ultra-low power design techniques are critical enablers and are reviewed. Design techniques for compact monolithic integration are also discussed.
A Naïve Bayes Approach to Classifying Topics in Suicide Notes

The authors present a system developed for the 2011 i2b2 Challenge on Sentiment Classification, whose aim was to automatically classify sentences in suicide notes using a scheme of 15 topics, mostly emotions. The system combines machine learning with a rule-based methodology. The features used to represent a problem were based on lexico–semantic properties of individual words in addition to regular expressions used to represent patterns of word usage across different topics. A naïve Bayes classifier was trained using the features extracted from the training data consisting of 600 manually annotated suicide notes. Classification was then performed using the naïve Bayes classifier as well as a set of pattern–matching rules. The classification performance was evaluated against a manually prepared gold standard consisting of 300 suicide notes, in which 1,091 out of a total of 2,037 sentences were associated with a total of 1,272 annotations. The competing systems were ranked using the micro-averaged F-measure as the primary evaluation metric. Our system achieved the F-measure of 53% (with 55% precision and 52% recall), which was significantly better than the average performance of 48.75% achieved by the 26 participating teams.
Weaknesses of a Remote User Password Authentication Scheme Using Smart Card

Remote authentication is a method to authenticate remote users over insecure communication channel. Password-based authentication schemes have been widely deployed to verify the legitimacy of remote users. Very recently, Hsiang et al. pointed out that Yoon et al’s scheme is vulnerable to parallel session attack, masquerading attack and password guess attack. They proposed an improved scheme to remedy these pitfalls. They claimed their scheme can against parallel session attack, masquerading attack and password guess attack. However, we find that Hsiang et al.’s scheme is vulnerable password guess attack, masquerading user attack and masquerading server attack.
Dynamin-Like Proteins Are Potentially Involved in Membrane Dynamics within Chloroplasts and Cyanobacteria

Dynamin-like proteins (DLPs) are a family of membrane-active proteins with low sequence identity. The proteins operate in different organelles in eukaryotic cells, where they trigger vesicle formation, membrane fusion, or organelle division. As discussed here, representatives of this protein family have also been identified in chloroplasts and DLPs are very common in cyanobacteria. Since cyanobacteria and chloroplasts, an organelle of bacterial origin, have similar internal membrane systems, we suggest that DLPs are involved in membrane dynamics in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Here, we discuss the features and activities of DLPs with a focus on their potential presence and activity in chloroplasts and cyanobacteria.
Foxtail Millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] Grown under Low Nitrogen Shows a Smaller Root System, Enhanced Biomass Accumulation, and Nitrate Transporter Expression

Foxtail millet (FM) [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv. ] is a grain and forage crop well adapted to nutrient-poor soils. To date little is known how FM adapts to low nitrogen (LN) at the morphological, physiological, and molecular levels. Using the FM variety Yugu1, we found that LN led to lower chlorophyll contents and N concentrations, and higher root/shoot and C/N ratios and N utilization efficiencies under hydroponic culture. Importantly, enhanced biomass accumulation in the root under LN was in contrast to a smaller root system, as indicated by significant decreases in total root length; crown root number and length; and lateral root number, length, and density. Enhanced carbon allocation toward the root was rather for significant increases in average diameter of the LN root, potentially favorable for wider xylem vessels or other anatomical alterations facilitating nutrient transport. Lower levels of IAA and CKs were consistent with a smaller root system and higher levels of GA may promote root thickening under LN. Further, up-regulation of SiNRT1.1, SiNRT2.1, and SiNAR2.1 expression and nitrate influx in the root and that of SiNRT1.11 and SiNRT1.12 expression in the shoot probably favored nitrate uptake and remobilization as a whole. Lastly, more soluble proteins accumulated in the N-deficient root likely as a result of increases of N utilization efficiencies. Such “excessive” protein-N was possibly available for shoot delivery. Thus, FM may preferentially transport carbon toward the root facilitating root thickening/nutrient transport and allocate N toward the shoot maximizing photosynthesis/carbon fixation as a primary adaptive strategy to N limitation.
Self-healing mortar with pH-sensitive superabsorbent polymers: testing of the sealing efficiency by water flow tests

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) have potential to be used as healing agent in self-healing concrete due to their property to attract moisture from the environment and their capacity to promote autogenous healing. A possible drawback, however, is their uptake of mixing water during concrete manufacturing, resulting in an increased volume of macro-pores in the hardened concrete. To limit this drawback, newly developed SAPs with a high swelling and pH-sensitiveness were developed and tested within the FP7 project HEALCON. Evaluation of their self-sealing performance occurred through a water permeability test via water flow, a test method also developed within HEALCON. Three different sizes of the newly developed SAP were compared with a commercial SAP. Swelling tests in cement filtrate solution indicated that the commercial and in-house synthesized SAPs performed quite similar, but the difference between the swelling capacity at pH 9 and pH 13 is more pronounced for the self-synthesized SAPs. Moreover, in comparison to the commercial SAPs, less macro-pores are formed in the cement matrix of mixes with self-synthesized SAPs and the effect on the mechanical properties is lower, but not negligible, when using high amounts of SAPs. Although the immediate sealing effect of cracks in mortar was the highest for the commercial SAPs, the in-house made SAPs with a particle size between 400 and 600 μm performed the best with regard to crack closure (mainly CaCO3 precipitation) and self-sealing efficiency, after exposing the specimens to 28 wet–dry cycles. Some specimens could even withstand a water pressure of 2 bar.