Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Are people who do yoga any better at a motor imagery task than those who do not?

Background Yoga is a popular recreational activity in Western society and there is an abundance of literature suggesting that yoga may be beneficial for people with a chronic pain disorder. Despite consistently positive results in the literature, the mechanisms of effect are unclear. On the grounds that chronic pain is associated with disruptions of brain-grounded maps of the body, a possible mechanism of yoga is to refine these brain-grounded maps. A left/right body part judgement task is an established way of interrogating these brain-grounded maps of the body. Objective To determine if people who do regular yoga practice perform better at a left/right judgement task than people who do not. Methods Previously collected, cross-sectional data were used. Using a case–control design, participants who reported taking part in regular yoga were selected against age, gender, neck pain and arm pain-matched controls. Participants viewed 40 photographs of a model with their head turned to the left or right, and were asked to judge the direction of neck rotation. They then completed a left/right-hand judgement task. Results Of the 1737 participants, 86 of them reported regularly taking part in yoga. From the remaining participants, 86 matched controls were randomly selected from all matched controls. There was no difference between Groups (yoga and no yoga) for either response time (p=0.109) or accuracy (p=0.964). There was a difference between Tasks; people were faster (p<0.001) and more accurate (p=0.001) at making left/right neck rotation judgements than they were at making left/right-hand judgements, regardless of group. Conclusions People who do regular yoga perform no differently in a left/right judgement task than people who do not.
Enhanced Pinning Properties of GdBa2Cu3O7-δ Films With the Gd 2O3 Nanoparticles

We tried to optimize the pinning properties of GdBa<sub>2</sub>Cu<sub>3</sub>O<sub>7−δ</sub> (GdBCO) films with the Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles. The GdBCO films with the Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> contents of 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10 mol% were fabricated on CeO<sub>2</sub>-buffered MgO (100) substrate by pulsed laser deposition. Among these samples, 5 mol% (= 2.2 vol%) Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3 </sub>-doped GdBCO film exhibited the highest critical current density (<italic>J<sub>c</sub></italic>) values compared with other samples at temperatures of 20 and 40 K for B//c, and it also showed the maximum pinning force density (<italic>F</italic><sub>p,max</sub>) value of 119 GN/m<sup>3</sup> near 3.8 T at 20 K, indicating that 5 mol% Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> is the optimum doping content below 40 K. However, the Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles were ineffective for flux pinning at higher temperatures (>65 K). Analysis by transmission electron microscopy for this sample revealed that the Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3 </sub> nanoparticles of ∼20 nm in diameter randomly dispersed in the GdBCO matrix. This peculiar pinning characteristics of 2.2 vol% Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-doped GdBCO film in comparison with 2.5 vol% Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>-doped YBCO film [P. Mele <italic>et al.</italic> 2007] are attributable to more severe degradation of <italic>T</italic><sub>c,zero</sub> and also to much larger particle size of Gd<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> compared with that of Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles (∼8 nm).
Rhizobins, a Group of Peptides in the Free-Amino-Acid Pool of the Soybean-Rhizobium System

Free-living Rhizobium (according to Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, [1984, The Williams & Wilkins Co., Baltimore], Bradyrhizobium) japonicum was found to release a peptide into the nutrient media. Soybean nodules contained this peptide and exuded it into the soil. The name “rhizobin A” is suggested for this peptide. Nodules also contained another peptide, rhizobin B, as well as an unidentified, ninhydrin-positive compound, rhizobin C. The three peptides were confined to the free-amino-acid pool of the soluble fraction and eluted consecutively from a cation-exchange column. Rhizobin A was isolated in a highly purified form; its molecular mass was approximately 1,600 daltons as determined by Sephadex gel filtration and mass spectrometry. The amino-acid composition could be determined only approximately, because a long time was necessary for acid hydrolysis, possibly due to unusual linkages. The rhizobin concentration in soybean nodules continually increased during 50 days of growth, from 2 to approximately 400 μg/g (fresh weight). When combined nitrogen was added to nodulated soybean and subsequently removed, nitrogenase activity, nodulation, and nodule growth first decreased and then recovered. The relative amount of rhizobin A followed a similar pattern. Rhizobins were not detected in the roots, stems, and leaves of nodulated soybean plants. They were present in Lupinus nodules, but absent in alder nodules.
Probabilistic fuzzy logic and probabilistic fuzzy systems

A concept of probabilistic fuzzy logic is introduced as a way of representing and/or modeling existing randomness in many real world systems and natural language propositions. The approach is based on combining both the concepts of probability of truth and degree of truth in a unique framework. This combination is carried out in both fuzzy sets and fuzzy rules resulting in the concepts of probabilistic fuzzy sets and probabilistic fuzzy rules, respectively. Having one of these probabilistic elements, a probabilistic fuzzy system is then introduced as a fuzzy-probabilistic model of a complex nondeterministic system. In a simple example, human skepticism about the optimal fuzzy rule base is modeled through substituting a probabilistic fuzzy rule base for a conventional one. The closed loop response of the resulting controller for tank level control is shown through simulation and is compared with a conventional fuzzy controller.
Neurobiological mechanisms of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in depression: a systematic review

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses worldwide and a leading cause of disability, especially in the setting of treatment resistance. In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has emerged as a promising alternative strategy for treatment-resistant depression and its clinical efficacy has been investigated intensively across the world. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of the antidepressant effect of rTMS are still not fully understood. This review aims to systematically synthesize the literature on the neurobiological mechanisms of treatment response to rTMS in patients with depression. Medline (1996–2014), Embase (1980–2014) and PsycINFO (1806–2014) were searched under set terms. Three authors reviewed each article and came to consensus on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All eligible studies were reviewed, duplicates were removed, and data were extracted individually. Of 1647 articles identified, 66 studies met both inclusion and exclusion criteria. rTMS affects various biological factors that can be measured by current biological techniques. Although a number of studies have explored the neurobiological mechanisms of rTMS, a large variety of rTMS protocols and parameters limits the ability to synthesize these findings into a coherent understanding. However, a convergence of findings suggest that rTMS exerts its therapeutic effects by altering levels of various neurochemicals, electrophysiology as well as blood flow and activity in the brain in a frequency-dependent manner. More research is needed to delineate the neurobiological mechanisms of the antidepressant effect of rTMS. The incorporation of biological assessments into future rTMS clinical trials will help in this regard.
A Simple Formula for the Expected Rate of Return of an Option over a Finite Holding Period

Under conditions consistent with the Black-Scholes formula, a simple formula is developed for the expected rate of return of an option over a finite holding period possibly less than the time to expiration of the option. Under these conditions, surprisingly, the expected future value of a European option, even prior to expiration, is shown equal to the current Black-Scholes value of the option, except that the expected future value of the stock at the end of the holding period replaces the current stock price in the Black-Scholes formula and the future value of a riskless invesment of the striking price replaces the striking price. An extension of this result is used to approximate moments of the distribution of returns from an option portfolio.
Capturing Darwin's dream

Evolutionary biologists from Darwin forward have dreamed of having data that would elucidate our understanding of evolutionary history and the diversity of life. Sequence capture is a relatively old DNA technology, but its use is growing rapidly due to advances in (i) massively parallel DNA sequencing approaches and instruments, (ii) massively parallel bait construction, (iii) methods to identify target regions and (iv) sample preparation. We give a little historical context to these developments, summarize some of the important advances reported in this special issue and point to further advances that can be made to help fulfill Darwin's dream.
Aid and Public Sector Behavior in Developing Countries

This paper analyzes developing-country public-sector fiscal behavior. It is concerned specifically with how aid inflows affect various categories of revenue and expenditure. An econometric model is developed, which differs from those used in previous studies by allowing domestic borrowing to finance both capital and recurrent expenditure. Structural and reduced-form equations are derived and estimated using 1956–95 time-series data for Pakistan. Results indicate that aid is allocated mainly to investment, is positively associated with both investment and consumption expenditure, and has no final impact on taxation.
Adoption of Technology, Management Practices, and Production Systems by U.S. Beef Cow-Calf Producers

Using USDA's Agricultural Resource Management Survey data, factors leading to the adoption of technology, management practices, and production systems by U.S. beef cow-calf producers are analyzed. Binary logit regression models are used to determine impacts of vertical integration; region of the U.S.; farm size, diversification, and tenure; and demographics on adoption decisions. Significant differences were found in adoption rates by region of the U.S., degree of vertical integration, and size of operation, suggesting the presence of economies of size and vertical economies of scope. Results also indicate high degrees of complementarity among technologies, management practices, and production systems.
Comparison of the prognostic values of various nutritional parameters in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from Southern China.

BACKGROUND Nutritional evaluation is important for patients with esophageal cancer, but the impact of undernutrition on outcome of those patients is not well elucidated. Our aim is to assess the impact of baseline nutritional status on overall survival (OS) in Chinese patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to detect a most appropriate indicator for nutritional evaluation. METHODS 502 patients from Southern China diagnosed as ESCC in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center were included. A series of nutritional indicators were introduced to evaluate the baseline nutritional status. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 5-year OS and the log-rank test was used to determine the survival differences. Cox proportional hazards model was used in the univariate and multivariate analyses of OS. RESULTS With a median follow up time of 30 months, the median OS for the entire patient group was 37.3 months with the 5-year OS rate of 43.0%. Only performance status, AJCC 6th stage and body mass index (BMI) were the independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis of OS. The median OS for patients with BMI less than 18.5, patients with BMI within 18.5-24.9 and patients with BMI more than 24.9 were 19.2, 43.2 and 51.6 months, respectively, with the 5-year OS rates of 25.2%, 46.1% and 48.1% (P<0.001). Patients with BMI <18.5 tended to present with a more advanced stage disease and a poorer tumor grade. CONCLUSIONS Baseline nutritional status is predictive of OS in Chinese patients with ESCC. BMI is a steady indicator for nutritional evaluation and a sensitive prognostic parameter for ESCC patients. Treatment optimization in ESCC patients with low BMI should integrate the modalities and individual nutritional support.
Rev activates expression of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 vif and vpr gene products

The proteins encoded by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) can be divided into two temporally regulated classes. Early gene products are encoded by multiply spliced mRNA species and are expressed constitutively. In contrast, late proteins are encoded by a class of unspliced or singly spliced viral transcripts whose cytoplasmic expression is induced by the viral Rev trans activator. Here, we demonstrate that the viral Vif and Vpr proteins are encoded by singly spliced viral mRNAs whose expression is activated by Rev. This activation is shown to result from the reduced utilization of splice sites adjacent to or within the vif and vpr coding sequences. Vif and Vpr therefore belong to the class of late HIV-1 gene products.
Evaluation of the propagation characteristics of ultra-wideband communication channels

A novel application of the CLEAN algorithm is proposed to characterize ultra-wideband (UWB) communication channels from measured data. In order to gain a more complete understanding of the potential of UWB radio communication systems, it is important to have an accurate model of the propagation characteristics of the transmitted waveforms. In particular, the existence of multipath components arriving at the receiver with different time delays and from different directions can create a dynamic and extended channel impulse response. Characterization of the propagation channel may therefore influence the design of the RAKE receiver diversity algorithms for this channel. This paper presents a technique for the analysis of UWB signals received on an array of sensors. The goal is to use this technique to develop channel models on which spatio-temporal UWB radio algorithms can be treated with confidence.
Performance Management, Evaluation and Learning in ‘Modern’ Local Government

Public sector reforms throughout OECD member states are producing a new model of ‘public governance’ embodying a more modest role for the state and a strong emphasis on performance management. In the UK, the development of performance management in the context of the ‘new public management’ has been primarily ‘top-down’ with a dominant concern for enhancing control and ‘upwards account-ability’ rather than promoting learning and improvement. The development of performance management and evaluation in local government in the UK has been conditioned by external pressures, especially reforms imposed by central government, which have encouraged an ‘instrumental–managerial’ focus on performance measurement. The new Labour government's programme of ‘modernizing local government’ places considerable emphasis on performance review and evaluation as a driver of continuous improvement in promoting Best Value. However, recent research has indicated that the capacity for evaluation in local government is uneven and many obstacles to evaluation exist in organizational cultures. Local authorities need to go beyond the development of review systems and processes to ensure that the capacity for evaluation and learning is embedded as an attribute of ‘culture’ in order to achieve the purpose of Best Value.
Cancer clinical trials in the era of genomic signatures: Biomedical innovation, clinical utility, and regulatory-scientific hybrids

The paper examines two large-scale, North American and European clinical trials designed to validate two commercially available genomic tumor signatures that predict a patient’s risk of breast cancer recurrence and response to chemotherapy. The paper builds on empirical evidence from the two trials to explore the emergence of diverse regulatory-scientific hybrids; that is, the paper discusses configurations of genomic practice and bioclinical work that depend on linkages between technical, commercial, patient, clinical, and legal interests and institutions. The development of the genomic signatures for each trial — Onco type DX and MammaPrint — has followed quite different routes. Onco type began as a commercial platform: the company that produced it did not discover a signature but rather constructed it by asking users at every step what clinical question they wanted the signature to answer and what data would be credible in that regard. The test has been designed to minimally disrupt existing clinical workflows. MammaPrint, on the other hand, began as a breast cancer signature: the researchers who discovered it, at the Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), established a company to commercialize it as a test after the fact. MammaPrint requires a change in pathologists’ routines. Thus, while these two trials signify a new departure for clinical cancer trials on a number of levels — they both incorporate new models of interaction between biotech companies and public research, and they both aim to establish the clinical relevance of genomic markers — they also embody different socio-technical scripts: one attempts to accommodate established routines, while the other openly challenges prevailing evidential hierarchies and existing biomedical configurations.
Collective efficiency, policy inducement and social embeddedness: Drivers for the development of industrial districts

Where is the future of traditional industrial districts in global markets where competition is fiercer every day? This paper presents the case of the furniture district of Forlí, Italy, as a means to explain the development process, the constraints and the growth prospects that involve this industrial district and, perhaps, a wider variety of districts and SME-based clusters. We hypothesise that development is more likely to be generated when three main drivers, taken from the main bodies of literature on districts and clusters, are taken together: ‘collective efficiency’, ‘policy inducement’ and ‘social embeddedness’. The case study of Forlí helps to identify the trajectory of one among many Italian industrial districts and its solutions to deal with the new competition. Yet, our approach highlights some of the main difficulties that this district is facing nowadays and the related challenges for future development. The general lesson derived from this analysis is that traditional ways of regarding cluster development on the basis of collective efficiency need to be supplemented with an adequate weighing of the social embeddedness driver, as well as of the national and local policy environment. This approach delivers strategic analytical tools to interpret the reality of districts and to target effective development actions.
An integral sliding mode augmentation scheme for fault tolerant control

In this paper an integral sliding mode control allocation scheme is used to enhance the functional capability and reliability of an existing commercial-aircraft controller by introducing fault tolerance. The design philosophy is to distribute the control signals to primary control surfaces in the nominal fault free scenario, whilst the secondary control surfaces are only activated when the effectiveness levels of the primary control surfaces are not sufficient to handle the situation in the presence of faults/failures. The key advantage of the proposed scheme over other sliding mode control allocation schemes is that the one proposed in this paper can be retro-fitted to an existing state feedback controller designed using only the primary actuators. Simulation results using the FTLAB747 software, show good results, and validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Identification of a Novel Membrane-Associated Gene Product That Suppresses Toxicity of a TrfA Peptide from Plasmid RK2 and Its Relationship to the DnaA Host Initiation Protein

ABSTRACT The toxicity of a peptide derived from the amino-terminal portion of 33-kDa TrfA, one of the initiation proteins encoded by the broad-host-range plasmid RK2, was suppressed by a host protein related to DnaA, the initiation protein of Escherichia coli. The newly identified 28.4-kDa protein, termed a DnaA paralog (Dp) because it is similar to a region of DnaA but likely has a different function in initiation of plasmid RK2 replication, interacts physically with the 33-kDa TrfA initiation protein, including the initiation-active monomeric form. The Dp has a cellular distribution similar to that of the 33-kDa TrfA initiation protein, being found primarily in the inner membrane fraction, with lesser amounts detected in the outer membrane fraction and almost none in the soluble fraction of E. coli. Maintenance and inner membrane-associated replication of plasmid RK2 were enhanced in a Dp knockout strain and inhibited in strains containing extra copies of the Dp gene or in membrane extracts to which a tagged form of Dp was added. Recently, the Dp was independently shown to help prevent overinitiation in E. coli and was termed Hda (S. Kato and T. Katayama, EMBO J. 20:4253-4262, 2001).
EFFECT OF PREHEATING ON MICROLEAKAGE AND MICROHARDNESS OF COMPOSITE RESIN (AN IN VITRO STUDY)

INTRODUCTION: advancements in composite restorations have been suggested, including preheating of composite resins before photo polymerization by a heating device. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of preheating before curing on microleakage and microhardness of composite resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: thirty extracted human molars were used for microleakage assessment. Sixty class V cavities were made in the buccal and lingual surfaces of teeth, and were randomly divided into three groups according to temperature of composite (Group I: 10 °C, Group II: 24°C, and Group III: 54-60°C). Each group is further divided into two subgroups according to the type of composite (nanohybrid composite (Grandio Voco Germany), and microhybrid composite (Z250 3M Espe), where subgroups (IA, IIC and IIIE received nanohybrid composite), and subgroups (IB, IID and IIIF received microhybrid composite). Microleakage was determined by dye penetration test with scoring criteria from (0-3). sixty composite discs were used in vickers microhardness test (VHN),with same experimental grouping as used in microleakage assessment. VHN was determined using calibrated Vickers indenter. Data were collected, tabulated and statistically analyzed by using ANOVA F-test and Chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: concerning microleakage ; there was no significant difference between the groups. The cervical margins showed more microleakage than the occlusal margins. The least microleakage was obtained in subgroup IIIE with mean 0.5 ± 1.08 in 80% of specimens occlusaly and, also IIIE showed the least microleakage in 50% of cases with mean 1 ± 1.25 cervically. Concerning top microhardness; subgroups IA obtained the highest mean top VHN 113.35 ±10.1 followed by subgroup IIIE 108.43 ±1.52. While regarding bottom microhardness subgroup IIC obtained the highest mean bottom VHN 88.49± 1.29, followed by subgroup IA with mean value85.49 ± 9.69. CONCLUSION: it was concluded that preheating enhanced microhardness of composite resin materials, but have no effect on microleakage. KEY WORDS: microleakage, preheating, Vickers microhardness, Calset, resin composite.