Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Convergence of nicotine‐induced and auditory‐evoked neural activity activates ERK in auditory cortex

Enhancement of sound‐evoked responses in auditory cortex (ACx) following administration of systemic nicotine is known to depend on activation of extracellular‐signaling regulated kinase (ERK), but the nature of this enhancement is not clear. Here, we show that systemic nicotine increases the density of cells immunolabeled for phosphorylated (activated) ERK (P‐ERK) in mouse primary ACx (A1). Cortical injection of dihydro‐β‐erythroidine reduced nicotine‐induced P‐ERK immunolabel, suggesting a role for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors located in A1 and containing α4 and β2 subunits. P‐ERK expressing cells were distributed mainly in layers 2/3 and more sparsely in lower layers, with many cells exhibiting immunolabel within pyramidal‐shaped somata and proximal apical dendrites. About one‐third of P‐ERK positive cells also expressed calbindin. In the thalamus, P‐ERK immunopositive cells were found in the nonlemniscal medial geniculate (MG) and adjacent nuclei, but were absent in the lemniscal MG. Pairing broad spectrum acoustic stimulation (white noise) with systemic nicotine increased P‐ERK immunopositive cell density in ACx as well as the total amount of P‐ERK protein, particularly the phosphorylated form of ERK2. However, narrow spectrum (tone) stimulation paired with nicotine increased P‐ERK immunolabel preferentially at a site within A1 where the paired frequency was characteristic frequency (CF), relative to a second site with a spectrally distant CF (two octaves above or below the paired frequency). Together, these results suggest that ERK is activated optimally where nicotinic signaling and sound‐evoked neural activity converge. Synapse 67:455–468, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Off-line PD testing of converter-fed wire-wound motors: when IEC TS 60034-18-41 may fail?

This paper reports and discusses qualification and type test procedures for random wound motors as specified in IEC Technical Specification 60034-18-41. Since laboratory tests dealing with off-line partial discharges measurements followed by life tests showed that motors qualified as good can fail in very short times, an extensive investigation on the causes of such discrepancy and, in particular, on the differences existing between the stresses applied during off-line tests and in service is described. In addition, the results of partial discharge measurements performed on crossed pairs are presented, highlighting how the differences in the applied voltage waveform can influence the Repetitive Partial Discharge Inception Voltage. Suggestions to improve the off-line test procedure and related equipment are eventually discussed.
Positive emotion can protect against source memory impairment

Despite widespread belief that memory is enhanced by emotion, evidence also suggests that emotion can impair memory. Here we test predictions inspired by object-based binding theory, which states that memory enhancement or impairment depends on the nature of the information to be retrieved. We investigated emotional memory in the context of source retrieval, using images of scenes that were negative, neutral or positive in valence. At study each scene was paired with a colour and during retrieval participants reported the source colour for recognised scenes. Critically, we isolated effects of valence by equating stimulus arousal across conditions. In Experiment 1 colour borders surrounded scenes at study: memory impairment was found for both negative and positive scenes. Experiment 2 used colours superimposed over scenes at study: valence affected source retrieval, with memory impairment for negative scenes only. These findings challenge current theories of emotional memory by showing that emotion can impair memory for both intrinsic and extrinsic source information, even when arousal is equated between emotional and neutral stimuli, and by dissociating the effects of positive and negative emotion on episodic memory retrieval.
The Most Current Algorithms for the Treatment and Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Background: Previous reports on the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids have not described clear algorithms for multimodal therapies. This article presents an evidence-based review of previous articles and proposes algorithms for the treatment and prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Methods: The methodologic quality of the clinical trials was evaluated, and the baseline characteristics of the patients and the interventions that were applied and their outcomes were extracted. Results: Important factors that promote hypertrophic scar/keloid development include mechanical forces on the wound, wound infection, and foreign body reactions. For keloids, the treatment method that should be used depends on whether scar contractures (especially joint contractures) are present and whether the keloids are small and single, or large and multiple. Small and single keloids can be treated radically by surgery with adjuvant therapy (which includes radiation or corticosteroid injections) or by nonsurgical monotherapy (which includes corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, laser, and antitumor/immunosuppressive agents such as 5-fluorouracil). Large and multiple keloids are difficult to treat radically and are currently only treatable by multimodal therapies that aim to relieve symptoms. After a sequence of treatments, long-term follow-up is recommended. Conservative therapies, which include gel sheeting, taping fixation, compression therapy, external and internal agents, and makeup (camouflage) therapy, should be administered on a case-by-case basis. Conclusions: The increase in the number of randomized controlled trials over the past decade has greatly improved scar management, although these studies suffer from various limitations. The hypertrophic scar/keloid treatment algorithms that are currently available are likely to be significantly improved by future high-quality clinical trials.
Metalaxyl Degradation by Mucorales Strains Gongronella sp. and Rhizopus oryzae

In this study, the degradation of metalaxyl was investigated in the presence of two Mucorales strains, previously isolated from soil subjected to repeated treatments with this fungicide and selected after enrichment technique. Fungal strains were characterised by a polyphasic approach using phylogenetic analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene region, phenotypic characterisation by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) spectral analysis, and growth kinetics experiments. The strains were identified as Gongronella sp. and Rhizopus oryzae. The fungal growth kinetics in liquid cultures containing metalaxyl fits with Haldane model. Under laboratory conditions, the ability of Gongronella sp. and R. oryzae cultures to degrade metalaxyl was evaluated in liquid cultures and soil experiments. Both species were able to: (a) use metalaxyl as the main carbon and energy source; and (b) degrade metalaxyl in polluted soils, with rates around 1.0 mg·kg−1 d−1. This suggests these strains could degrade metalaxyl in soils contaminated with this fungicide.
Retinal venular caliber predicts visual outcome after intravitreal ranibizumab injection treatments for neovascular AMD.

PURPOSE To examine whether baseline retinal vascular caliber predicts visual response to intravitreal ranibizumab injections in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS In this prospective cohort study, patients with neovascular AMD received three monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab, followed by as needed dosing up to 1 year. Retinal vascular caliber was measured from digital fundus photographs at baseline and summarized as central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and venular equivalent (CRVE), representing average caliber of arterioles and venules, respectively. Visual outcome at 12 months was assessed and the relation to baseline retinal vascular caliber was determined. RESULTS A total of 88 eyes were analyzed at baseline. After accounting for age, sex, size of choroidal neovascularization, and number of injections, patients who deteriorated in visual acuity at 12 months had significantly larger baseline CRVE, 243.10 μm (95% confidence interval [CI], 227.01-259.19), compared with those who were stable, 214.30 μm (95% CI, 205.79-222.81) and those who improved, 215.26 μm (95% CI, 204.69-225.84; P = 0.007). Baseline CRAE did not differ significantly from eyes whose vision deteriorated, 150.12 μm (95% CI, 140.67-159.57), compared with those remaining stable, 143.64 μm (95% CI, 138.64-148.63), or gaining vision 142.92 μm (95% CI, 136.71-149.13; P = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS In eyes with neovascular AMD treated with intravitreal ranibizumab, larger baseline retinal venular caliber was significantly associated with a poorer response to treatment, possibly reflecting increased disease severity.
Remote Sensing Optical Image Registration Using Modified Uniform Robust SIFT

Uniformly distributed feature extraction and availability of a sufficient number of correctly matched points between the input images are the key challenges for remote sensing optical image registration. Because of its robustness and distinctiveness, the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) is a well-known approach for an automatic image registration. However, the features obtained from the SIFT algorithm are not uniformly distributed, and sometimes, the number of matched features is insufficient to provide subpixel accuracy in the registration of remote sensing optical images. In this letter, a modified version of SIFT is proposed to obtain uniformly distributed matched features. Then, the bivariate histogram and the random sample consensus have been used to refine the initial matches. Finally, a reliable matching criterion is proposed to maximize the number of matches.
Fluorescent Probes for Exploring Plant Cell Wall Deconstruction: A Review

Plant biomass is a potential resource of chemicals, new materials and biofuels that could reduce our dependency on fossil carbon, thus decreasing the greenhouse effect. However, due to its chemical and structural complexity, plant biomass is recalcitrant to green biological transformation by enzymes, preventing the establishment of integrated bio-refineries. In order to gain more knowledge in the architecture of plant cell wall to facilitate their deconstruction, many fluorescent probes bearing various fluorophores have been devised and used successfully to reveal the changes in structural motifs during plant biomass deconstruction, and the molecular interactions between enzymes and plant cell wall polymers. Fluorescent probes are thus relevant tools to explore plant cell wall deconstruction.
Serum level of taurine would be associated with the amelioration of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients

A variety of treatment modalities including L‐carnitine have been tried for cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE), which improved MHE for some patients, but were not effective for the other patients. We aimed to identify pre‐therapeutic independent factors to predict the amelioration of MHE after L‐carnitine treatment.
Treating Adults with Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Developing World: a Hospital-Based Cohort Study from Armenia.

BACKGROUND With advances in diagnostics and treatment approaches, patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in developed countries can nowadays expect to have excellent outcomes. However, information about the characteristics and outcomes in the developing world is very scarce, and this is important given the fact that there are several reports about differences of disease characteristics depending on geographic location and the development level of the country. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study we assessed the features of 36 adult (≥18 years old) patients with HL and their diagnosis and treatment and outcomes in the Clinic of Chemotherapy of Muratsan University Hospital of Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia, between 2008- 2014. RESULTS All patients had classic HL and among them 19 (53%) had nodular sclerosis subtype, 8 (22%) mixed cellularity and 9 (25%) lymphocyte-rich. 16 (44.5%) patients were at stage II, 13 (36%) stage III and 7 (19.5%) stage IV. Median follow-up time was 24.5 months (range 1-71 months) and during the whole follow- up period only two relapses (early) were documented and there were no deaths. Twenty-three (64%) patients received a BEACOPP (bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) regimen, and 13 (36%) ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine) regimen. A total of 25 (69.5%) patients received radiation in addition to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Although the number of patients involved in the study is small and the median follow-up time was just two years, this retrospective study shows that treatment of HL can be successfully organized in a resource-limited setting.
Look who's Talking: Recognizing Friends from Visible Articulation

We tested whether isolated visible articulatory information can be used for identifying familiar speakers. A facial point-light methodology was used to isolate the visible articulation of seven speakers. These point-light video clips were then shown to nine participants who had long-term personal interactions with the speakers. Results revealed that participants could identify the speakers at better than chance levels when the faces were shown articulating, but not when the faces were shown without movement. The results indicate that visible articulatory information can be used to identify speakers.
Intermediate Vancomycin Susceptibility in a Community-associated MRSA Clone

We describe a case of treatment failure caused by a strain of USA300 community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with intermediate susceptibility to vancomycin and reduced susceptibility to daptomycin. The strain was isolated from the bone of a 56-year-old man with lumbar osteomyelitis after a 6-week treatment course of vancomycin for catheter-associated septic thrombophlebitis.
Rapid purification of active γ‐secretase, an intramembrane protease implicated in Alzheimer’s disease

γ‐Secretase is an unconventional aspartyl protease that processes many type 1 membrane proteins within the lipid bilayer. Because its cleavage of amyloid‐β precursor protein generates the amyloid‐β protein (Aβ) of Alzheimer’s disease, partially inhibiting γ‐secretase is an attractive therapeutic strategy, but the structure of the protease remains poorly understood. We recently used electron microscopy and single particle image analysis on the purified enzyme to generate the first 3D reconstruction of γ‐secretase, but at low resolution (15 Å). The limited amount of purified γ‐secretase that can be produced using currently available cell lines and procedures has prevented the achievement of a high resolution crystal structure by X‐ray crystallography or 2D crystallization. We report here the generation and characterization of a new mammalian cell line (S‐20) that overexpresses strikingly high levels of all four γ‐secretase components (presenilin, nicastrin, Aph‐1 and Pen‐2). We then used these cells to develop a rapid protocol for the high‐grade purification of proteolytically active γ‐secretase. The cells and purification methods detailed here provide a key step towards crystallographic studies of this ubiquitous enzyme.
Sentiment Analysis: Popularity of Candidates for the President of the United States

This article deals with the popularity of candidates for the president of the United States of America. The popularity is assessed according to public comments on the Web 2.0. Social networking, blogging and online forums (collectively Web 2.0) are for common Internet users the easiest way to share their personal opinions, thoughts, and ideas with the entire world. However, the web content diversity, variety of technologies and website structure differences, all of these make the Web 2.0 a network of heterogeneous data, where things are difficult to find for common users. The introductory part of the article describes methodology for gathering and processing data from Web 2.0. The next part of the article is focused on the evaluation and content analysis of obtained information, which write about presidential candidates. Keywords—Sentiment Analysis, Web 2.0, Webometrics.
Structural determination of two active compounds that bind to the muscarinic M3 receptor in beer.

BACKGROUND It is known that beer accelerates gastrointestinal motility in humans. Our previous studies showed that beer congener stimulates gastrointestinal motility by directly stimulating the muscarinic M3 receptor. Further, we isolated 2 active compounds (compounds A and B) from beer by liquid chromatography. The objective of the present study was to identify the 2 active compounds that bind to the muscarinic M3 receptor in beer. METHODS Structural analyses of the active compounds were performed by fast atom bombardment mass spectra, 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. Active compounds were chemically synthesized from p-coumaric acid and agmatine as starting materials. Binding activity to the muscarinic M3 receptor was used to confirm the activity of the synthetic compounds. RESULTS It was identified that 2 active compounds had the same structural characteristics: stereoisomers (cis-isomer and trans-isomer), molecular weight=550 and molecular formula=C28H38N8O4. Trans-isomer (compound B) was identified as the known substance hordatine A, a kind of phytoalexin in barley, and cis-isomer (compound A) was found to be a novel compound (tentatively referred to as aperidine). Both naturally present and chemically synthesized aperidine (compound A) and hordatine A (compound B) were demonstrated to have potent binding activities to the muscarinic M3 receptor. CONCLUSIONS The 2 active compounds isolated from beer, namely aperidine (compound A) and hordatine A (compound B), have structurally and functionally been identified as active entities of binding to the muscarinic M3 receptor.
The spy saw a cop with a telescope: Who has the telescope?

This paper explores the problem of ambiguous PP-attachment by extracting information from a PP-attachment corpus using Python. Cases of ambiguous PP-attachment involve sequences of the head words of the following type: verb > noun > preposition > noun. The head nouns of ambiguous PP-attachment sentences, as well as aspects beyond head words, are investigated by testing a number of hypotheses using a corpus of thousands of real-world examples. The hypotheses are partially based on theory and partially on empirical evidence. The results support some theoretical claims while discarding others. For instance, one finding that supports an existing claim is that of-PPs always attach to NPs whose heads are classifiers. This kind of knowledge can be put into practice when parsing natural language.
Morphology of the basement membrane

The aim of this contribution is to summarize our knowledge of the morphology of the basement membrane (BM). The first step in this direction is the attempt to define this term. The BM is composed of the Lamina lucida, densa, and fibroreticularis. Subsequently, the historical development of this term is discussed. Our main interest is, of course, focused on the description of the BM‐structure up to the macromolecular level and the special forms of this structure. This is supplemented by discussing its chemical composition and establishing a relationship between morphology and biochemistry. The obtained findings yielded some indications as to the molecular composition of the BM which may serve for the construction of “models. ” The composition of the Lamina lucida (L.l.) and the Lamina or Pars fibroreticularis (L.f.) must be discussed separately, since, if present, they show a different and strongly varying structure (L.f.). An important aspect is the function of this extracellular layer which comprises mechanical tasks up to inductive effects. Finally, the concepts of the formation of the BM, especially of the Lamina densa (L.d.), are summarized. It obviously consists of a sequence of individual steps which starts with expression and secretion of the L.d. ‐components and is followed by an induction of integrin expression. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quasi-wavelet method for time-dependent fractional partial differential equation

In this decade, many new applications in engineering and science are governed by a series of fractional partial differential equations. In this paper, we propose a novel numerical method for a class of time-dependent fractional partial differential equations. The time variable is discretized by using the second order backward differentiation formula scheme, and the quasi-wavelet method is used for spatial discretization. The stability and convergence properties related to the time discretization are discussed and theoretically proven. Numerical examples are obtained to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method. The comparisons of the present numerical results with the exact analytical solutions show that the quasi-wavelet method has distinctive local property and can achieve accurate results.
The Effect of Smoothing on Optimal Portfolio Choice: Some Analytical and Computational Results

This paper analyzes the economic cost of Mean-Variance portfolios that involve asset returns which are smoothed. In this situation, variance and covariance of returns will be understated, resulting in sub-optimal allocation. Certainty equivalent loss (CEL), associated with this ‘smoothed’ portfolio, is analytically derived as a function of the smoothing parameter alpha. The results show that CEL grows hyperbolically with alpha. The paper shows further that the practice of unsmoothing asset returns before constructing portfolios helps reducing CEL, but is unlikely to solve the problem completely. This is due to the risk of mis-unsmoothing that also escalates with the parameter alpha.
A novel uninterruptible power supply using flywheel energy storage unit

A novel uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with a flywheel energy storage unit is presented. The UPS is composed of an AC/DC rectifier, a DC/AC inverter, a permanent magnet brushless DC motor, a motor converter and a flywheel energy storage unit. Firstly, main power circuit of the UPS and its flywheel energy storage unit are introduced. Then the control strategies of the flywheel charging/discharging and DC/AC converter are discussed in detail. In charging mode, the AC/DC rectifier and motor converter are used for brushless DC motor driver. In discharging mode, motor converter is for boosting the DC link voltage. In both modes, UPS can work in on-line or off-line mode. The flywheel energy storage unit, which takes place of the conventional chemical battery unit, has the advantages of free maintenance, long life and no pollution. Finally the experiment results testify the novel UPS has better character and dynamical response.