Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Urinary Cortisol Excretion Rates and Anxiety in Normal 1‐Year‐Old Infants

&NA; Urinary cortisol excretion rates were determined for each voiding during 8 hours on 3 days for 20 infants. The first day served as the control. On the second day stress was imposed by having the mother leave the infant for an hour. On a third day the child was stimulated by novel toys and socialization for an hour in the mother's presence. There was no significant difference between mean cortisol excretion rates on control and stress days. Variability in cortisol levels was significantly greater on the day of stress than on the other 2 days. Ratings of separation anxiety and levels of cortisol excreted 40 to 160 min after the imposed stress were positively correlated (r = 0.46, P < 0.01). Cortisol levels also differentiated between anxious infants who were agitated from those who were withdrawn. No altered levels of cortisol were associated with excitement.
Short paths in 3-uniform quasi-random hypergraphs

Frankl and Rödl [3] proved a strong regularity lemma for 3-uniform hypergraphs, based on the concept of δ-regularity with respect to an underlying 3-partite graph. In applications of that lemma it is often important to be able to “glue” together separate pieces of the desired subhypergraph. With this goal in mind, in this paper it is proved that every pair of typical edges of the underlying graph can be connected by a hyperpath of length at most seven. The typicality of edges is defined in terms of graph and hypergraph neighborhoods, and it is shown that all but a small fraction of edges are indeed typical.
What modern vision science reveals about the awareness puzzle: Summary-statistic encoding plus decision limits underlie the richness of visual perception and its quirky failures

There is a fundamental puzzle in understanding our awareness of the visual world. On one hand, our subjective experience is one of a rich visual world, which we perceive effortlessly. However, when we actually test perception, observers know surprisingly little. A number of tasks, from search, through inattentional blindness, to change blindness, suggest that there is surprisingly little awareness or perception without attention. Meanwhile, another set of tasks, such as multiple object tracking, dual-task performance, and visual working memory tasks suggest that both attention and working memory have low capacity. These two components together - poor perception without attention, and greatly limited capacity for attention and memory - imply that perception is impoverished. How can we make sense of this awareness puzzle, of the riddle of our rich subjective experience coupled with poor performance on experimental tasks? I suggest that, looked at in the right way, there is in fact no awareness puzzle. In particular, I will argue that the tasks that show limits are inherently difficult tasks, and that there exists a unified explanation for both the rich subjective experience and the apparent limits.
A Combinatorial Analysis of Genetic Data for Crohn's Disease

Both environmental and genetic factors have roles in the development of some diseases. Complex diseases, such as Crohn's disease or Type II diabetes, are caused by a combination of environmental factors and mutations in multiple genes. Patients who have been diagnosed with such diseases cannot easily be treated. However, many diseases can be avoided if people at high risk change their living style, one example being their diet. But how can we tell their susceptibility to diseases before symptoms are found and help them make informed decisions about their health? With the development of DNA microarray technique, it is possible to access the human genetic information related to specific diseases. This paper uses a combinatorial method to analyze the genetic data for Crohn's disease and search disease-associated factors for given case/control samples. An optimum random forest based method has been applied to publicly available genotype data on Crohn's disease for association study and achieved a promising result.
Population abundance and growth rate of western gray whales Eschrichtius robustus

The western population of gray whales Eschrichtius robustus is one of the most endan- gered whale populations in the world. Recent studies of this population off the northeastern coast of Sakhalin Island, Russia, have produced a photographic dataset that was utilized for the first mark- recapture assessment of western gray whale abundance. Given encounter histories of 129 individu- ally identified whales spanning 25 monthly capture occasions from 1997 to 2003, a closed capture estimator was employed to estimate the number of individuals using the study area in each year. Temporary emigration probabilities were then applied to the closed capture estimates to enumerate the total population size of whales off northeastern Sakhalin Island. Total abundances from 1997 to 2003 were estimated as 64 ± 5.1 (SE), 55 to 75 (95% CI); 75 ± 4.9, 66 to 85; 86 ± 3.1, 80 to 93; 77 ± 4.7, 68 to 87; 91 ± 3.4, 84 to 98; 98 ± 4.1, 90 to 106; and 99 ± 4.9, 90 to 109, respectively. These abundance estimates, particularly the last values in the series, most likely approximate the size of the entire west- ern gray whale population. For comparison to the trend in the abundance estimates, life history data were used to estimate the growth rate of the population. Depending on the range of potential fecundity values incorporated, the resulting growth rate estimates indicate an annual population increase that is between 2.5 and 3.2%. The extremely small population size and slow rate of increase documented here further highlight concern about the viability of this critically endangered population.
Development of an Integrated Aerosol Measurement System in the i-Lung

the development of the i-lung model with its integrated aerosol measurement system has different, applicationspecific aspects. The planned possible fields of application range from aerosol inand exhalation measurements over lung simulation for educational purposes to product testing procedures for respirator safety tests. Due to its modular and flexible design, the lung simulator is being refined, for example, by implementing a versatile sensor connection, not only to cover the named fields but also to meet new niches and application options. Animal models, so far, are an inevitable part of product safety tests. Regarding the “ReACH Regulation” (eC 1907/2006) (Registration, evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals), the latter will have to be performed increasingly often in the near future (european Parliament and Council of the eU, 2006). this increase in safety tests will lead to increased use of animal testing if no adequate alternatives arise soon. the ReACH regulation demands the testing of several thousand chemicals. Some of them have already been placed on the market; others are set to be launched in the near future. the ReACH procedure requests information about the hazards of all these products. the tests necessary for the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals also include the use of animal models. Depending on the type of chemical substance, the process of evaluation also may include the use of respiratory tests. So “the new european chemicals policy, ReACh (Registration, evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) has highlighted the urgent need for further progress in the development of alternatives in order to reduce the large projected animal use that will be its consequence” (Devolder et al., 2008). In contrast to the increasing number of vertebrates used in the safety test procedures of chemicals, another eU provision bans products that have been tested on animals or consist of ingredients that have been tested on animals. this provision, representing only one example, is the “Cosmetics Directive” (eeC 76/768) (Council of the european Communities, 1976). The Directive, which by its definition allows the EU Member States to implement the provision into national law in an individual way, will be replaced by the “Cosmetics Regulation” (eC 1223/2009) (european Parliament and Council of the eU, 2009). the latter was passed in 2009 and will enter into force eU-wide in 2013. the regulation is a stricter form of legal provisions, as it is binding for all eU member states without individual freedom. the Cosmetics Regulation will entirely ban cosmetic products that have been tested on animals. As Development of an Integrated Aerosol Measurement System in the i-Lung Mathias Forjan 1, Katharina Stiglbrunner 1, Zbyněk Bureš 2,3, and Andreas Drauschke 1 1Institute for Biomedical engineering, University of Applied Sciences – technikum Wien, Vienna, Austria; 2Dept. of electrotechnics and Informatics, College of Polytechnics, Jihlava, Czech Republic; 3Institute of experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
Eulerian Circuits with No Monochromatic Transitions in Edge-Colored Digraphs with all Vertices of Outdegree Three

A colored eulerian digraph is an eulerian digraph $G$ where a color is assigned to the tail of each edge and a color is assigned to the head of each edge. A compatible circuit is an eulerian circuit such that for every two consecutive edges $uv$ and $vw$ of the circuit, the color of the head of $uv$ is different from the color of the tail of $vw$. Let $S_3$ be the set of vertices of outdegree and indegree three that have exactly three colors on the incident edges where each color appears on exactly one incoming and exactly one outgoing edge. In this paper we consider graphs where all the vertices are in $S_3$. We show that in several special cases we can determine if a graph has a compatible circuit. Our characterization in these cases give rise to a polynomial-time algorithm that determines the existence of a compatible circuit and provides a compatible circuit if one exists.
Predictive and Comparative Network Analysis of the Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes

Metagenome-wide analysis studies provide a unique set of microbial features for biomarker discovery of associated disease as well as for studying diversity and dynamics of microbial communities under different conditions. Taxonomic classification of microbes in metagenomic samples quantifies what microbes are present and in what proportion. Despite the availably of several computational taxonomy profiling methods, this crucial step in metagenome-wide analysis remains very challenging and how using different taxonomy profiling methods might influence the outcome of the analysis is not well-studied. In this work, we consider three taxonomy profiling methods (MetaPhlAn2, Kraken, and EBI metagenomics pipeline) and examine their effect on the outcome of metagenome-wide analysis based on machine learning and comparative network approaches. Our results suggest that Kraken OTU-based data representation yields the best performing classifiers even using less number of features (e.g., OTUs). In addition, our preliminary results underscore the viability of leveraging multiple taxonomic classification methods in microbial network analysis. Finally, our analysis results are consistent with the current knowledge and reveal novel insights into interaction relationships between potential biomarkers in the gut microbiome associated with T2D.
Genome-Wide Transcriptomic Analysis of Intestinal Tissue to Assess the Impact of Nutrition and a Secondary Nematode Challenge in Lactating Rats

Background Gastrointestinal nematode infection is a major challenge to the health and welfare of mammals. Although mammals eventually acquire immunity to nematodes, this breaks down around parturition, which renders periparturient mammals susceptible to re-infection and an infection source for their offspring. Nutrient supplementation reduces the extent of periparturient parasitism, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we use a genome wide approach to assess the effects of protein supplementation on gene expression in the small intestine of periparturient rats following nematode re-infection. Methodology/Principal Findings The use of a rat whole genome expression microarray (Affymetrix Gene 1.0ST) showed significant differential regulation of 91 genes in the small intestine of lactating rats, re-infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis compared to controls; affected functions included immune cell trafficking, cell-mediated responses and antigen presentation. Genes with a previously described role in immune response to nematodes, such as mast cell proteases, and intelectin, and others newly associated with nematode expulsion, such as anterior gradient homolog 2 were identified. Protein supplementation resulted in significant differential regulation of 64 genes; affected functions included protein synthesis, cellular function and maintenance. It increased cell metabolism, evident from the high number of non-coding RNA and the increased synthesis of ribosomal proteins. It regulated immune responses, through T-cell activation and proliferation. The up-regulation of transcription factor forkhead box P1 in unsupplemented, parasitised hosts may be indicative of a delayed immune response in these animals. Conclusions/Significance This study provides the first evidence for nutritional regulation of genes related to immunity to nematodes at the site of parasitism, during expulsion. Additionally it reveals genes induced following secondary parasite challenge in lactating mammals, not previously associated with parasite expulsion. This work is a first step towards defining disease predisposition, identifying markers for nutritional imbalance and developing sustainable measures for parasite control in domestic mammals.
Mechanosensitive Channel MscS in the Open State: Modeling of the Transition, Explicit Simulations, and Experimental Measurements of Conductance

Mechanosensitive channels of small conductance (MscS) are ubiquitous turgor pressure regulators found in many walled cells and some intracellular organelles. Escherichia coli MscS acting as a tension-activated osmolyte release valve shows a nonsaturable conductance (1.2 nS in a 39 mS/cm electrolyte) and weak preference for anions. Pursuing the transition pathways in this channel, we applied the extrapolated motion protocol (cycles of displacements, minimizations, and short simulations) to the previously generated compact resting conformation of MscS. We observed tilting and straightening of the kinked pore-forming TM3 helices during the barrel expansion. Extended all-atom simulations confirmed the stability of the open conformation in the bilayer. A 53° spontaneous axial rotation of TM3s observed after equilibration increased the width and polarity of the pore allowing for stable voltage-independent hydration and presence of both cations and anions throughout the pore. The resultant open state, characterized by a pore 1.6 nm wide, satisfied the experimental conductance and in-plane expansion. Applied transmembrane electric field (±100 to ±200 mV) in simulations produced a flow of both K+ and Cl−, with Cl− current dominating at higher voltages. Electroosmotic water flux strongly correlated with the chloride current (∼8 waters per Cl−). The selectivity and rectification were in agreement with the experimental measurements performed in the same range of voltages. Among the charged residues surrounding the pore, only K169 was found to contribute noticeably in the rectification. We conclude that (a) the barrel expansion involving tilting, straightening, and rotation of TM3s provides the geometry and electrostatics that accounts for the conductive properties of the open pore; (b) the observed regimen of ion passage through the pore is similar to electrodiffusion, thus macroscopic estimations closely approximate the experimental and molecular dynamics-simulated conductances; (c) increased interaction of the opposing ionic fluxes at higher voltages may result in selectivities stronger than measured near the reversal potential.
A compact planer UWB antenna with band-notched characteristics

This paper presents a design of compact planer ultra wide band antenna with band notched features. In order to produce a good impedance matching from 3.1GHz to 12GHz, a simple rectangular slot is etched from the ground plan. To reduce the interference with WIMAX applications from 3.3GHz to 3.9GHz, the band notched filter is employed. The band notched characteristics is achieved by inserting a simple U-shaped slot in the radiating patch to create notched band from 3.3GHz to 4.1GHz. The proposed antenna has VSWR <; 2 except the WIMAX band. The simulated results confirm that the proposed antenna is suitable for UWB applications. A reasonable agreement is achieved between the simulated and the measured results.
Microbial carbohydrate depolymerization by antigen-presenting cells: Deamination prior to presentation by the MHCII pathway

After uptake by the endosome of an antigen-presenting cell (APC), exogenous proteins are known to be degraded into peptides by protease digestion. Here, we report the mechanism by which pure carbohydrates can be depolymerized within APC endosomes/lysosomes by nitric oxide (NO)-derived reactive nitrogen species (RNSs) and/or superoxide-derived reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Earlier studies showed that depolymerization of polysaccharide A (PSA) from Bacteroides fragilis in the endosome depends on the APC's having an intact inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene; the chemical mechanism underlying depolymerization of a carbohydrate within the endosome/lysosome is described here. Examining the ability of the major RNSs to degrade PSA, we determined that deamination is the predominant mechanism for PSA processing in APCs and is a required step in PSA presentation to CD4+ T cells by MHCII molecules. Structural characterization of the NO-derived product PSA-NO indicates that partial deaminative depolymerization does not alter the zwitterionic nature of PSA. Unlike native PSA, PSA-NO is presented by iNOS-deficient APCs to induce CD4+ T cell proliferation. Furthermore, metabolically active APCs are required for PSA-NO presentation. In contrast to PSA degradation by RNSs, dextran depolymerization in the endosome depends on ROSs, including hydrogen peroxide- and superoxide-derived ROSs. This study provides evidence that MHCII pathway-mediated carbohydrate antigen processing in APCs is achieved by chemical reactions. RNSs and ROSs may be involved in the presentation of glycopeptides by MHC molecules via the processing of other carbohydrate-containing antigens, such as bacterial or viral glycoproteins or glycoconjugate vaccines.
Assessment of Internal Diameter and Cross-sectional Area of Right Internal Jugular Vein Pre-induction and Post-intubation

This prospective observational study compared the internal diameter and cross-sectional area of the right internal jugular vein pre-induction and post-initiation of positive pressure ventilation. Twenty patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery were studied. Measurements were taken with the operating table tipped to 30° head down and the head turned 10° away from the side of cannulation. There was a statistically significant increase in both measurements post-intubation. This study suggests that it may be easier and safer to perform cannulation of RIJV after institution of intermittent positive pressure ventilation in patients in the modified Trendelenburg position.
Evaluation of anxiolytic effects of aripiprazole and hydroxyzine as a combination in mice

Context: Anxiety disorders are chronic, common, and often comorbid. There is an unmet need in its treatment. Aripiprazole and hydroxyzine are well-known therapeutic options used as monotherapy in clinics. They have different mechanisms and site of actions. Aim: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of aripiprazole and hydroxyzine in combination. Materials and Methods: Swiss albino mice (male) received treatment of 5% of Tween 80 in 0.9% saline (10 ml/kg; control group), "aripiprazole alone" (1 mg/kg), "hydroxyzine alone" (3 mg/kg), and aripiprazole (0.5 mg/kg) + hydroxyzine (1.5 mg/kg) through the intraperitoneal route. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey′s honest significant difference was employed for statistical analysis. Results: The in vivo outcomes (elevated plus maze, light/dark transition, and marble burying tests) of hydroxyzine monotherapy-treated group showed a significant anxiolytic activity. The combination-treated group was found to be better than control and aripiprazole-treated groups. The combination-treated group showed a significant increase in the level of serotonin in different brain regions as compared to aripiprazole-treated group but not better than the hydroxyzine group. The in vitro results were in compliance with the in vivo results. The combinational approach was found to be beneficial in anxiolytic treatment as compared to aripiprazole monotherapy. However, hydroxyzine showed better anxiolytic activity when compared to control, aripiprazole monotherapy, and combination groups. Conclusions: The anxiolytic effect of combination-treated group was found to be better than aripiprazole monotherapy and lesser than hydroxyzine monotherapy.
Schizophrenia on Paternal and Maternal Sides: An Analysis of Familial Factors

Summary Slater's model of assessing distribution patterns of ancestral secondary cases in family trees was applied to pedigree data on schizophrenia. Eighteen schizophrenic probands with at least two ill second-degree relatives were available for study. The distribution of unilateral to bilateral pairs of affected relatives did not deviate significantly from that expected in polygenic inheritance. Contrasting pedigrees with family history of chronic schizophrenia with pedigrees loaded with ‘soft spectrum’ disorders, i.e., borderline schizophrenia, did not alter the consistency of the data with polygenic transmission.
The Politics of Language in Education: The Mikro Case in South Africa

School language policies stand at the nexus of identity politics and human rights in contemporary South Africa. Since 1996, litigation on school language policies has been resolved on the basis of language rights. Courts have emphasized that the mere mention of single-medium schools in the constitution in no way privileges these institutions over dual-medium schools, parallel-medium schools, or schools that otherwise accommodate multilingualism. In turn, legal proceedings have consistently upheld the letter of the law in terms of language rights, and English-speaking students have almost always been accommodated at former Afrikaans-medium public schools. But the constitutional goal of cooperative government remains unfulfilled. As a result, disputes over language policy continue to be costly, emotional, and directed at what “ought to be done” about one specific language, Afrikaans. This article focuses on the shortcomings of one case, the Mikro case, to argue that the vision of public education must be revised in order to consider language rights alongside principles of cooperative government.
Constructing fuzzy controllers for multivariate problems by using statistical indices

This paper proposes an approach for solving multivariate control problems with a fuzzy controller. Instead of using selected input variables, statistical indices are extracted to feed the fuzzy controller The original input space is transformed into an eigenspace. If a sequence of training data are sampled in a local context, a small number of eigenvectors which possess larger eigenvalues provide a good summary of all the original variables. Fuzzy controllers can be trained for mapping the input projection in the eigenspace to the outputs. Implementations with the prediction of time series and vision-based robot control validate the concept.