Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhancing visual working memory encoding: The role of target novelty

Perceptual salience improves the encoding of information into visual working memory (WM). However, the factors that contribute to this facilitation effect are not well understood. This study tested the influence of target familiarity on WM encoding. In each trial, participants were presented with either one or three targets and asked to encode their locations into WM. In Experiment 1, target familiarity was manipulated by presenting either an upright (familiar target) or upside-down (unfamiliar/novel target) A. Increasing the novelty of the targets led to improved performance in the spatial WM task. Experiment 2 showed that participants were faster in responding to novel versus familiar targets in a spatial detection task. Experiment 3 demonstrated that the beneficial effect of target novelty on WM encoding was not driven by differences in low-level features. Our results suggest that target novelty enhances the processes required for WM encoding, just as it facilitates perceptual processing.
Multirate Analysis Method for a Power Electronic System by Circuit Partitioning

Various fast and efficient computation techniques for a power converter simulation have been researched. According to the conventional methods, a single step size for a whole circuit is selected for the numerical integration. A real-power electronic system, however, is multirate in that its currents and voltages nonuniformly vary spatially and temporally, and its subcircuits have different transient rates. A simulation that selected an appropriate step size for each subcircuit independently would, therefore, be more efficient. Several multirate analysis techniques have already been proposed; this paper proposes a new method that divides the whole circuit into subcircuits by applying an explicit integration formula to series inductors and/or parallel capacitors, and then integrates subcircuits by applying an implicit formula with independent integration step sizes. As analysis examples, this method is applied to an ac-dc converter, a benchmark test circuit, and a dc-link inverter control system. The proposed method's effectiveness at reducing computational steps and CPU times is investigated, and its performance and efficiency are validated.
Structural basis for the inhibition of M1 family aminopeptidases by the natural product actinonin: Crystal structure in complex with E. coli aminopeptidase N

Actinonin is a pseudotripeptide that displays a high affinity towards metalloproteases including peptide deformylases (PDFs) and M1 family aminopeptidases. PDF and M1 family aminopeptidases belong to thermolysin‐metzincin superfamily. One of the major differences in terms of substrate binding pockets between these families is presence (in M1 aminopeptidases) or absence (in PDFs) of an S1 substrate pocket. The binding mode of actinonin to PDFs has been established previously; however, it is not clear how the actinonin, without a P1 residue, would bind to the M1 aminopeptidases. Here we describe the crystal structure of Escherichia coli aminopeptidase N (ePepN), a model protein of the M1 family aminopeptidases in complex with actinonin. For comparison we have also determined the structure of ePepN in complex with a well‐known tetrapeptide inhibitor, amastatin. From the comparison of the actinonin and amastatin ePepN complexes, it is clear that the P1 residue is not critical as long as strong metal chelating head groups, like hydroxamic acid or α‐hydroxy ketone, are present. Results from this study will be useful for the design of selective and efficient hydroxamate inhibitors against M1 family aminopeptidases.
The effect of external shocks on macroeconomic performance and monetary policy in a small open economy: evidence from Zambia

This study investigates the impact of external shocks on domestic macroeconomic variables and monetary policy of a small open economy, Zambia using a structural VAR estimated with quarterly data covering the period Q1 2000 to Q1 2016. Results indicate that monetary policy is pro-cyclical in response to external shocks, while the dominant external shocks are commodity price shocks followed by financial shocks. This implies that external shocks are clear determinants of monetary policy direction in Zambia owing to their effect on key macroeconomic variable. In addition, results from impulse responses indicate that external shocks have significant effects on Zambia's macroeconomic performance. Specifically, commodity price shocks have significant effects on output and exchange rate while financial shocks have significant effects on prices and exchange rate.
Dural sinus thrombosis: value of venous MR angiography for diagnosis and follow-up.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the value of venous MR angiography as the sole procedure for the diagnosis and follow-up of dural sinus thrombosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two patients with clinical findings suggestive of dural sinus thrombosis were examined with venous MR angiography and spin-echo MR imaging. Maximum-intensity-projection reconstructions and individual sections of the MR angiograms were examined for direct and indirect signs of dural sinus thrombosis by assessing flow signal from the major sinuses, the jugular bulb, upper jugular veins, ascending cortical veins (occlusion or increased flow due to formation of collaterals), diploe (emissary) veins and extracranial veins, and the deep subcortical veins (Galen's and internal cerebral veins). Direct signs of dural sinus thrombosis on MR angiograms included lack of typical high flow signal from a sinus that did not appear aplastic or hypoplastic on single sections from MR angiography and the frayed appearance of the flow signal from a sinus after recanalization. Indirect signs of dural sinus thrombosis included evidence of formation of collaterals, unusually prominent flow signal from deeper medullary veins, cerebral hemorrhage, visualization of emissary veins, and signs of increased intracranial pressure. When available, conventional angiograms were evaluated by analogous criteria as appropriate. Digital subtraction or cut-film angiograms were available for correlation in nine patients. In nine patients, MR angiography was repeated up to eight times during the course of follow-up. The results of MR angiography for all patients were compared with results in 10 control subjects. Confirmation of the diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis was based either on conventional angiographic findings or on the changes seen in follow-up examinations. RESULTS Dural sinus thrombosis could be ruled out in 25 of the 42 patients on the basis of clinical and MR angiographic findings. In 17 patients with MR angiographic findings that indicated dural sinus thrombosis, conventional angiography confirmed the diagnosis in nine patients, and changes seen on repeat MR angiograms during follow-up confirmed the diagnosis in nine patients as well (one patient's diagnosis was confirmed by both techniques). Individual frames from two-dimensional fast low-angle shot sequences allowed direct visualization of thrombus. Limited spin-echo sequences as performed here provided inconsistent findings and were insufficient for diagnosis. In the 10 control subjects, attenuation of flow signal was seen in the torcular Herophili in all studies; one subject had a nonpathologic variant of the sinojugular system. CONCLUSION MR angiography is the technique of choice for diagnostic evaluation and follow-up of dural sinus thrombosis, and it is reliable as the sole examination for this condition. When MR angiographic findings are unremarkable and other abnormalities must be ruled out, routine spin-echo MR imaging should be performed.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Performance Based on Location and Size of Neuroanatomical Lesion in Vietnam Veterans with Penetrating Head Injury

We examined Wisconsin Card Sorting Test performance in a large group of brain-damaged patients and controls. No differences were found between patients with frontal lesions only and those with nonfrontal lesions. Patients with left dorsofrontal and anterior temporal lobe lesions committed the most perseverative errors. More analyses regarding requirements for information processing on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test are needed.
The influence of a simulated Olympic distance cycle exercise on subsequent running economy and biomechanics in triathletes

i DECLARATION . iii COPYRIGHT AND ACCESS STATEMENT . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . vi TABLE OF CONTENTS . viii LIST OF TABLES . xi LIST OF FIGURES . xii LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND DESCRIPTION OF TERMS . xiv CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 OVERVIEW . 1 1.2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND LITERATURE REVIEW . 3 1.3 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE . 11 1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS . 13 1.4. 1 Study One (Chapter Two) . 13 1.4. 2 Study Two (Chapter Three). 13 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES . 14 1.5. 1 Study One (Chapter Two) . 14 1.5. 2 Study Two (Chapter Three). 14 1.6 CHAPTER ONE REFERENCES . 16 CHAPTER TWO STUDY ONE . 22 Triathlon running economy: the influence of a simulated triathlon cycle leg on running economy in trained triathletes . 22 2.1 ABSTRACT . 22
Introduction to metallic nanoparticles

Metallic nanoparticles have fascinated scientist for over a century and are now heavily utilized in biomedical sciences and engineering. They are a focus of interest because of their huge potential in nanotechnology. Today these materials can be synthesized and modified with various chemical functional groups which allow them to be conjugated with antibodies, ligands, and drugs of interest and thus opening a wide range of potential applications in biotechnology, magnetic separation, and preconcentration of target analytes, targeted drug delivery, and vehicles for gene and drug delivery and more importantly diagnostic imaging. Moreover, various imaging modalities have been developed over the period of time such as MRI, CT, PET, ultrasound, SERS, and optical imaging as an aid to image various disease states. These imaging modalities differ in both techniques and instrumentation and more importantly require a contrast agent with unique physiochemical properties. This led to the invention of various nanoparticulated contrast agent such as magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4), gold, and silver nanoparticles for their application in these imaging modalities. In addition, to use various imaging techniques in tandem newer multifunctional nanoshells and nanocages have been developed. Thus in this review article, we aim to provide an introduction to magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4), gold nanoparticles, nanoshells and nanocages, and silver nanoparticles followed by their synthesis, physiochemical properties, and citing some recent applications in the diagnostic imaging and therapy of cancer.
Protein Kinase B/Akt Acts via Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 To Regulate Recycling of αvβ3 and α5β1 Integrins

ABSTRACT Protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt is known to promote cell migration, and this may contribute to the enhanced invasiveness of malignant cells. To elucidate potential mechanisms by which PKB/Akt promotes the migration phenotype, we have investigated its role in the endosomal transport and recycling of integrins. Whereas the internalization of αvβ3 and α5β1 integrins and their transport to the recycling compartment were independent of PKB/Akt, the return of these integrins (but not internalized transferrin) to the plasma membrane was regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases and PKB/Akt. The blockade of integrin recycling and cell spreading on integrin ligands effected by inhibition of PKB/Akt was reversed by inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3). Moreover, expression of nonphosphorylatable active GSK-3β mutant GSK-3β-A9 suppressed recycling of α5β1 and αvβ3 and reduced cell spreading on ligands for these integrins, indicating that PKB/Akt promotes integrin recycling by phosphorylating and inactivating GSK-3. We propose that the ability of PKB/Akt to act via GSK-3 to promote the recycling of matrix receptors represents a key mechanism whereby integrin function and cell migration can be regulated by growth factors.
Printed planar double inverted-F antenna with large frequency reconfigurability range

The use of frequency reconfigurable antennas is extremely important for Cognitive Radio (CR) systems. In this paper, we propose to study and design a multiband planar double inverted F-antenna (PIFA) with frequency agility characteristic. The proposed antenna is suitable for several applications. in fact, one varactor diode was integrated between the radiating element and the added floating ground plane. We apply a reverse voltage V on the varactor diode and we obtain more than three resonance frequencies with wide tuning ranges. Frequencies can be shifted from 700 to 1450 MHz and 1975 to 2800 MHz. The passive and active antennas were manufactured and measured. Simulations and measurements are presented and discussed.
DEVELOPMENT AND PATHOGENESIS OF PARELAPHOSTRONGYLUS ODOCOILEI (NEMATODA: PROTOSTRONGYLIDAE) IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED THINHORN SHEEP (OVIS DALLI)

Recently, the protostrongylid nematode Parelaphostrongylus odocoilei has been reported in a new host species, thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). For the first time, we completed the life cycle of P. odocoilei in three Stone's sheep (O. dalli stonei) and two thinhorn hybrids (O. dalli stonei × O. dalli dalli), each infected with 200 third-stage larvae from slugs (Deroceras laeve). The prepatent period ranged from 68 days to 74 days, and shedding of first-stage larvae (L1) peaked at >10,000 L1 per gram of feces between 90 and 110 days postinfection. A total of 75, 27, and 14 adult P. odocoilei were recovered from skeletal muscles of three Stone's sheep. Starting in the prepatent period, all infected sheep lost weight and developed peripheral eosinophilia. At 2 wk before patency, two thinhorn hybrids developed neurologic signs (hind end ataxia, loss of conscious proprioception, and hyperesthesia) that resolved at patency. Eosinophilic pleocytosis and antibody to Parelaphostrongylus spp. were detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of the affected sheep, suggesting that the migration route of the “muscleworm” P. odocoilei may involve the central nervous system. Twenty days after treatment with ivermectin, neurologic signs recurred and larval shedding ceased in one infected thinhorn hybrid, whereas multiple treatments transiently suppressed but did not eliminate larval shedding in the other. During patency, two Stone's sheep with numerous eggs and larvae of P. odocoilei in the lungs died of respiratory failure following anesthesia or exertion. Parelaphostrongylus odocoilei has widespread geographic distribution, high prevalence, the possibility of causing neurologic and respiratory disease, resistance to treatment, and may constitute a significant emerging disease risk for thinhorn sheep.
Climates of urbanization: local experiences of water security, conflict and cooperation in peri-urban South-Asia

ABSTRACT This article explores changing water (in)securities in a context of urbanization and climate change in the peri-urban spaces of four South-Asian cities: Khulna (Bangladesh), Gurugram and Hyderabad (India), and Kathmandu (Nepal). As awareness of water challenges like intensifying use, deteriorating quality and climate change is growing, water security gets more scientific and policy attention. However, in peri-urban areas, the dynamic zones between the urban and the rural, it remains under-researched, despite the specific characteristics of these spaces: intensifying flows of goods, resources, people, and technologies; diversifying uses of, and growing pressures on land and water; and complex and often contradictory governance and jurisdictional institutions. This article analyses local experiences of water (in-)security, conflict and cooperation in relation to existing policies. It uses insights from the analysis of the case studies as a point of departure for a critical reflection on whether a ‘community resilience’ discourse contributes to better understanding these cases of water insecurity and conflict, and to better policy solutions. The authors argue that a community resilience focus risks neglecting important insights about how peri-urban water insecurity problems are experienced by peri-urban populations and produced or reproduced in specific socio-economic, political and policy contexts. Unless supported by in-depth hydro-social research, such a focus may depoliticize basically political questions of water (re) allocation, prioritization, and access for marginalized groups. Therefore, the authors plead for more critical awareness among researchers and policy-makers of the consequences of using a ‘community resilience’ discourse for making sense of peri-urban water (in-)security. Key policy insights There is an urgent need for more (critical) policy and scientific attention to peri-urban water insecurity, conflict, and climate change. Although a changing climate will likely play a role, more attention is needed to how water insecurities and vulnerabilities in South Asia are socially produced. Researchers and policy-makers should avoid using depoliticized (community) resilience approaches for basically socio-political problems.
Mutational analysis of Phe160 within the "palm" subdomain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase.

The highly conserved Phe160 residue is located in the "palm" subdomain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT), and makes contact with Tyr115, a residue which is involved in deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) binding and fidelity of DNA synthesis. Five mutant RTs having Tyr, Trp, Ile, Ala or Gln instead of Phe160 were obtained by site-directed mutagenesis. F160Y and F160W retained substantial DNA polymerase activity, whereas the catalytic efficiency of nucleotide incorporation of mutants F160I, F160A and F160Q was less than 10 % that of the wild-type RT, using poly(rA). oligo(dT)20 as the template-primer. The low catalytic efficiency of mutants F160I, F160A and F160Q was due to their lower affinity for the dNTP substrate. F160Y displayed similar kinetic parameters as the wild-type RT in nucleotide insertion assays carried out with heteropolymeric DNA/DNA template-primers. However, nucleotide affinity was two- to sixfold reduced in the case of mutant F160W. Fidelity assays revealed similar misinsertion and mispair extension ratios for the three enzymes, although F160W showed a slightly higher accuracy of DNA synthesis, particularly in the presence of high concentrations of dNTP. When introduced in an infectious proviral clone, mutations F160I, F160A and F160Q rendered non-viable virus. The importance of Phe160 for polymerase function and viral replication could be mediated by its interaction with Tyr115, as suggested by the analysis of the available crystal structures of HIV-1 RT.
Does the tender, auction and listing system in land promote higher housing prices in China?

Abstract Using monthly data on national housing prices from July 1998 to June 2015, we investigate the effect of the ‘Tender, Auction and Listing’ (hereafter TAL) system on housing prices in land, implemented on 31 August 2004. We apply the additional polynomial regression discontinuity method which effectively eliminates the effects of several confounding factors such as financial crisis, ‘New National Ten Provisions’ and ‘9.30 New Regime’. We find that, although the TAL has caused the national average housing prices to go up by 10%, accounting for 11% of total increase in housing prices in the last year, it does not constitute the major driver for housing prices. Furthermore, our results indicate that TAL has exerted a larger impact on commercial and residential properties, especially in the middle and west regions. By examining the transmission mechanisms, we find that the effects of TAL are mainly via government’s starvation-style land supply effect and market-reshuffling effect.
A Single Point Mutation in -COP Results in Temperature-sensitive, Lethal Defects in Membrane Transport in a Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Mutant (*)

At the nonpermissive temperature of 39.5°C, the Chinese hamster ovary cell conditionally lethal, temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant ldlF exhibits the following defects: rapid degradation of low density lipoprotein receptors, disruption of ER-through-Golgi transport, and disintegration of the Golgi apparatus. All of these are corrected by transfection with an expression vector for wild-type -COP, a subunit of coatomers (Guo, Q., Vasile, E., and Krieger, M.(1994) J. Cell Biol. 125, 1213-1224). We now report the identification in ldlF cells of a point mutation in the -COP gene, Glu to Lys, which prevents the corresponding cDNA from correcting the defects in transfected ldlF cells and the immunochemical analysis of the synthesis, structure, and stability of -COP. At the permissive temperature (34°C), the steady state level of ts--COP in ldlF cells was about half that of -COP in wild-type Chinese hamster ovary cells and the isoelectric point of ts--COP was 0.14 pH units higher than that of the wild-type protein. The stability but not the biosynthesis of ts--COP was temperature-sensitive (t > 6 h at 34°C and 1-2 h at 39.5°C), and this accounts for the virtual absence of detectable ts--COP protein in ldlF cells after incubation at 39.5°C for >6 h. The steady state levels in ldlF cells of another coatomer subunit, β-COP, and the peripheral Golgi protein ldlCp were not temperature-sensitive. Thus, a mutation in -COP that causes instability at 39.5°C is responsible for all of the temperature-sensitive defects in ldlF cells, and the stability of β-COP is not linked directly to that of -COP. ldlF cells should be useful for the future analysis of the structure and function of -COP, the assembly of COPs into coatomers, and the participation of coatomers in intracellular membrane transport.
Next-generation sequencing and comparative analysis of Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and Pyrrhocorax graculus (Passeriformes: Corvidae) mitochondrial genomes

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genomes of Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) were sequenced using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. These mitogenomes contain 16,889 bp (Red-billed Chough) and 16,905 bp (Yellow-billed Chough), including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a control region (D-loop). The gene content, orientation, and structure are similar to a wide range of other vertebrate species and the nucleotide composition is very similar to other Passeriformes. All PCGs start with ATG, except for COX1 that starts with GTG, and four stop codons and one incomplete stop codon are used (TAA, TAG, AGG, AGA, and T-). The size of PCGs is the same in both mitogenomes, except for ND6 that has one codon less in the Yellow-billed Chough. All the tRNAs can fold into a typical cloverleaf secondary structure. These mitogenomic data can be of great value in complementing forthcoming approaches on molecular ecology, comparative and functional genomics.