Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation in the developmental regulation of cortical avpr1a among prairie voles

Early experiences can have enduring impacts on brain and behavior, but the strength of these effects can be influenced by genetic variation. In principle, polymorphic CpGs (polyCpGs) may contribute to gene‐by‐environment interactions (G × E) by altering DNA methylation. In this study, we investigate the influence of polyCpGs on the development of vasopressin receptor 1a abundance in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC‐V1aR) of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Two alternative alleles (‘HI’/‘LO’) predict RSC avpr1a expression, V1aR abundance and sexual fidelity in adulthood; these alleles differ in the frequency of CpG sites and in methylation at a putative intron enhancer. We hypothesized that the elevated CpG abundance in the LO allele would make homozygous LO/LO voles more sensitive to developmental perturbations. We found that genotype differences in RSC‐V1aR abundance emerged early in ontogeny and were accompanied by differences in methylation of the putative enhancer. As predicted, postnatal treatment with an oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA) reduced RSC‐V1aR abundance in LO/LO adults but not their HI/HI siblings. Similarly, methylation inhibition by zebularine increased RSC‐V1aR in LO/LO adults, but not in HI/HI siblings. These data show a gene‐by‐environment interaction in RSC‐V1aR. Surprisingly, however, neither OTA nor zebularine altered adult methylation of the intronic enhancer, suggesting that differences in sensitivity could not be explained by CpG density at the enhancer alone. Methylated DNA immunoprecipiation‐sequencing showed additional differentially methylated regions between HI/HI and LO/LO voles. Future research should examine the role of these regions and other regulatory elements in the ontogeny of RSC‐V1aR and its developmentally induced changes.
Relation of ultraviolet radiation and primary pterygium

Pterygium is present worldwide but it is more common in dry warm climates and predominates in countries situated 0o and 30o on North and South latitudes. There Revista Cubana de Oftalmología. 2009; 22(1) http://scielo.sld. cu 2 are epidemiological pieces of evidence in experimental and observational population studies that confirm that ultraviolet radiation is the initial unleashing factor in occurrence of pterygium and a significant risk factor for its development. The physical and climate phenomena accounting for the pathogeny of pterygium are almost unknown. Pterygium epidemiology is a basic tool for identifying its incidence and prevalence. On the basis of this review, we intended to make reflections on pterygium as a marker of degree of insolation of the human body and to emphasize the importance of protection against possible exposure to ultraviolet radiations in the final outcome of pterygium surgery.
Health disparities in Europe’s ageing population: the role of social network

ABSTRACT Background: Previous research suggests that the social network may play very different roles in relation to health in countries with differing welfare regimes. Objective: The study aimed to assess the interplay between social network, socioeconomic position, and self-rated health (SRH) in European countries. Methods: The study used cross-sectional data on individuals aged 50+ from the fourth wave of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) and includes data from 16 countries. The outcome is poor SRH. All analyses are adjusted for age and stratified by gender. Results: Low satisfaction with the social network was associated with poor SRH among women in all country groups, but predicted poor SRH among males in West/Central and Eastern Europe only. The results from the multivariable analysis showed an increased likelihood of poor SRH among those with relatively lower education, as well as among those with low satisfaction with the social network (women from all country groups and men from Western/Central and Eastern Europe). However, the results from interaction analysis show that poor SRH for those with lower relative position in educational level was greater among those with higher satisfaction with the social network among male and female participants from Northern Europe. The health of individuals who are highly satisfied with their social network is more associated with socioeconomic status in Northern Europe. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance of social network and socioeconomic gradients in health among the elderly in Europe.
Personalized Community Discovery Algorithm Based on GN

Nowadays, complex network has become a hot topic with the development of Internet. How to further explore the structure of complex networks also becomes a current focus. Generally, network has a strong community structure, so we could find these community structures to help us understand characteristics of complex networks. As a representative of classic community discovery algorithms, GN algorithm could discover complex network communities. Traditional GN algorithm removes the edge with highest betweenness in networks, which gets partion results. This paper improves traditional GN algorithm by quantifying the relationship among users based on micro-blog. Our improved GN algorithm that removes edges with the lowest relationship applies to asymmetric networks. Verified by real social networks and simulated micro-blog networks, the improved GN algorithm could discover community structure more precisely and effectively. Compared with traditional GN algorithm, running time of our algorithm is less, which reduces time complexity.
Surface Connectivity and Interocean Exchanges From Drifter‐Based Transition Matrices

Abstract Global surface transport in the ocean can be represented by using the observed trajectories of drifters to calculate probability distribution functions. The oceanographic applications of the Markov Chain approach to modeling include tracking of floating debris and water masses, globally and on yearly‐to‐centennial time scales. Here we analyze the error inherent with mapping trajectories onto a grid and the consequences for ocean transport modeling and detection of accumulation structures. A sensitivity analysis of Markov Chain parameters is performed in an idealized Stommel gyre and western boundary current as well as with observed ocean drifters, complementing previous studies on widespread floating debris accumulation. Focusing on two key areas of interocean exchange—the Agulhas system and the North Atlantic intergyre transport barrier—we assess the capacity of the Markov Chain methodology to detect surface connectivity and dynamic transport barriers. Finally, we extend the methodology's functionality to separate the geostrophic and nongeostrophic contributions to interocean exchange in these key regions.
Signal processing by pulse‐driven molecular arrays

In this paper cellular array processors composed of weakly Coulomb coupled molecules are studied. Equivalent circuits for molecules performing optically induced electron and proton transfer are presented, and pulse‐driven computing architectures are proposed. The polymer‐like molecular array is processing signals if it is subjected to a sequence of electromagnetic pulses of well‐defined frequency, envelope and length. Programming is accomplished by selecting proper sequence of pulses. Universality of the proposed architecture for computing is demonstrated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypertrophic Effects of Concentric vs. Eccentric Muscle Actions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Schoenfeld, BJ, Ogborn, DI, Vigotsky, AD, Franchi, MV, and Krieger, JW. Hypertrophic effects of concentric vs. eccentric muscle actions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2599–2608, 2017—Controversy exists as to whether different dynamic muscle actions produce divergent hypertrophic responses. The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the hypertrophic effects of concentric vs. eccentric training in healthy adults after regimented resistance training (RT). Studies were deemed eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (a) were an experimental trial published in an English-language refereed journal; (b) directly compared concentric and eccentric actions without the use of external implements (i.e., blood pressure cuffs) and all other RT variables equivalent; (c) measured morphologic changes using biopsy, imaging (magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, or ultrasound), bioelectrical impedance, and/or densitometry; (d) had a minimum duration of 6 weeks; and (e) used human participants without musculoskeletal injury or any health condition that could directly, or through the medications associated with the management of said condition, be expected to impact the hypertrophic response to resistance exercise. A systematic literature search determined that 15 studies met inclusion criteria. Results showed that eccentric muscle actions resulted in a greater effect size (ES) compared with concentric actions, but results did not reach statistical significance (ES difference = 0.25 ± 0.13; 95% confidence interval: −0.03 to 0.52; p = 0.076). The mean percent change in muscle growth across studies favored eccentric compared with concentric actions (10.0% vs. 6.8, respectively). The findings indicate the importance of including eccentric and concentric actions in a hypertrophy-oriented RT program, as both have shown to be effective in increasing muscle hypertrophy.
Perfluorocarbon Enhanced Glasgow Oxygen Level Dependent (GOLD) Magnetic Resonance Metabolic Imaging Identifies the Penumbra Following Acute Ischemic Stroke

The ability to identify metabolically active and potentially salvageable ischaemic penumbra is crucial for improving treatment decisions in acute stroke patients. Our solution involves two complementary novel MRI techniques (Glasgow Oxygen Level Dependant (GOLD) Metabolic Imaging), which when combined with a perfluorocarbon (PFC) based oxygen carrier and hyperoxia can identify penumbra due to dynamic changes related to continued metabolism within this tissue compartment. Our aims were (i) to investigate whether PFC offers similar enhancement of the second technique (Lactate Change) as previously demonstrated for the T2*OC technique (ii) to demonstrate both GOLD metabolic imaging techniques working concurrently to identify penumbra, following administration of Oxycyte® (O-PFC) with hyperoxia. Methods: An established rat stroke model was utilised. Part-1: Following either saline or PFC, magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the effect of hyperoxia on lactate change in presumed penumbra. Part-2; rats received O-PFC prior to T2*OC (technique 1) and MR spectroscopic imaging, which was used to identify regions of tissue lactate change (technique 2) in response to hyperoxia. In order to validate the techniques, imaging was followed by [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiography to correlate tissue metabolic status to areas identified as penumbra. Results: Part-1: PFC+hyperoxia resulted in an enhanced reduction of lactate in the penumbra when compared to saline+hyperoxia. Part-2: Regions of brain tissue identified as potential penumbra by both GOLD metabolic imaging techniques utilising O-PFC, demonstrated maintained glucose metabolism as compared to adjacent core tissue. Conclusion: For the first time in vivo, enhancement of both GOLD metabolic imaging techniques has been demonstrated following intravenous O-PFC+hyperoxia to identify ischaemic penumbra. We have also presented preliminary evidence of the potential therapeutic benefit offered by O-PFC. These unique theranostic applications would enable treatment based on metabolic status of the brain tissue, independent of time from stroke onset, leading to increased uptake and safer use of currently available treatment options.
Alterations of specific lipid groups in serum of obese humans: a review

Obesity is a major contributor to the dysfunction of liver, cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine and reproductive system, as well as a component of metabolic syndrome. Although development of obesity‐related disorders is associated with lipid abnormalities, most previous studies dealing with the problem in question were limited to routinely determined parameters, such as serum concentrations of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low‐density and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Many authors postulated to extend the scope of analysed lipid compounds and to study obesity‐related alterations in other, previously non‐examined groups of lipids. Comprehensive quantitative, structural and functional analysis of specific lipid groups may result in identification of new obesity‐related alterations. The review summarizes available evidence of obesity‐related alterations in various groups of lipids and their impact on health status of obese subjects. Further, the role of diet and endogenous lipid synthesis in the development of serum lipid alterations is discussed, along with potential application of various lipid compounds as risk markers for obesity‐related comorbidities.
2013 7th International Conference on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare and Workshops Seq: Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire for Virtual Rehabilitation Systems. Application in a Virtual Rehabilitation System for Balance Rehabilitation

Usability, acceptance and security of use are key factors in the validation of Virtual Rehabilitation system. Current literature offers different questionnaires for this purpose, but many of them do not consider some important issues and other are inadequate for patients. In this paper, we present SEQ (Suitability Evaluation Questionnaire) a novel questionnaire designed specifically for Virtual Rehabilitation systems. SEQ is based on a questionnaire with proven efficacy (SFQ) but with new questions that cover fundamental items not covered by SFQ. SEQ is an easy to understand questionnaire, with an affordable number of questions (14), which is being currently validated. This contribution presents also the study that is being carried out, and the preliminary results obtained from patients who have already completed the study (N=13). These initial results show an acceptable internal consistency of SEQ. As a secondary result, this contribution also indicates initial suitability evaluation of a Virtual Rehabilitation system designed for balance recovery. Integration of teclmology in rehabilitation has led to the appearance of Virtual Rehabilitation (VR). VR offers great advantages for both patients and specialists. Current VR systems help clinical specialists, generating objective data and providing enjoyable rehabilitation to patients. Also, VR systems allow the efficient rehabilitation of more patients with lower total cost [I]. The playful approach frequently associated to VR systems and the integrated technology improves patient's experience, increasing motivation and adherence to the treatment. This bigger motivation results in better motor and psychological recovery [2], [3]. Clinical validity of VR systems has been demonstrated in many studies. Most of these studies conclude that the recovery of patients that follow a VR based program is greater than the recovery with traditional rehabilitation programs [4], [5]. Usually, these systems probe their clinical efficacy Vs traditional rehabilitation, but it is necessary to ensure first their adequacy in aspects such as usability, acceptance and security. The importance of usability, acceptance and security of use in VR systems, has been previously indicated by many authors. Thus, the current background offers us various studies on VR systems that evaluate almost some of these items. Fitzgerald et al. [6] carry out a usability evaluation of a VR system. This evaluation is done with VRUSE [7], a computerized usability questionnaire designed for Virtual reality applications. This questionnaire is very complete but it has an important problem: the great number of questions included. VRUSE is composed of 100 questions, too many questions especially considering …
A network slicing prototype for a flexible cloud radio access network

The next 5G infrastructure is expected to serve a multitude of services with heterogeneous requirements, which might be potentially managed by multiple Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that share the same network infrastructure. The new emerging technologies, such as i) Software Defined Networking (SDN), ii) Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and iii) Network Slicing, where physical resources are partitioned and allocated in an isolated manner to a set of services or to MVNOs according to a specific Service Level Agreement (SLA), are seen as the key enabling approaches to fulfill the diversity of requirements of 5G services in a cost-effective manner. In this paper, we design and prototype a network slicing solution, which we have developed in a Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) infrastructure based on the Open Air Interface (OAI) platform and FlexRAN SDN controller. The aim of our work is to validate the feasibility of the prototype in handling the creation and configuration of network slices on-demand, taking into account some requirements that are elaborated from SDN-based slicing applications. By means of emulations, we show that our prototype reacts well to the inputs coming from the SDN application and is finally capable of providing isolation among multiple slices in a dynamic fashion.
Discriminative Feature Representation to Improve Projection Data Inconsistency for Low Dose CT Imaging

In low dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging, the data inconsistency of measured noisy projections can significantly deteriorate reconstruction images. To deal with this problem, we propose here a new sinogram restoration approach, the sinogram- discriminative feature representation (S-DFR) method. Different from other sinogram restoration methods, the proposed method works through a 3-D representation-based feature decomposition of the projected attenuation component and the noise component using a well-designed composite dictionary containing atoms with discriminative features. This method can be easily implemented with good robustness in parameter setting. Its comparison to other competing methods through experiments on simulated and real data demonstrated that the S-DFR method offers a sound alternative in LDCT.
Integrated remote controller distinguishing home appliances by deep learning

This paper describes a method for distinguishing various home appliances with separate remote controllers and integrating control with a single remote controller. We propose that images of home appliances can be obtained with a camera, after which the appliances can be distinguished from each other by a convolutional neural network. We developed an experimental system to evaluate our proposed method and demonstrated that the system could distinguish different home appliances with a high accuracy of 99%.
Error Estimation of Linear Polarization Resistance Measurement Caused by IR Drop for Reinforcement Corrosion in Concrete

In order to evaluate more accurately the corrosion condition of reinforcing steel in chloride contaminated concrete, it is significant to investigate the error level in the linear polarization resistance measurement caused by IR drop. Concretes with eight levels of chloride ions (ranging from 0% to 2.0% by mass of cement) by adding different amounts of sodium chloride in the mixing water were prepared. Linear polarization measurements with and without IR compensation, were applied to determine the error level. Besides, half-cell potential method was employed to detect the corrosion condition of reinforcing steel. The results indicate that the error level is so low (less than 5.0%) that the IR drop can be negligible when the chloride content is relatively lower (0.6% or less by mass of cement). However, the error level is increased with the increase of chloride content. The IR drop is suggested to be compensated when the chloride content is relatively higher (more than 0.6% by mass of cement). At this time, the onset of active corrosion of reinforcing steel is also found.
LISTEN: Non-interactive Localization in Wireless Camera Sensor Networks

Recent advances in the application field increasingly demand the use of wireless camera sensor networks (WCSNs), for which localization is a crucial task to enable various location-based services. Most of the existing localization approaches for WCSNs are essentially interactive, i.e. require the interaction among the nodes throughout the localization process. As a result, they are costly to realize in practice, vulnerable to sniffer attacks, inefficient in energy consumption and computation. In this paper we propose LISTEN, a non-interactive localization approach. Using LISTEN, every camera sensor node only needs to silently listen to the beacon signals from a mobile beacon node and capture a few images until determining its own location. We design the movement trajectory of the mobile beacon node, which guarantees to locate all the nodes successfully. We have implemented LISTEN and evaluated it through extensive experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that it is accurate, efficient, and suitable for WCSNs that consist of low-end camera sensors.
Development of an Effective 6-Methylpurine Counterselection Marker for Genetic Manipulation in Thermococcus barophilus

A gene disruption system for Thermococcus barophilus was developed using simvastatin (HMG-CoA reductase encoding gene) for positive selection and 5-Fluoroorotic acid (5-FOA), a pyrF gene for negative selection. Multiple gene mutants were constructed with this system, which offers the possibility of complementation in trans, but produces many false positives (<80%). To significantly reduce the rate of false positives, we used another counterselective marker, 6-methylpurine (6-MP), a toxic analog of adenine developed in Thermococcus kodakarensis, consistently correlated with the TK0664 gene (encoding a hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase). We thus replaced pyrF by TK0664 on our suicide vector and tested T. barophilus strain sensitivity to 6-MP before and after transformation. Wild-Type (WT) T. barophilus is less sensitive to 6-MP than WT T. kodakarensis, and an increase of cell resistance was achieved after deletion of the T. barophilus TERMP_00517 gene homologous to T. kodakarensis TK0664. Results confirmed the natural resistance of T. barophilus to 6-MP and show that TK0664 can confer sensitivity. This new counterselection system vastly improves genetic manipulations in T. barophilus MP, with a strong decrease in false positives to <15%. Using this genetic tool, we have started to investigate the functions of several genes involved in genomic maintenance (e.g., polB and rnhB).