Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elastic modulus of a colloidal suspension of rigid spheres at rest

By modeling a colloidal suspension at rest as a solid, a new expression for the linear elastic modulus is obtained. This estimate is valid for a yield stress colloidal suspension submitted to a small strain. Interestingly, it is also possible to perform hypothesis allowing to recover the high-frequency modulus classically found by means of a classical ’fluid approach’. However, in most of the situations, the moduli obtained by the two approaches are different. To cite this article: L. Pasol, X. Chateau, C. R. Mecanique 336 (2008) 512-517. Résumé Module d’élasticité d’une suspension collöıdale de sphères dures au repos. En modélisant une suspension collöıdale au repos comme un solide, on obtient une nouvelle expression pour le module d’élasticité linéaire. Cette expression permet d’estimer le module d’une suspension collöıdale possédant un seuil d’écoulement soumise à une déformation infinitésimale. On montre également que sous certaines hypothèses, cette approche permet de retrouver l’expression du module élastique à grande fréquence obtenu par une approche classique de type fluide. Pour citer cet article : L. Pasol, X. Chateau, C. R. Mecanique 336 (2008) 512-517.
Cognitive influence on postural stability: a neuromuscular analysis in young and older adults.

BACKGROUND Previous literature indicates that attentional resources are required for recovery of postural stability. Previous studies have also examined the effect of aging on the performance of a static postural task while a secondary cognitive task is being conducted. This study describes the effect of a cognitive task on the neuromuscular response characteristics underlying reactive balance control in young versus older adults. METHODS The attentional demand on the neuromuscular system was examined in 14 young and 12 healthy older adults by analysis of the integrated electromyography activity while the adults were performing a dual-task paradigm. The primary task involved standing platform perturbations and the secondary task was a math task that involved subtraction by threes. Integrated electromyography activity was compared between the cognitive (math and balance) task versus control (balance only) task. RESULTS For both groups of subjects, onset latency of postural muscle responses did not change under dual-task conditions. In contrast, the amplitude of postural muscle activity was significantly affected by performance of a secondary task. When electromyography data were combined for both young and older adults, there was a decrease in muscle response amplitude in both agonist (gastrocnemius) and antagonist (tibialis anterior) muscles when the cognitive math task was performed. This was apparent at 350-500 milliseconds from plate onset for the gastrocnemius and between 150 and 500 for the tibialis anterior. When young and older adults were compared, an age by task interaction effect was seen in muscle response amplitude for the agonist (gastrocnemius) muscle between 350 to 500 milliseconds, with older adults showing a significantly greater reduction than young adults. CONCLUSION The decline of muscle activity when the secondary task was performed suggests that less attentional processing capacity was available for balance control during the dual-task paradigm. The results also indicate that the dual-task activity has a greater impact on balance control in the older adults than in the young adults.
Regulation of Muscle Fiber Type and Running Endurance by PPARδ

Endurance exercise training can promote an adaptive muscle fiber transformation and an increase of mitochondrial biogenesis by triggering scripted changes in gene expression. However, no transcription factor has yet been identified that can direct this process. We describe the engineering of a mouse capable of continuous running of up to twice the distance of a wild-type littermate. This was achieved by targeted expression of an activated form of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in skeletal muscle, which induces a switch to form increased numbers of type I muscle fibers. Treatment of wild-type mice with PPARδ agonist elicits a similar type I fiber gene expression profile in muscle. Moreover, these genetically generated fibers confer resistance to obesity with improved metabolic profiles, even in the absence of exercise. These results demonstrate that complex physiologic properties such as fatigue, endurance, and running capacity can be molecularly analyzed and manipulated.
Human LAT1, a subunit of system L amino acid transporter: molecular cloning and transport function.

We report here on the cloning and functional characterization of human LAT1, a subunit of the amino acid transport system L. The hLAT1 cDNA, obtained from a human placental cDNA library, codes for a protein of 507 amino acids. When functionally expressed in mammalian cells together with the heavy chain of the rat 4F2 antigen (r4F2hc), hLAT1 induces the transport of neutral amino acids. When expressed independently, neither hLAT1 nor r4F2hc was capable of amino acid transport to any significant extent. Thus, the hLAT1-r4F2hc heterodimeric complex is responsible for the observed amino acid transport. The transport process induced by the heterodimer is Na+ independent and is not influenced by pH. It recognizes exclusively neutral amino acids with high affinity. LAT1-specific mRNA is expressed in most human tissues with the notable exception of the intestine.
Robustness of topological states with respect to lattice instability in the nonsymmorphic topological insulator KHgSb

We report a polarized Raman scattering study of non-symmorphic topological insulator KHgSb with hourglass-like electronic dispersion. Supported by theoretical calculations, we show that the lattice of the previously assigned space group $P6_3/mmc$ (No. 194) is unstable in KHgSb. While we observe one of two calculated Raman active E$_{2g}$ phonons of space group $P6_3/mmc$ at room temperature, an additional A$_{1g}$ peak appears at 99.5 ~cm$^{-1}$ upon cooling below $T^*$ = 150 K, which suggests a lattice distortion. Several weak peaks associated with two-phonon excitations emerge with this lattice instability. We also show that the sample is very sensitive to high temperature and high laser power, conditions under which it quickly decomposes, leading to the formation of Sb. Our first-principles calculations indicate that space group $P6_3mc$ (No. 186), corresponding to a vertical displacement of the Sb atoms with respect to the Hg atoms that breaks the inversion symmetry, is lower in energy than the presumed $P6_3/mmc$ structure and preserves the glide plane symmetry necessary to the formation of hourglass fermions.
Experience with argon laser trabeculoplasty in Nigerians.

Aim To report the safety and efficacy of Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). Settings and Design This was a retrospective study performed on 25 eyes of 25 patients. Methods and Materials Consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria for ALT were recruited from the ophthalmic clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria and followed up for a minimum period of six months. Two criteria were used to define successful response. Criterion 1 was defined as IOP reduction of 3mmHg or more without additional intervention while criterion 2 was IOP reduction of 20% or more from the pretreatment IOP. Statistical Analysis Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. Frequencies and means were generated to observe patterns of variable distribution among the patients. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean pretreatment IOP was 19.9 ±3.1mmHg, (range of 16 to 26 mmHg). Mean post treatment IOP at 6 months was 14.9 ±2.2 mmHg, (range of 11 to 19 mmHg). Mean IOP reduction at one year was 4.6 mmHg, representing a 22.3% drop. There was a statistically significant greater IOP reduction in eyes (P<0.001) with higher pretreatment IOP. Based on criterion 1 and 2, 84.0% of the patients had successful outcome at six months while at one year, 76.9% were successful based on criterion one. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the efficacy of ALT in Nigerians. ALT is safe and effective in reducing IOP in Nigerians. Key messages ALT is safe and effective in reducing intraocular pressure in this population of Nigerians. Funding The present study did not receive any funds.
Significant abundance of cis configurations of mutations in diploid human genomes

To fully understand human genetic variation, one must assess the specific distribution of variants between the two chromosomal homologues of genes, and any functional units of interest, as the phase of variants can significantly impact gene function and phenotype. To this end, we have systematically analyzed 18,121 autosomal protein-coding genes in 1,092 statistically phased genomes from the 1000 Genomes Project, and an unprecedented number of 184 experimentally phased genomes from the Personal Genome Project. Here we show that mutations predicted to functionally alter the protein, and coding variants as a whole, are not randomly distributed between the two homologues of a gene, but do occur significantly more frequently in cis-than trans-configurations, with cis/trans ratios of ∼60:40. Significant cis-abundance was observed in virtually all individual genomes in all populations. Nearly all variable genes exhibited either cis, or trans configurations of protein-altering mutations in significant excess, allowing distinction of cis- and trans-abundant genes. These common patterns of phase were largely constituted by a shared, global set of phase-sensitive genes. We show significant enrichment of this global set with gene sets indicating its involvement in adaptation and evolution. Moreover, cis- and trans-abundant genes were found functionally distinguishable, and exhibited strikingly different distributional patterns of protein-altering mutations. This work establishes common patterns of phase as key characteristics of diploid human exomes and provides evidence for their potential functional significance. Thus, it highlights the importance of phase for the interpretation of protein-coding genetic variation, challenging the current conceptual and functional interpretation of autosomal genes.
Increasing the Accuracy of Cooperative Localization by Controlling the Sensor Graph

We characterize the accuracy of a cooperative localization algorithm based on Kalman Filtering, as expressed by the trace of the covariance matrix, in terms of the algebraic graph theoretic properties of the sensing graph. In particular, we discover a weighted Laplacian in the expression that yields the constant, steady state value of the covariance matrix. We show how one can reduce the localization uncertainty by manipulating the eigenvalues of the weighted Laplacian. We thus provide insight to recent optimization results which indicate that increased connectivity implies higher accuracy and we offer an analysis method that could lead to more efficient ways of achieving the desired accuracy by controlling the sensing network. UNM Technical Report: ME-TR-06-001
Der Einfluss von Models in der Werbung auf das Körperselbstbild der Betrachter/innen

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde untersucht, ob die Betrachtung von Werbeinseraten mit Models das Korperselbstbild bei Frauen und Mannern verandern kann. Den 124 weiblichen und mannlichen Teilnehmern (Altersmittelwert: 30 Jahre; Range 18 bis 60 Jahre) der Studie wurden entweder Werbeinserate ohne Models (Kontrollgruppe), Werbeinserate mit weiblichen und mannlichen Models (Experimentalgruppe 1) oder Werbeinserate mit Models ausschlieslich des eigenen Geschlechts (Experimentalgruppe 2) prasentiert. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung zeigen unter anderem, dass weibliche Teilnehmer beider Experimentalgruppen eine grosere Diskrepanz zwischen ihrem realen und idealen Korperschema wahrnehmen und auch starker davon ausgehen, dass andere Frauen ein dunneres Ideal anstreben als Frauen der Kontrollgruppe. Bei mannlichen Teilnehmern konnten dagegen keine bedeutsamen Unterschiede in der Korperwahrnehmung zwischen Mannern der Experimentalgruppen und der Kontrollgruppe festgestellt werden. Diese Ergebnisse werden in Bezug auf zum Teil kontrare Ergebnisse einer aktuellen amerikanischen Studie und hinsichtlich ihrer gesellschaftlichen Relevanz diskutiert. Schlusselworter: Werbeinserate, unerwunschte Effekte von Werbung, Korperselbstbild, Korperschemastandards, Korperunzufriedenheit The influence of models posing for commercial advertisement on the observers’ body-image
The Computation of Shape Orientation in Search for Kanizsa Figures

Previous studies of visual search for illusory figures have provided equivocal results, with efficient search for Kanizsa squares (eg Davis and Driver, 1994 Nature 371 291–293) contrasting with inefficient search for Kanizsa triangles (eg Grabowecky and Treisman, 1989 Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 30 457). Here, we investigated whether shape orientation can explain these differences. The results from three experiments replicated previous findings: Kanizsa squares in experiment 1 could be detected more efficiently than Kanizsa triangles in experiment 2. In addition, when controlling for stimulus complexity in experiment 3, we found search for Kanizsa diamonds intermediate in efficiency. Taken together, these results suggest an oblique effect in search for Kanizsa figures with cardinal shape orientations leading to more efficient performance than oblique shape orientations. Our findings indicate that both shape orientation and stimulus complexity affect search for illusory figures.
Psychopathy and the Perception of Affect and Vulnerability

The relationship between psychopathic traits and the perception of nonverbal communication, including facial expressions and body language, is investigated. Participants include 59 prison inmates and 60 community members. Psychopathic traits among inmates are measured using the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R) and Levenson's Self Report Psychopathy Scale. Participants categorize the emotion of posed facial photographs and rate intensity of emotion. They view videotaped interactions of a confederate and a target individual and rate assertiveness using the Rathus Assertiveness Scale. There is a trend for the PCL-R to be positively correlated with the inmates' accuracy of emotional intensity ratings. Psychopathic traits are also positively associated with the accuracy of assertiveness ratings.
Keeping therapies simple: psychoeducation in the prevention of relapse in affective disorders

Summary Psychological interventions for mood disorders can be divided into ‘skilled’ and ‘simple‘. Psychoeducation belongs to the latter group: a simple and illness-focused therapy with prophylactic efficacy in all major mood disorders. Successful implementation of psychoeducation requires a proper setting, including open-door policy, team effort and empowerment of the therapeutic alliance.
Wingless Signaling: A Genetic Journey from Morphogenesis to Metastasis

This FlyBook chapter summarizes the history and the current state of our understanding of the Wingless signaling pathway. Wingless, the fly homolog of the mammalian Wnt oncoproteins, plays a central role in pattern generation during development. Much of what we know about the pathway was learned from genetic and molecular experiments in Drosophila melanogaster, and the core pathway works the same way in vertebrates. Like most growth factor pathways, extracellular Wingless/Wnt binds to a cell surface complex to transduce signal across the plasma membrane, triggering a series of intracellular events that lead to transcriptional changes in the nucleus. Unlike most growth factor pathways, the intracellular events regulate the protein stability of a key effector molecule, in this case Armadillo/β-catenin. A number of mysteries remain about how the “destruction complex” destabilizes β-catenin and how this process is inactivated by the ligand-bound receptor complex, so this review of the field can only serve as a snapshot of the work in progress.
Plasmids from the gut microbiome of cabbage root fly larvae encode SaxA that catalyses the conversion of the plant toxin 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate.

Cabbage root fly larvae (Delia radicum) cause severe crop losses (≥ 50%) of rapeseed/ canola and cabbages used in the food and biofuel industries. These losses occur despite the fact that cabbages produce insecticidal toxins such as isothiocyanates. Here we describe the cabbage root fly larval gut microbiome as a source of isothiocyanate degrading enzymes. We sequenced the microbial gut community of the larvae and analysed phylogenetic markers and functional genes. We combined this with the isolation of several microbial strains representing the phylogenetic distribution of the metagenome. Eleven of those isolates were highly resistant towards 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate, a subset also metabolized 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate. Several plasmids appeared to be shared between those isolates that metabolized the toxin. One of the plasmids harboured a saxA gene that upon transformation gave resistance and enabled the degradation of 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate in Escherichia coli. Taken together, the results showed that the cabbage root fly larval gut microbiome is capable of isothiocyanate degradation, a characteristic that has not been observed before, and may help us understand and design new pest control strategies.
Iron supplementation compliance among pregnant women in Bicol, Philippines

Abstract Objective To quantify factors influencing iron supplementation compliance and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations among pregnant women participating in an iron supplementation programme under routine field conditions. Design Cross-sectional interviews and Hb measurements. Settings Albay and Sorsogon provinces, Bicol, Philippines. Subjects Three hundred and forty-six pregnant women receiving iron supplements via the Philippine iron supplementation programme. Results Women had a mean Hb concentration of 10.75 ± 1.43 g dl−1, and 56.4% were anaemic (Hb < 11.0 g dl−1). On average, the first prenatal visit occurred at nearly 4 months (3.80 ± 1.56). The ratio of visits to number of months pregnant was 0.51 ± 0.24. Self-reported consumption of pills received was 85% (0.85 ± 0.23), although pill counts suggested that consumption was 70% (0.70 ± 0.35). Using multiple regression, an earlier first prenatal visit and greater self-reported compliance were positively associated with Hb concentrations. Additionally, perceived health benefits from taking the supplements and higher health programme knowledge were positively associated with pill consumption, while experiencing side-effects and disliking the taste of the supplements were associated with lower pill consumption. A greater number of living children was negatively associated with the frequency of prenatal visits. The number of children was also directly negatively associated with Hb concentrations. Conclusions Compliance was positively related to Hb concentrations. Several factors associated with greater compliance were identified, including marital status, number of children, health programme knowledge, side-effects, perceived health benefits, and dislike of taste. Some of these factors may serve as avenues for interventions to increase compliance, and ultimately Hb concentrations.
Effect of Ploidy Level on Growth, Differentiation, and Morphology in Physcomitrella patens

Abstract Due to its high rate of homologous recombination, the moss Physcomitrella patens (Hedw.) B.S.G. is used as a novel system to facilitate gene/function-analyses. Loss-of-function mutations are easy to identify in the moss, as the dominant phase is the haploid gametophyte. Regenerating protoplasts were used to establish different moss lines with ploidy levels of 1C, 2C, and 4C. Flowcytometric analysis of three haploid, three diploid, and two tetraploid Physcomitrella lines revealed that haploid and diploid lines were cytologically stable, whereas nuclei of tetraploid lines exhibited varying DNA-contents. The effect of polyploidization on the phenotype, growth, and differentiation of Physcomitrella was investigated in vitro. The growth of three haploid, three diploid, and two tetraploid genotypes was evaluated after four weeks of axenic culture. The effect of the genotype on the growth rate of plants cultured on minimal medium was statistically significant; in contrast the ploidy level had no effect. On full medium the effect of the line, as well as the ploidy level, were statistically significant. The dry weight per petri-dish after a culture period of four weeks, was 103–106 mg in haploid lines, 64–78 mg in diploid, and 19–32 mg in tetraploid ones. The effect of the moss line and the ploidy level on differentiation of buds and gametophores was highly significant. Tetraploid moss rarely developed buds and/or gametophores. Sporophyte induction was observed in haploid and diploid genotypes, however not in tetraploid moss. Twelve percent of the germinated spores increased the ploidy level in comparison with the parent plant. A reduction of the ploidy level from 2C to 1C was observed in 7%. Evaluation of older plants (11 weeks after protoplast isolation) showed that polyploidization often resulted in a reduced number of gametophores and a reduced colony diameter on minimal medium compared to haploid plants. More than 70% of the diploid plants had gametophores with phenotypic alterations. Only 1.4% of the diploid plants were indistinguishable from wildtype. Changes in leaf shape and multiple phenotypic deviations from wildtype are most likely indications of polyploidization; however, the unequivocal identification of diploid plants is only possible using flowcytometric analysis, because a multitude of different phenotypic changes were observed in polyploid plants.
Automatic Detection and Visualization of Qualitative Hemodynamic Characteristics in Cerebral Aneurysms

Cerebral aneurysms are a pathological vessel dilatation that bear a high risk of rupture. For the understanding and evaluation of the risk of rupture, the analysis of hemodynamic information plays an important role. Besides quantitative hemodynamic information, also qualitative flow characteristics, e.g., the inflow jet and impingement zone are correlated with the risk of rupture. However, the assessment of these two characteristics is currently based on an interactive visual investigation of the flow field, obtained by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or blood flow measurements. We present an automatic and robust detection as well as an expressive visualization of these characteristics. The detection can be used to support a comparison, e.g., of simulation results reflecting different treatment options. Our approach utilizes local streamline properties to formalize the inflow jet and impingement zone. We extract a characteristic seeding curve on the ostium, on which an inflow jet boundary contour is constructed. Based on this boundary contour we identify the impingement zone. Furthermore, we present several visualization techniques to depict both characteristics expressively. Thereby, we consider accuracy and robustness of the extracted characteristics, minimal visual clutter and occlusions. An evaluation with six domain experts confirms that our approach detects both hemodynamic characteristics reasonably.