Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning Drives Differential Clustering of Axodendritic Contacts in the Barn Owl Auditory System

Computational models predict that experience-driven clustering of coactive synapses is a mechanism for information storage. This prediction has remained untested, because it is difficult to approach through time-lapse analysis. Here, we exploit a unique feature of the barn owl auditory localization pathway that permits retrospective analysis of prelearned and postlearned circuitry: owls reared wearing prismatic spectacles develop an adaptive microcircuit that coexists with the native one but can be analyzed independently based on topographic location. To visualize the clustering of axodendritic contacts (potential synapses) within these zones, coactive axons were labeled by focal injection of fluorescent tracer and their target dendrites labeled with an antibody directed against CaMKII (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II, α subunit). Using high-resolution confocal imaging, we measured the distance from each contact to its nearest neighbor on the same branch of dendrite. We found that the distribution of intercontact distances for the adaptive zone was shifted dramatically toward smaller values compared with distributions for either the maladaptive zone of the same animals or the adaptive zone of normal juveniles, which indicates that a dynamic clustering of contacts had occurred. Moreover, clustering in the normal zone was greater in normal juveniles than in prism-adapted owls, indicative of declustering. These data demonstrate that clustering is bidirectionally adjustable and tuned by behaviorally relevant experience. The microanatomical configurations in all zones of both experimental groups matched the functional circuit strengths that were assessed by in vivo electrophysiological mapping. Thus, the observed changes in clustering are appropriately positioned to contribute to the adaptive strengthening and weakening of auditory-driven responses.
Takayasu arteritis: an update

Purpose of review Takayasu arteritis has long been considered as an uncommon disease, rather specific to the Far-East; however recent surveys show that the disease can be seen in all ethnicities around the world with increasing prevalence rates. Nowadays, it would not be fair to consider Takayasu arteritis as a rare disease. Recent findings Although involvement of the thoracic aorta and its branches was more common among females, males had a tendency toward limited involvement of the abdominal aorta and its branches. Pregnancy seems to cause serious risks for both maternal and fetal health. Takayasu arteritis frequently coexist with inflammatory bowel diseases and the two diseases may have common genetic background and molecular pathways. New imaging tools such as computerized tomography or magnetic resonance angiography, fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computerized tomography and recently contrast-enhanced ultrasonography are frequently used in the diagnosis and to assess vascular inflammation. Accumulating evidence shows that biological agents such as anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, tocilizumab and rituximab could be used effectively in refractory cases. The restenosis or occlusion risks are still high with vascular interventions. The mortality seems to be decreasing in recent years. Summary The ethiopathogenesis of the disease should be clarified. Our feature goals should be to discriminate better active inflammation from quiescent disease enabling more effective treatment.
Audio classification using dominant spatial patterns in time-frequency space

This paper presents a novel audio discrimination algorithm using spatial features in time-frequency (TF) space. Three types of audio signals – speech, music without vocal and music with background vocal are taken into consideration for classification. The audio segment is transformed into TF domain yielding the spatial illustration of energy. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is applied to TF space to extract a set of vectors which represents the dominant subspace of spatial energy distribution. The inverse Fourier transform is applied to individual dominant vectors to derive the features for audio discrimination. The classification is performed by using multiclass linear discriminant analysis (mcLDA). The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is more noise robust and performs better than the recently reported methods.
Effects of melatonin on microtubule assembly depend on hormone concentration: Role of melatonin as a calmodulin antagonist

Huerto‐Delgadillo L, Antón‐Tay F, Benítez‐King G. Effects of melatonin on microtubule assembly depend on hormone concentration: rate of melatonin as a calmodulin antagonist. J. Pineal Res. 1994: 17: 55–62. ©Munksgaard, 1994
On the Internal Model Principle in the Coordination of Nonlinear Systems

The role of the internal model principle is investigated in this paper for the coordination of relative-degree-one and relative-degree-two nonlinear systems. For relative-degree-one systems that are incrementally (output-feedback) passive, we propose internal-model-based distributed control laws which guarantee output synchronization to an invariant manifold driven by autonomous synchronized internal models. For relative-degree-two systems, we consider a different internal-model-based distributed control framework for solving a formation control problem where the agents have to track a reference signal available only to the leader agent. In both cases, the local controller is also able to reject the disturbance signals generated by a local exosystem.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Offspring Parent-of-Origin Effects in ADHD : Distinct Influences of Paternal and Maternal ADHD on

Objective: The authors examined parent-of-origin effects in transmission of ADHD and neuropsychological functioning. Proof of these effects can identify more etiologically homogeneous ADHD subgroups and facilitate genetic studies. Method: The authors included 238 ADHD and 147 control families. ADHD in children was assessed using parent and teacher ratings, while parents completed self-reports. Children were assessed with neuropsychological paradigms measuring IQ, motor, timing, and executive functions. Results: Paternal and maternal ADHD were equally positively related to ADHD in offspring. Paternal ADHD was related to poorer time reproduction in offspring and to lower verbal and total IQ in daughters. Maternal ADHD was related to poorer inhibition and motor control in offspring. No mediating effects of neuropsychological functions were found between parent and offspring ADHD symptoms. Conclusion: Neuropsychological functions may be more sensitive to parent-of-origin effects than ADHD symptoms and possibly useful in detecting the transmission of different gene-brain network pathways depending on parental sex. (J. of Att. Dis. 2012; XX(X) 1-XX)
Periodic Cooling of Bird Eggs Reduces Embryonic Growth Efficiency

For many bird embryos, periodic cooling occurs when the incubating adult leaves the nest to forage, but the effects of periodic cooling on embryo growth, yolk use, and metabolism are poorly known. To address this question, we conducted incubation experiments on eggs of zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) that were frequently cooled and then rewarmed or were allowed to develop at a constant temperature. After 12 d of incubation, embryo mass and yolk reserves were less in eggs that experienced periodic cooling than in controls incubated constantly at 37.5°C. Embryos that regularly cooled to 20°C had higher mass‐specific metabolic rates than embryos incubated constantly at 37.5°C. Periodic cooling delayed development and increased metabolic costs, reducing the efficiency with which egg nutrients were converted into embryo tissue. Avian embryos can tolerate periodic cooling, possibly by adjusting their physiology to variable thermal conditions, but at a cost to growth efficiency as well as rate of development. This reduction in embryo growth efficiency adds a new dimension to the fitness consequences of variation in adult nest attentiveness.
Spherical superpixel segmentation

In this paper, we present a superpixel generation method for spherical images, which cover 360° field-of-view. Unlike previous works that directly use existing superpixel algorithms on unrolled spherical images, our approach explicitly considers the geometry for spherical images and uses sphere as the underlying representation. For quantitative evaluation, we make a spherical image segmentation database by transforming Berkeley segmentation dataset to the spherical domain. Experimental results show that our method can get better performance in terms of adherence to image boundaries and spherical size variance. What's more, superpixels generated by our method all have closed contours.
Prevalence, Specificity and Determinants of Lipid-Interacting PDZ Domains from an In-Cell Screen and In Vitro Binding Experiments

Background PDZ domains are highly abundant protein-protein interaction modules involved in the wiring of protein networks. Emerging evidence indicates that some PDZ domains also interact with phosphoinositides (PtdInsPs), important regulators of cell polarization and signaling. Yet our knowledge on the prevalence, specificity, affinity, and molecular determinants of PDZ-PtdInsPs interactions and on their impact on PDZ-protein interactions is very limited. Methodology/Principal Findings We screened the human proteome for PtdInsPs interacting PDZ domains by a combination of in vivo cell-localization studies and in vitro dot blot and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments using synthetic lipids and recombinant proteins. We found that PtdInsPs interactions contribute to the cellular distribution of some PDZ domains, intriguingly also in nuclear organelles, and that a significant subgroup of PDZ domains interacts with PtdInsPs with affinities in the low-to-mid micromolar range. In vitro specificity for the head group is low, but with a trend of higher affinities for more phosphorylated PtdInsPs species. Other membrane lipids can assist PtdInsPs-interactions. PtdInsPs-interacting PDZ domains have generally high pI values and contain characteristic clusters of basic residues, hallmarks that may be used to predict additional PtdInsPs interacting PDZ domains. In tripartite binding experiments we established that peptide binding can either compete or cooperate with PtdInsPs binding depending on the combination of ligands. Conclusions/Significance Our screen substantially expands the set of PtdInsPs interacting PDZ domains, and shows that a full understanding of the biology of PDZ proteins will require a comprehensive insight into the intricate relationships between PDZ domains and their peptide and lipid ligands.
Automated MeSH indexing of the World-Wide Web.

To facilitate networked discovery and information retrieval in the biomedical domain, we have designed a system for automatic assignment of Medical Subject Headings to documents retrieved from the World-Wide Web. Our prototype implementations show significant promise. We describe our methods and discuss the further development of a completely automated indexing tool called the "Web-MeSH Medibot. "
Towards Internet QoS Provisioning Based on Generic Distributed QoS Adaptive Routing Engine

Increasing efficiency and quality demands of modern Internet technologies drive today's network engineers to seek to provide quality of service (QoS). Internet QoS provisioning gives rise to several challenging issues. This paper introduces a generic distributed QoS adaptive routing engine (DQARE) architecture based on OSPFxQoS. The innovation of the proposed work in this paper is its undependability on the used QoS architectures and, moreover, splitting of the control strategy from data forwarding mechanisms, so we guarantee a set of absolute stable mechanisms on top of which Internet QoS can be built. DQARE architecture is furnished with three relevant traffic control schemes, namely, service differentiation, QoS routing, and traffic engineering. The main objective of this paper is to (i) provide a general configuration guideline for service differentiation, (ii) formalize the theoretical properties of different QoS routing algorithms and then introduce a QoS routing algorithm (QOPRA) based on dynamic programming technique, and (iii) propose QoS multipath forwarding (QMPF) model for paths diversity exploitation. NS2-based simulations proved the DQARE superiority in terms of delay, packet delivery ratio, throughput, and control overhead. Moreover, extensive simulations are used to compare the proposed QOPRA algorithm and QMPF model with their counterparts in the literature.
The effect of growth hormone replacement on exercise capacity in patients with GH deficiency: a metaanalysis.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVES GH replacement in GH-deficient adults exerts clear effects on body composition, but there is a lack of high-quality evidence concerning its functional effects, which are more clinically important. This metaanalysis was carried out to determine the effects of GH replacement on exercise performance. DESIGN/METHODS A Medline search and examination of reference lists of included studies and relevant review articles identified 11 studies with utilizable, robust data, involving a total of 268 patients. All included studies were randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, and of either parallel or crossover design. Information was retrieved in uniform format, with data pertaining to patient numbers, study design, GH dose, age, IGF-I levels, and the exercise variables maximal oxygen uptake and maximal power output recorded. The data were analyzed using a fixed-effects model, using continuous data measured on different scales. A summary effect measure (ds) was derived for the individual exercise parameters, whereas an overall summary effect was derived from the sum of all studies across different variables; 95% confidence intervals were calculated from the weighted variances of individual study effects. RESULTS GH replacement was associated with significant improvement with all studies combined (ds=+0.32, 0.08-0.56), for maximal power output (ds=+0.4, 0.06-0.74), and maximal oxygen uptake (ds=+0.34, 0.07-0.62). There was no association between age or GH dose on the degree of improvement. CONCLUSIONS There is strong evidence that GH replacement improves exercise performance in GH-deficient patients. This evidence should be considered when decisions are made regarding prescription of GH.
Routine sirolimus eluting stent implantation for unselected in-stent restenosis: insights from the rapamycin eluting stent evaluated at Rotterdam cardiology hospital (RESEARCH) registry

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of routine sirolimus eluting stent (SES) implantation for unselected patients with in-stent restenosis and to provide preliminary information about the angiographic outcome for lesion subgroups and for different in-stent restenosis patterns. Design: Prospective, single centre registry. Setting: Tertiary referral centre. Patients: 44 consecutive patients (53 lesions) without previous brachytherapy who were treated with SES for in-stent restenosis were evaluated. Routine angiographic follow up was obtained at six months and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events was evaluated. Results: At baseline, 42% of the lesions were focal, 21% diffuse, 26% proliferative, and 11% total occlusions. Small vessel size (reference diameter ⩽ 2.5 mm) was present in 49%, long lesions (> 20 mm) in 30%, treatment of bypass grafts in 13%, and bifurcation stenting in 18%. At follow up, post-SES restenosis was observed in 14.6%. No restenosis was observed in focal lesions. For more complex lesions, restenosis rates ranged from 20–25%. At the one year follow up, the incidence of death was 0, myocardial infarction 4.7% (n = 2), and target lesion revascularisation 16.3% (n = 7). The target lesion was revascularised because of restenosis in 11.6% (n = 5). Conclusions: Routine SES implantation is highly effective for focal in-stent restenosis and appears to be a promising strategy for more complex patterns of restenosis.
Origin of colorectal cancers in hyperplastic polyps and serrated adenomas: another truism bites the dust.

After considerable debate in the medical literature about the existence of de novo cancer and the classification of colorectal polyps and their relationship to cancer (4), the concept of the adenoma–carcinoma sequence emerged in the 1970s as the dominant morphogenetic explanation of colorectal cancer (5). The hyperplastic polyp was recognized as a frequently occurring lesion, but common knowledge held that its only importance resided in the need to distinguish it from the adenoma because the hyperplastic polyp was regarded as having no malignant
Intervention Mapping: Protocol for Applying Health Psychology Theory to Prevention Programmes

Evidence-based health promotion programmes are based on empirical data and theory. While a broad range of social and behavioural science theories are available, the actual application of these theories in programme design remains a real challenge for health promotion planners. Intervention Mapping describes a protocol for the development of theory- and evidence-based health promotion programmes. It provides guidelines and tools for the selection of theoretical foundations and underpinnings of health promotion programmes, for the application of theory, and for the translation of theory in actual programme materials and activities. This article presents the protocol and elaborates on the application of theory, using examples from successful intervention programmes.
HARPA: Tackling physically induced performance variability

Continuously increasing application demands on both High Performance Computing (HPC) and Embedded Systems (ES) are driving the IC manufacturing industry on an everlasting scaling of devices in silicon. Nevertheless, integration and miniaturization of transistors comes with an important and non-negligible trade-off: time-zero and time-dependent performance variability. Increasing guard-bands to battle variability is not scalable, since worst-case design margins are prohibitive for downscaled technology nodes. This paper discusses the FP7-612069-HARPA project of the European Commission which aims to enable next-generation embedded and high-performance heterogeneous many-cores to cost-effectively confront variations by providing Dependable-Performance: correct functionality and timing guarantees throughout the expected lifetime of a platform under thermal, power, and energy constraints. The HARPA novelty is in seeking synergies in techniques that have been considered virtually exclusively in the ES or HPC domains (worst-case guaranteed partly proactive techniques in embedded, and dynamic best-effort reactive techniques in high-performance).
HDL, Atherosclerosis, and Emerging Therapies

This review aims to provide an overview on the properties of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and their cardioprotective effects. Emergent HDL therapies will be presented in the context of the current understanding of HDL function, metabolism, and protective antiatherosclerotic properties. The epidemiological association between levels of HDL-C or its major apolipoprotein (apoA-I) is strong, graded, and coherent across populations. HDL particles mediate cellular cholesterol efflux, have antioxidant properties, and modulate vascular inflammation and vasomotor function and thrombosis. A link of causality has been cast into doubt with Mendelian randomization data suggesting that genes causing HDL-C deficiency are not associated with increased cardiovascular risk, nor are genes associated with increased HDL-C, with a protective effect. Despite encouraging data from small studies, drugs that increase HDL-C levels have not shown an effect on major cardiovascular end-points in large-scale clinical trials. It is likely that the cholesterol mass within HDL particles is a poor biomarker of therapeutic efficacy. In the present review, we will focus on novel therapeutic avenues and potential biomarkers of HDL function. A better understanding of HDL antiatherogenic functions including reverse cholesterol transport, vascular protective and antioxidation effects will allow novel insight on novel, emergent therapies for cardiovascular prevention.
Frauen gründen Technologieunternehmen - eine Untersuchung im Land Brandenburg

Technologieorientierte, wissensintensive Unternehmensgrundungen sind aufgrund ihres Innovationsgehaltes fur die internationale Wettbewerbsfahigkeit eines Landes von entscheidender Bedeutung. Technologischer Fortschritt und Innovationen dynamisieren den Wettbewerb, sie fordern den Strukturwandel, das Wachstum und die Beschaftigung einer Volkswirtschaft (Kulicke 1993). Innovationen werden uberwiegend von jungen, kleinen und mittelstandischen Unternehmen hervorgebracht, die ihren Schwerpunkt auf Forschungsund Entwicklungstatigkeiten gesetzt haben (Steinle und Schumann 2003). Ihr Anteil am Grundungsaufkommen in Deutschland lag zwischen 2005 und 2008 bei ca. 8 % aller Grundungen und belief sich im Jahr 2008 auf etwa 15.300 Grundungen. Davon wurden 13.000 Unternehmen im Bereich der technologieintensiven Dienstleistungen und 2.300 in der forschungsintensiven Industrie gegrundet (Heger et al. 2009).
Reactive Control of epileptiform discharges in Realistic Computational neuronal Models with Bistability

We aim to derive fully autonomous seizure suppression paradigms based on reactive control of neuronal dynamics. A previously derived computational model of seizure generation describing collective degrees of freedom and featuring bistable dynamics is used. A novel technique for real-time control of epileptogenicity is introduced. The reactive control reduces practically all seizures in the model. The study indicates which parameters provide the maximal seizure reduction with minimal intervention. An adaptive scheme is proposed that optimizes the stimulation parameters in nonstationary situations.
Is there a weak H‐bond → LBHB transition on tetrahedral complex formation in serine proteases?

The transformation of a weak hydrogen bond in the free enzyme into a low‐barrier hydrogen bond (LBHB) in the tetrahedral intermediate has been suggested as an important factor facilitating catalysis in serine proteases. In this work, we examine the structure of the H‐bond in the Asp102–His57 diad of serine proteases in the free enzyme and in a covalent tetrahedral complex (TC) with a trifluoromethylketone inhibitor. We apply ab initio quantum mechanical calculations to models consisting of a large molecular fragment of the enzyme active site, and the combined effect of the rest of the protein body and the solvation by surrounding bulk water was simulated by a self‐consistent reaction field method in our novel QM/SCRF(VS) approach. Potential profiles of adiabatic proton transfer in the Asp102–His57 diad in these model systems were calculated. We conclude that the hydrogen bond in both the free enzyme and in the enzyme‐inhibitor TC is a strong ionic asymmetric one‐well hydrogen bond, in contrast to a previous suggestion that it is a weak H‐bond in the former and a double‐well LBHB in the latter. Proteins 2004;54:000–000. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of the methodologies used in evacuation modelling

Computer based analysis of evacuation can be performed using one of three different approaches, namely optimization, simulation and risk assessment. Furthermore, within each approach different means of representing the enclosure, the population and the behaviour of the population are possible. The myriad of approaches that are available has led to the development of some 22 different evacuation models. This review attempts to describe each of the modelling approaches adopted and critically review the inherent capabilities of each approach. The review is based on available published literature.