Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Saccadic Inhibition in Voluntary and Reflexive Saccades

The present study investigated saccadic inhibition in both voluntary and stimulus-elicited saccades. Two experiments examined saccadic inhibition caused by an irrelevant flash occurring subsequent to target onset. In each trial, participants were required to perform a single saccade following the presentation of a black target on a gray background, 4 to the left or to the right of screen center. In some trials (flash trials), after a variable delay, a 33-msec flash was displayed at the top and bottom third of the monitor (these regions turned white). In all experimental conditions, histograms of flash-to-saccade latencies documented a decrease in saccadic frequency, forming a dip, time-locked to the flash and occurring as early as 6070 msec following its onset. The fast latency of this effect strongly suggests a low-level, reflex-like, oculomotor effect, which was referred to as saccadic inhibition. A novel procedure was developed to allow comparisons of saccadic inhibition even across conditions, which in the absence of a flash (no-flash trials) produce dissimilar saccadic reaction times (SRTs) distributions. Experiment 1 examined the effects of the fixation stimulus on saccadic inhibition by contrasting three conditions: a gap condition (fixation stimulus disappeared 200 msec prior to target onset), a step condition (offset of the fixation stimulus was simultaneous with target onset), and an overlap condition (the fixation stimulus remained on for the duration of the trial). The overlap condition produced substantially stronger saccadic inhibition, relative to the gap and the step conditions. Experiment 2 contrasted the saccadic inhibition effect obtained for prosaccades (saccades aimed at the target) with the effect obtained for antisaccades (i.e., saccades aimed away from the same target). The onset of saccadic inhibition was earlier, and its magnitude was stronger, for antisaccades, relative to prosaccades. The plausibility that the superior colliculus is the neurophysiological locus of the saccadic inhibition effect was explored.
Correlative evidence that tumor cell‐derived caveolin‐1 mediates angiogenesis in meningiomas

Since it has recently been reported that caveolin‐1 (cav‐1) may favor the progression of prostatic and renal cancers by stimulating tumor neoangiogenesis, we thought it of interest to analyze the correlation between cav‐1 expression and tumor microvessel density (MVD) in meningiomas. In the present study we quantified cav‐1 expression by immunohistochemistry and used CD105 immunohistochemical staining to measure MVD. Sixty‐two formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded, surgically resected meningiomas were submitted to the analysis. On the basis of cav‐1 immuno‐expression, cases were subdivided into meningiomas displaying a low (n = 34) and a high (n = 28) cav‐1 immuno‐expression, respectively. Mann–Whitney test showed that a significantly higher MVD was present in the cases with a high cav‐1 expression than in those with a low expression (mean 24.44 vs. 41.28 microvessels/mm2) (P = 0.0001). Moreover, Spearman test revealed a significant positive correlation between cav‐1 rate of expression and MVD counts in the meningiomas of our series (r = 0.390; P = 0.0023). Therefore, our study demonstrates the existence of an association between cav‐1 expression and neoangiogenesis in meningiomas, suggesting that cav‐1 may mediate the progression of these tumors by stimulating the angiogenic process. Besides, it is known that the progression of meningiomas is paralleled by an increase in MVD. The clarification of cav‐1 role in the neoangiogensis of meningiomas may open new insights about the possibility of novel therapeutic strategies in these neoplasias.
Personality disorder diagnoses in patients with bulimia nervosa: clinical correlates and changes with treatment.

BACKGROUND In view of reports of a high incidence of Axis II disorders among patients with bulimia nervosa, we assessed personality diagnoses and traits in a sample of bulimic patients both preceding and following treatment for the eating disorder. METHOD The Personality Disorder Examination, a structured interview to assess DSM-III-R personality disorders, was administered to 34 in-patients and 49 outpatients with bulimia nervosa entering treatment. Thirty of 49 outpatients were reassessed after 6 weeks of treatment with desipramine or placebo. RESULTS At initial assessment, 38% of inpatients (N = 13) and 29% of outpatients (N = 14) fulfilled criteria for at least one personality disorder, most frequently borderline personality disorder. There were significant correlations between Personality Disorder Examination trait scores and clinical measures of eating disorder and depressive symptoms. Of 30 outpatients who were reinterviewed following treatment, 3 of 9 patients lost one or more personality diagnoses at post-treatment assessment, and 2 of 21 patients without initial Personality Disorder Examination diagnoses received one or more diagnoses at the second interview. Changes in Personality Disorder Examination trait scores, but not diagnoses, were correlated with changes in some clinical measures. CONCLUSION These data suggest that the assessment of Axis II disorders in patients with bulimia nervosa is problematic and raise the possibility that personality features in this group may be influenced by the course of their Axis I disorder.
Deletion of Exon I of SMAD7 in Mice Results in Altered B Cell Responses

The members of the TGF-β superfamily, i.e., TGF-β isoforms, activins, and bone morphogenetic proteins, regulate growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, both during embryonic development and during postnatal life. Smad7 is induced by the TGF-β superfamily members and negatively modulates their signaling, thus acting in a negative, autocrine feedback manner. In addition, Smad7 is induced by other stimuli. Thus, it can fine-tune and integrate TGF-β signaling with other signaling pathways. To investigate the functional role(s) of Smad7 in vivo, we generated mice deficient in exon I of Smad7, leading to a partial loss of Smad7 function. Mutant animals are viable, but significantly smaller on the outbred CD-1 mouse strain background. Mutant B cells showed an overactive TGF-β signaling measured as increase of phosphorylated Smad2-positive B cells compared with B cells from wild-type mice. In agreement with this expected increase in TGF-β signaling, several changes in B cell responses were observed. Mutant B cells exhibited increased Ig class switch recombination to IgA, significantly enhanced spontaneous apoptosis in B cells, and a markedly reduced proliferative response to LPS stimulation. Interestingly, LPS treatment reverted the apoptotic phenotype in the mutant cells. Taken together, the observed phenotype highlights a prominent role for Smad7 in development and in regulating the immune system’s response to TGF-β.
Noninvasive genetic sampling reveals intrasex territoriality in wolverines

Abstract Due to its conspicuous manifestations and its capacity to shape the configuration and dynamics of wild populations, territorial behavior has long intrigued ecologists. Territoriality and other animal interactions in situ have traditionally been studied via direct observations and telemetry. Here, we explore whether noninvasive genetic sampling, which is increasingly supplementing traditional field methods in ecological research, can reveal territorial behavior in an elusive carnivore, the wolverine (Gulo gulo). Using the locations of genotyped wolverine scat samples collected annually over a period of 12 years in central Norway, we test three predictions: (1) male home ranges constructed from noninvasive genetic sampling data are larger than those of females, (2) individuals avoid areas used by other conspecifics of the same sex (intrasexual territoriality), and (3) avoidance of same‐sex territories diminishes or disappears after the territory owner's death. Each of these predictions is substantiated by our results: sex‐specific differences in home range size and intrasexual territoriality in wolverine are patently reflected in the spatial and temporal configuration of noninvasively collected genetic samples. Our study confirms that wildlife monitoring programs can utilize the spatial information in noninvasive genetic sampling data to detect and quantify home ranges and social organization.
Optimizing Memory Retention with Cognitive Models

When individuals learn facts (e.g., foreign language vocabulary) over multiple sessions, the durability of learning is strongly influenced by the temporal distribution of study (Cepeda, Pashler, Vul, Wixted, & Rohrer, 2006). Computational models have been developed to explain this phenomenon known as the distributed practice effect. These models predict the accuracy of recall following a particular study schedule and retention interval. To the degree that the models embody mechanisms of human memory, they can also be used to determine the spacing of study that maximizes retention. We examine two memory models (Pavlik & Anderson, 2005; Mozer, Pashler, Lindsey, & Vul, submitted) that provide differing explanations of the distributed practice effect. Although both models fit experimental data, we show that they make robust and opposing predictions concerning the optimal spacing of study sessions. The Pavlik and Anderson model robustly predicts that contracting spacing is best over a range of model parameters and retention intervals; that is, with three study sessions, the model suggests that the lag between sessions one and two should be larger than the lag between sessions two and three. In contrast, the Mozer et al. model predicts equal or expanding spacing is best for most material and retention intervals. The limited experimental data pertinent to this disagreement appear to be consistent with the latter prediction. The strong contrast between the models calls for further empirical work to evaluate their opposing predictions.
Association between women’s empowerment and infant and child feeding practices in sub-Saharan Africa: an analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys

Abstract Objective To explore the relationship between women’s empowerment and WHO recommended infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in sub-Saharan Africa. Design Analysis was conducted using data from ten Demographic and Health Surveys between 2010 and 2013. Women’s empowerment was assessed by nine standard items covering three dimensions: economic, socio-familial and legal empowerment. Three core IYCF practices examined were minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet. Separate multivariable logistic regression models were applied for the IYCF practices on dimensional and overall empowerment in each country. Setting Benin, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Subjects Youngest singleton children aged 6–23 months and their mothers (n 15 153). Results Less than 35 %, 60 % and 18 % of children 6–23 months of age met the criterion of minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet, respectively. In general, likelihood of meeting the recommended IYCF criteria was positively associated with the economic dimension of women’s empowerment. Socio-familial empowerment was negatively associated with the three feeding criteria, except in Zimbabwe. The legal dimension of empowerment did not show any clear pattern in the associations. Greater overall empowerment of women was consistently and positively associated with multiple IYCF practices in Mali, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. However, consistent negative relationships were found in Benin and Niger. Null or mixed results were observed in the remaining countries. Conclusions The importance of women’s empowerment for IYCF practices needs to be discussed by context and by dimension of empowerment.
A review of postpartum psychosis.

OBJECTIVE The objective is to provide an overview of the clinical features, prognosis, differential diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of postpartum psychosis. METHODS The authors searched Medline (1966-2005), PsycInfo (1974-2005), Toxnet, and PubMed databases using the key words postpartum psychosis, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, organic psychosis, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. A clinical case is used to facilitate the discussion. RESULTS The onset of puerperal psychosis occurs in the first 1-4 weeks after childbirth. The data suggest that postpartum psychosis is an overt presentation of bipolar disorder that is timed to coincide with tremendous hormonal shifts after delivery. The patient develops frank psychosis, cognitive impairment, and grossly disorganized behavior that represent a complete change from previous functioning. These perturbations, in combination with lapsed insight into her illness and symptoms, can lead to devastating consequences in which the safety and well-being of the affected mother and her offspring are jeopardized. Therefore, careful and repeated assessment of the mothers' symptoms, safety, and functional capacity is imperative. Treatment is dictated by the underlying diagnosis, bipolar disorder, and guided by the symptom acuity, patient's response to past treatments, drug tolerability, and breastfeeding preference. The somatic therapies include antimanic agents, atypical antipsychotic medications, and ECT. Estrogen prophylaxis remains purely investigational. CONCLUSIONS The rapid and accurate diagnosis of postpartum psychosis is essential to expedite appropriate treatment and to allow for quick, full recovery, prevention of future episodes, and reduction of risk to the mother and her children and family.
Generalized Equalization Algorithm Utilizing Improper ISI

The improper nature of intersymbol interference (ISI) for signals transmitted over frequency-selective channels is investigated in this paper. Our analysis reveals that for real signals, the improperness originates from both improper signal modulation and the interference cancellation process, whereas for most complex signals, the improperness is only a characteristic of the residual ISI due to interference cancellation. To utilize the improperness of ISI, a multistage widely linear equalization algorithm is introduced, and it is generally applicable for both real and complex signal constellations. The results reveal that accounting for the improper nature of the ISI at both the input and output of the equalizer leads to a noticeable performance gain compared with conventional equalization schemes.
Importance of the biofilm matrix for the erosion stability of Bacillus subtilis NCIB 3610 biofilms

Production and secretion of biomolecules can provide new emergent functionalities to the synthesizing organism. In particular, the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) by biofilm forming bacteria creates a biofilm matrix that protects the individual bacteria within the biofilm from external stressors such as antibiotics, chemicals and shear flow. Although the main matrix components of biofilms formed by Bacillus subtilis are known, it remains unclear how these matrix components contribute to the erosion stability of B. subtilis biofilms. Here, we combine different biophysical techniques to assess this relation. In particular, we quantify the importance of specific biofilm matrix components on the erosion behavior of biofilms formed by the well-studied Bacillus subtilis NCIB 3610. We find that the absence of biofilm matrix components decreases the erosion stability of NCIB 3610 biofilms in water, largely by abolishing the hydrophobic surface properties of the biofilm and by reducing the biofilm stiffness. However, the erosion resistance of NCIB 3610 biofilms is strongly increased in the presence of metal ions or the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. In the first case, unspecific ionic cross-linking of biofilm components or individual bacteria seems to be responsible for the observed effect, and in the second case there seems to be an unspecific interaction between the antibiotic and the biofilm matrix. Taken together, our results emphasize the importance of the biofilm matrix to reduce biofilm erosion and give insights into how the specific biomolecules interact with certain chemicals to fulfill this task.
MMP Mediated Degradation of Type IV Collagen Alpha 1 and Alpha 3 Chains Reflects Basement Membrane Remodeling in Experimental and Clinical Fibrosis – Validation of Two Novel Biomarker Assays

Objectives Fibrosis is characterized by excessive tissue remodeling resulting from altered expression of various growth factors, cytokines and proteases. We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) mediated degradation of type IV collagen, a main component of the basement membrane, will release peptide fragments (neo-epitopes) into the circulation. Here we present the development of two competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for assessing the levels of specific fragments of type IV collagen α1 (C4M12a1) and α3 (C4M12a3) chains in serum as indicators of fibrosis. Methods Fragments of type IV collagen cleaved in vitro by MMP-12 were identified by mass spectrometry, and two were chosen for ELISA development due to their unique sequences. The assays were evaluated using samples from a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) rat model of liver fibrosis and from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Results Two technically robust ELISAs were produced using neo-epitope specific monoclonal antibodies. Mean serum C4M12a1 levels were significantly elevated in CCl4-treated rats compared with controls in weeks 12, 16, and 20, with a maximum increase of 102% at week 16 (p < 0.0001). Further, C4M12a1 levels correlated with the total collagen content of the liver in CCl4-treated rats (r = 0.43, p = 0.003). Mean serum C4M12a3 levels were significantly elevated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe IPF, and COPD relative to healthy controls, with a maximum increase of 321% in COPD (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Two assays measuring C4M12a1 and C4M12a3 enabled quantification of MMP mediated degradation of type IV collagen in serum. C4M12a1 was elevated in a pre-clinical model of liver fibrosis, and C4M12a3 was elevated in IPF and COPD patients. This suggests the use of these assays to investigate pathological remodeling of the basement membrane in different organs. However, validations in larger clinical settings are needed.
An Integrated High-density Linkage Map of Soybean with RFLP, SSR, STS, and AFLP Markers Using A Single F2 Population

Abstract Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is the most important leguminous crop in the world due to its high contents of high-quality protein and oil for human and animal consumption as well as for industrial uses. An accurate and saturated genetic linkage map of soybean is an essential tool for studies on modern soybean genomics. In order to update the linkage map of a F2 population derived from a cross between Misuzudaizu and Moshidou Gong 503 and to make it more informative and useful to the soybean genome research community, a total of 318 AFLP, 121 SSR, 108 RFLP, and 126 STS markers were newly developed and integrated into the framework of the previously described linkage map. The updated genetic map is composed of 509 RFLP, 318 SSR, 318 AFLP, 97 AFLP-derived STS, 29 BAC-end or EST-derived STS, 1 RAPD, and five morphological markers, covering a map distance of 3080 cM (Kosambi function) in 20 linkage groups (LGs). To our knowledge, this is presently the densest linkage map developed from a single F2 population in soybean. The average intermarker distance was reduced to 2.41 from 5.78 cM in the earlier version of the linkage map. Most SSR and RFLP markers were relatively evenly distributed among different LGs in contrast to the moderately clustered AFLP markers. The number of gaps of more than 25 cM was reduced to 6 from 19 in the earlier version of the linkage map. The coverage of the linkage map was extended since 17 markers were mapped beyond the distal ends of the previous linkage map. In particular, 17 markers were tagged in a 5.7 cM interval between CE47M5a and Satt100 on LG C2, where several important QTLs were clustered. This newly updated soybean linkage map will enable to streamline positional cloning of agronomically important trait locus genes, and promote the development of physical maps, genome sequencing, and other genomic research activities.
ORCA : Optimized Retail Contextual Advertising

Current advertising solutions focus on delivering advertisements that are similar to the products which users have viewed. Many shoppers, however, would prefer to buy a set of items that complement each other rather than redundant items. This is especially true for retail shoppers who must make purchases to complete outfits. Our system addresses the need for a contextual advertising solution that allows retailers to advertise across one another’s sites. The system implements two user interfaces (UI) : the component and the website. The component is the end deliverable and contains targeted advertisements for the consumer to be placed on product pages of retailers. The website is a secure interface for advertisers to submit bids and advertisements. Between these two UI implements is the key innovation: an advertising bidding process and a retail-specific contextual advertising algorithm. By serving complementary products, the system is designed to be mutually beneficial for both retailers instead of competitive. The advertiser gains greater exposure for its product and brand. Meanwhile, the host retailer can be paid a small price by the advertiser for user clicks its products generate.
Research Progress on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Its Animal Model

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is to a persistently severe mental disorder which is caused by individual exposure to some unusual threatening or catastrophic stressful events. Its essential clinical manifestations refer to repeated playback of traumatic experience, durative avoidance of related clues, mental numbness or affection paralysis, and persistent increase of vigilance level. At present, the pathogenesis of PTSD has not been fully elucidated, and the clinical therapeutic effect has not been ideal. Generally, the classical animal model of PTSD is mouse; the domestic and international researches in the animal model of PTSD in recent years remain active, which are summarized as follows.