Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lidocaine reduces the transition to slow inactivation in Nav1.7 voltage‐gated sodium channels

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The primary use of local anaesthetics is to prevent or relieve pain by reversibly preventing action potential propagation through the inhibition of voltage‐gated sodium channels. The tetrodotoxin‐sensitive voltage‐gated sodium channel subtype Nav1.7, abundantly expressed in pain‐sensing neurons, plays a crucial role in perception and transmission of painful stimuli and in inherited chronic pain syndromes. Understanding the interaction of lidocaine with Nav1.7 channels could provide valuable insight into the drug's action in alleviating pain in distinct patient populations. The aim of this study was to determine how lidocaine interacts with multiple inactivated conformations of Nav1.7 channels.
Applying evolutionary psychology in understanding the Darwinian roots of consumption phenomena

Consumer scholars have amassed an impressive body of knowledge using a wide range of methodological approaches and paradigms. Despite the scientific rigor of the consumer behavior discipline, most scholars that have reviewed the field agree that it has yielded a fragmented and confused literature. It is argued here that this is in part due to the near paucity of evolutionary-based theorizing within the theoretical frameworks used by consumer scholars. While evolutionary psychology focuses on ultimate causation namely the adaptive origins of a particular cognition, emotion, preference, or behavior, the consumer behavior discipline has overwhelmingly addressed proximate mechanisms. Both levels of analyses are needed for a full understanding of consumption phenomena. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A signal folding neural amplifier exploiting neural signal statistics

A novel amplifier for neural recording applications that exploits the 1/fn characteristics of neural signals is described in this paper. Comparison and reset circuits are implemented with the core amplifier to fold a large output waveform into a preset range enabling the use of an ADC with less number of bits for the same effective dynamic range. This also reduces the transmission data rate of the recording chip. Both of these features allow power and area savings at the system level. At the receiver, a reconstruction algorithm is applied in the digital domain to recover the amplified signal from the folded waveform. Other features of this proposed amplifier are increased reliability due to removal of pseudo-resistors, less distortion and low-voltage operation. Meaφsurement results from a 65nm CMOS implementation of a prototype are presented.
MEX-5 asymmetry in one-cell C. elegans embryos requires PAR-4- and PAR-1-dependent phosphorylation

Anteroposterior polarity in early C. elegans embryos is required for the specification of somatic and germline lineages, and is initiated by a sperm-induced reorganization of the cortical cytoskeleton and PAR polarity proteins. Through mechanisms that are not understood, the kinases PAR-1 and PAR-4, and other PAR proteins cause the cytoplasmic zinc finger protein MEX-5 to accumulate asymmetrically in the anterior half of the one-cell embryo. We show that MEX-5 asymmetry requires neither vectorial transport to the anterior, nor protein degradation in the posterior. MEX-5 has a restricted mobility before fertilization and in the anterior of one-cell embryos. However, MEX-5 mobility in the posterior increases as asymmetry develops, presumably allowing accumulation in the anterior. The MEX-5 zinc fingers and a small, C-terminal domain are essential for asymmetry; the zinc fingers restrict MEX-5 mobility, and the C-terminal domain is required for the increase in posterior mobility. We show that a crucial residue in the C-terminus, Ser 458, is phosphorylated in vivo. PAR-1 and PAR-4 kinase activities are required for the phosphorylation of S458, providing a link between PAR polarity proteins and the cytoplasmic asymmetry of MEX-5.
Object Segmentation from Motion Discontinuities and Temporal Occlusions–A Biologically Inspired Model

Background Optic flow is an important cue for object detection. Humans are able to perceive objects in a scene using only kinetic boundaries, and can perform the task even when other shape cues are not provided. These kinetic boundaries are characterized by the presence of motion discontinuities in a local neighbourhood. In addition, temporal occlusions appear along the boundaries as the object in front covers the background and the objects that are spatially behind it. Methodology/Principal Findings From a technical point of view, the detection of motion boundaries for segmentation based on optic flow is a difficult task. This is due to the problem that flow detected along such boundaries is generally not reliable. We propose a model derived from mechanisms found in visual areas V1, MT, and MSTl of human and primate cortex that achieves robust detection along motion boundaries. It includes two separate mechanisms for both the detection of motion discontinuities and of occlusion regions based on how neurons respond to spatial and temporal contrast, respectively. The mechanisms are embedded in a biologically inspired architecture that integrates information of different model components of the visual processing due to feedback connections. In particular, mutual interactions between the detection of motion discontinuities and temporal occlusions allow a considerable improvement of the kinetic boundary detection. Conclusions/Significance A new model is proposed that uses optic flow cues to detect motion discontinuities and object occlusion. We suggest that by combining these results for motion discontinuities and object occlusion, object segmentation within the model can be improved. This idea could also be applied in other models for object segmentation. In addition, we discuss how this model is related to neurophysiological findings. The model was successfully tested both with artificial and real sequences including self and object motion.
International Diversification: Antecedents, Outcomes, and Moderators

Pursuit of international markets and resources from foreign sources has increased dramatically during the past two decades, and the academic study of international diversification has increased concurrently. Reviewing the literature in management and related disciplines, the authors discuss recent findings of research on international diversification. A conceptual model groups key relationships, including antecedents, environmental factors, performance and process outcomes, moderators, and the characteristics of international diversification. The authors synthesize intellectual contributions, highlight unresolved issues, and provide recommendations for future research.
Resultados da terceirização da tecnologia da informação em organizações brasileiras

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar os resultados obtidos com a terceirizacao da TI em organizacoes brasileiras. A pesquisa caracteriza-se por ser um estudo empirico e exploratorio realizado a partir de uma amostra nao probabilistica de 299 organizacoes brasileiras de grande e medio porte, obtidas por um processo de amostragem por conveniencia. A coleta de dados foi feita atraves de questionario e realizada no segundo semestre de 2010. Aplicou-se a tecnica estatistica de Analise Fatorial e foram identificados dois resultados principais obtidos com a terceirizacao da TI em organizacoes brasileiras. A partir desses resultados principais e usando a tecnica estatistica de Analise de Grupos foi possivel classificar as organizacoes em quatro grupos, associando o perfil da organizacao aos resultados obtidos por elas.
Improved RGB-D vision SLAM algorithm for mobile robot

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is one of the most challenging problems of mobile robots. An improved RGB-D visual SLAM algorithm is proposed in this paper, which based on the wheeled mobile robot to solve the problem of accumulative position error and large computation existed in the traditional algorithm. In order to overcome the error caused by the superposition of frames, a semi-random loop closures detection method is introduced at the backend of the graph optimization process. In this paper, we use the FR1/room data packet for experiments, and the experimental results show that the improved RGB-D visual SLAM algorithm saves computation time and enhances the real-time performance of the algorithm.
High Concentrations of TNF-α Induce Cell Death during Interactions between Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (hUC-MSCs) are currently being used as novel therapeutic agents in numerous clinical trials. Previous works have shown that hUC-MSCs possess profound immunomodulatory capacities through IL-1 stimulation produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), their main cellular partner in most pathophysiological and therapeutic situations. The present study was designed to explore the role of TNF-α in these interactions. In these experiments, we demonstrated that TNF-α originated from PBMCs under the influence of IL-1. We also showed that TNF-α acted differently depending upon the concentrations reached. At low concentrations it clearly contributed to IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) production. At high concentrations, used alone or in association with the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, TNF-α also stimulated hUC-MSC IL-6 but, more intensely, MCP-1 production. This stimulation was associated but independent of apoptosis induction in a process involving Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tested to stimulate PBMC and tissue activation, amplified IL-6 and MCP-1 production and cell death by, apparently, a different process involving necrosis. Our findings bring new insights into the complex interactions between hUC-MSCs and PBMCs, involving cytokines, chemokines and cell death, and are of fundamental importance for tissue homeostasis.
Contacts between Reverse Transcriptase and the Primer Strand Govern the Transition from Initiation to Elongation of HIV-1 Reverse Transcription*

HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) utilizes RNA oligomers to prime DNA synthesis. The initiation of reverse transcription requires specific interactions between HIV-1 RNA, primer tRNA3 Lys , and RT. We have previously shown that extension of an oligodeoxyribonucleotide, a situation that mimicks elongation, is unspecific and differs from initiation by the polymerization rate and dissociation rate of RT from the primer-template complex. Here, we used replication intermediates to analyze the transition from the initiation to the elongation phases. We found that the 2′-hydroxyl group at the 3′ end of tRNA had limited effects on the polymerization and dissociation rate constants. Instead, the polymerization rate increased 3400-fold between addition of the sixth and seventh nucleotide to tRNA3 Lys. The same increase in the polymerization rate was observed when an oligoribonucleotide, but not an oligodeoxyribonucleotide, was used as a primer. In parallel, the dissociation rate of RT from the primer-template complex decreased 30-fold between addition of the 17th and 19th nucleotide to tRNA3 Lys. The polymerization and dissociation rates are most likely governed by interactions of the primer strand with helix αH in the p66 thumb subdomain and the RNase H domain of RT, respectively.
Assessing small-scale interventions in large-scale teaching

The use of lectures is ubiquitous in higher-education institutions, but also heavily criticized from an andragogical viewpoint. A current challenge for lecturers is to provide opportunities for active learning during these sessions and to evaluate their impact on student experience. Three one-minute interventions based on the lecture materials (write down one thing you have already learnt, one question you would like answering, and take a break) were introduced approximately 20, 30 and 40 minutes into the lecture and assessed with respect to engagement over a five-week period on a final-year psychology option. Students were invited to record their current level of lecture engagement every 5 minutes. Both between-and within-subject analyses revealed a significant increase in lecture engagement for the first intervention during the first intervention week relative to baseline weeks. The data show an enhancement of student engagement with certain small-scale interventions during large-scale teaching.
Women's Physical and Psychological Symptoms During Early Phase Recovery from Alcoholism: A Longitudinal Study

&NA; In this descriptive longitudinal pilot study, symptoms reported weekly by 18 alcohol‐dependent women (AG), during their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th months of recovery, were compared with the symptoms from a comparison group (CG) of 15 healthy non‐alcoholic women. The women provided weekly records of physical and psychological symptoms, craving, and use of alcohol, nicotine, psychoactive drugs, and prescription medications. During the study, two alcoholism subgroups emerged. The AG‐Abstain remained abstinent while the AG‐Relapse used substances intermittently. Symptom scores were compared across groups with t‐test and ANOVA. An intercept, slope, and R2 were calculated to determine the pattern of each woman's scores over time. Symptom scores diminished over time, but remained higher for the AG than the CG through the 12th study week. Significant differences in R2 values demonstrated that the symptom scores fit a negative sloping regression line better in the AG‐Abstain than the AG‐Relapse subgroups. Emotional irritability reported early in the study predicted later substance use. The study findings can guide the development of therapeutic interventions specific to the persistent symptoms that impact women's health and well‐being during recovery.
Circadian Rhythms of Locomotor Activity in Lycosa tarentula (Araneae, Lycosidae) and the Pathways of Ocular Entrainment

Lycosa tarentula is a ground-living spider that inhabits a burrow where it awaits the appearance of prey or conspecifics. In this study, circadian rhythms of locomotor activity were examined as well as the ocular pathway of entrainment. Thirty-three adult virgin females were examined under constant darkness (DD); all of them exhibited robust circadian rhythms of locomotor activity with a period averaging 24.1h. Fourteen of these spiders were studied afterwards under an LD 12:12 cycle; they usually entrained to in the first or second day, even when the light intensity was as low as 1 lx. During the LD cycle, locomotor activity was generally restrained to the darkness phase, although several animals showed a small amount of diurnal activity. Ten males were also examined under LD; they were also nocturnal, but were much more active than the females. Seven females were examined under constant light (LL); under this they became arrhythmic. Except for the anterior median eyes (OMAs), all the eyes were capable of entraining the locomotor activity to an LD cycle. These results demonstrate that under laboratory conditions and low light intensities locomotor activity of Lycosa tarentula is circadian and in accordance with Aschoff's 'rule'. Only OMAs are unable to entrain the rhythm; the possible localization of circadian clock is therefore discussed.
Learning distributed bayesian network structure using majority-based method

In this paper we present a majority-based method to learn Bayesian network structure from databases distributed over a peer-to-peer network. The method consists of a majority learning algorithm and a majority consensus protocol. The majority learning algorithm discovers the local Bayesian network structure based on the local database and updates the structure once new edges are learnt from neighboring nodes. The majority consensus protocol is responsible for the exchange of the local Bayesian networks between neighboring nodes. The protocol and algorithm are executed in tandem on each node. They perform their operations asynchronously and exhibit local communications. Simulation results verify that all new edges, except for edges with confidence levels close to the confidence threshold, can be discovered by exchange of messages with a small number of neighboring nodes.
Ascorbic acid for the healing of skin wounds in rats.

BACKGROUND Healing is a complex process that involves cellular and biochemical events. Several medicines have been used in order to shorten healing time and avoid aesthetic damage. OBJECTIVE to verify the topical effect of ascorbic acid for the healing of rats' skin wounds through the number of macrophages, new vessels and fibroblast verifications in the experimental period; and analyse the thickness and the collagen fibre organization in the injured tissue. METHODS Male Rattus norvegicus weighing 270 +/- 30 g were used. After thionembutal anesthesia, 15 mm transversal incisions were made in the animals' cervical backs. They were divided into two groups: Control Group (CG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned with water and soap daily; Treated Group (TG, n = 12) - skin wound cleaned daily and treated with ascorbic acid cream (10%). Samples of skin were collected on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red for morphologic analysis. The images were obtained and analysed by a Digital Analyser System. RESULTS The ascorbic acid acted on every stage of the healing process. It reduced the number of macrophages, increased the proliferation of fibroblasts and new vessels, and stimulated the synthesis of thicker and more organized collagen fibres in the wounds when compared to CG. CONCLUSION Ascorbic acid was shown to have anti-inflammatory and healing effects, guaranteeing a suiTable environment and conditions for faster skin repair.
Readiness to adaptively change under three conditions: Clinical, careers, and natural change situations

Abstract The Adaptive Change Model (ACM) was developed as an alternative form of the Transtheoretical Model of Change to address some of the criticisms of early operationalisation. Both models provide a framework for measuring the potentialities of change and to facilitate targeted behaviour change in general and clinical settings. In this research, the eight factors of the Adaptive Change Questionnaire (ACQ) operationalising the ACM were validated using confirmatory factor analysis, involving 238 respondents. The findings indicated a good fit between the model and data. A comparison of the mean scores of the factors of the ACM showed respondents seeking clinical therapy (n = 85) were lower on self-rating of factors related to adaptive change than a group receiving career counselling (n = 88) and a non-therapy group (n = 65). The ACQ factors correctly predicted the allocation of 79.3% of the clinical and non-therapy respondents which confirmed previous research. The relevance of the findings for therapeut.
Distributed Leadership and School Improvement

This article considers the relationship between distributed leadership and school improvement. Drawing upon empirical evidence from two contemporary studies of successful school leadership and recent studies of school improvement, it explores the extent to which distributed forms of leadership can contribute to school improvement. The article argues that the distributed perspective offers a new and important theoretical lens through which leadership practice in school can be reconfigured and reconceptualized. It concludes by suggesting that, while evidence would suggest that distributed forms of leadership can assist capacity building within schools which contributes to school improvement, further research is needed to confirm a relationship between distributed forms of leadership and improved student learning outcomes.
Acute, chronic, and recurrent varicella zoster virus neuropathy without zoster rash

The authors report three patients with acute, chronic, and recurrent neuropathy associated with varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection but without zoster rash. CSF of all three patients contained VZV immunoglobulin G antibody, but not herpes simplex virus. In two patients, serum/CSF ratios of VZV immunoglobulin G were reduced compared to normal ratios for immunoglobulin G and albumin, and one patient also had VZV immunoglobulin M in CSF. All three patients received antiviral therapy and improved. The diagnosis of nervous system infection by VZV may be confirmed by the presence of antibody to VZV in CSF even without detectable VZV DNA.
Damping factor in Google page ranking

Google, the largest search engine worldwide, adopts PageRank technology to determine the rank of website listings. This paper describes how damping factor is a critical factor in changing a website’s ranking in traditional Google PageRank technology. A modified algorithm based on input–output ratio concept is proposed to substitute for the damping factor. Besides there is no need to choose an optimal damping factor value, the modified algorithm has an equivalent effect on computation as the traditional Google’s PageRank algorithm. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exemplary Teacher Induction: An international review

How does one become an effective teacher? What can be done to stem high attrition rates among beginning teachers? While many teachers are left to ‘sink or swim’ in their first year—learning by trial and error, there remain a number of outstanding examples of collaboration and collegiality in teacher induction programs. Analysis of the most exemplary teacher induction programs from Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand and the United States revealed common attributes and exceptional features. The most successful teacher induction programs reported here include opportunities for experts and neophytes to learn together in a supportive environment promoting time for collaboration, reflection and acculturation into the profession of teaching. Furthermore, several practices unique to specific regions were highlighted. These included extended internship programs, specially trained mentors, comprehensive inservice training and reduced teaching assignments for beginning teachers with an emphasis on assistance rather than assessment.
Acceleration of GPU-based Krylov solvers via data transfer reduction

Krylov subspace iterative solvers are often the method of choice when solving large sparse linear systems. At the same time, hardware accelerators such as graphics processing units continue to offer significant floating point performance gains for matrix and vector computations through easy-to-use libraries of computational kernels. However, as these libraries are usually composed of a well optimized but limited set of linear algebra operations, applications that use them often fail to reduce certain data communications, and hence fail to leverage the full potential of the accelerator. In this paper, we target the acceleration of Krylov subspace iterative methods for graphics processing units, and in particular the Biconjugate Gradient Stabilized solver that significant improvement can be achieved by reformulating the method to reduce data-communications through application-specific kernels instead of using the generic BLAS kernels, e.g. as provided by NVIDIA’s cuBLAS library, and by designing a graphics processing unit specific sparse matrix-vector product kernel that is able to more efficiently use the graphics processing unit’s computing power. Furthermore, we derive a model estimating the performance improvement, and use experimental data to validate the expected runtime savings. Considering that the derived implementation achieves significantly higher performance, we assert that similar optimizations addressing algorithm structure, as well as sparse matrix-vector, are crucial for the subsequent development of high-performance graphics processing units accelerated Krylov subspace iterative methods.