Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The pungent substances piperine, capsaicin, 6-gingerol and polygodial inhibit the human two-pore domain potassium channels TASK-1, TASK-3 and TRESK

For a long time, the focus of trigeminal chemoperception has rested almost exclusively on TRP channels. However, two-pore domain (K2P) potassium channels have recently been identified as targets for substances associated with typical trigeminal sensations, such as numbing and tingling. In addition, they have been shown to be modulated by several TRP agonists. We investigated whether the pungent substances piperine, capsaicin, 6-gingerol and polygodial have an effect on human K2P channels. For this purpose, we evaluated the effects of these pungent substances on both wild-type and mutant K2P channels by means of two-electrode voltage-clamp experiments using Xenopus laevis oocytes. All four pungent substances were found to inhibit the basal activity of TASK-1 (K2P 3.1), TASK-3 (K2P 9.1), and TRESK (K2P 18.1) channels. This inhibitory effect was dose-dependent and, with the exception of polygodial on TASK-1, fully reversible. However, only piperine exhibited an IC50 similar to its reported EC50 on TRP channels. Finally, we observed for TASK-3 that mutating H98 to E markedly decreased the inhibition induced by piperine, capsaicin, and 6-gingerol, but not by polygodial. Our data contribute to the relatively sparse knowledge concerning the pharmacology of K2P channels and also raise the question of whether K2P channels could be involved in the pungency perception of piperine.
Does concurrent breastfeeding alongside the introduction of solid food prevent the development of food allergy?

Abstract The timing of introduction of solid food on the subsequent development of food allergy is under debate and the role of concurrent breastfeeding is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of solid food introduction whilst concurrently breastfeeding on food allergy outcome, with a specific focus on cows’ milk allergy. Prospectively collected infant feeding data from a birth cohort were analysed. Participants with histories suggestive of food allergy underwent diagnostic food challenges. Children with food allergy were matched to control participants for age and sex. Mann–Whitney U tests, χ2, Fisher exact tests and logistic regression calculations were undertaken. A total of thirty-nine food-allergic children and seventy-eight matched controls were identified, including twenty-two cows’ milk-allergic children and forty-four matched controls. The control group introduced solid food earlier than the food-allergic group (P < 0·05). There was no effect of concurrent breastfeeding alongside cows’ milk introduction or other food allergens on the development of food allergy. Due to small numbers, it was not possible to explore differences for food allergy phenotype. We have therefore found no evidence that introducing solids, or food allergens, whilst breastfeeding has an allergy-preventative effect; however, the results should be interpreted with caution due to sample size. Recommendations regarding infant feeding and food allergy should be carefully considered. Although breastfeeding should be promoted for many health reasons, larger studies looking at the introduction of food allergens on the development of food allergy are needed to make a final conclusion.
Mathematical Tools and Statistical Techniques for Proteomic Data Mining

Proteomics is the study of and the search for information about proteins. The development of mass spectrometry (MS) such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) MS and imaging mass spectrometry (IMS), greatly speeds up proteomics studies. At the same time, the MS and IMS applications in medical science give rise to many challenges in mathematics and statistics regarding to the MS and IMS data analysis including data preprocessing, classification, and biomarker discovery. In this paper, we give a review of recent development of mathematical techniques and statistical tools for MS and IMS based proteomic data mining including wavelet based MS data preprocessing and multivariate statistical methods for IMS data classification and biomarker discovery.
Management of Innovation in Services

The article discusses two issues. The first is whether service firms innovate at all; the second is how they organise the innovation activities. The basis for the analysis is a series of case studies in Danish service firms. The first issue is discussed theoretically. Of the several paradigms within traditional innovation theory, the strategic innovation paradigm is the most adequate to explain service innovations. Organisational learning must be separated from innovation whereby the latter means a jump in turnover and profit while the first means a lower and continuous growth. The emphirical analysis demonstrates that the service firms innovate. The second issue is analysed empirically. Different ways of organising the innovation activities are set placed a taxonomy. It is concluded that the service firms rarely have R&D departments and innovation generally is an unsystematic search-and-learn process.
Optimal Long-Term Financial Contracting

We develop an agency model of financial contracting. We derive long-term debt, a line of credit, and equity as optimal securities, capturing the debt coupon and maturity; the interest rate and limits on the credit line; inside versus outside equity; dividend policy; and capital structure dynamics. The optimal debt-equity ratio is history dependent, but debt and credit line terms are independent of the amount financed and, in some cases, the severity of the agency problem. In our model, the agent can divert cash flows; we also consider settings in which the agent undertakes hidden effort, or can control cash flow risk.
Inertial feeding in the teiid lizard Tupinambis merianae: the effect of prey size on the movements of hyolingual apparatus and the cranio-cervical system

SUMMARY In most terrestrial tetrapods, the transport of prey through the oral cavity is accomplished by movements of the hyolingual apparatus. Morphological specializations of the tongue in some lizard taxa are thought to be associated with the evolution of vomerolfaction as the main prey detection mode. Moreover, specializations of the tongue are hypothesized to compromise the efficiency of the tongue during transport; thus, driving the evolution of inertial transport. Here we use a large teiid lizard, Tupinambis merianae, as a model system to test the mechanical link between prey size and the use of inertial feeding. We hypothesize that an increase in prey size will lead to the increased recruitment of the cranio-cervical system for prey transport and a reduced involvement of the tongue and the hyolingual apparatus. Discriminant analyses of the kinematics of the cranio-cervical, jaw and hyolingual systems show that the transport of large prey is indeed associated with a greater utilization of the cranio-cervical system (i.e. neck and head positioning). The tongue retains a kinematic pattern characteristic of lingual transport in other lizards but only when processing small prey. Our data provide evidence for an integration of the hyolingual and cranio-cervical systems; thus, providing partial support for an evolutionary scenario whereby the specialization of the tongue for chemoreception has resulted in the evolution of inertial transport strategies.
Disruption of Retinogeniculate Pattern Formation by Inhibition of Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase

During development of the visual system of the ferret, the terminals of retinal ganglion cell axons first segregate to form eye-specific layers and subsequently On-center and Off-center sublayers within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). Sublamination requires the activity of the afferent fibers, NMDA receptors, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). We here report that soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), which in turn produces cGMP, is critically involved in the process of sublamination. cGMP expression is upregulated in both retinal terminals and postsynaptic dLGN cells during sublamination, and this expression is controlled by the activity of both NMDA receptors and NOS. Furthermore, the infusion of specific inhibitors of sGC or protein kinase G (PKG), a target of cGMP, prevents sublamination in vivo. We conclude that the sGC–cGMP–PKG pathway acts downstream of NMDA receptors and nitric oxide as an effector of the activity-dependent refinement of connections at this level of the mammalian visual system.
J ul 2 00 6 Derived McKay correspondence via pure-sheaf transforms

In most cases where it had been shown to exist the derived McKay correspondence D(Y ) ∼ −→ D(C) can be written as a Fourier-Mukai transform which sends point sheaves of the crepant resolution Y to pure sheaves in D(C). We give a sufficient (and necessary) condition for an object of D(Y × C) to be the defining object of such a transform. We then use it to construct first example of the derived McKay correspondence for a non-projective crepant resolution of C/G. Along the way we extract some more geometric sense out of the Intersection Theorem and learn to explicitly compute θ-stable families of G-constellations and their direct transforms.
Stochastic nonlinear model predictive control based on deterministic scenario generation

We consider closed-loop feedback (CLF) stochastic model predictive control of nonlinear time-invariant systems with imperfect state information. In this class of control problems, future information feedback is considered in the decision making process, and thus, the effect of the control influencing the state uncertainty is taken into account. The main challenge in the solution is to find a good approximation to the arising stochastic dynamic programming problem, which is computationally not tractable. In this work, future information is considered in the form of conditional state probability densities. Thus, the objective is it to optimize the state and its uncertainty as a combined problem. We propose to discretize the state space by a novel scenario generation approach based on deterministic sampling. A distance based threshold determines the narrowness of the discretization. The dynamic programming problem is formulated such that the approximate cumulative control cost function can be explicitly evaluated offline. The online calculation consists of a one-step prediction and the interpolation of the explicit cost function in order to calculate the control input. The effectiveness of this novel method is presented by means of a simulation.
Rethinking Internal Working Models from a Developmental Perspective: Clarifying the Concept and Making a Case for a Sensitive Period of Attachment

RETHINKING INTERNAL WORKING MODELS FROM A DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE: CLARIFYING THE CONCEPT AND MAKING A CASE FOR A SENSITIVE PERIOD OF ATTACHMENT by Leah Bothe Manning Adviser: Deborah L. Vietze, Ph.D. Chapter 1 attempts to clarify the internal working model (IWM) by offering a revised and more precise definition of the concept. Chapter 2 discusses the existing IWM research and asserts what aims should be applied to future research to further clarify the IWM concept. Chapters 3 and 4 describe the current three studies that sought to test the validity of the proposed IWM definition by determining if: (1) attachment status during the first three years fluctuates as a function of changes in maternal sensitivity, (2) IWM status in middle childhood and adolescence remains stable independent of changes in maternal sensitivity, and (3) measures of IWMs are more predictive of peer-related social outcomes in childhood than measures of attachment behaviors. Studies 1 and 2 used data from the nationally representative longitudinal NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Study 1 included 1016 participants who had attachment and maternal sensitivity data at 15-, 24-, and 36-months. Study 2 included 545 participants who had IWM and maternal sensitivity data at third grade, fifth grade, and 15-years.
On Link Reliability in Wireless Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), packets are forwarded by a series of nodes to the desired destination. Previously, we have studied the network connectivity of MANETs. In this paper, we study the reliability of an established route between a source to a destination. The route is considered reliable only when all links in the route remain connected for packet relaying. We analyze the link reliability under the condition that the forwarding nodes are mobile. With this analysis, we derive the time period that the established route remains reliable for packet forwarding. Simulation is conducted to validate our analysis.
Metabolic profile at first-time schizophrenia diagnosis: a population-based cross-sectional study

Objective Schizophrenia and/or antipsychotic drug use are associated with metabolic abnormalities; however, knowledge regarding metabolic status and physician’s monitoring of metabolic status at first schizophrenia diagnosis is sparse. We assessed the prevalence of monitoring for metabolic blood abnormalities and characterized the metabolic profiles in people with a first-time schizophrenia diagnosis. Methods This is a population-based cross-sectional study including all adults born in Denmark after January 1, 1955, with their first schizophrenia diagnosis between 2000 and 2012 in the Central Denmark Region. Information on metabolic parameters was obtained from a clinical laboratory information system. Associations were calculated using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results A total of 2,452 people with a first-time schizophrenia diagnosis were identified, of whom 1,040 (42.4%) were monitored for metabolic abnormalities. Among those monitored, 58.4% had an abnormal lipid profile and 13.8% had an abnormal glucose profile. People who had previously filled prescription(s) for antipsychotic drugs were more likely to present an abnormal lipid measure (65.7% vs 46.8%, P<0.001) and abnormal glucose profile (16.4% vs 10.1%, P=0.01). Conclusion Metabolic abnormalities are common at first schizophrenia diagnosis, particularly among those with previous antipsychotic prescription(s). Increased metabolic abnormalities already present in the early phase of schizophrenia emphasize the need for increased monitoring and management.
Physiological Importance of Hydrogen Sulfide: Emerging Potent Neuroprotector and Neuromodulator

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an emerging neuromodulator that is considered to be a gasotransmitter similar to nitrogen oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). H2S exerts universal cytoprotective effects and acts as a defense mechanism in organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. It is produced by the enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine ϒ-lyase (CSE), 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST), and D-amino acid oxidase (DAO), which are also involved in tissue-specific biochemical pathways for H2S production in the human body. H2S exerts a wide range of pathological and physiological functions in the human body, from endocrine system and cellular longevity to hepatic protection and kidney function. Previous studies have shown that H2S plays important roles in peripheral nerve regeneration and degeneration and has significant value during Schwann cell dedifferentiation and proliferation but it is also associated with axonal degradation and the remyelination of Schwann cells. To date, physiological and toxic levels of H2S in the human body remain unclear and most of the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of H2S have yet to be fully elucidated. The primary purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the role of H2S in the human body and to describe its beneficial effects.
The design of an architecture-aware 32-bit signed/unsigned multiplier

this paper gives a detailed analysis and design of a X86 instruction compatible 32-bit multiplier, which is a part of a 486DX2 like CISC microprocessor. First,Various forms of multiply instructions should be supported by this multiplier are listed and analyzed. The micro instruction modes possibly used are proposed. Combines with the micro architecture of this processor, makes a compromise between the execution unit and the control unit, and take bypass logic into consideration, we demonstrates a 3-pipeline signed and unsigned unified multiplier, which meets the requirements of different types of multiply instructions and different result valid occasions. By means of radix-4 booth method, with the study of the high bits of signed operands, the conventional 17 partial products are reduced to 16, resulting of compact structure. Results show that, the area of this design has a reduction of 11.6% and it takes up less than 12% of the total power consumed by the processor in full load mode.
An approach to standardizing computer systems

The fundamental goal of an evolutionary approach to upgrading a computer installation is the maintenance of a continuity of operation as various elements of the installation (equipment components and system support programs) are replaced. The realization of this goal requires the isolation and separation of the inter-dependencies which now exist between the various elements of a computer installation. This includes the inter-dependencies between programs and the characteristics of equipment components, between programs and the characteristics of other programs, and between equipment components and the characteristics of other equipment components.
Content-level Annotation of Large Collection of Printed Document Images

A large annotated corpus is critical to the development of robust optical character recognizers (OCRs). However, creation of annotated corpora is a tedious task. It is laborious, especially when the annotation is at the character level. In this paper, we propose an efficient hierarchical approach for annotation of large collection of printed document images. We align document images with independently keyed-in text. The method is model-driven and is intended to annotate large collection of documents, scanned in three different resolutions, at character level. We employ an XML representation for storage of the annotation information. APIs are provided for access at content level for easy use in training and evaluation of OCRs and other document understanding tasks.
Is the rubber hand illusion induced by immersive virtual reality?

The rubber hand illusion is a simple illusion where participants can be induced to report and behave as if a rubber hand is part of their body. The induction is usually done by an experimenter tapping both a rubber hand prop and the participant's real hand: the touch and visual feedback of the taps must be synchronous and aligned to some extent. The illusion is usually tested by several means including a physical threat to the rubber hand. The response to the threat can be measured by galvanic skin response (GSR): those that have the illusion showed a marked rise in GSR. Based on our own and reported experiences with immersive virtual reality (IVR), we ask whether a similar illusion is induced naturally within IVR? Does the participant report and behave as if the virtual arm is part of their body? We show that participants in a HMD-based IVR who see a virtual body can experience similar responses to threats as those in comparable rubber hand illusion experiments. We show that these responses can be negated by replacing the virtual body with an abstract cursor representing the hand, and that the responses are stable under some gradual forced distortion of tracker space so that proprioceptive and visual information are not matched.
Query-driven Data Integration (Short Paper)

The paper describes an ongoing project that pursues the idea of query-driven data integration. Instead of first creating a common global schema and fetching, transforming, and loading the data to be integrated, we start with the queries. They are taken as a specification of information need and thus as the overall purpose of integration. Two repositories are being developed, one for all information related to the queries and one for potential data sources to which those queries may refer. Queries may have very di↵erent forms, and thus there are many di↵erent ways how they can be used to make the integration e↵ort more e cient.
Severe Involvement of Ambient Gyrus in Dementia with Grains

Argyrophilic grains are detected as punctate or filiform structures in the neuropil of the medial temporal lobe, and dementia with grains (DG) is defined as a form of dementia with argyrophilic grains as the only explainable cause. We found argyrophilic grains in 43.2% of our 190 serial autopsy brains (mean age, 79.7 yr) from a community-based geriatric hospital, but only 20% of these argyrophilic grain-positive brains fulfilled the criteria for DG. To determine if there are structural differences between cognitively normal cases with argyrophilic grains (CNG) and DG, we studied 14 brains with CNG and 15 brains with DG. All cases of DG had severe atrophy of the ambient gyrus (the junction between temporal lobe and amygdala) with spongiosis, neuronal loss, and gliosis, as well as many grains, pretangles, coiled bodies, and tau-immunoreactive astrocytes. Comparable changes were not present in the ambient gyrus of CNG brains. The temporal neocortex and hippocampus were relatively spared in DG, in contrast to Alzheimer disease. Our study suggests that selective severe involvement of the ambient gyrus may explain the clinical manifestations of a limbic-type dementia in DG.
Examining auditory selective attention in realistic, natural environments with an optimized paradigm

The topic of the collaborative project is the exploration of cognitive control mechanisms underlying auditory selective attention. The aim is to examine the influence of variables that increase the complexity of the auditory scene with respect to technical aspects (dynamic binaural hearing with consideration of room acoustics and head movements) and that influence the efficiency of cognitive processing. Using a binaural-listening paradigm, the ability to intentionally shift auditory attention in various anechoic setups was tested. An anechoic reproduction fails to represent realistic listening experiences. The original paradigm is extended to use longer stimuli to offer more opportunities. Spoken phrases by two speakers were presented simultaneously to subjects from two of eight positions. The stimuli were phrases that consisted of a single number word followed by either the German direction “UP” or “DOWN”. Guided by a visual cue prior to auditory stimulus onset, subjects were asked to identify whether th.