Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pancreatic islet plasticity: Interspecies comparison of islet architecture and composition

The pancreatic islet displays diverse patterns of endocrine cell arrangement. The prototypic islet, with insulin-secreting β-cells forming the core surrounded by other endocrine cells in the periphery, is largely based on studies of normal rodent islets. Recent reports on large animals including humans show a difference in islet architecture, in which the endocrine cells are randomly distributed throughout the islet. This particular species difference has raised concerns regarding the interpretation of data based on rodent studies to humans. On the other hand, further variations have been reported in marsupials and some nonhuman primates, which possess an inverted ratio of β-cells to other endocrine cells. This review discusses the striking plasticity of islet architecture and cellular composition among various species including changes in response to metabolic states within a single species. We propose that this plasticity reflects evolutionary acquired adaptation induced by altered physiological conditions, rather than inherent disparities between species.
Theory and Research on Small Groups

Research on small groups played an important role in the early formulation of social psychology. By the 1970s, however, the field had lost the interest of most social psychologists. Theory and Research on Small Groups reintegrates that work back into the mainstream of social psychology. The more recent issues-oriented' approach has not only resulted in many interesting findings-it has also applied basic social psychological theory in new ways and, moreover, led to new theoretical developments that deserve more attention. This volume, which features the work of esteemed researchers from around the world, is a bountiful resource worthy of notice by all social psychologists.
Psycho-social well-being among the parents of children with autism

This paper reports the results of a study of psycho-social well-being among an Australian sample of parents of children with autism. A variety of independent variables including: sociodemographic information, health and treatment status of the child and coping behaviours were assessed in terms of their effects on parental depression, anxiety and anger. The results of regression analysis indicated that fathers, and those parents who received more social support, had lower scores of depression, anxiety and anger. The age of symptom onset was positively related to depression, but was not significant in terms of anxiety and anger. Parents with older children, females and larger families reported lower scores of anger. These independent variables were not significantly related to depression or anxiety. Neither the type nor the extent of coping behaviours was significantly related to any of the measures of psycho-social well-being used in this study.
Evaluating Interpersonal Synchrony: Wavelet Transform Toward an Unstructured Conversation

This study examined whether interpersonal synchrony could be extracted using spectrum analysis (i.e., wavelet transform) in an unstructured conversation. Sixty-two female undergraduates were randomly paired and they engaged in a 6-min unstructured conversation. Interpersonal synchrony was evaluated by calculating the cross-wavelet coherence of the time-series movement data, extracted using a video-image analysis software. The existence of synchrony was tested using a pseudo-synchrony paradigm. In addition, the frequency at which the synchrony occurred and the distribution of the relative phase was explored. The results showed that the value of cross-wavelet coherence was higher in the experimental participant pairs than in the pseudo pairs. Further, the coherence value was higher in the frequency band under 0.5 Hz. These results support the validity of evaluating interpersonal synchron Behavioral mimicry and interpersonal syyby using wavelet transform even in an unstructured conversation. However, the role of relative phase was not clear; there was no significant difference between each relative-phase region. The theoretical contribution of these findings to the area of interpersonal coordination is discussed.
Lexical and Grammatical Role Constraints in Resolving Other-Anaphora

Computational research on reference resolution has mostly focused on pronouns and, to a lesser extent, on denite descriptions. We present a computational treatment of other-anaphora, i.e., noun phrases modied by iotheri and ianotheri. The approach presented here is a lexical method LEX that nds antecedents on the basis of information in WordNet. LEX is compared with the state-of-the-art pronoun resolution method based on Centering Theory. A performance comparison between the two algorithms indicates that LEX is superior to the Centering method (48% vs. 37% success rate). Furthermore, an analysis of examples that the Centering method resolved correctly and LEX did not suggests the following: to improve the performance of LEX requires a better treatment of metonymy, bridging, implicit antecedents and non-NP antecedents. Grammatical role, however, does not seem to play a signicant part in resolving other-anaphora, other than with pronominal antecedents.
Systems Modeling Languages: OPM Versus SysML

As systems are becoming ever larger and more complex, and as more stakeholders, typically from different disciplines, are involved throughout the system lifecycle, the challenge of overcoming the complexity inherent in systems development grows too. While a document-centric approach has been common practice, coping with the growing complexity of current systems calls for a model-based approach. This work discusses two systems modeling languages, OMG's SysML - Systems Modeling Language and OPM - Object Process Methodology. To demonstrate the similarities and differences between the languages, a concrete sample system was modeled in both SysML and OPM and the issue was discussed in an experimental graduate students' Web-based forum as part of a course in information systems engineering. Our study shows that SysML tends to be more appropriate in cases where a detailed picture is required. Alternatively, OPM is more suitable for defining system boundaries and demonstrating the overall picture of the system.
The Influence of Program Context Intensity: An Examination of Television Advertising during War News

Abstract Advertisers often shy away from graphic, emotionally-charged programming under the assumption that the programming intensity will impair viewer recall, as well as negatively influence viewer perceptions. This paper empirically investigates this assumption and finds that advertisers are at least partially mistaken. We utilize war news programming as a fitting emotional context in which to embed advertising stimuli. Results from a four-group after-only experiment show: 1) more intense programming reduces the ability of both proponents and opponents of the war to recall advertisements; 2) proponents of the war are more likely to recall ads in lower-intensity programming than are opponents of the war; 3) the degree of polarization for or against the war (“against” versus “strongly against” and “support” versus “strongly support”) has a significant impact on recall for proponents, but not for opponents; and (4) across all sub-groups of viewers, multiple measures of viewer perceptions (ad effectiveness, product value, product quality, purchase intentions, affective connections to the firm) reveal no negative effects from viewing ads during intense war programming.
Defense against Reactive Carbonyl Species Involves at Least Three Subcellular Compartments Where Individual Components of the System Respond to Cellular Sugar Status

Detoxification of reactive carbonyl species produced by enhanced cellular sugar levels involves at least three subcellular compartments and depends on a specific glyoxalase I isoform during germination. Methylglyoxal (MGO) and glyoxal (GO) are toxic reactive carbonyl species generated as by-products of glycolysis. The pre-emption pathway for detoxification of these products, the glyoxalase (GLX) system, involves two consecutive reactions catalyzed by GLXI and GLXII. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the GLX system is encoded by three homologs of GLXI and three homologs of GLXII, from which several predicted GLXI and GLXII isoforms can be derived through alternative splicing. We identified the physiologically relevant splice forms using sequencing data and demonstrated that the resulting isoforms have different subcellular localizations. All three GLXI homologs are functional in vivo, as they complemented a yeast GLXI loss-of-function mutant. Efficient MGO and GO detoxification can be controlled by a switch in metal cofactor usage. MGO formation is closely connected to the flux through glycolysis and through the Calvin Benson cycle; accordingly, expression analysis indicated that GLXI is transcriptionally regulated by endogenous sugar levels. Analyses of Arabidopsis loss-of-function lines revealed that the elimination of toxic reactive carbonyl species during germination and seedling establishment depends on the activity of the cytosolic GLXI;3 isoform. The Arabidopsis GLX system involves the cytosol, chloroplasts, and mitochondria, which harbor individual components that might be used at specific developmental stages and respond differentially to cellular sugar status.
Optimal Discrete Loading 98-341

In this work the discrete loading problem in multicarrier modulation systems is considered. Initially, the problem is considered in a more general setting. The assumptions made are that the number of bits per second that can be reliably transmitted through a given channel using the chosen coding scheme is a concave and increasing function of the energy allocated to that channel, where by reliable we mean at a given target probability of error. Necessary and su cient conditions for a discrete bit allocation to be optimum will be derived and general algorithms for solving the Discrete Bit Loading problems will be presented. After the general results are established, the case of multicarrier modulation systems over an Additive Gaussian Noise channel with InterSymbol Interference is considered and e cient algorithms for this speci c case are introduced.
Affect and accuracy in recall: Remembering personal circumstances: A functional analysis

In the classic paper on “flashbulb” memories, Brown and Kulik (1977) identified an aspect of autobiographical memory that had received scant attention from cognitive psychologists – memory for one's own personal circumstances (such as location, ongoing activities, and feelings) when receiving an important and shocking piece of news (such as first learning that President Kennedy had been shot), as opposed to memory for the newsworthy event itself. A second contribution of Brown and Kulik's original papers, and Neisser's (1982b) subsequent commentary, was a focus on memory function. What is the psychological value or adaptive significance of remembering personal details at such times? In this chapter I examine memories of personal circumstances from a functional perspective. First, I argue that memories of personal circumstances are essential components of a fully functioning autobiographical memory system. Second, I critically examine the emphasis on memory accuracy in recent studies of flashbulb memories, and I conclude that the research agenda should be expanded to include memory functions that have heretofore fallen outside the realm of cognitive psychology. Third, I identify and describe three broad categories of memory function, none of which depends on absolute veridicality in recall: Communicative functions: The act of recounting a detailed personal memory to others communicates meaning that transcends the surface content of the particular recollection, and this specialized form of communication appears to be rule governed. Psychodynamic functions: Remembering personal circumstances in vivid detail can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on the rememberer, and on others with whom the memories are shared. Detailed recollection of specific episodes is frequently identified by clinicians as an essential component of psychotherapeutic process. […]
Sources of Caffeine in Diets of US Children and Adults: Trends by Beverage Type and Purchase Location

New sources of caffeine, besides coffee and tea, have been introduced into the US food supply. Data on caffeine consumption age and purchase location can help guide public health policy. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were used to estimate population-level caffeine intakes, using data from 24-h dietary recall. First, caffeine intakes by age-group and beverage type were estimated using the most recent 2011–2012 data (n = 7456). Second, fourteen years trends in caffeine consumption, overall and by beverage type, were evaluated for adults and children. Trend analyses were conducted by age groups. Last, trends in caffeine intakes by purchase location and beverage type were estimated. In 2011–2012, children aged four to eight years consumed the least caffeine (15 mg/day), and adults aged 51–70 years consumed the most (213 mg/day). The population mean (age ≥ four years) was 135 mg/day, driven largely by coffee (90 mg/day), tea (25 mg/day), and soda (21 mg/day). For the 14–19 years and 20–34 years age-groups, energy drinks contributed 6 mg/day (9.9%) and 5 mg/day (4.5%), respectively. The bulk of caffeine came from store-bought coffee and tea. Among both children and adults combined, caffeine intakes declined from 175 mg/day (1999–2000) to 142 mg/day (2011–2012), largely driven by a drop in caffeine from soda (41 mg/day to 21 mg/day). Store-bought coffee and tea remain principal drivers of caffeine intake in the US. Sodas and energy drinks make minor contributions to overall caffeine intakes.
A dual-band cavity bandpass filter using interdigital technique

This paper proposes a dual band cavity bandpass filter (BPF) using interdigital technique on irises. The proposed cavity filter was designed at the fundamental frequency of 3.9 GHz (C-Band) and the second resonance frequency could be shifted to the frequency of 5.2 GHz (WLAN) by the effect of interdigital irises. The capacitive values of the interdigital iris can be varied with the finger gap and its impedance, resulting in the second resonance frequency shifting. Moreover, using the interdigital technique can reduce the filter size form λ/2 to λ/4 caused by the slow wave effect on each cavity order. This dual band cavity BPF was made from brass material with the thickness of 1.5 mm for high power handling. A good filter performance is obtained with insertion loss (S2i) of 0.73 dB and return loss (Su) of 15 dB.
Factors that determine energy compensation: a systematic review of preload studies

Insufficient energy compensation after a preload (meal, snack, or beverage) has been associated with excess energy intake, but experimental studies have used heterogeneous methodologies, making energy compensation difficult to predict. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the relative contributions of two key variables, preload physical form and intermeal interval (IMI), to differences in energy compensation. Forty-eight publications were included, from which percent energy compensation (%EC) data were extracted for 253 interventions (121 liquid, 69 semisolid, 20 solid, and 43 composite preloads). Energy compensation ranged from −370% (overconsumption, mostly of liquids) to 450% (overcompensation). A meta-regression analysis of studies reporting positive energy compensation showed that IMI (as the predominant factor) together with preload physical form and energy contributed significantly to %EC differences, accounting for 50% of the variance, independently from gender and BMI. Energy compensation was maximized when the preload was in semisolid/solid form and the IMI was 30–120 min. These results may assist in the interpretation of studies assessing the relative efficacy of interventions to enhance satiety, including functional foods and weight management products.
The Evolution of Functionally Redundant Species; Evidence from Beetles

While species fulfill many different roles in ecosystems, it has been suggested that numerous species might actually share the same function in a near neutral way. So-far, however, it is unclear whether such functional redundancy really exists. We scrutinize this question using extensive data on the world’s 4168 species of diving beetles. We show that across the globe these animals have evolved towards a small number of regularly-spaced body sizes, and that locally co-existing species are either very similar in size or differ by at least 35%. Surprisingly, intermediate size differences (10–20%) are rare. As body-size strongly reflects functional aspects such as the food that these generalist predators can eat, these beetles thus form relatively distinct groups of functional look-a-likes. The striking global regularity of these patterns support the idea that a self-organizing process drives such species-rich groups to self-organize evolutionary into clusters where functional redundancy ensures resilience through an insurance effect.
The effect of temperature on apoptosis and adipogenesis on skeletal muscle satellite cells derived from different muscle types

Satellite cells are multipotential stem cells that mediate postnatal muscle growth and respond differently to temperature based upon aerobic versus anaerobic fiber‐type origin. The objective of this study was to determine how temperatures below and above the control, 38°C, affect the fate of satellite cells isolated from the anaerobic pectoralis major (p. major) or mixed fiber biceps femoris (b. femoris). At all sampling times, p. major and b. femoris cells accumulated less lipid when incubated at low temperatures and more lipid at elevated temperatures compared to the control. Satellite cells isolated from the p. major were more sensitive to temperature as they accumulated more lipid at elevated temperatures compared to b. femoris cells. Expression of adipogenic genes, CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBPβ) and proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) were different within satellite cells isolated from the p. major or b. femoris. At 72 h of proliferation, C/EBPβ expression increased with increasing temperature in both cell types, while PPARγ expression decreased with increasing temperature in p. major satellite cells. At 48 h of differentiation, both C/EBPβ and PPARγ expression increased in the p. major and decreased in the b. femoris, with increasing temperature. Flow cytometry measured apoptotic markers for early apoptosis (Annexin‐V‐PE) or late apoptosis (7‐AAD), showing less than 1% of apoptotic satellite cells throughout all experimental conditions, therefore, apoptosis was considered biologically not significant. The results support that anaerobic p. major satellite cells are more predisposed to adipogenic conversion than aerobic b. femoris cells when thermally challenged.
Perinatal Maternal Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 Prevents Allergic Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Birch Pollen Allergy

Background The hygiene hypothesis implies that microbial agents including probiotic bacteria may modulate foetal/neonatal immune programming and hence offer effective strategies for primary allergy prevention; however their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. We investigated whether oral administration of Lactobacillus paracasei NCC 2461 to mothers during gestation/lactation can protect against airway inflammation in offspring in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, and examined the immune mechanisms involved. Methods BALB/c mice were treated daily with L. paracasei in drinking water or drinking water alone in the last week of gestation and during lactation. Their offspring were sensitized with recombinant Bet v 1, followed by aerosol challenge with birch pollen extract. Results Maternal exposure to L. paracasei prevented the development of airway inflammation in offspring, as demonstrated by attenuation of eosinophil influx in the lungs; reduction of IL-5 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage, and in lung and mediastinal lymph node cell cultures; and reduced peribronchial inflammatory infiltrate and mucus hypersecretion. While allergen-specific IgE and IgG antibody levels remained unchanged by the treatment, IL-4 and IL-5 production in spleen cell cultures were significantly reduced upon allergen stimulation in offspring of L. paracasei treated mice. Offspring of L. paracasei supplemented mothers had significantly reduced Bet v 1-specific as well as Concanavalin A-induced responses in spleen and mesenteric lymph node cell cultures, suggesting the modulation of both antigen-specific and mitogen-induced immune responses in offspring. These effects were associated with increased Foxp3 mRNA expression in the lungs and increased TGF-beta in serum. Conclusion Our data show that in a mouse model of birch pollen allergy, perinatal administration of L. paracasei NCC 2461 to pregnant/lactating mothers protects against the development of airway inflammation in offspring by activating regulatory pathways, likely through TLR2/4 signalling.
Will the real smart city please stand up?

Debates about the future of urban development in many Western countries have been increasingly influenced by discussions of smart cities. Yet despite numerous examples of this ‘urban labelling’ phenomenon, we know surprisingly little about so‐called smart cities, particularly in terms of what the label ideologically reveals as well as hides. Due to its lack of definitional precision, not to mention an underlying self‐congratulatory tendency, the main thrust of this article is to provide a preliminary critical polemic against some of the more rhetorical aspects of smart cities. The primary focus is on the labelling process adopted by some designated smart cities, with a view to problematizing a range of elements that supposedly characterize this new urban form, as well as question some of the underlying assumptions/contradictions hidden within the concept. To aid this critique, the article explores to what extent labelled smart cities can be understood as a high‐tech variation of the ‘entrepreneurial city’, as well as speculates on some general principles which would make them more progressive and inclusive.
Increased Hepatic Expression of Endothelial Lipase Inhibits Cholesterol Diet–Induced Hypercholesterolemia and Atherosclerosis in Transgenic Rabbits

Objective— Endothelial lipase (EL) is a key determinant in plasma high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. However, functional roles of EL on the development of atherosclerosis have not been clarified. We investigated whether hepatic expression of EL affects plasma lipoprotein metabolism and cholesterol diet–induced atherosclerosis. Approach and Results— We generated transgenic (Tg) rabbits expressing the human EL gene in the liver and then examined the effects of EL expression on plasma lipids and lipoproteins and compared the susceptibility of Tg rabbits with cholesterol diet–induced atherosclerosis with non-Tg littermates. On a chow diet, hepatic expression of human EL in Tg rabbits led to remarkable reductions in plasma levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol compared with non-Tg controls. On a cholesterol-rich diet for 16 weeks, Tg rabbits exhibited significantly lower hypercholesterolemia and less atherosclerosis than non-Tg littermates. In Tg rabbits, gross lesion area of aortic atherosclerosis was reduced by 52%, and the lesions were characterized by fewer macrophages and smooth muscle cells compared with non-Tg littermates. Conclusions— Increased hepatic expression of EL attenuates cholesterol diet–induced hypercholesterolemia and protects against atherosclerosis.