Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Thinking caps for everyone? The role of neuro-enhancement by non-invasive brain stimulation in neuroscience and beyond

Neuro-enhancement by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has recently made considerable progress, triggering discussions regarding future applications to enhance human performance. We show that neuroscientific research does not aim at improving brain functions per se. Instead, neuro-enhancement is a research tool that has great potential to reveal the neural mechanisms underlying perception, cognition, and behavior. We provide instructive examples that showcase the relevance of neuro-enhancement by NIBS in neuroscience. Importantly, we argue that the scientific value of neuro-enhancement critically depends on our understanding of why enhancing effects occur. This is in contrast to applications of neuro-enhancement in other domains, where such knowledge may not be required. We conclude that neuro-enhancement as a therapeutic tool or in healthy people outside of neuroscience should be kept conceptually distinct, as these are separate domains with entirely different motives for enhancing human performance. Consequently, the underlying principles that justify the application of NIBS will be different in each domain and arguments for or against neuro-enhancement in one domain do not necessarily generalize to other domains.
Pentacene-Based Organic Phototransistor With High Sensitivity to Weak Light and Wide Dynamic Range

In this letter, the channel length effect, combined with the photoelectric field effect of organic phototransistors, has been investigated for the first time. Reducing the channel length and applying a positive gate bias during illumination enhance electron trapping effectively and hence improve the photoresponsivity of a pentacene-based phototransistor. The sensing dynamic range and the photosensitivity to very weak light (in the range of microwatts per square centimeter) are also discussed through the interaction between deep trapped states, interface energy-band bending, and photoexcited electrons.
A conserved tripeptide sorts proteins to peroxisomes

The firefly luciferase protein contains a peroxisomal targeting signal at its extreme COOH terminus (Gould et al., 1987). Site-directed mutagenesis of the luciferase gene reveals that this peroxisomal targeting signal consists of the COOH-terminal three amino acids of the protein, serine-lysine-leucine. When this tripeptide is appended to the COOH terminus of a cytosolic protein (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase), it is sufficient to direct the fusion protein into peroxisomes. Additional mutagenesis experiments reveal that only a limited number of conservative changes can be made in this tripeptide targeting signal without abolishing its activity. These results indicate that peroxisomal protein import, unlike other types of transmembrane translocation, is dependent upon a conserved amino acid sequence.
Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Patients with Early‐Onset Breast Carcinoma by Tissue Microarray

ABSTRACTYoung women with breast cancer have a poor prognosis, and the role of biologic markers in young women is not well defined. We investigated the association of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Bcl-2, HER-2/neu, p53, and Ki-67 with clinicopathologic features and outcome in young women with breast cancer. METHODSA cohort of 103 patients with early-onset breast cancer treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy were entered in this study. Age range was 25–45 years, and median follow-up was 8.7 years. Each of the paraffin-embedded specimens was immunologically stained for six biomarkers expression by a recently developed tissue microarray method. RESULTSThe 10-year overall breast relapse-free and distant relapse-free survival rates were 82.7%, 84.6. 4%, and 66.7%, respectively, with 14 local relapses and 26 distant metastases among the 103 patients evaluated. Positive expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, bcl-2, HER-2/neu, p53, and Ki-67 were 42.7%, 48.5%, 35.6%, 28.0%, 36.9%, and 39.7%, respectively. Tumor stage and nodal status were significantly associated with overall survival and distant metastasis-free rate in univariate and multivariate analysis. Progesterone receptor negativity and Ki-67 positivity were associated with distant metastasis. There was no statistically significant correlation between the six biomarkers and local relapse. CONCLUSIONSProgesterone receptor, Ki-67, tumor stage, and nodal status were prognostic factors for distant failure in early-stage breast cancer in young patients. Further studies are needed to find other biologic markers associated with local failure in this group of patients.
Comparative Analysis of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Biofilm Formation on Gallstones and on Glass

ABSTRACT In this study, the roles of global regulators, motility, lipopolysaccharide, and exopolysaccharides were further characterized with respect to biofilm formation on both gallstones and glass surfaces. These studies show the complex nature of biofilms and demonstrate that characteristics observed for each biofilm are unique to the particular culture condition.
A Prospective Longitudinal Study of BK Virus Infection in 104 Renal Transplant Recipients

BK virus (BKV) infection during the first year after renal transplantation was studied prospectively in 104 unselected consecutive patients. Viral DNA in urine (DNAuria) and plasma (DNAemia) samples was detected and quantified by real‐time PCR. The noncoding control region (NCCR) of BKV isolates was sequenced.
Suppression of fibronectin synthesis by an early function(s) of human cytomegalovirus.

Labelling of fibronectin with [3H]leucine and its isolation by immunoprecipitation followed by electrophoresis on gels showed that fibronectin synthesis was specifically suppressed in human embryonic cells infected with human cytomegalovirus. Degradation or release of pre-existing fibronectin into the medium was not affected. The inhibition of fibronectin synthesis was also observed when cells were infected with a DNA-minus temperature-sensitive mutant at the non-permissive temperature but not observed in infection with u.v. -irradiated virus, suggesting the involvement of the expression of an early virus function(s). This capacity of the virus may be implicated in the virus-induced early cell rounding.
QoS Aware Inter-Cluster Routing Protocol for IEEE 802.15.4 Networks

In Quality-of-service (QoS) aware routing for IEEE 802.15. 4 Networks we address certain issues in delay and reliability domains. To overcome these issues, we propose to develop a routing protocol designed in the cluster tree network which consists of few modules like reliability module, packet classifier, hello protocol module and routing service module. The data is transferred from MAC layer to network layer in reliability module which takes care of transmission of messages and acknowledgements. Using the Packet classifier the packets are classified into the data and hello packets. The data packets are classified based on the priority. Hello protocol module construct neighbor table and maintain information about neighbor nodes reliabilities. Next using the routing service module routing table is built. The delay in the route is controlled using delay metrics, which is a sum of queuing delay and transmission delay.
Xenomelia: A Social Neuroscience View of Altered Bodily Self-Consciousness

Xenomelia, the “foreign limb syndrome,” is characterized by the non-acceptance of one or more of one’s own extremities and the resulting desire for elective limb amputation or paralysis. Formerly labeled “body integrity identity disorder” (BIID), the condition was originally considered a psychological or psychiatric disorder, but a brain-centered Zeitgeist and a rapidly growing interest in the neural underpinnings of bodily self-consciousness has shifted the focus toward dysfunctional central nervous system circuits. The present article outlays both mind-based and brain-based views highlighting their shortcomings. We propose that full insight into what should be conceived a “xenomelia spectrum disorder” will require interpretation of individual symptomatology in a social context. A proper social neuroscience of xenomelia respects the functional neuroanatomy of corporeal awareness, but also acknowledges the brain’s plasticity in response to an individual’s history, which is lived against a cultural background. This integrated view of xenomelia will promote the subfield of consciousness research concerned with the unity of body and self.
Influence of finite‐sites mutation, population subdivision and sampling schemes on patterns of nucleotide polymorphism for species with molecular hyperdiversity

Molecular hyperdiversity has been documented in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Such organisms undermine the assumptions of the infinite‐sites mutational model, because multiple mutational events at a site comprise a non‐negligible portion of polymorphisms. Moreover, different sampling schemes of individuals from species with subdivided populations can profoundly influence resulting patterns and interpretations of molecular variation. Inspired by molecular hyperdiversity in the nematode Caenorhabditis sp. 5, which exhibits average pairwise differences among synonymous sites of >5% as well as modest population structure, we investigated via coalescent simulation the joint effects of a finite‐sites mutation (FSM) process and population subdivision on the variant frequency spectrum. From many demes interconnected through a stepping‐stone migration model, we constructed local samples from a single deme, pooled samples from several demes and scattered samples of a single individual from numerous demes. Compared with a single panmictic population at equilibrium, we find that high population mutation rates induce a deficit of rare variants (positive Tajima’s D) under a FSM model. Population structure also induces such a skew for local samples when migration is high and for pooled samples when migration is low. Contrasts of sampling schemes for C. sp. 5 imply high mutational input coupled with high migration. We propose that joint analysis of local, pooled and scattered samples for species with subdivided populations provides a means of improving inference of demographic history, by virtue of the partially distinct patterns of polymorphism that manifest when sequences are analyzed according to differing sampling schemes.
Enhancement of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 lnCection by Antisera to Peptides from the Envelope Glycoproteins gp120/gp41

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoproteins (gp120 and gp41) elicit virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNAB) and also antibodies enhancing HIV-1 infection (EAB). Several epitopes eliciting VNAB have been defined, the principal virus-neutralizing determinant being assigned to the V3 loop of gp120. To provide a background for a rational design of antiHIV vaccines, it also appears important to define domains eliciting EAB. This was accomplished by screening antisera against synthetic peptides covering almost the entire sequence of gp120/gp41 for their enhancing effects on HIV-1 infection of MT-2 cells, a continuous T cell line. Many (16/30) of the antisera significantly enhanced HIV-1 in the presence of human complement. Antibodies to complement receptor type 2 (CK2) abrogated the antibody-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infection. Antisera to V3 hypervariable loops of 21 distinct HIV-1 isolates were also tested for their enhancing effects on HIV-11.B infection. 11 of these sera contained VNAB and 10 enhanced HIV-lmB infection. All antisera with virus-enhancing activity contained antibodies crossreactive with the V3 loop of HIV-lmB, and the virus-enhancing activity increased with increasing serological crossreactivity. These results suggest that immunization with antigens encompassing V3 loops may elicit EAB rather than protective antibodies if epitopes on the immunogen and the predominant HIV-1 isolate infecting a population are insufficiently matched, i.e., crossreactive serologically but not at the level of virus neutralization.
Development of novel gastroretentive drug delivery system of gliclazide: hollow beads

Abstract Aim: The current communication deals with the development of hollow floating beads of gliclazide. The primary effect of this drug is to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin release from pancreatic islet-β-cells by induction of a decrease in potassium efflux from these cells. Because of the poor aqueous solubility, its absorption is limited. Thus, an attempt was made to improve its release profile. Methods: The hollow drug-loaded alginate beads in combination with low methoxyl pectin and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were prepared by a simple ionotropic gelation method. The beads were evaluated for particle size and morphology using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Mucoadhesion test was done using goat stomach mucosal membrane. Release characteristics of the gliclazide-loaded hollow beads were studied in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2) and phosphate buffer (pH 5.8). Results: The developed beads were spherical in shape with hollow internal structure and had a particle size in the range of 0.730 ± 0.05 to 0.890 ± 0.03 mm. The incorporation efficiency of alginate -pectin beads was higher than alginate -HPMC beads. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction analysis showed stable character of drug in the drug-loaded hollow beads and revealed the absence of any drug -polymer interactions. The beads remained buoyant for more than 12 h. The drug release from beads followed Fickian diffusion with swelling. Conclusion: The preliminary results of this study suggest that the developed beads containing gliclazide could enhance drug entrapment efficiency, reduce the initial burst release and modulate the drug release.
Effects of Exotic Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora on Soil Physical and Chemical Characteristics in the Haihe River Estuary, China

An exotic grass Spartina alterniflora was introduced in China almost 30 years ago, and since then it has become an urgent topic due to its invasiveness in the coastal zone of China. We investigated consequences of S. alterniflora invasion on inter-tidal ecosystem processes in Haihe River estuary salt marsh of Tianjin, China. Soil pH, salinity, buck density, soil organic C, total N, C/N, soil microbial biomass C (SMBC), and soil microbial biomass N (SMBN) were determined, respectively. Moreover, correlations between soil buck density, organic C, total N, C/N, SMBC, and SMBN were also measured. The results showed that soil pH, salinity, and buck density in Spartina salt marsh were significant lower than mudflat. However, soil organic C, total N, SMBC, and SMBN were significantly higher in Spartina salt marsh than mudflat. With the extension of sampling time, soil pH, salinity, organic C, total N, SMBC, and SMBN increased, except for soil buck density. Soil organic C and total N were positively related with SMBC and SMBN regardless of Spartina salt marsh or mudflat. Therefore, invasion of S. alterniflora improved soil physical and chemical properties in estuary salt marsh. Furthermore, it is necessary to take soil microorganism into account when evaluating effects of S. alterniflora on soil physical and chemical properties.
Exploring User Purpose Writing Single Tweets

Microblogging is a new way of communication among people which allows them to disseminate messages via web, mobile phone, email or instant messaging. In 2010, microbloggers generated 65 million messages a day on Twitter alone. Our hypothesis is that tweeting is an activity which its users per- form in order to stills some needs. In this paper, we describe an approach for analysing user purposes in writing single tweets and organize these purposes to taxonomy. We nd that people use microblogging for eight dierent purpose, e.g. promotion, social interaction and expressing emotions. We aim to classify the tweet into categories of purposes.
Asymmetric Cryptography: Hidden Field Equations

The most popular public key cryptosystems rely on assumptions from algebraic number theory, e.g., the difficulty of factorisation or the discrete logarithm. The set of problems on which secure public key systems can be based is therefore very small: e.g., a breakthrough in factorisation would make RSA insecure and hence affect our digital economy quite dramatically. This would be the case if quantum-computer with a large number of qbits were available. Therefore, a wider range of candidate hard problems is needed. In 1996, Patarin proposed the “Hidden Field Equations” (HFE) as a base for public key cryptosystems. In a nutshell, they use polynomials over finite fields of different size to disguise the relationship between the private key and the public key. In these systems, the public key consists of multivariate polynomials over finite fields with up to 256 elements for practical implementations. Over finite fields, solving these equations has been shown to be an NP -complete problem. In addition, empirical results show that this problem is
Presurgical Depression Predicts Medical Morbidity 6 Months After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Objective Depression has been related to poor medical prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease and to diminished quality of life after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). However, prior studies have not fully examined the impact of depression on medical outcomes after CABG. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent contribution of presurgical depression to short-term medical outcome after CABG. Methods Medical, surgical, and psychosocial risk factors were assessed before surgery in 89 male veterans undergoing CABG. In addition, patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory. Medical, surgical, and psychological/quality-of-life outcomes were determined at 6 months of follow-up by telephone interview and review of medical records. Results Of the 89 patients studied, 25 scored 10 or greater on the Beck Depression Inventory. The study population was dichotomized on the basis of this cutoff point. A medical prediction model was developed for each outcome of interest, based on the range of medical, surgical, and psychosocial risk indices assessed. The dichotomized depression index was added to these prediction models as a final step. This depression index was found to independently predict cardiac hospitalizations at 6 months (&khgr;2 = 4.24, p < .04), continued surgical pain at 6 months (&khgr;2 = 6.36, p < .01), and failure to return to previous activity at 6 months (&khgr;2 = 15.04, p < .0001). Presurgical depression also predicted depressed affect at 6 months (&khgr;2 = 13.16, p < .0003). Conclusions Depression is an important independent contributor to medical and psychosocial morbidity up to 6 months after CABG. These findings warrant replication with larger and more diverse populations.
Eradication of colorectal xenografts by combined radioimmunotherapy and combretastatin a-4 3-O-phosphate.

Solid tumors have a heterogeneous pathophysiology, which has a major impact on therapy. Using SW1222 colorectal xenografts grown in nude mice, we have shown that antibody-targeted radioimmunotherapy (RIT) effectively treated the well-perfused tumor rim, producing regressions for approximately 35 days, but was less effective at the more hypoxic center. By 72 h after RIT, the number of apoptotic cells rose from an overall value of 1% in untreated tumors to 35% at the tumor periphery and 10% at the center. The antivascular agent disodium combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate (CA4-P) rapidly reduced tumor blood flow to 62% of control values by 1 h, 23% by 3 h, and between 32-36% from 6 to 24 h after administration. This created central hemorrhagic necrosis, but a peripheral rim of cells continued to grow, and survival was unaffected. Changes in the pattern of perfusion across the tumor over time were zonal. Untreated mice showed perfusion throughout the tumor, with greatest activity at the rim. There was an overall reduction at 1 h, and total cessation of central perfusion from 3 h onward. A narrow peripheral rim of perfusion was always present, which increased in intensity and extent between 6 and 24 h, either through reperfusion or new vessel growth. Combining these two complementary therapies (7.4 MBq (131)I-labeled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen IgG i.v. plus a single 200 mg/kg dose of CA4-P i.p.) produced complete cures in five of six mice for >9 months. Allowing maximal tumor localization of antibody (48 h) before blood flow inhibition by CA4-P increased tumor retention by two to three times control levels by 96 h without altering normal tissue levels, as confirmed by gamma counting and phosphor image analysis. The success of this combined, synergistic therapy was probably the result of several factors: (a) the killing of tumor cells in the outer, radiosensitive region by targeted radiotherapy; (b) enhancement of RIT by entrapment of additional radioantibody after combretastatin-induced vessel collapse; and (c) destruction of the central, more hypoxic and radioresistant region by CA4-P. This work demonstrates the need to consider cancer treatment in a biologically heterogeneous setting, if results are to be effectively translated to the clinic.
On the Existence of a General Multiple-Access / Broadcast Channel Duality

We investigate expanding the recently established Gaussian multiple-access/broadcast channel duality to a duality between discrete memoryless broadcast and multiple-access channels. More specifically, we attempt to find a relationship between the capacity regions of broadcast and multiple-access channels. We are able to establish a capacity region relationship for a class of deterministic broadcast and multiple-access channels, and we conjecture it exists for a slightly expanded class of deterministic channels. However, we are also able to find a counter-example for which no such capacity region relationship can exist. In the process of finding this counter-example, we prove the interesting result that random (i.e. nondeterministic) broadcast or multiple-access channels cannot have a larger capacity region than deterministic channels (i.e. channels in which the channel outputs are a deterministic function of the channel input) with the same input/output alphabets. We show this by upper bounding the capacity region of a discrete memoryless broadcast channel by the the capacity region of a finite-state broadcast channel, in which the channel is deterministic in every state.
Loss of Scribble causes cell competition in mammalian cells

In Drosophila, normal and transformed cells compete with each other for survival in a process called cell competition. However, it is not known whether comparable phenomena also occur in mammals. Scribble is a tumor suppressor protein in Drosophila and mammals. In this study we examine the interface between normal and Scribble-knockdown epithelial cells using Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells expressing Scribble short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in a tetracycline-inducible manner. We observe that Scribble-knockdown cells undergo apoptosis and are apically extruded from the epithelium when surrounded by normal cells. Apoptosis does not occur when Scribble-knockdown cells are cultured alone, suggesting that the presence of surrounding normal cells induces the cell death. We also show that death of Scribble-knockdown cells occurs independently of apical extrusion. Finally, we demonstrate that apoptosis of Scribble-knockdown cells depends on activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). This is the first demonstration that an oncogenic transformation within an epithelium induces cell competition in a mammalian cell culture system.