Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mathematical analysis of locomotor behavior by mice in a radial maze

We investigated the effects of β-estradiol on the locomotor behavior of female mice in a radial maze. Data comprising the total distance traveled during each arm entry were obtained from video records of six consecutive daily recording sessions. Distributions of these data were bimodal for both ovariectomized control and β-estradiol-treated ovariectomized subjects. Data were fit with the sum of two gamma probability distributions. Three parameters of the analytic fits were useful for quantifying the effect of β-estradiol on locomotor behavior: (i) the sampling distance (median of the total distance traveled during each arm entry in the short-distance peak of a bimodal distribution), (ii) the committed distance (median of the total per-arm-entry distance traveled in the long-distance peak), and (iii) the partition distance (distance represented by the minimum between the two peaks). Analysis showed that for sampling-distance arm entries β-estradiol typically had little if any significant effect on female locomotor behavior, whereas it significantly increased the total distance traveled during committed-distance arm entries on the first 2 days of exposure to the empty maze. β-Estradiol also increased the ability of females to discriminate between empty maze arms and arms that contained intact or castrated male mice and partially prevented loss of this capacity after removal of the males.
Advances in Ultra Low Dielectric Constant Ordered Porous Materials

The development of ultra-low dielectric constant silicon-based materials was reviewed in this article. The dielectric constants of these kinds of mesoporous and microporous materials can be kept at less than 2 by controlling their pore size and pore density. Even though these materials show remarkable electrical breakdown characteristics and leakage currents, they have to surmount mechanistic issues, low resistance to electrical migration, and hydrophilicity. To further enhance material properties and make them compatible with current demands, research into other new synthesis methods is still required.
Double guidewire endoscopic technique, a major evolution in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: Results of a retrospective study with historical controls comparing two therapeutic sequential strategies

Endoscopic access to the common bile duct (CBD) remains difficult in 10% of cases, requiring alternative techniques . CBD access was difficult after either five unsuccessful attempts, five unintentional insertions into the pancreatic duct or >10‐min‐long unsuccessful attempts. This retrospective study with historical controls aimed to evaluate the benefit of the double guidewire (DGW) technique after failure of standard CBD cannulation.
Planning Singularity-Free Paths on Closed-Chain Manipulators

This paper provides an algorithm for computing singularity-free paths on closed-chain manipulators. Given two nonsingular configurations of the manipulator, the method attempts to connect them through a path that maintains a minimum clearance with respect to the singularity locus at all points, which guarantees the controllability of the manipulator everywhere along the path. The method can be applied to nonredundant manipulators of general architecture, and it is resolution complete. It always returns a path whenever one exists at a given resolution or determines path nonexistence otherwise. The strategy relies on defining a smooth manifold that maintains a one-to-one correspondence with the singularity-free C-space of the manipulator, and on using a higher dimensional continuation technique to explore this manifold systematically from one configuration, until the second configuration is found. If desired, the method can also be used to compute an exhaustive atlas of the whole singularity-free component reachable from a given configuration, which is useful to rapidly resolve subsequent planning queries within such component, or to visualize the singularity-free workspace of any of the manipulator coordinates. Examples are included that demonstrate the performance of the method on illustrative situations.
Achievable Rates of Full-Duplex MIMO Radios in Fast Fading Channels With Imperfect Channel Estimation

We study the theoretical performance of two full-duplex multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radio systems: a full-duplex bi-directional communication system and a full-duplex relay system. We focus on the effect of a (digitally manageable) residual self-interference due to imperfect channel estimation (with independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Gaussian channel estimation error) and transmitter noise. We assume that the instantaneous channel state information (CSI) is not available the transmitters. To maximize the system ergodic mutual information, which is a nonconvex function of power allocation vectors at the nodes, a gradient projection algorithm is developed to optimize the power allocation vectors. This algorithm exploits both spatial and temporal freedoms of the source covariance matrices of the MIMO links between transmitters and receivers to achieve higher sum ergodic mutual information. It is observed through simulations that the full-duplex mode is optimal when the nominal self-interference is low, and the half-duplex mode is optimal when the nominal self-interference is high. In addition to an exact closed-form ergodic mutual information expression, we introduce a much simpler asymptotic closed-form ergodic mutual information expression, which in turn simplifies the computation of the power allocation vectors.
Contextual modulation of sensitivity to naturalistic image structure in macaque V2

The stimulus selectivity of neurons in V1 is well known, as is the finding that their responses can be affected by visual input to areas outside of the classical receptive field. Less well understood are the ways selectivity is modified as signals propagate to visual areas beyond V1, such as V2. We recently proposed a role for V2 neurons in representing the higher order statistical dependencies found in images of naturally occurring visual texture. V2 neurons, but not V1 neurons, respond more vigorously to “naturalistic” images that contain these dependencies than to “noise” images that lack them. In this work, we examine the dependency of these effects on stimulus size. For most V2 neurons, the preference for naturalistic over noise stimuli was modest when presented in small patches and gradually strengthened with increasing size, suggesting that the mechanisms responsible for this enhanced sensitivity operate over regions of the visual field that are larger than the classical receptive field. Indeed, we found that surround suppression was stronger for noise than for naturalistic stimuli and that the preference for large naturalistic stimuli developed over a delayed time course consistent with lateral or feedback connections. These findings are compatible with a spatially broad facilitatory mechanism that is absent in V1 and suggest that a distinct role for the receptive field surround emerges in V2 along with sensitivity for more complex image structure. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The responses of neurons in visual cortex are often affected by visual input delivered to regions of the visual field outside of the conventionally defined receptive field, but the significance of such contextual modulations are not well understood outside of area V1. We studied the importance of regions beyond the receptive field in establishing a novel form of selectivity for the statistical dependencies contained in natural visual textures that first emerges in area V2.
A dynamic framework for analyzing technology standardisation using network analysis and game theory

ABSTRACT As more technologies and industries converge, technology standards are more likely to be a strategic factor for firms and governments that are interested in the market with standards-based competition. From the previous research, a new standardisation framework was proposed by combining network analysis and the game theory model but was constrained by feasibility and dynamic approach. In this study, the case of the standards war between HD-DVD and Blu-ray was analyzed with patent data as an empirical case considering a dynamic framework. With this framework, we observed a change in a firm’s technology relations and could predict the decline in a firm’s preference and the shift of equilibrium ahead of Toshiba’s resignation.
Snow metamorphism as revealed by scanning electron microscopy

Current theories of snow metamorphism indicate that sublimating snow crystals have rounded shapes, while growing crystals have shapes that depend on growth rates. At slow growth rates, crystals are rounded. At moderate rates, they have flat faces with rounded edges. At fast growth rates, crystals have flat faces with sharp edges, and they have hollow faces at very fast growth rates. The main growth/sublimation mechanism is thought to be by the homogeneous nucleation of new layers at or near crystal edges. It was also suggested that the equilibrium shape of snow crystals would be temperature dependent: rounded above −10.5°C, and faceted below. To test these paradigms, we have performed SEM investigations of snow samples having undergone metamorphism under natural conditions, and of snow samples subjected to isothermal metamorphism at −4° and −15°C in the laboratory. In general, current theories predicting crystal shapes as a function of growth rates, and of whether crystals are growing or sublimating, are verified. However, the transition in equilibrium shapes from rounded to faceted at −10.5°C is not observed in our isothermal experiments that reveal a predominance of rounded shapes after more than a month of metamorphism at −4 and −15°C. Some small crystals with flat faces that also have sharp angles at −15°C, are observed in our isothermal experiments. These faces are newly formed, and contradict current theory. Several hypotheses are proposed to explain their occurrence. One is that they are due to sublimation at emerging dislocations. Microsc. Res. Tech. 62:33–48, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens Zur Regulates the High-Affinity Zinc Uptake System TroCBA and the Putative Metal Chaperone YciC, along with ZinT and ZnuABC, for Survival under Zinc-Limiting Conditions

ABSTRACT Agrobacterium tumefaciens has a cluster of genes (Atu3178, Atu3179, and Atu3180) encoding an ABC-type transporter, here named troA, troB, and troC, respectively, which is shown here to be a zinc-specific uptake system. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis confirmed that troA, troB, and troC are cotranscribed, with troC as the first gene of the operon. The yciC (Atu3181) gene is transcribed in the opposite orientation to that of the troCBA operon and belongs to a metal-binding GTPase family. Expression of troCBA and yciC was inducible under zinc-limiting conditions and was controlled by the zinc uptake regulator, Zur. Compared to the wild type, the mutant strain lacking troC was hypersensitive to a metal chelator, EDTA, and the phenotype could be rescued by the addition of zinc, while the strain with a single yciC mutation showed no phenotype. However, yciC was important for survival under zinc limitation when either troC or zinT was inactivated. The periplasmic zinc-binding protein, ZinT, could not function when TroC was inactivated, suggesting that ZinT may interact with TroCBA in zinc uptake. Unlike many other bacteria, the ABC-type transporter ZnuABC was not the major zinc uptake system in A. tumefaciens. However, the important role of A. tumefaciens ZnuABC was revealed when TroCBA was impaired. The strain containing double mutations in the znuA and troC genes exhibited a growth defect in minimal medium. A. tumefaciens requires cooperation of zinc uptake systems and zinc chaperones, including TroCBA, ZnuABC, ZinT, and YciC, for survival under a wide range of zinc-limiting conditions. IMPORTANCE Both host and pathogen battle over access to essential metals, including zinc. In low-zinc environments, physiological responses that make it possible to acquire enough zinc are important for bacterial survival and could determine the outcome of host-pathogen interactions. A. tumefaciens was found to operate a novel pathway for zinc uptake in which ZinT functions in concert with the high-affinity zinc importer TroCBA.
The Impact of Coffee on Health

Abstract Coffee is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages worldwide due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system as well as its taste and aroma. Coffee is a complex mixture of more than 800 volatile compounds whereas caffeine and chlorogenic acids are the most common compounds. During the last years, coffee has progressively moved to a less negative position on health due to its better-known pharmacology. Caffeine, e.g., in a cup of coffee, appears to exert most of its effects through an antagonism of the adenosine receptors. Novel approaches in epidemiological studies and experimental researches suggest that coffee consumption may help to prevent several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver disease. Most prospective cohort studies have not found coffee consumption to be associated with a significantly increased cardiovascular disease risk. There is also evidence that decaffeinated coffee may, in some respect, have similar benefits as regular coffee, indicating that besides caffeine other components contribute to the health protecting effects. For adults consuming moderate amounts of coffee (3 – 4 cups/d providing 300 – 400 mg/d of caffeine), there is little evidence of health risks and some evidence of health benefits. This review provides up-to-date information about coffee on health. Topics addressed include the cardiovascular system, liver diseases, and diabetes as well as gastrointestinal disorders.
A critical plane fatigue model applied to out‐of‐phase bending and torsion load conditions

This paper presents an easy to handle but efficient fatigue life prediction method based on a plasticity analysis carried out at the scale of the grains, i.e. the mesoscopic scale. The different steps of the model are described in the case of in-phase as well as out- of-phase bending-torsion load conditions. One striking feature of this method is that the definition of the critical material plane and the estimation of the number of cycles to initiation are made by means of analytical expressions that are functions of the loading parameters such as amplitudes, means and phase angles. The identification of the model parameters is readily carried out by means of one SN curve and two fatigue limits. This model is able to reflect the influence of the phase shift on damage accumulation with the introduction of no adjustable parameters. Furthermore, the comparison between the predictions and in-phase and out-of-phase fatigue data found in the literature leads to very good correlation.
Elevation of systemic matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 7 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 in patients with a history of Achilles tendon rupture: pilot study

Objectives In this study, serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) between patients with a history of Achilles tendon rupture and blood donor controls were compared, and their relation to mechanical properties of the tendons during healing were studied. Methods More than 3 years after injury, serum levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9 and MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in eight patients who had Achilles tendon rupture were measured. Twelve blood donors served as controls. During the early phase of healing, the tendon modulus of elasticity was calculated from radiostereometric data and tendon cross-sectional area. Results Patients with a history of Achilles tendon rupture had increased levels of MMP-2 (median difference 10%, p=0.01), MMP-7 (median difference 15%, p=0.02) and TIMP-2 (median difference 36%, p=0.02), compared with controls. Levels of MMP-7, measured 3 years after injury, correlated inversely to tendon modulus of elasticity (rs=20.83, p=0.02) and positively to tendon elongation (rs=0.74, p=0.05) during the early phase of healing. There was a trend towards positive correlation between MMP-7 and cross-sectional area during the early phase of healing (rs=0.67, p=0.08). Conclusions Patients with a history of Achilles tendon rupture appear to have elevated levels of MMP-2, MMP-7 and TIMP-2 in serum. In these pilot data, the view that the MMP–TIMP system is involved in tendinopathy is supported and that disturbances in proteolytic control might be generalised are suggested.
Comparative study of two different respiratory training protocols in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim The aim of the present study was to compare threshold inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and expiratory muscle training (EMT) in elderly male patients with moderate degree of COPD. Materials and methods Forty male patients with moderate degree of COPD were recruited for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: the IMT group who received inspiratory training with an intensity ranging from 15% to 60% of their maximal inspiratory pressure, and the EMT group who received expiratory training with an equal intensity which was adjusted according to the maximal expiratory pressure. Both groups received training three times per week for 2 months, in addition to their prescribed medications. Results Both IMT and EMT groups showed a significant improvement in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the first second, forced expiratory volume in the first second% from the predicted values, and forced vital capacity% from the predicted value, with no difference between the groups. Both types of training resulted in a significant improvement in blood gases (SaO2%, PaO2, PaCO2, and HCO3), with the inspiratory muscle group showing the best results. Both groups showed a significant improvement in the 6-min walking distance: an increase of about 25% in the inspiratory muscle group and about 2.5% in the expiratory muscle group. Conclusion Both IMT and EMT must be implemented in pulmonary rehabilitation programs in order to achieve improvements in pulmonary function test, respiratory muscle strength, blood oxygenation, and 6-min walking distance.
Loss Rank Mining: A General Hard Example Mining Method for Real-time Detectors

Modern object detectors usually suffer from low accuracy issues, as foregrounds always drown in tons of back-grounds and become hard examples during training. Compared with those proposal-based ones, real-time detectors are in far more serious trouble since they renounce the use of region-proposing stage which is used to filter a majority of back-grounds for achieving real-time rates. Though foregrounds as hard examples are in urgent need of being mined from tons of backgrounds, a considerable number of state-of-the-art real-time detectors, like YOLO series, have yet to profit from existing hard example mining methods, as using these methods need detectors fit series of prerequisites. In this paper, we propose a general hard example mining method named Loss Rank Mining (LRM) to fill the gap. LRM is a general method for real-time detectors, as it utilizes the final feature map which exists in all real-time detectors to mine hard examples. By using LRM, some elements representing easy examples in final feature map are filtered and detectors are forced to concentrate on hard examples during training. Extensive experiments validate the effectiveness of our method. With our method, the improvements of YOLOv2 detector on auto-driving related dataset KITTI and more general dataset PASCAL VOC are over 5% and 2% mAP, respectively. In addition, LRM is the first hard example mining strategy which could fit YOLOv2 perfectly and make it better applied in series of real scenarios where both real-time rates and accurate detection are strongly demanded.
Notice of RetractionThe effect of attribute salience in graphical representations on risk avoidance

By displaying a risk reduction of 50% graphically rather than numerically, Stone, Yates, and Parker (1997) significantly increased professed risk-avoidant behavior. The purpose of this research was to re-examine the graphical effect by (de)compressing the graph axis scale. In the present study, the probabilities information was presented either graphically (the compressed bar, the moderate bar, and the decompressed bar) or numerically. The results showed that the decompressed bar display lead to significantly greater risk avoidance compared to the other three displays. People were also willing to pay more money for reducing a negative risk in the moderate bar display than in the compressed bar and the numerical display, however, the compressed bar did not differ from the numerical display. The results indicated that the graphical displays did not always induce increased professed risk-avoidant behavior compared to the numerical display, and the graphical effect would disappear in the compressed bar display.
HIVR4P 2016, Partnering for Prevention: Conference Summary and Highlights

Abstract HIV Research for Prevention: AIDS Vaccine, Microbicide, and ARV-based Prevention Science (HIVR4P) was built on a growing consensus that effective HIV prevention requires a combination of approaches and that understanding, analyzing, and debating the cross-cutting issues that impact prevention research are all essential to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. To that end, the biennial HIVR4P conference is dedicated to all biomedical HIV prevention research approaches, including HIV vaccines, microbicides, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and treatment as prevention. The HIVR4P 2016 conference was held in Chicago, Illinois (USA), on October 17–21, and included more than 700 scientific presentations and 21 satellite sessions covering the latest and most promising advances across the HIV prevention research field. The theme “Partnering for Prevention” represented the conference's commitment to breaking down silos between research disciplines as well as between researchers, program developers, care providers, advocates, communities, and funders. Delegates spanning 42 countries attended the conference. One-third of those in attendance were early career investigators, which reflects a firm commitment to emerging researchers and ultimately to the goal of developing a sustainable scientific enterprise well into the future. This article presents a concise summary of highlights from the conference. For a more detailed account, one may find full abstracts, daily summaries, and webcasts on the conference website at hivr4p.org.