Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Examining Similarity Structure: Multidimensional Scaling and Related Approaches in Neuroimaging

This paper covers similarity analyses, a subset of multivariate pattern analysis techniques that are based on similarity spaces defined by multivariate patterns. These techniques offer several advantages and complement other methods for brain data analyses, as they allow for comparison of representational structure across individuals, brain regions, and data acquisition methods. Particular attention is paid to multidimensional scaling and related approaches that yield spatial representations or provide methods for characterizing individual differences. We highlight unique contributions of these methods by reviewing recent applications to functional magnetic resonance imaging data and emphasize areas of caution in applying and interpreting similarity analysis methods.
A Dynamic molecular basis for malfunction in disease mutants of p97/VCP

p97/VCP is an essential, abundant AAA+ ATPase that is conserved throughout eukaryotes, with central functions in diverse processes ranging from protein degradation to DNA damage repair and membrane fusion. p97 has been implicated in the etiology of degenerative diseases and in cancer. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy we reveal how disease-causing mutations in p97 deregulate dynamics of the N-terminal domain that binds adaptor proteins involved in controlling p97 function. Our results provide a molecular basis for understanding how malfunction occurs whereby mutations shift the ADP-bound form of the enzyme towards an ATP-like state in a manner that correlates with disease severity. This deregulation interferes with the two-pronged binding of an adaptor that affects p97 function in lysosomal degradation of substrates. Subtle structural changes propagate from mutation sites to regions distal in space, defining allosteric networks that facilitate inter-domain communication, with potential implications for modulation of enzyme activity by drug molecules. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.20143. 001
Evidence for continual hybridization rather than hybrid speciation between Ligularia duciformis and L. paradoxa (Asteraceae)

Background Hybrids possess phenotypic traits that are often intermediate between their parental taxa, which commonly serves as evidence of hybridization in morphological analyses. Natural hybridization has been shown to occur frequently in Ligularia (Asteraceae). In a previous study, Ligularia ×maoniushanensis was demonstrated as a natural hybrid species between L. duciformis and L. paradoxa based on morphological and reproductive traits. Methods We used three chloroplast (cpDNA) fragments (psbA-trnH, trnL-rpl32 and trnQ-5′rps16), the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), and co-dominant SSR and dominant ISSR markers to study natural hybridization between L. duciformis and L. paradoxa growing sympatrically in two locations. Parental taxa were inferred using network analyses of cpDNA and nrITS haplotypes. Admixture among individuals was examined using the Bayesian clustering programs STRUCTURE and NewHybrids based on the SSR and ISSR data; and potential introgression in the SSR loci was assessed using the INTROGRESS package. Results The putative parental species were clearly distinguished from other sympatric Ligularia species by nrITS data, and L. ×maoniushanensis individuals were confirmed to be the hybrid offspring of L. duciformis and L. paradoxa. Moreover, introgression was detected among several individuals morphologically identified as L. duciformis or L. paradoxa. Analyses of the cpDNA data revealed primarily unidirectional hybridization between L. duciformis and L. paradoxa, with L. paradoxa as the maternal parent in Mt. Maoniu, whereas bidirectional but asymmetrical hybridization was inferred to occur in Heihai Lake. The STRUCTURE analyses based on the SSR data detected two distinct clusters among the three taxa. The NewHybrids analyses showed that individuals circumscribed as L. ×maoniushanensis were dominated by early- and later-generation and backcrossing hybrids. The NewHybrids results based on the ISSR data were congruent with SSR results. In addition, introgression was detected in some SSR loci, and heterogeneity among loci was found in terms of detected patterns of introgression. Conclusions Our data provide strong evidence for hybridization and introgression between L. duciformis and L. paradoxa. Ligularia ×maoniushanensis was demonstrated to be of hybrid origin. Since no evident reproductive isolation was found between the two parental species, detected hybrids appear to be part of hybrid swarms resulting from frequent and ongoing gene flow, which might impede the formation of a new hybrid species.
Self- and Parent-Rated Executive Functioning in Young Adults With Very Low Birth Weight

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Adults born preterm score lower on performance-based tests of executive functioning (EF) than their term-born peers. These test scores do not necessarily translate to application of these skills in an everyday environment. The objective of the study was to test differences between very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) adults and their term-born peers in self- and parent-rated EF and examine concordance between self- and parent-rated EF and performance-based tests of EF. METHODS: A longitudinal study of 90 VLBW adults and 93 term-born controls (aged 21–30 years) was performed. The young adults and their parents filled in the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning–Adult Version, and the adults underwent performance-based tests of EF. RESULTS: VLBW young adults and especially those born appropriate for gestational age reported fewer problems in behavioral regulation and global EF than term-born controls; however, parents of VLBW adults born small for gestational age reported more problems for their children in all EF scales than parents of the controls. Compared with their parents, VLBW young adults reported fewer problems in behavioral regulation. Adults’ ratings and their parents’ ratings correlated significantly among VLBW and control groups. In the VLBW and VLBW/small-for-gestational-age groups, parent ratings of EF were correlated to performance-based tests, whereas among term-born adults, self-reports correlated. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that VLBW adults may have learned to compensate in the everyday environment for their EF deficits apparent in performance-based tests. Alternatively, VLBW adults may have positively skewed views of their abilities.
Model-Based Automotive Partitioning and Mapping for Embedded Multicore Systems

This paper introduces novel approaches to partitioning and mapping in terms of model-based embedded multicore system engineering and further discusses benefits, industrial relevance and features in common with existing approaches. In order to assess and evaluate results, both approaches have been applied to a real industrial application as well as to various prototypical demonstrative applications, that have been developed and implemented for different purposes. Evaluations show, that such applications improve significantly according to performance, energy efficiency, meeting timing constraints and covering maintaining issues by using the AMALTHEA platform and the implemented approaches. Furthermore, the model-based design provides an open, expandable, platform independent and scalable exchange format between OEMs, suppliers and developers on different levels. Our proposed mechanisms provide meaningful multicore system utilization since load balancing by means of partitioning and mapping is effectively performed with regard to the modeled systems including hardware, software, operating system, scheduling, constraints, configuration and more data. Keywords—Partitioning, mapping, distributed systems, scheduling,
Prospective, case–control study of surgical efficiency of ultrasonic shear (‘harmonic scalpel’) thyroidectomy compared with conventional thyroidectomy

Abstract Objectives and hypothesis: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasonic shear (‘harmonic scalpel’) thyroidectomy, compared with conventional thyroidectomy. Study design: Prospective, case–control comparison. Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients were recruited over an eight-month period. Patients were divided into two groups according to their thyroidectomy technique, i.e. ultrasonic shear technique (harmonic scalpel) vs conventional technique (scalpel and bipolar diathermy). Surgical time, thyroidectomy type and thyroid specimen weight were recorded by theatre nursing staff. The ratio of surgical time to specimen weight, in minutes per gram, was used to measure surgical efficiency. The unpaired Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean surgical time per specimen unit weight was 2.56 min/g for harmonic scalpel thyroidectomy and 5.99 min/g for conventional thyroidectomy. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.037). The difference was most evident for procedures involving smaller thyroid glands. Conclusions: Our study suggests that thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel is more time-efficient than conventional thyroidectomy, especially when operating on smaller thyroid glands.
Human-approaching trajectories for a person-sized balancing robot

This paper explores how a large, dynamic robot should approach humans in a collaborative task. We conducted a design study to understand the experience of collaboration and the perceived effort in collaboration. In the study, 15 participants collaborated with the ballbot, a heavy, dynamically-stable, human-sized mobile robot. The ballbot executed approach trajectories, reaching speeds up to 0.6 m/s. Participants found the experience of collaboration to be positive, and we discovered that a curved trajectory was not perceived to add effort to the collaboration.
Relationship between Obesity and Cognitive Function in Young Women: The Food, Mood and Mind Study

Limited research addresses links between obesity and cognitive function in young adults. Objective. To investigate the relationship between obesity and cognitive function in young women. Methods. This cross-sectional study recruited healthy, young (18–35 y) women of normal (NW: BMI = 18.5–24.9 kg·m−2) or obese (OB: BMI ≥ 30.0 kg·m−2) weight. Participants completed a validated, computer-based cognitive testing battery evaluating impulsivity, attention, information processing, memory, and executive function. Questionnaires on depression and physical activity and a fasting blood sample for C-reactive protein and the Omega-3 Index were also collected. Cognition data are presented as z-scores (mean ± SD), and group comparisons were assessed via ANOVA. Potential confounding from questionnaire and blood variables were evaluated using ANCOVA. Results. 299 women (NW: n = 157; OB: n = 142) aged 25.8 ± 5.1 y were enrolled. Cognition scores were within normal range (±1 z-score), but OB had lower attention (NW: 0.31 ± 1.38; OB: −0.25 ± 1.39; ES: 0.41, CI: 0.17–0.64; p < 0.001) and higher impulsivity (NW: 0.36 ± 1.14; OB: −0.07 ± 1.07; ES: 0.39, CI: 0.15–0.62; p=0.033). Confounder adjustment had minimal impact on results. Conclusion. The OB group had normal but significantly lower performance on attention and were more impulsive compared to NW participants. This may indicate early cognitive decline, but longitudinal research confirming these findings is warranted.
No Show: Incidence of Nonattendance at a Dermatology Practice in a Single Universal Payer Model

Background: Nonattendance at scheduled appointments is a major problem. Previous studies have shown rates between 17 and 31%. Most US studies found the type of payer to be the greatest determinant of attendance rates. Objectives: This study examines the no-show rate in a private dermatology practice under a single universal payer model, including the effects of old versus new patient, gender, day of the week, month, and weather. Results: The overall rate of nonattendance was lower than in all previous studies (7.79%), with the only statistically significant variable being established versus new patients. Limitations: Certain demographic data investigated in previous studies (eg, age, socioeconomic status) were not assessable. Data are from a single office. Conclusion: The no-show rate in a single universal payer, private practice model is low, especially for established patients.
Resistant Enterococci: A Prospective, Study of Prevalence, Incidence, and Factors Associated With Colonization in a University Hospital

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract colonization with antibiotic-resistant enterococci at ward entry and to study the incidence and risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of colonization with resistant enterococci. Design: A prospective cohort study conducted between February 1 and March 15, 1993. Methods: Rectal cultures were obtained within 24 hours of admission or transfer onto the study wards and repeated at weekly intervals and at the time of discharge. Patients harboring antibiotic-resistant enterococci at the time of admission or after admission were compared to patients who were not colonized with these organisms. Clinical and epidemiologic risk factors for colonization were abstracted prospectively by daily chart review. Following a univariate analysis of risk factors associated with colonization, a multivariate statistical analysis using three separate models was done. Setting: A 1,125-bed, tertiary-care teaching hospital in North Carolina. Patients: A total of 350 patients admitted to two general medical wards and the medical intensive care unit during the study period. Results: Antibiotic-resistant enterococci were isolated from 52 patients: 19 were colonized at admission to the study, and 33 later acquired resistant strains. At the time of admission, 5.4% of the patients were colonized with ampicillin-resistant enterococci (ARE), including 1.1% that were colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Prior hospitalization was associated with colonization with ARE at admission (P=.01). Independent risk factors for nosocomial acquisition of ARE included treatment with more than three antibiotics, empiric use of antibiotics, use of third-generation cephalosporins, and the use of enteral tube feedings. Antibiotics used prophylactically were not associated with resistant enterococcal colonization. Conclusions: Our data help to elucidate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract colonization with resistant enterococci. We hypothesize that surveillance and control programs will be more likely to succeed if targeted at patients receiving more than three antibiotics, empiric antibiotics, and enteral tube feedings.
Spatial Attribute Identification and Scaling by Repertory Grid Technique and Other Methods

In the search for suitable ways to assess the spatial performance of sound reproducing systems, various research methods from the fields of psychology and the behavioral sciences may be considered. Selected approaches are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT). A pilot experiment relating to spatial parameters, inspired by RGT, is described.
Ganaxolone improves behavioral deficits in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder

Allopregnanolone and its equipotent stereoisomer, pregnanolone (together termed ALLO), are neuroactive steroids that positively and allosterically modulate the action of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) at GABAA receptors. Levels of ALLO are reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid of female premenopausal patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe, neuropsychiatric condition that affects millions, yet is without a consistently effective therapy. This suggests that restoring downregulated brain ALLO levels in PTSD may be beneficial. ALLO biosynthesis is also decreased in association with the emergence of PTSD-like behaviors in socially isolated (SI) mice. Similar to PTSD patients, SI mice also exhibit changes in the frontocortical and hippocampal expression of GABAA receptor subunits, resulting in resistance to benzodiazepine-mediated sedation and anxiolysis. ALLO acts at a larger spectrum of GABAA receptor subunits than benzodiazepines, and increasing corticolimbic ALLO levels in SI mice by injecting ALLO or stimulating ALLO biosynthesis with a selective brain steroidogenic stimulant, such as S-norfluoxetine, at doses far below those that block serotonin reuptake, reduces PTSD-like behavior in these mice. This suggests that synthetic analogs of ALLO, such as ganaxolone, may also improve anxiety, aggression, and other PTSD-like behaviors in the SI mouse model. Consistent with this hypothesis, ganaxolone (3.75–30 mg/kg, s.c.) injected 60 min before testing of SI mice, induced a dose-dependent reduction in aggression toward a same-sex intruder and anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus maze. The EC50 dose of ganaxolone used in these tests also normalized exaggerated contextual fear conditioning and, remarkably, enhanced fear extinction retention in SI mice. At these doses, ganaxolone failed to change locomotion in an open field test. Therefore, unlike benzodiazepines, ganaxolone at non-sedating concentrations appears to improve dysfunctional emotional behavior associated with deficits in ALLO in mice and may provide an alternative treatment for PTSD patients with deficits in the synthesis of ALLO. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the only medications currently approved by the FDA for treatment of PTSD, although they are ineffective in a substantial proportion of PTSD patients. Hence, an ALLO analog such as ganaxolone may offer a therapeutic GABAergic alternative to SSRIs for the treatment of PTSD or other disorders in which ALLO biosynthesis may be impaired.
The management of changing types in an object-oriented database

We examine the problem of type evolution in an object-oriented database environment. Type definitions are persistent objects in the database and as such may be modified and shared. The effects of changing a type extend to objects of the type and to programs that use objects of the type. We propose a solution to the problem through an extension of the semantic data model. A change in the interface defined by a type may result in errors when programs use new or old objects of the type. Through the use of an abstraction of the type over time, timestamping and error handling mechanisms provide support for the type designer in creating compatible versions of the type. The mechanisms are incorporated into the behavior defined by the type and are inherited via the type-lattice.
Signaling and Transcription Factors during Inner Ear Development: The Generation of Hair Cells and Otic Neurons

Integration between cell signals and bHLH transcription factors plays a prominent role during the development of hair cells of the inner ear. Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the inner ear, responsible for the mechano-transduction of sound waves into electrical signals. They derive from multipotent progenitors that reside in the otic placode. Progenitor commitment is the result of cell signaling from the surrounding tissues that result in the restricted expression of SoxB1 transcription factors, Sox2 and Sox3. In turn, they induce the expression of Neurog1 and Atoh1, two bHLH factors that specify neuronal and hair cell fates, respectively. Neuronal and hair cell development, however, do not occur simultaneously. Hair cell development is prevented during neurogenesis and prosensory stages, resulting in the delay of hair cell development with respect to neuron production. Negative interactions between Neurog1 and Atoh1, and of Atoh1 with other bHLH factors driven by Notch signaling, like Hey1 and Hes5, account for this delay. In summary, the regulation of Atoh1 and hair cell development relies on interactions between cell signaling and bHLH transcription factors that dictate cell fate and timing decisions during development. Interestingly, these mechanisms operate as well during hair cell regeneration after damage and during stem cell directed differentiation, making developmental studies instrumental for improving therapies for hearing impairment.
La Tunisie a la Recherche De Sa Securite

La Tunisie a la recherche de sa securite, by Nicole Grimaud. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1995. 216 pages. Append. to p. 222. FF148. Nicole Grimaud, one of France's veteran Maghrib-watchers, puts her finger on Tunisia's strategy to preserve its independence since 1956 in a tough neighborhood. The strategy has been a consistent one of playing upon the little country's vulnerability and keeping up a good international image as a model developing country, while balancing informal alliances with the Western powers, notably the United States and France, to defend it against any trouble from the neighbors. In the early days of independence, President Habib Bourguiba faced the danger of his arch rival Salah bin-Yusif riding back to power on an Algerian tank. Algeria's Army of National Liberation, much of it camped on Tunisia's western border until 1962, was more than a match for the fledgling Tunisian army. In much of the 1970s and 1980s Libya posed the principal threat, occasionally with some Algerian encouragement [though Algerian President Houari Boumedienne once rejected Libyan leader Mu`ammar Qadhdhafi's suggestion that they divide up their neighbor, (p. 163)]. Grimaud asks why Tunisia did not develop a Moroccan-Tunisian axis, "which could have been constructed around their common alliances with the Westerners" (p. 210) as Morocco's King Hasan periodically urged. Perhaps, as she argues, the personality clashes of the heads of state prevented this "apparently logical and natural" turn of events, but, to Bourguiba's credit, compromises with Algeria also avoided a nasty cold war polarization of the region. The logic of Tunisian weakness and diplomatic trompe-l'oeil-hiding its alliances with the French and American "godfathers"-carried peace dividends. In keeping up the pretense of Tunisia's lost image as a model country ("bent nas," p. 212), this slim volume, written in the wake of four French ministerial visits to Tunisia in 1993 and 1994, perhaps also contributes to Tunisian security. The book is lauded in the preface by an eminent Tunisian historian who is also vice president of Tunisia's International Studies Association and, therefore, cleared by the regime of President Zayn al-Din bin `Ali. A critical reading of Grimaud's text, however, can lead to more troubling conclusions about Tunisian security, once her prejudice against "retrograde" Tunisian Islamism (p. 156, cf. pp. 197-200) is taken into account. Tunisia's good image was dissipating in the 1970s. Efforts to liberalize the one-party system ended in 1974 with the designation of Borguiba as president for life, and Tunisia experienced serious internal unrest by the end of the decade. As Grimaud documents in brief but revealing tables (pp. 217-22), military expenditures and French and American military assistance rose dramatically during this period. In the face of the Libyan threat, Tunisia's military budget tripled in the late 1970s, and American military assistance multiplied six-fold during the early 1980s, under President Ronald Reagan. …