Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anodal tDCS over Primary Motor Cortex Provides No Advantage to Learning Motor Sequences via Observation

When learning a new motor skill, we benefit from watching others. It has been suggested that observation of others' actions can build a motor representation in the observer, and as such, physical and observational learning might share a similar neural basis. If physical and observational learning share a similar neural basis, then motor cortex stimulation during observational practice should similarly enhance learning by observation as it does through physical practice. Here, we used transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) to address whether anodal stimulation to M1 during observational training facilitates skill acquisition. Participants learned keypress sequences across four consecutive days of observational practice while receiving active or sham stimulation over M1. The results demonstrated that active stimulation provided no advantage to skill learning over sham stimulation. Further, Bayesian analyses revealed evidence in favour of the null hypothesis across our dependent measures. Our findings therefore provide no support for the hypothesis that excitatory M1 stimulation can enhance observational learning in a similar manner to physical learning. More generally, the results add to a growing literature that suggests that the effects of tDCS tend to be small, inconsistent, and hard to replicate. Future tDCS research should consider these factors when designing experimental procedures.
MircoRNA-383 suppress cell proliferation and invasion by targeting GPC 5 in human non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: To investigate the role of miR-383 in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and methods: The expression level of miR-383 was detected in non-small cell lung cancer tissues and cell lines by using qRT-PCR. A549 cells were transfected with miR-383 mimics and mimic controls. The proliferation, invasion and migration abilities were measured by colony formation assay, transwell and wound healing analysis. The targeting gene of miR-383 was detected by western blot, qRT-PCR and luciferase activity assays. Results: We illustrated that the level of miR-383 was downregulated in non-small lung cancer tissues when compared with the adjacent normal tissues. The expression of miR-383 was also downregulated in lung cancer cell lines. Upregulation of miR-383 suppressed A549 cells proliferation, invasion and migration. What’s more, we demonstrated that Glypican (GPC5) was a target gene of miR-383. Upregulation of GPC5 can ameliorate the inhibiting effect of miR-383 on tumor cells proliferation and migration. Conclusions: MiR-383 acted as an anticarcinogenic miRNA, partly through targeting GPC5 in non-small cell lung cancer, it would become a therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Reducing variance due to importance weighting in covariate shift bias correction

Covariate shift is a problem in machine learning when the input distributions of training and test data are diﬀerent ( p ( x ) (cid:2) = p (cid:2) ( x )) while their conditional distribution p ( y | x ) is the same. A common technique to deal with this problem, called importance weighting, amounts to reweighting the training instances in order to make them resemble the test distribution. However this usually comes at the expense of a reduction of the eﬀective sample size, which is harmful when the initial training sample size is already small. In this paper, we show that there exists a weighting scheme on the unlabeled data such that the combination of the weighted unlabeled data and the labeled training data mimics the test distribution. We further prove that the labels are missing at random in this combined data set and thus can be imputed safely in order to mitigate the undesirable sample-size-reduction eﬀect of importance weighting. A series of experiments on synthetic and real-world data are conducted to demonstrate the eﬃciency of our approach.
User Blocking Considered Harmful? An Attacker-Controllable Side Channel to Identify Social Accounts

This paper presents a practical side-channel attack that identifies the social web service account of a visitor to an attacker's website. Our attack leverages the widely adopted user-blocking mechanism, abusing its inherent property that certain pages return different web content depending on whether a user is blocked from another user. Our key insight is that an account prepared by an attacker can hold an attackercontrollable binary state of blocking/non-blocking with respect to an arbitrary user on the same service; provided that the user is logged in to the service, this state can be retrieved as one-bit data through the conventional cross-site timing attack when a user visits the attacker's website. We generalize and refer to such a property as visibility control, which we consider as the fundamental assumption of our attack. Building on this primitive, we show that an attacker with a set of controlled accounts can gain a complete and flexible control over the data leaked through the side channel. Using this mechanism, we show that it is possible to design and implement a robust, largescale user identification attack on a wide variety of social web services. To verify the feasibility of our attack, we perform an extensive empirical study using 16 popular social web services and demonstrate that at least 12 of these are vulnerable to our attack. Vulnerable services include not only popular social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, but also other types of web services that provide social features, e.g., eBay and Xbox Live. We also demonstrate that the attack can achieve nearly 100% accuracy and can finish within a sufficiently short time in a practical setting. We discuss the fundamental principles, practical aspects, and limitations of the attack as well as possible defenses.
Robust nuclear signal reconstruction by a novel ensemble model aggregation procedure

Monitoring of sensor operation is important for detecting anomalies and reconstructing the correct values of the signals measured. This can be done, for example, with the aid of auto-associative regression models. However, in practical applications, difficulties arise because of the need for handling large numbers of signals. To overcome these difficulties, ensembles of reconstruction models can be used. Each model in the ensemble handles a small group of signals and the outcomes of all models are eventually combined to provide the final outcome. In this work, three different methods for aggregating the model outcomes are investigated and a novel procedure is proposed for obtaining robust ensemble-aggregated outputs. Two applications are considered concerning the reconstruction of 920 simulated signals of the Swedish Forsmark-3 Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) and 215 signals measured at the Finnish Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) situated in Loviisa.
A 2×VDD-enabled TV-tuner RF front-end supporting TV-GSM interoperation in 90nm CMOS

Presented is a 2xVDD-enabled 90nm-CMOS TV-tuner RF frontend consisting of a power-efficient cascode-cascade-inverter LNA, a linearized C-2C attenuator using a reliably-overdriven control, dual cascode I/Q mixer drivers and an inductivepeaking gain-roll-off compensation path. In TV-GSM-interoperation mode, the circuit incooperating with a customized preselect filter exhibits a 46dB gain range, 68dB rejection at GSM-900 uplink, −5.5dBm IIP3, and 3.9dB noise figure at 26.2dB gain. The 0.28mm2 core draws 15mW.
Risk factors for tuberculosis: diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and the use of other drugs

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem. Although efforts to control the epidemic have reduced mortality and incidence, there are several predisposing factors that should be modified in order to reduce the burden of the disease. This review article will address some of the risk factors associated with tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis, including diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and the use of other drugs, all of which can also contribute to poor tuberculosis treatment results. Tuberculosis can also lead to complications in the course and management of other diseases, such as diabetes. It is therefore important to identify these comorbidities in tuberculosis patients in order to ensure adequate management of both conditions.
P2Y12 Polymorphisms and the Risk of Adverse Clinical Events in Patients Treated with Clopidogrel: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background and study aim Some studies have reported an association between P2Y12 gene polymorphisms and clopidogrel adverse outcomes with inconsistent results. We aimed to explore the relationship between P2Y12 polymorphisms and the risk of adverse clinical events in patients treated with clopidogrel through a meta-analysis. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Retrieved articles were comprehensively reviewed and eligible studies were included, and the relevant data was extracted for this meta-analysis. All statistical tests were performed by the Review Manager 5.3 software. Results A total of 14 studies involving 8,698 patients were included. In the Han Chinese population, ischemic events were associated with P2Y12 T744C polymorphism in the CC vs TT+CT genetic model (OR=3.32, 95%CI=1.62-6.82, P=0.001), and the events were associated with P2Y12 C34T polymorphism in the TT+TC vs CC genetic model (OR=1.70, 95%CI=1.22-2.36, P=0.002). However, ischemic events were not related to P2Y12 G52T polymorphism (TT+TG vs GG: OR=1.13, 95%CI=0.76-1.68, P=0.56; TT vs GG+TG: OR=2.02, 95%CI=0.65-6.28, P=0.22). The associations between the P2Y12 polymorphism and ischemic events were not significant in T744C, G52T and C34T genotype for another subgroup of the Caucasian population (P>0.05). Only two studies referring to bleeding events were included in this analysis of C34T polymorphism, and no significant association was found (TT+TC vs CC: OR=1.07, 95%CI=0.37-3.15, P=0.90). Conclusions In the Caucasian population, P2Y12 gene polymorphisms are not associated with clinical events. However, in the Chinese Han population, P2Y12 T744C and C34T polymorphisms are significantly associated with adverse clinical events.
MicroRNA Profiling of Transgenic Mice with Myocardial Overexpression of Nucleolin

Background: Nucleolin (NCL) is the most abundant RNA-binding protein in the cell nucleolus and plays an important role in chromatin stability, ribosome assembly, ribosomal RNA maturation, ribosomal DNA transcription, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and regulation of RNA stability and translation efficiency. In addition to its anti-apoptotic properties, the underlying mechanisms associated with NCL-related roles in different cellular processes remain unclear. In this study, the effect of NCL on microRNA (miRNA) expression was evaluated by generating transgenic mice with myocardial overexpression of NCL and by analyzing microarrays of mature and precursor miRNAs from mice. Methods: Using microinjection of alpha-MyHc clone 26-NCL plasmids, we generated transgenic mice with myocardial overexpression of NCL firstly, and then mature and precursor miRNAs expression profiles were analyzed in NCL transgenic mice (n = 3) and wild-type (WT) mice (n = 3) by miRNA microarrays. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 software (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to perform Student's t-test, and statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05. Results: Several miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed, of which 11 were upregulated and 4 were downregulated in transgenic mice with myocardial overexpression of NCL compared to those in WT mice. Several differentially expressed miRNAs were subsequently confirmed and quantified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was used for the prediction of miRNA targets. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that NCL regulated miR-21 expression following hydrogen peroxide preconditioning. Conclusions: Myocardial-protection mechanisms exerted by NCL might be mediated by the miRNAs identified in this study.
Brain Structure Alterations in Respect to Tobacco Consumption and Nicotine Dependence: A Comparative Voxel-Based Morphometry Study

The main purpose of this study is to examine the lifetime tobacco consumption and the degree of nicotine dependence related gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volume alterations in young adult-male smokers. Fifty-three long-term male smokers and 53 well-matched male healthy non-smokers participated in the study, and the smokers were respectively categorized into light and heavy tobacco consumption subgroups by pack-years and into moderate and severe nicotine dependence subgroups using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Voxel-based morphometry analysis was then performed, and ANCOVA analysis combined with subsequent post hoc test were used to explore the between-group brain volume abnormalities related to the smoking amount and nicotine dependence. Light and heavy smokers displayed smaller GM and WM volumes than non-smokers, while heavy smokers were found with more significant brain atrophy than light smokers in GM areas of precuneus, inferior and middle frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, cerebellum anterior lobe and insula, and in WM areas of cerebellum anterior lobe. However, the contrary trend was observed regarding alterations associated with severity of nicotine dependence. Severe nicotine dependence smokers rather demonstrated less atrophy levels compared to moderate nicotine dependence smokers, especially in GM areas of precuneus, superior and middle temporal gyrus, middle occipital gyrus, posterior cingulate and insula, and in WM areas of precuneus, posterior cingulate, cerebellum anterior lobe and midbrain. The results reveal that the nicotine dependence displays a dissimilar effect on the brain volume in comparison to the cigarette consumption. Our study could provide new evidences to understand the adverse effects of smoking on the brain structure, which is helpful for further treatment of smokers.
Cylindrical Surface Reconstruction by Fitting Paths on Shape Space

We present a differential geometric approach for cylindrical anatomical surface reconstruction from 3D volumetric data that may have missing slices or discontinuities. We extract planar boundaries from the 2D image slices, and parameterize them by an indexed set of curves. Under the SRVF framework, the curves are represented as invariant elements of a nonlinear shape space. Differently from standard approaches, we use tools such as exponential maps and geodesics from Riemannian geometry and solve the problem of surface reconstruction by fitting paths through the given curves. Experimental results show the surface reconstruction of smooth endometrial tissue shapes generated from MRI slices.
A Case Series of LIPUS Stimulation in Unstable Forearm Fractures in Children to Facilitate Bone Union

This is an open labeled and retrospective cohort study which compared the efficacy of Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulation to facilitate unstable forearm fracture healing in children.Twenty five children with both radius and ulna diaphysis fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing (mean age 9.2±2.6 years) using K-wires. LIPUS stimulation was applied to 15 patients and not applied to 10 patientsafter surgery.The time spans needed for callus appearance and bone union in the patients with LIPUS stimulation were significantly shorter than that in the patients without LIPUS stimulation. Furthermore, the period of pinning and cast immobilization tended to be shorter in the LIPUS-treated group compared with non-LIPUS-treated group. Useful functional recovery was obtained in wrist extension and flexion, as well as forearm pronation and supination in each fracture group.Results of this study support the hypothesis that intramedullary nailing and cast immobilization combined with LIPUS stimulation may be effective to facilitate fracture healing including both radius and ulna diaphysis in children.
Does GastroPlus Support Similarity and Dissimilarity Factors of in vitro-in vivo Prediction in Biowaiver Studies? A Lower Strength Amlodipine As a Model Drug

Abstract Background Many generic pharmaceutical products are currently available on the market place worldwide. Recently, there is a growing concern on the quality and efficacy of generic products. However, health care professionals such as physicians and pharmacists are in difficult situations to choose among alternatives. Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the in silico technique (Gastro Plus®) in the biowaiver study and whether similarity and dissimilarity factors (f 2 and f 1 respectively) are effective in this regard. Method The concentration of amlodipine in the sample was calculated by comparing the absorbance of the sample with that of a previously prepared amlodipine standard solution using validated HPLC method. The dissolution profile for each product (brand and generics) was constructed. The similarity (f2) and dissimilarity (f 1) factors were calculated for the generic product according to equation 1 and 2. GastroPlus™ software (version 9.0, Simulations Plus Inc., Lancaster, CA, USA) was used to predict the absorption profiles of amlodipine from the generic product Amlovasc® and the reference Norvasc®. Conclusion These results may provide a rationale for the interchangeability between the RLD and generic version based on in vitro release profiles in silico technique especially in a lower strength dose drug.
Meeting Cereal Demand While Protecting Natural Resources and Improving Environmental Quality

▪ Abstract Agriculture is a resource-intensive enterprise. The manner in which food production systems utilize resources has a large influence on environmental quality. To evaluate prospects for conserving natural resources while meeting increased demand for cereals, we interpret recent trends and future trajectories in crop yields, land and nitrogen fertilizer use, carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas emissions to identify key issues and challenges. Based on this assessment, we conclude that avoiding expansion of cultivation into natural ecosystems, increased nitrogen use efficiency, and improved soil quality are pivotal components of a sustainable agriculture that meets human needs and protects natural resources. To achieve this outcome will depend on raising the yield potential and closing existing yield gaps of the major cereal crops to avoid yield stagnation in some of the world's most productive systems. Recent trends suggest, however, that increasing crop yield potential is a formidable scienti.
Vertical migration during the life history of the intertidal gastropod Monodonta labio on a boulder shore

Environmental and biological conditions of the intertidal zone vary according to tidal level. Monodonta labjo (Gastropods; trochidae) occurs over the whole range of the intertidal zone, but juveniles occur only in the mid intertidal zone. In this study, vertical migration of this snail was investigated by mark-recapture techniques for 1 yr at Amakusa, Japan. Snails migrated vertically throughout the year, but varied with season and size. Generally, juvenile snails (<? mm in shell width) did not actively migrate. Upward migration was conspicuous only in small snails (7 to 10 mm) in summer. Downward migration was greatest in the larger size classes Thus, large snails (>l3 mm) gradually migrated downward to the lower zone. Seasonal fluctuations In the vertical distribution pattern of M. labio could be explained by this vertical migration. Possible factors affecting this vertical migration and the adaptive significance of migration in the life history of M. labio are discussed.
Safeguarding Quantum Key Distribution Through Detection Randomization

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a scheme to render the detection apparatus of a quantum key distribution system immune to the main classes of hacking attacks in which the eavesdropper explores the back-door opened by the single-photon detectors. The countermeasure is based on the creation of modes that are not deterministically accessible to the eavesdropper. We experimentally show that the use of beamsplitters and extra single-photon detectors at the receiver station passively creates randomized spatial modes that erase any knowledge the eavesdropper might have gained when using bright-light faked states. Additionally, we experimentally show a detector-scrambling approach where the random selection of the detector used for each measurement-equivalent to an active spatial mode randomization-hashes out the side-channel open by the detection efficiency mismatch-based attacks. The proposed combined countermeasure represents a practical and readily implementable solution against the main classes of quantum hacking attacks aimed on the single-photon detector so far, without intervening on the inner working of the devices.
Edwardsiella tarda Sip2: A Serum-Induced Protein That Is Essential to Serum Survival, Acid Resistance, Intracellular Replication, and Host Infection

Edwardsiella tarda is a broad-host pathogen that can infect mammals, reptiles, and fish. E. tarda exhibits a remarkable ability to survive in host serum and replicate in host phagocytes, but the underlining mechanism is unclear. In this study, in order to identify E. tarda proteins involved in serum resistance, iTRAQ proteomic analysis was performed to examine the whole-cell protein profiles of TX01, a pathogenic E. tarda isolate, in response to serum treatment. Of the differentially expressed proteins identified, one (named Sip2) possesses a conserved hydrogenase domain and is homologous to the putative hydrogenase accessory protein HypB. When Sip2 was expressed in Escherichia coli, it significantly enhanced the survival of the host cells in serum. Compared to TX01, the sip2 knockout, TX01Δsip2, was dramatically reduced in the ability of hydrogenase activity, serum resistance, intracellular replication, dissemination in fish tissues, and causing mortality in infected fish. The lost virulence capacities of TX01Δsip2 were restored by complementation with the sip2 gene. Furthermore, TX01Δsip2 was significantly reduced in the capacity to grow under low pHs and iron-depleted conditions, and was unable to maintain its internal pH in acidic environment. Taken together, these results indicate that Sip2 is a novel serum-induced protein that is essential to serum resistance, cellular and tissue infection, and coping with acidic stress via its ability to modulate intracellular pH.