Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistent sparing of action conceptual processing in spite of increasing disorders of action production: A case against motor embodiment of action concepts

ABSTRACT In this study, we addressed the issue of whether the brain sensorimotor circuitry that controls action production is causally involved in representing and processing action-related concepts. We examined the three-year pattern of evolution of brain atrophy, action production disorders, and action-related concept processing in a patient (J.R.) diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration. During the period of investigation, J.R. presented with increasing action production disorders resulting from increasing bilateral atrophy in cortical and subcortical regions involved in the sensorimotor control of actions (notably, the superior parietal cortex, the primary motor and premotor cortex, the inferior frontal gyrus, and the basal ganglia). In contrast, the patient's performance in processing action-related concepts remained intact during the same period. This finding indicated that action concept processing hinges on cognitive and neural resources that are mostly distinct from those underlying the sensorimotor control of actions.
Estimating the number of received signals by the "deterministic-MDL-criterion"

In this paper we consider estimation methods, which are based on the theory of "minimum description length" (MDL). Considering the proof of the MDL criterion given by G. Schwarz, the "deterministic-MDL-criterion" is derived and compared to the "eigen-MDL-criterion", proposed by Wax et. al. Having only a restricted number of sampled data in most cases the new criterion leads to better estimates than the "eigen-MDL-criterion". Our theoretical results are validated by numerical simulations.
Counterpoint: Stroke volume does not decline during exercise at maximal effort in healthy individuals.

Lack of agreement regarding the stroke volume (SV) response to exercise is not new; in fact it dates back to the mid 1900s. However, in 1994 Gledhill et al. ([9][1]) provided clear evidence that the SV of endurance athletes increases throughout incremental to maximal exercise while the SV of
Evidence against reinnervation of cardiac vagal afferents after human orthotopic cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND Orthotopic cardiac transplantation results in total cardiac denervation. Recent studies in humans suggest that reinnervation of cardiac sympathetic nerves (cardiac efferents) may occur after cardiac transplantation. We hypothesized that reinnervation of cardiac afferents may occur as well. To test this hypothesis, we investigated reflex responses produced by stimulation of ventricular chemosensory endings subserved by vagal afferents (cardiac depressor reflex). METHODS AND RESULTS Two cardiac transplant groups were studied: an "early" group (n = 18, < 24 months after transplant) and a "late" group (n = 18, > 43 months after transplant); these groups were compared with a control group with intact innervation (n = 18). The reflex response of the recipient sinus node (RSN) in the remnant right atrium, which remains innervated after transplantation, was observed during selective right coronary artery (RCA) and left coronary artery (LCA) injection of the radiographic contrast agent meglumine diatrizoate, which is known to stimulate ventricular chemosensory endings. A decrease in the rate of the RSN was expected if reinnervation of chemosensory endings had occurred and the afferent limb of the cardiac depressor reflex was intact. With injection, the RSN rate of both transplant groups did not decrease but increased (early: LCA, 7.2 +/- 1.4 beats per minute; RCA, 6.3 +/- 1.3 beats per minute; late: LCA, 5.9 +/- 1.0 beats per minute; RCA, 6.0 +/- 0.9 beats per minute) compared with the expected decrease in control patients (LCA, -20.8 +/- 2.5 beats per minute; RCA, -18.0 +/- 4.0 beats per minute; P < .001 versus transplants). Decreases in mean arterial pressure in the transplant groups (early: LCA, -11.3 +/- 1.4 mm Hg; RCA, -10.0 +/- 1.6 mm Hg; late: LCA, -13.0 +/- 1.6 mm Hg; RCA, -9.1 +/- 1.5 mm Hg) were less than those observed in the control group (LCA, -19.8 +/- 2.2 mm Hg; RCA, -18.7 +/- 4.0 mm Hg; P < .05 versus transplants). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that reinnervation of ventricular chemosensory endings subserved by vagal afferents in cardiac transplant patients does not occur up to 74 months after transplantation.
Crystal Structures of the FXIa Catalytic Domain in Complex with Ecotin Mutants Reveal Substrate-like Interactions*

Thrombosis can lead to life-threatening conditions such as acute myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, and stroke. Although commonly used anti-coagulant drugs, such as low molecular weight heparin and warfarin, are effective, they carry a significant risk of inducing severe bleeding complications, and there is a need for safer drugs. Activated Factor XI (FXIa) is a key enzyme in the amplification phase of the coagulation cascade. Anti-human FXI antibody significantly reduces thrombus growth in a baboon thrombosis model without bleeding problems (Gruber, A., and Hanson, S. R. (2003) Blood 102, 953-955). Therefore, FXIa is a potential target for anti-thrombosis therapy. To determine the structure of FXIa, we derived a recombinant catalytic domain of FXI, consisting of residues 370-607 (rhFXI370-607). Here we report the first crystal structure of rhFXI370-607 in complex with a substitution mutant of ecotin, a panserine protease protein inhibitor secreted by Escherichia coli, to 2.2 Å resolution. The presence of ecotin not only assisted in the crystallization of the enzyme but also revealed unique structural features in the active site of FXIa. Subsequently, the sequence from P5 to P2′ in ecotin was mutated to the FXIa substrate sequence, and the structures of the rhFXI370-607-ecotin mutant complexes were determined. These structures provide us with an understanding of substrate binding interactions of FXIa, the structural information essential for the structure-based design of FXIa-selective inhibitors.
A fully integrated 24GHz UWB radar sensor for automotive applications

Radar-based advanced safety systems are crucial to reduce road accidents caused by driver inattention. An actual and pervasive adoption of radar technology requires the development of low-cost Silicon-integrated sensors, including microwave, analog, and digital blocks on a single chip, able to replace existing discrete electronics based on compound semiconductors. Indeed, the considerable advantage of Silicon lies in its natural capability for integration that will enable a higher level of complexity in such sensors. Recent Silicon implementations [1, 2] have proved the maturity of both high-speed bipolar and submicron CMOS processes for multi-GHz applications, such as 24GHz automotive short-range radar (SRR). However, the implementation of a complete radar sensor on a single chip is still very challenging and involves a proper radar architecture (i.e., continuous-wave or pulsed radar), efficient detection methodology, a robust radio front-end structure and customized local DSP. In this scenario, UWB sensors based on analog correlation RX represent an attractive solution for a cost-effective automotive SRR [3].
Detection of Nonstructural Protein 6 in Murine Coronavirus-Infected Cells and Analysis of the Transmembrane Topology by Using Bioinformatics and Molecular Approaches

ABSTRACT Coronaviruses encode large replicase polyproteins which are proteolytically processed by viral proteases to generate mature nonstructural proteins (nsps) that form the viral replication complex. Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) replicase products nsp3, nsp4, and nsp6 are predicted to act as membrane anchors during assembly of the viral replication complexes. We report the first antibody-mediated Western blot detection of nsp6 from MHV-infected cells. The nsp6-specific peptide antiserum detected the replicase intermediate p150 (nsp4 to nsp11) and two nsp6 products of approximately 23 and 25 kDa. Analysis of nsp6 transmembrane topology revealed six membrane-spanning segments and a conserved hydrophobic domain in the C-terminal cytosolic tail.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Stress Echocardiography Advantages and Limitations

The role of two‐dimensional stress echocardiography (2D‐SE) is well established for diagnosis and prognosis of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. 2D‐SE has its limitations as multiple views of the left ventricle (LV) must be obtained within 90 seconds of peak stress from more than window to completely visualize all LV segments. 2D‐SE is operator‐dependent and requires advanced skills to match the same myocardial segments during stress. LV foreshortening is a frequently encountered problem in 2D‐SE that may result in false negative studies. Real time three‐dimensional SE (RT‐3D‐SE) can overcome many limitations of 2D‐SE. In 3D‐SE, overall wall motion of the entire LV is assessed simultaneously in different planes. 3D images can be displayed in multiplane or multislice views for ease of comparison with greater accuracy and interobserver agreement when compared to 2D. 3D‐SE is quantitative, provides rapid image acquisition, requires lower level of operator skills, and avoids LV foreshortening by correct alignment of imaging planes. 3D‐SE is easily applied during pharmacologic stress and is feasible during exercise‐induced stress. Despite these advantages, 3D has lower temporal and spatial resolution than 2D and requires longer analysis time. With advances in transducer technology, smaller matrix footprints, and automated softwares, 3D full LV volume image acquisition can be obtained with a single beat that is less prone to artifacts. We will discuss the current application of RT‐3D‐SE, highlight the pros and cons of 3D‐SE over conventional 2D‐SE, and review major studies on 3D‐SE and future implications. (Echocardiography 2012;29:200‐206)
Ilkka Hanski, The “Compleat Ecologist”: An Homage to His Contributions to the Spatial Dimension of Food Web Interactions

Ilkka Hanski is most widely known for his seminal contributions to metapopulation ecology, both theoretical and empirical. But he also made many important and wide-ranging contributions to other arenas of ecological inquiry, including in particular predator—prey, host—parasitoid, and host—pathogen interactions. This paper provides an overview of his work in trophic ecology, ranging from individual behavior of foraging predators and fleeing prey, up to effects of spatial patchiness on the persistence of specialist natural enemies, and even the determinants of food chain length. In recent years, his work on food web interactions took on an increasingly genetic and evolutionary slant. In this paper, I also return to two theoretical models that I discussed over the years with Ilkka, where we contemplated carrying out collaborative work, but never managed to do so. The first of these models involves how habitat patchiness might moderate apparent competition between prey species. The second of these has to do with splicing evolutionary dynamics into metapopulation models, so as to craft hypotheses about how food chain length might be influenced by the coevolutionary struggle between predators and their prey. I developed simple models of the sort we should have explored together, in the style we would have used at the time of our conversations on these themes, in homage to my memory of our interactions.
Spectrum of Positive Definite Functions on Product Hypergroups

This paper aims to show that the amenability of K1 ×K2 is equivalent to the following condition: “If φ is a continuous positive definite function defined on K1 ×K2 and φ ≥ 0 then the constant function 1K1×K2 belongs to the spectrum of φ”, which K1 and K2 are locally compact hypergroups as defined by R. Jewett [1], with convolutions ∗1, ∗2 respectively.Our study deals with the cases of exponentially bounded product hypergroups and discrete solvable product hypergroups. And study of conditionally exponential convex functions.
Spiders that decorate their webs at higher frequency intercept more prey and grow faster

Many orb-weaving spiders decorate their webs with extra, bright white, ultraviolet light reflecting silk. Previous studies suggest that these decorations increase a spider's foraging efficiency by improving web attractiveness, which is known as the prey-attraction hypothesis. One assumption of this hypothesis is that individuals which decorate their webs at a higher frequency are expected to have a higher growth rate. Using a decoration-building orb-weaving spider, Argiope versicolor, I show a strong positive relationship between the growth rate in terms of weight gain and the frequency of decoration-building, as well as the rate of insect interception. This is the first study to reveal a fitness consequence of decorating behaviour in spiders.
Atomic force microscopy observations of in situ deformed materials: application to single crystals and thin films on substrates

An experimental apparatus which consists of a compression machine interfaced with an atomic force microscope has been realized and allows the in situ observation of a sample surface under compressive stress. Taking advantage of the high resolution offered by this microscopy, the equipment is particularly suited both to analysing the fine slip line structure of deformed single crystals, providing interesting complementary information about plastic mechanisms taking place in the bulk, and to characterizing the mechanical behaviour of thin films on substrates with the investigation of the buckling phenomenon.
Nitroglycerin in a Transdermal Therapeutic System in Chronic Heart Failure

Nitroglycerin (NTG) in a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) was evaluated in 16 patients with severe chronic heart failure. Eight patients were given NTG TTS with an in vivo release rate of 5 mg/24 h. No significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure were observed. Pulmonary capillary wedge (PCW) pressure was reduced significantly from a control value of 29 ± 4 mm Hg to 17 ± 2 mm Hg after 1 h (p < 0.01), and significant reduction was maintained for 24 h. The system was then removed and PCW pressure rose to 27 ± 2 mm Hg after 2 h. NTG TTS, 10 mg/24 h, was applied and PCW pressure was again reduced significantly. Significant reduction in systemic vascular resistance and increases in cardiac and stroke volume indices occurred on the first day at 4 h but were not maintained. In another eight patients, the haemodynamic effects of NTG TTS (5 mg/24 h), oral isosorbide dinitrate (20 mg), and topical NTG ointment (1 inch) were compared. Significant re ductions in PCW pressure were achieved with each method of treatment, but no significant alterations in other haemodynamic measurements were observed. Haemodynamic reevaluation of 10 patients treated with NTG TTS for 3 months showed partial attenuation of the reduction in PCW pressure compared with the initial response.
Direct and Indirect Regulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons by Estradiol1

Abstract Estrogen signaling to GnRH neurons is critical for coordinating the preovulatory surge release of LH with follicular maturation. Until recently it was thought that estrogen signaled GnRH neurons only indirectly through numerous afferent systems. This minireview presents new evidence indicating that GnRH neurons are directly regulated by estradiol (E2), primarily through estrogen receptor (ER)-β, and indirectly through E2-sensitive neurons in the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) region. The data described suggest that E2 generally represses GnRH gene expression but that this repression is transiently overcome by indirect E2-dependent signals relayed by AVPV neurons. We also present evidence that the AVPV neurons responsible for relaying E2 signals to GnRH neurons are multifunctional gamma aminobutyric acid-ergic/glutamatergic/neuropeptidergic neurons.
NetGirls: the Internet, Facebook, and body image concern in adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE The primary aim of the study was to examine the relationship between Internet exposure and body image concern in adolescent girls, with a particular focus on the social networking site of Facebook. METHOD A sample of 1,087 girls in the first two years (Years 8 and 9) of high school (aged 13-15 years) completed questionnaire measures of Internet consumption and body image concerns. RESULTS The overwhelming majority of girls (95.9%) had access to the Internet in their home. Time spent on the Internet was significantly related to internalization of the thin ideal, body surveillance, and drive for thinness. Further, 75% of the girls had a Facebook profile, and spent an average of 1.5 hours there daily. Facebook users scored significantly more highly on all body image concern measures than non-users. DISCUSSION It was concluded that the Internet represents a potent socio-cultural medium of relevance to the body image of adolescent girls.
A simple continuous culture system for rumen microbial digestion study and effects of defaunation and dilution rates.

Ground substrates and a buffer solution were continuously supplied into 500 ml culture vessels in which the contents were mixed slowly by a stirrer (6 rpm) and the excess medium removed via a small outlet chamber (overflow) by a turning wing (30 rpm). This procedure resulted in the formation of three layers in the culture vessel with different local dilution rates. The top and bottom layers, with slower dilution rates, successfully served to harbor and thus maintain the slowly growing microbes that would otherwise wash out of the system. The effects of defaunation on the microbial digestion were studied with varying nominal dilution rates of . 5, 1.5, 2.5, and 4.0/d. Dry matter and cellulose digestibilities and VFA production were depressed by defaunation, and the depressions were more pronounced at higher dilution rates, suggesting a favorable effect of protozoa on rumen microbial digestion in higher producing animals.
War Size Distribution: Empirical Regularities Behind Conflicts

This paper analyses the statistical distribution of war sizes. Using a new methodology we find moderate support for a Pareto-type distribution (power law), considering data from different sources (COW and UCDP) and periods. A power law is a plausible model for the size distribution of a pool of all wars and a sample of wars in many years, although the log-normal distribution is a plausible alternative model that we cannot reject. The random growth of conflicts could generate both types of distribution. We study the growth rates of battle deaths and random growth cannot be rejected for most of the distribution, although the results also reveal a clear decreasing pattern; the growth of deaths declines faster if the number of initial deaths is greater.
Bacterial Sensing, Cell Signaling, and Modulation of the Immune Response During Sepsis

ABSTRACT Since the definition of systemic inflammatory response syndrome/sepsis was originally proposed, a large amount of new information has been generated showing a much more complex scenario of inflammatory and counterinflammatory responses during sepsis. Moreover, some fundamental mechanisms of sensing and destroying invading microorganisms have been uncovered, which include the discovery of TLR4 as the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gene, implications of innate immune cells as drivers of the adaptive response to infection, and the modulation of multiple accessory molecules that stimulate or inhibit monocyte/macrophage and lymphocyte interactions. The complexity of the infection/injury-induced immune response could be better appreciated with the application of genomics and proteomics studies, and LPS was a useful tool in many of these studies. In this review, we discuss aspects of bacterial recognition and induced cellular activation during sepsis. Because of the relevance of endotoxin (LPS) research in the field, we focus on LPS and host interactions as a clue to understand microorganisms sensing and cell signaling, then we discuss how this response is modulated in septic patients.
Increased dependence on blood glucose in smokers during rest and sustained exercise.

To evaluate the hypothesis that smoking increases the dependence on blood glucose as a fuel, seven male smokers [28.7 +/- 1.7 (SE) yr. 77.7 +/- 4.3 kg] and seven nonsmokers (NS; 29.1 +/- 0.9 yr, 78.7 +/- 5.3 kg) were studied in the postabsorptive condition. NS received a primed continuous infusion of [6,6-2H]glucose and [1-13C]glucose during 90 min of rest and 60 min of exercise at 49.7 +/- 0.8% of peak O2 consumption on one occasion; chronic smokers continued their overnight abstinence from smoking (CS) for one trial but, on another occasion, acutely smoked (AS) two cigarettes immediately before resting measurements and another cigarette before exercise. Plasma glucose levels were similar among all groups at all times during the trials; however, the glucose rates of appearance (Ra) at rest in CS (1.96 +/- 0.14 mg.kg-1 x min-1) and AS (2.02 +/- 0.14) were higher than in NS (1.41 +/- 0.15, P < 0.05). With exercise, the glucose Ra values rose in all groups above resting values but were significantly greater in CS (4.76 +/- 0.50) and AS (4.71 +/- 0.53) than in NS (3.31 +/- 0.16). Glucose oxidation during exercise was elevated in smokers (2.31 +/- 0.37 mg.kg-1 x min-1 in CS and 2.18 +/- 0.34 in AS) compared with NS (1.09 +/- 0.18, P < 0.05). Nicotine levels correlated with the glucose Ra in AS (r = 0.93, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the results indicate that long-term smoking, independent of acute smoking, increases the dependence on blood glucose as a fuel during rest and sustained submaximal exercise.
Improved Base-Stock Approximations for Independent Stochastic Lead Times with Order Crossover

Order crossovers occur when replenishment orders arrive in a sequence that is different than the one in which they were placed. Order crossovers require that optimal reorder levels be set with regard to the inventory shortfall distribution rather than the lead-time demand distribution. Assuming periodic review and independent lead times, this paper suggests simple approximations of the shortfall distribution by showing that the variance of the number of orders outstanding is bounded above by the standard deviation of lead time divided by â3. Using this bound in a normal approximation improves significantly upon the common practice of basing policies on the lead-time demand distribution. A negative binomial approximation of the shortfall, based on its exact variance, offers even greater improvement, at the cost of some additional informational and computational requirements.
640-Gb/s/Channel Single-Polarization DPSK Transmission Over 525 km With Ultrafast Time-Domain Optical Fourier Transformation

A single-channel 640-Gb/s differential phase-shift-keying transmission over 525 km was successfully demonstrated in a single polarization. A new ultrafast time-domain optical Fourier transformation (OFT) circuit was developed, in which the strong chirp required for the OFT of a subpicosecond optical pulse was realized with a phase modulator operated in a round-trip configuration. By applying this technique to a 640-Gb/s transmission, the tolerance to higher order polarization-mode dispersion was greatly improved and error-free transmission was achieved.