Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population-wide Distributions of Neural Activity during Perceptual Decision-making Progress in Neurobiology

Keywords: Neural populations Cell-to-cell variability Perceptual decision-making Long-tailed distributions Neural coding Population dynamics A B S T R A C T Cortical activity involves large populations of neurons, even when it is limited to functionally coherent areas. Electrophysiological recordings, on the other hand, involve comparatively small neural ensembles, even when modern-day techniques are used. Here we review results which have started to fill the gap between these two scales of inquiry, by shedding light on the statistical distributions of activity in large populations of cells. We put our main focus on data recorded in awake animals that perform simple decision-making tasks and consider statistical distributions of activity throughout cortex, across sensory, associative, and motor areas. We transversally review the complexity of these distributions, from distributions of firing rates and metrics of spike-train structure, through distributions of tuning to stimuli or actions and of choice signals, and finally the dynamical evolution of neural population activity and the distributions of (pairwise) neural interactions. This approach reveals shared patterns of statistical organization across cortex, including: (i) long-tailed distributions of activity, where quasi-silence seems to be the rule for a majority of neurons; that are barely distinguishable between spontaneous and active states; (ii) distributions of tuning parameters for sensory (and motor) variables, which show an extensive extrapolation and fragmentation of their representations in the periphery; and (iii) population-wide dynamics that reveal rotations of internal representations over time, whose traces can be found both in stimulus-driven and internally generated activity. We discuss how these insights are leading us away from the notion of discrete classes of cells, and are acting as powerful constraints on theories and models of cortical organization and population coding. Please cite this article in press as: Wohrer, A. , et al., Population-wide distributions of neural activity during perceptual decision-making.
Release of Renin by the Carotid Baroreflex in Anesthetized Dogs

In 3 of 10 anesthetized dogs with aortic nerves sectioned and renal arterial pressure maintained constant, reduction to 40 mm Hg of the pressure in the vascularly isolated carotid sinuses resulted in an increase in renin secretion. After section of the vagus nerves, carotid sinus hypotension resulted in an increase in renin secretion in 9 of the 10 dogs. Vagal nerve section in these 10 dogs with carotid sinuses vascularly isolated and maintained at a pressure equal to existing aortic pressure resulted in significant increases in basal levels of plasma renin activity and renin secretion. The increase in renin secretion found during carotid sinus hypotension in vagotomized dogs was totally or substantially inhibited when renal arterial pressure was not maintained constant but allowed to increase equally with systemic arterial pressure. The increase in renin secretion observed during carotid hypotension in vagotomized dogs with renal arterial pressure held constant was abolished by renal denervation. We conclude that the carotid baroreflex is involved in the neural control of renin release. However, a concomitant activation of cardiopulmonary receptors and/or a substantial rise in renal arterial pressure can suppress the reflex increase in the secretion of renin induced by carotid sinus hypotension.
Progress in the use of remote sensing for coral reef biodiversity studies

Coral reefs are hotspots of marine biodiversity, and their global decline is a threat to our natural heritage. Conservation management of these precious ecosystems relies on accurate and up-to-date information about ecosystem health and the distribution of species and habitats, but such information can be costly to gather and interpret in the field. Remote sensing has proven capable of collecting information on geomorphologic zones and substrate types for coral reef environments, and is cost-effective when information is needed for large areas. Remote sensing-based mapping of coral habitat variables known to influence biodiversity has only recently been undertaken and new sensors and improved data processing show great potential in this area. This paper reviews coral reef biodiversity, the influence of habitat variables on its local spatial distribution, and the potential for remote sensing to produce maps of these habitat variables, thus indirectly mapping coral reef biodiversity and fulfilling information needs of coral reef managers.
Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) Consortium: Design of Prospective Meta-Analyses of Genome-Wide Association Studies From 5 Cohorts

Background—The primary aim of genome-wide association studies is to identify novel genetic loci associated with interindividual variation in the levels of risk factors, the degree of subclinical disease, or the risk of clinical disease. The requirement for large sample sizes and the importance of replication have served as powerful incentives for scientific collaboration. Methods—The Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium was formed to facilitate genome-wide association studies meta-analyses and replication opportunities among multiple large population-based cohort studies, which collect data in a standardized fashion and represent the preferred method for estimating disease incidence. The design of the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium includes 5 prospective cohort studies from the United States and Europe: the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility—Reykjavik Study, the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, the Cardiovascular Health Study, the Framingham Heart Study, and the Rotterdam Study. With genome-wide data on a total of about 38 000 individuals, these cohort studies have a large number of health-related phenotypes measured in similar ways. For each harmonized trait, within-cohort genome-wide association study analyses are combined by meta-analysis. A prospective meta-analysis of data from all 5 cohorts, with a properly selected level of genome-wide statistical significance, is a powerful approach to finding genuine phenotypic associations with novel genetic loci. Conclusions—The Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology Consortium and collaborating non-member studies or consortia provide an excellent framework for the identification of the genetic determinants of risk factors, subclinical-disease measures, and clinical events.
A kinematic analysis of polarized eddy fields using drifter data

A kinematic formalism for the Eulerian and Lagrangian analysis of drifter data is developed for homogeneous, isotropic, two-dimensional flows which exhibit a preferred sense of rotation. Principal results include a new measure of rotation h*, defined from orthogonal velocity components, which is related to the covariance of horizontal divergence and rate of change of vorticity. An analogous Lagrangian correlation hL may indicate a rotational sense opposite to h* due to the preferential sampling by drifters of regions of previous net convergence which are regions of cyclonic vorticity for quasi-geostrophic motions. These kinematic results are illustrated by an analysis of 197 iceberg trajectories from the Labrador shelf, which do indeed show opposite rotational senses for h* and hL.
Cattle trampling and soil compaction effects on soil properties of a northeastern Nigerian sandy loam

Field studies on the effects of cattle trampling and soil compaction were conducted on sandy loam soils in Northeastern Nigeria. Cattle trampling significantly (P ≤ 0.001) increased soil bulk density and cone penetrometer resistance. Trampling produced dense zones at a depth of 7.5 cm, which reduced infiltration, in spite of the existence of numerous macropores. Hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate increased by over 11‐fold between the heavily and lightly trampled soils while soil compaction decreased by 19%. Changes in soil structure from cattle hoof compaction can cause severe problems of soil degradation on rangelands.
Comparison of a full systematic review versus a rapid review approaches to assess a newborn screening test for tyrosinemia type 1

Background Rapid reviews are increasingly used to replace or complement systematic reviews to support evidence based decision-making. Not enough is known about how this expedited process affects results. Objectives To assess the difference between rapid and systematic review approaches for a case study of test accuracy of succinylacetone for detecting tyrosinemia type 1. Methods Two reviewers conducted a rapid then a systematic review. The rapid review involved narrower searches, a single reviewer with 20% checking for screening the titles/abstracts and data extraction, and quality assessment using an unchanged QUADAS-2. Two reviewers performed the systematic review with a tailored QUADAS-2. Post-hoc analysis examined rapid reviewing with just a single reviewer (basic rapid review).
A garnet–hornblende geothermometer: calibration, testing, and application to the Pelona Schist, Southern California

Abstract A garnet–hornblende Fe–Mg exchange geothermometer has been calibrated against the garnet–clinopyroxene geothermometer of Ellis & Green (1979) using data on coexisting garnet + hornblende + clinopyroxene in amphibolite and granulite facies metamorphic assemblages. Data for the Fe–Mg exchange reaction between garnet and hornblende have been fitted to the equation. In KD=Δ (XCa,g) where KD is the Fe–Mg distribution coefficient, using a robust regression approach, giving a thermometer of the form: with very satisfactory agreement between garnet–hornblende and garnet–clinopyroxene temperatures. The thermometer is applicable below about 850°C to rocks with Mn-poor garnet and common hornblende of widely varying chemistry metamorphosed at low aO2. Application of the garnet–hornblende geothermometer to Dalradian garnet amphibolites gives temperatures in good agreement with those predicted by pelite petrogenetic grids, ranging from 520°C for the lower garnet zone to 565–610°C for the staurolite to kyanite zones. These results suggest that systematic errors introduced by closure temperature problems in the application of the garnet–clinopyroxene geothermometer to the ‘calibration’data set are not serious. Application to ‘eclogitic’garnet amphibolites suggests that garnet and hornblende seldom attain Fe–Mg exchange equilibrium in these rocks. Quartzo-feldspathic and mafic schists of the Pelona Schist on Sierra Pelona, Southern California, were metamorphosed under high pressure greenschist, epidote–amphibolite and (oligoclase) amphibolite facies beneath the Vincent Thrust at pressures deduced to be 10±1 kbar using the phengite geobarometer, and 8–9kbar using the jadeite content of clinopyroxene in equilibrium with oligoclase and quartz. Application of the garnet–hornblende thermometer gives temperatures ranging from about 480°C at the garnet isograd through 570°C at the oligoclase isograd to a maximum of 620–650°C near the thrust. Inverted thermal gradients beneath the Vincent Thrust were in the range 170 to 250°C per km close to the thrust.
A Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Patients With Psoriasis and Healthy Subjects

Objective: To evaluate the differences in corneal biomechanical properties between healthy subjects and patients with psoriasis using the ocular response analyzer (ORA). Methods: Fifty-nine eyes of 59 psoriasis patients and 66 healthy individuals were included in the study. Corneal biomechanical parameters were obtained using ORA. Ultrasound pachymetry was used to measure central corneal thickness (CCT). The main parameters assessed were corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) measurement and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) through ORA. The dry eye evaluation was performed with tear break-up time (TBUT) and Shirmer test. Results: The mean CH values in psoriasis and healthy subject eyes were 10.75±2.9 mm Hg, 11.97±3.6 mm Hg, respectively (P=0.047). The mean CRF values were 10.14±3.1 mm Hg and 11.61±3.3 mm Hg, respectively (P=0.012). The mean CCT were 539.1±36 &mgr;m and 536.3±28 &mgr;m, respectively (P=0.643). Mean TBUT values were 8.2±2.9 sec in psoriasis group and 10.4±3.6 sec in healthy subjects (P<0.001). Shirmer test values were less (8.9±3.8 mm/5 min) in psoriasis than in healthy subjects (13.1±3.6 mm) (P<0.001). Conclusions: Psoriasis can influence the corneal biomechanical properties. Patients with psoriasis had lower CH and CRF, but higher IOPg and IOPcc values than healthy controls. These corneal biomechanical changes should be considered when determining IOP values.
Parental electrocardiographic screening identifies a high degree of inheritance for congenital and childhood nonimmune isolated atrioventricular block.

Background —The origin of congenital or childhood nonimmune isolated atrioventricular (AV) block remains unknown. We hypothesized that this conduction abnormality in the young may be a heritable disease. Methods and Results —A multicenter retrospective study (13 French referral centers, from 1980–2009) included 141 children with AV block diagnosed in utero, at birth, or before 15 years of age without structural heart abnormalities and without maternal antibodies. Parents and matched control subjects were investigated for family history and for ECG screening. In parents, a family history of sudden death or progressive cardiac conduction defect was found in 1.4% and 11.1%, respectively. Screening ECGs from 130 parents (mean age 42.0 (cid:1) 6.8 years, 57 couples) were compared with those of 130 matched healthy control subjects. All parents were asymptomatic and in sinus rhythm, except for 1 with undetected complete AV block. Conduction abnormalities were more frequent in parents than in control subjects, found in 50.8% versus 4.6%, respectively ( P (cid:2) 0.001). A long PR interval was found in 18.5% of the parents but never in control subjects ( P (cid:2) 0.0001). Complete or incomplete right bundle-branch block was observed in 39.2% of the parents and 1.5% of the control subjects ( P (cid:2) 0.0001). Complete or incomplete left bundle-branch block was found in 15.4% of the parents and 3.1% of the control subjects ( P (cid:2) 0.0006). Estimated heritability for isolated conduction disturbances was 91% (95% confidence interval, 80%–100%). SCN5A mutation screening identified 2 mutations in 2 patients among 97 children. Conclusions —ECG screening in parents of children affected by idiopathic AV block revealed a high prevalence of conduction abnormalities. These results support the hypothesis of an inheritable trait in congenital and childhood nonimmune isolated AV block. ( Circulation . 2012;126:1469-1477.)
A model study for estimating optimum upward-continuation height for gravity separation with application to a Bouguer gravity anomaly over a mineral deposit, Jilin province, northeast China

Upward continuation can be used to separate a regional gravity anomaly resulting from deep sources from the observed gravity. We present a practical method, based on model studies, to derive an optimum upward continuation height for regional-residual gravity separation. Using this method we can calculate an optimal height for upward continuation. Although mathematically there is no optimum height, this method provides an objective procedure to calculate a best height for upward continuation. We initially use a 2D model to calculate an optimum separation height, as given by the maximum crosscorrelation between the upward continuation of the observed gravity and a known regional anomaly. For an unknown regional field, we calculate a series of crosscorrelations between the upward continuations at two successive heights. The average height of the maximum deflection of these crosscorrelation values yields the optimum height for regional-residual separation. The method was applied to the Bouguer gravity anomaly over a mineral deposit in the Jilin province in northeast China. When we subtract the estimated regional anomaly obtained in this manner from the Bouguer anomaly, we can obtain a residual anomaly that clearly shows the location of two known iron bodies.
U–duality and Simplectic Formulation of Dilaton–axion Gravity

We study a bosonic four–dimensional effective action corresponding to the het-erotic string compactified on a 6–torus (dilaton–axion gravity with one vector field) on a curved space–time manifold possessing a time–like Killing vector field. Previously an existence of the SO(2, 3) ∼ Sp(4, R) global symmetry (U –duality) as well as the symmetric space property of the corresponding σ–model have been established following Neugebauer and Kramer approach. Here we present an explicit form of the Sp(4, R) generators in terms of coset variables and construct a representation of the coset in terms of the physical target space coordinates. Complex symmetric 2 × 2 matrix Z (" matrix dilaton –axion ") is then introduced for which U –duality takes the matrix valued SL(2, R) form. In terms of this matrix the theory is further presented as a Kähler σ–model. This leads to a more concise 2×2 formulation which opens new ways to construct exact classical solutions. New solution (corresponding to constant ImZ) is obtained which describes the system of point massless magnetic monopoles endowed with axion charges equal to minus monopole charges. In such a system mutual magnetic repulsion is exactly balanced by axion attraction so that the resulting space–time is locally flat but possesses multiple Taub–NUT singularities.
Springs on rangelands: runoff dynamics and influence of woody plant cover

To date, little effort has been devoted to understanding the nature of streamflow from dryland catchments where springs are found, and little is known about how changes in vegetation may alter that streamflow. But where they do occur in drylands, springs are important—ecologically as well as hydrologically. Areas that naturally support spring flow, such as those having an underlying karst geology, hold the most promise for increasing streamflow through control of woody plants. For rangelands, this possibility is a particularly appealing one. However, few studies have documented that such a method is effective (except in Mediterranean climates). For this reason, we studied runoff generation for a site on the Edwards Plateau of Texas: a first‐order (19‐ha) rangeland catchment supplied with intermittent streamflow from a spring at its base. Using hydrometric as well as isotopic characterization, we evaluated the extent to which runoff changed following removal of most of the woody plant cover (predominantly Ashe juniper). After monitoring streamflow for 4 years (two before plant removal and two following removal), we found that (1) streamflow increased following removal of juniper, by about 46 mm annually, except during the summer; (2) for the 4 years of observation, runoff made up about 22% of the water budget, with baseflow from the spring accounting for about half the total flow; and (3) hydrograph separation analysis conducted for two events following juniper removal indicated that pre‐event water made up 25% and 50% of the runoff (these numbers represent lower bounds for the percentage of water derived from the spring during storm events). These findings are important, not only because they add to our understanding of runoff generation from spring‐fed catchments, but also in particular because they demonstrate that where springs are present, decreasing woody plant cover may augment runoff. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binueleate Mastomeres in preimplantation human embryos in vitro: Failure of cytokioesis during early cleavage

activating factor and platelet-activating factor (PAF) was studied in human plasma and in follicular and peritoneal fluid. In plasma, peritoneal and follicular fluids, 51% 87% and 89% respectively, of the total lipids were found in the protein fraction (the density > 1.21 fraction). Two forms of lysophospholipids were identified in this fraction: one of high affmity and one of low affinity for albumin. The metabolism of PAF in human follicular fluid, peritoneal fluid and plasma was also investigated. PAF-acetylhydrolase activity was found in both peritoneal and follicular fluids which induced a time-dependent hydrolysis of [3H]PAF. The half-life of PAF was estimated to be 7-12 min in plasma, IS-25 min in peritoneal fluid and approximately 2 h in follicular fluid. PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in embryo culture media supplemented with 10% serum was markedly inhibited by addition of commercial serum albumin. When 25 g albumin I-’ was added, 22% of (‘H]PAF was hydrolyzed h-’ compared with 72% in media without albumin. The concentrations of lysophosphatidylcholine measured in plasma, in follicular and peritoneal fluids were 252, 286 and 58 pmol I-‘, respectively. The distribution of these lysophospholipids and the metabolism of PAF in the female genital tract fluids reported in the present study provide evidence for the involvement of these biologically active lipid mediators in a variety of reproductive processes including sperm-egg interactions and embryonic development.
Personality and the emergence of the pace-of-life syndrome concept at the population level

The pace-of-life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis specifies that closely related species or populations experiencing different ecological conditions should differ in a suite of metabolic, hormonal and immunity traits that have coevolved with the life-history particularities related to these conditions. Surprisingly, two important dimensions of the POLS concept have been neglected: (i) despite increasing evidence for numerous connections between behavioural, physiological and life-history traits, behaviours have rarely been considered in the POLS yet; (ii) the POLS could easily be applied to the study of covariation among traits between individuals within a population. In this paper, we propose that consistent behavioural differences among individuals, or personality, covary with life history and physiological differences at the within-population, interpopulation and interspecific levels. We discuss how the POLS provides a heuristic framework in which personality studies can be integrated to address how variation in personality traits is maintained within populations.