Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimating intent for human-robot interaction

This work proposes a methodology for estimating human intent during human-robot interaction (HRI). The intent signal is used within a planning and control strategy to improve safety and intuitiveness of the interaction. A method for estimating intent using physiological signals is described and preliminary test results are presented. A companion paper describes the planning and control strategy.
Effects of extended cold preservation and transplantation on the rat liver microcirculation

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell impairment and/or microcirculatory disturbances are thought to induce storage‐related graft failure; however, the respective roles of changes induced by extended cold preservation and transplantation, as well as their interactions, are still unknown. To this end, the alterations of the liver microcirculation and of hepatocyte and sinusoidal endothelial cell functions induced by extended cold preservation and/or transplantation were assessed using an isolated perfused rat liver model combined to an orthotopic rat liver transplantation model. Liver microcirculation remained minimally altered following extended cold ischemia alone, despite a marked deterioration of sinusoidal endothelial cell function, while liver microcirculation alterations were mainly characterized by areas of no‐reflow following transplantation alone. It was only when both procedures were associated that hepatocyte function became markedly compromised, without further deterioration in liver microcirculation. It is concluded that extended cold preservation and transplantation as such are not associated with lethal liver injury. However, the sinusoidal cell impairment and the liver microcirculatory disturbances, induced by both conditions combined, are important factors leading to secondary hepatic nonfunction, which might be triggered by extrahepatic events.
A simple two‐stage model predicts response time distributions

The neural mechanisms underlying reaction times have previously been modelled in two distinct ways. When stimuli are hard to detect, response time tends to follow a random‐walk model that integrates noisy sensory signals. But studies investigating the influence of higher‐level factors such as prior probability and response urgency typically use highly detectable targets, and response times then usually correspond to a linear rise‐to‐threshold mechanism. Here we show that a model incorporating both types of element in series – a detector integrating noisy afferent signals, followed by a linear rise‐to‐threshold performing decision – successfully predicts not only mean response times but, much more stringently, the observed distribution of these times and the rate of decision errors over a wide range of stimulus detectability. By reconciling what previously may have seemed to be conflicting theories, we are now closer to having a complete description of reaction time and the decision processes that underlie it.
Correlates of Never Testing for HIV Among Sexually Active Internet‐Recruited Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States

&NA; In the United States, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Despite great strides in HIV prevention, including biobehavioral HIV prevention strategies such as pre‐exposure prophylaxis and treatment as prevention, there has been relatively low uptake of these strategies. The success of biobehavioral prevention strategies requires HIV testing but a subset of GBMSM have never been tested. To optimize prevention efforts, we sought to understand the characteristics of GBMSM who report never testing for HIV. A sample of GBMSM was recruited online in 2012 to complete a cross‐sectional survey of sexual behavior and sexual health. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to identify characteristics of “never testing for HIV. ” Of the 1170 participants, 151 (13%) reported never testing for HIV. In multivariable analyses, younger age, less education, endorsing a non‐gay sexual identity, living in rural areas, not having a primary partner, living in unstable housing, and reporting regular condom use during anal sex were independently associated with never testing. We conclude that, despite a substantial focus on HIV testing among GBMSM in the United States, a proportion of sexually active, adult GBMSM report never having tested for HIV in their lifetimes. The current study illustrates the importance of addressing individual and structural factors that serve as barriers to HIV testing among GBMSM. Addressing these barriers will improve access to HIV testing and other biobehavioral HIV prevention strategies and, ultimately, alleviate disparities in HIV/AIDS in the United States
Two Novel Mutations in the EYS Gene Are Possible Major Causes of Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa in the Japanese Population

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a highly heterogeneous genetic disease including autosomal recessive (ar), autosomal dominant (ad), and X-linked inheritance. Recently, arRP has been associated with mutations in EYS (Eyes shut homolog), which is a major causative gene for this disease. This study was conducted to determine the spectrum and frequency of EYS mutations in 100 Japanese arRP patients. To determine the prevalence of EYS mutations, all EYS exons were screened for mutations by polymerase chain reaction amplification, and sequence analysis was performed. We detected 67 sequence alterations in EYS, of which 21 were novel. Of these, 7 were very likely pathogenic mutations, 6 were possible pathogenic mutations, and 54 were predicted non-pathogenic sequence alterations. The minimum observed prevalence of distinct EYS mutations in our study was 18% (18/100, comprising 9 patients with 2 very likely pathogenic mutations and the remaining 9 with only one such mutation). Among these mutations, 2 novel truncating mutations, c. 4957_4958insA (p.S1653KfsX2) and c.8868C>A (p.Y2956X), were identified in 16 patients and accounted for 57.1% (20/35 alleles) of the mutated alleles. Although these 2 truncating mutations were not detected in Japanese patients with adRP or Leber's congenital amaurosis, we detected them in Korean arRP patients. Similar to Japanese arRP results, the c. 4957_4958insA mutation was more frequently detected than the c.8868C>A mutation. The 18% estimated prevalence of very likely pathogenic mutations in our study suggests a major involvement of EYS in the pathogenesis of arRP in the Japanese population. Mutation spectrum of EYS in 100 Japanese patients, including 13 distinct very likely and possible pathogenic mutations, was largely different from the previously reported spectrum in patients from non-Asian populations. Screening for c. 4957_4958insA and c.8868C>A mutations in the EYS gene may therefore be very effective for the genetic testing and counseling of RP patients in Japan.
Effects of platelet-rich plasma on bone healing in combination with autogenous bone and bone substitutes in critical-size defects. An animal experiment.

OBJECTIVES An animal study was carried out to investigate the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the regeneration of bony defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS Critical-size defects in the forehead region of a mini-pig were filled with randomly distributed combinations of autogenous bone, tricalcium-phosphate granules (CeraSorb), bovine spongious blocks (BioOss) and a bovine bone inducing collagenous sponge (Colloss) with and without PRP in two preparations (Cusasan, 3i). The animals were killed after 2, 4 and 12 weeks. The specimens were evaluated microradiographically and immunohistologically. RESULTS Autologous bone (38 +/- 9.9%) and Colloss (52.6 +/- 4.0%) showed the highest remineralization rates at 2 weeks. The initial high expression of BMP-2 in the Colloss-group gives evidence of an early initiation of bony regeneration. At 2 weeks PRP ad modum 3i was able to enhance bone healing significantly (P=0.028) only when applied in combination with autogenous bone (62.8 +/- 1.6%). Four weeks after surgery, both PRP preparations did no longer increase bony regeneration in the autogenous groups. The osteoconductive effect of Bio-Oss (38.7 +/- 5.5%) and CeraSorb (41+/-4.9%) was remarkable as well 4 weeks after surgery. Nevertheless, the addition of PRP hardly influenced bony regeneration, ceramic degradation or cytokine expression when bone substitutes were applied. At 12 weeks, the level of reossification had adjusted similarly in all groups. CONCLUSION PRP did not add additional benefit when xenogenic bone substitutes were used. However, a significant effect on bone regeneration was found in the autogenous group initially when PRP is added.
Living on the edge with too many mouths to feed: Why dopamine neurons die

Although genes, protein aggregates, environmental toxins, and other factors associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) are widely distributed in the nervous system and affect many classes of neurons, a consistent feature of PD is the exceptional and selective vulnerability of dopamine (DA) neurons of the SNc. What is it about these neurons, among all other neurons in the brain, that makes them so susceptible in PD? We hypothesize that a major contributory factor is the unique cellular architecture of SNc DA neuron axons. Their large, complex axonal arbour puts them under such a tight energy budget that it makes them particularly susceptible to factors that contribute to cell death, including unique molecular characteristics associated with SNc DA neurons and nonspecific, nervous‐system–wide factors. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of local cathodal DC polarization within the spinal cord in anaesthetized animal preparations

Trans‐spinal DC stimulation affects both postsynaptic neurons and the presynaptic axons providing input to these neurons. In the present study, we show that intraspinally applied cathodal current replicates the effects of trans‐spinal direct current stimulation in deeply anaesthetized animals and affects spinal neurons both during the actual current application and during a post‐polarization period. Presynaptic effects of local cathodal polarization were expressed in an increase in the excitability of skin afferents (in the dorsal horn) and group Ia afferents (in motor nuclei), both during and at least 30 min after DC application. However, although the postsynaptic facilitation (i.e. more effective) activation of motoneurons by stimuli applied in a motor nucleus was very potent during local DC application, it was only negligible once DC was discontinued. The results suggest that the prolonged effects of cathodal polarization are primarily associated with changes in synaptic transmission.
Workplace Violence and Harassment Against Emergency Medicine Residents

Introduction Several studies have shown that workplace violence in the emergency department (ED) is common. Residents may be among the most vulnerable staff, as they have the least experience with these volatile encounters. The goal for this study was to quantify and describe acts of violence against emergency medicine (EM) residents by patients and visitors and to identify perceived barriers to safety. Methods This cross-sectional survey study queried EM residents at multiple New York City hospitals. The primary outcome was the incidence of violence experienced by residents while working in the ED. The secondary outcomes were the subtypes of violence experienced by residents, as well as the perceived barriers to safety while at work. Results A majority of residents (66%, 78/119) reported experiencing at least one act of physical violence during an ED shift. Nearly all residents (97%, 115/119) experienced verbal harassment, 78% (93/119) had experienced verbal threats, and 52% (62/119) reported sexual harassment. Almost a quarter of residents felt safe “Occasionally,” “Seldom” or “Never” while at work. Patient-based factors most commonly cited as contributory to violence included substance use and psychiatric disease. Conclusion Self-reported violence against EM residents appears to be a significant problem. Incidence of violence and patient risk factors are similar to what has been found previously for other ED staff. Understanding the prevalence of workplace violence as well as the related systems, environmental, and patient-based factors is essential for future prevention efforts.
Characteristics and Meteorology of Atlantic Swells Reaching the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Jury, M.R. , 2018. Characteristics and meteorology of Atlantic swells reaching the Caribbean. The characteristics of Atlantic swells reaching the Caribbean (19° N, 66° W) are described using wave hindcast and buoy datasets. The methods include calculation of histograms, scatterplots, temporal trends, ranking of extremes, meteorological case analysis, comparison of alternative datasets, and an assessment of similarity between cases. Northerly swells occur 29% of the time, with a mean height and period of 2 m and 8 seconds. A slight upward trend in wave period during 1998–2013 was related to an expanding anticyclonic Hadley circulation in the northwest Atlantic. An extreme case analysis illustrates how a storm near Bermuda on 16–20 March 2008 intensified as high pressure near Greenland blocked its progression. The cold air outbreak from the storm and 20 m/s northerly wind gusts induced heat fluxes up to 1000 W/m2 over the Gulf Stream outflow. Swells >6 m traveled southward, attenuating to 4–5 m and damaging coastal infrastructure in northern Puerto Rico. Similar weather patterns are found in the next five ranked cases and suggest that polar blocking is an essential feature of extreme Atlantic swells reaching the Caribbean.
Electrical Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of the Thalamus for the Treatment of Intractable Epilepsy

Summary: Purpose: Animal studies and sporadic case reports in human subjects have suggested that intermittent electrical stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus reduces seizure activity. We embarked on an open‐label pilot study to determine initial safety and tolerability of bilateral stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT), to determine a range of appropriate stimulation parameters, and to begin to gather pilot efficacy data.
Remotely Identification and Differentiation of Ficus Species in Alexandria City Using Spectral Reflectance Measurements

1 Timber Trees Research Department, Horticulture Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Alexandria, Egypt. Botanical Gardens Research Department, Horticultural Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Alexandria, Egypt. Evaluation of Natural Resources Department, Environmental Studies and Research Institute, Sadat City University, Egypt Received OCTOBR 23, 2018, Accepted November 21, 2018 ABSTRACT
Sex-specific Association of the Zinc Finger Protein 259 rs2075290 Polymorphism and Serum Lipid Levels

Background: Little is known about the association of ZNF259 rs2075290 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and serum lipid levels in the Chinese population. This study aimed to detect the association of ZNF259 rs2075290 SNP and environmental factors with serum lipid levels between males and females in the Mulao and Han populations. Methods and Results: Genotyping of ZNF259 rs2075290 SNP was performed in 788 of Mulao and 778 of Han participants using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotype frequencies were significantly different between Mulao and Han populations (AA, 50.1% Vs 58.9%; AG, 42.3% Vs 35.7%; GG, 7.6% Vs 5.4%, P = 0.002) and between Han males and females (AA, 64.5% Vs 55.2%; AG, 28.3% Vs 40.6%; GG, 7.2% Vs 4.2%, P = 0.001). Serum levels of triglyceride (TG) in Mulao males, and total cholesterol (TC), TG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in Mulao females were different between the AA and AG/GG genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001). Serum TC, LDL-C and apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 levels in Han males, and TG and ApoB levels and ApoA1/ApoB ratio in Han females were different between the AA and AG/GG genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001). An interaction between ZNF259 rs2075290 polymorphism and male gender on serum TC, LDL-C, and ApoA1 levels was noted in Han population (P < 0.05-0.01) but not in Mulao's. Conclusions: The subjects with AG/GG genotype in Mulao males and females and Han females have less favorable lipid profiles than those with AA genotype. In contrast, the subjects with AG/GG genotype in Han males have more favorable lipid profiles than those with AA genotype. These findings suggest that the association between ZNF259 rs2075290 SNP and serum lipid levels might have ethnic- and/or sex-specificity.
Limited knowledge and practice of Chinese medical students regarding health-care associated infections.

INTRODUCTION Health-care associated infections (HCAIs) occur worldwide and affect both patients and health-care workers (HCWs), including medical students. This study aimed to investigate HCAI risks associated with clinical medical students attending Shantou University Medical College (SUMC) and the effectiveness of their learning resources. METHODOLOGY Four cohorts (n = 272) of medical students participated in a questionnaire-based survey was done on (year 5 in the 5-year program and years 5 to 7 in the 7-year program) undergoing internship training in 14 teaching hospitals in Guangdong, China. RESULTS The mean overall score of the students was 52.54 ± 0.45 (mean ± SE). Students received fairly good scores in hand hygiene (77.57 ± 0.77) and HCAI source (63.16 ± 1.18); relatively weak scores in the isolation precautions (44.59 ± 0.55), HCW safety (45.59 ± 0.86), and personal protective equipment (57.64 ± 0.60); and the weakest scores in HCA-pathogen identification (27.44 ± 0.81). The year of education (r = 0.089, P = 0.144, n = 272) or internship placement (r = 0.077, P = 0.206, n = 272) had no significant influence on their level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that medical students at SUMC have limited knowledge and practice regarding HCAI due to substantial deficiencies in their learning resources. Review of medical curricula, improvement in preclinical and clinical training, and surveillance and monitoring of practicing HCWs are urgently needed to minimize risk of HCAIs in patients and HCWs.
Domain Adaptation: A Small Sample Statistical Approach

We study the prevalent problem when a test distribution differs from the training distribution. We consider a setting where our training set consists of a small number of sample domains, but where we have many samples in each domain. Our goal is to generalize to a new domain. For example, we may want to learn a similarity function using only certain classes of objects, but we desire that this similarity function be applicable to object classes not present in our training sample (e.g. we might seek to learn that “dogs are similar to dogs” even though images of dogs were absent from our training set). Our theoretical analysis shows that we can select many more features than domains while avoiding overfitting by utilizing data-dependent variance properties. We present a greedy feature selection algorithm based on using T -statistics. Our experiments validate this theory showing that our T statistic based greedy feature selection is more robust at avoiding overfitting than the classical greedy procedure.
Prognostic value of peripheral blood lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in patients with solid tumors: a meta-analysis

Background Although accumulating evidence suggests peripheral blood lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) could act as a prognosis predictor in various tumors, the prognostic value of LMR still remains controversial. We carried out this meta-analysis to evaluate the association of pretreatment LMR with survival outcomes in patients with solid tumors. Methods Eligible studies were collected and extracted by searching PubMed and Embase databases up to June 3, 2015. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed to assess the prognostic value of LMR quantitatively. Results Eighteen studies with a total of 8,377 participants were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Our findings indicated that elevated pre-treatment LMR predicted a significantly favorable overall survival (HR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.53–0.67) and disease-free survival (HR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.68–0.80) in solid tumor patients. Subgroup analyses revealed that enhanced LMR was significantly associated with favorable overall survival in patients with digestive system cancers (HR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.49–0.81), urinary tract tumors (HR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.52–0.84), lung cancer (HR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.54–0.72), and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.43–0.57). Conclusion This meta-analysis showed that enhanced LMR may indicate a favorable prognosis in patients with solid tumors.
The Long Adventurous Journey of Rhombic Lip Cells in Jawed Vertebrates: A Comparative Developmental Analysis

This review summarizes vertebrate rhombic lip and early cerebellar development covering classic approaches up to modern developmental genetics which identifies the relevant differential gene expression domains and their progeny. Most of this information is derived from amniotes. However, progress in anamniotes, particularly in the zebrafish, has recently been made. The current picture suggests that rhombic lip and cerebellar development in jawed vertebrates (gnathostomes) share many characteristics. Regarding cerebellar development, these include a ptf1a expressing ventral cerebellar proliferation (VCP) giving rise to Purkinje cells and other inhibitory cerebellar cell types, and an atoh1 expressing upper rhombic lip giving rise to an external granular layer (EGL, i.e., excitatory granule cells) and an early ventral migration into the anterior rhombencephalon (cholinergic nuclei). As for the lower rhombic lip (LRL), gnathostome commonalities likely include the formation of precerebellar nuclei (mossy fiber origins) and partially primary auditory nuclei (likely convergently evolved) from the atoh1 expressing dorsal zone. The fate of the ptf1a expressing ventral LRL zone which gives rise to (excitatory cells of) the inferior olive (climbing fiber origin) and (inhibitory cells of ) cochlear nuclei in amniotes, has not been determined in anamniotes. Special for the zebrafish in comparison to amniotes is the predominant origin of anamniote excitatory deep cerebellar nuclei homologs (i.e., eurydendroid cells) from ptf1a expressing VCP cells, the sequential activity of various atoh1 paralogs and the incomplete coverage of the subpial cerebellar plate with proliferative EGL cells. Nevertheless, the conclusion that a rhombic lip and its major derivatives evolved with gnathostome vertebrates only and are thus not an ancestral craniate character complex is supported by the absence of a cerebellum (and likely absence of its afferent and efferent nuclei) in jawless fishes