Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular Fatigue after Resistance Training

This study examined the effects of heavy resistance training on dynamic exercise-induced fatigue task (5 x 10RM leg-press) after two loading protocols with the same relative intensity (%) (5 x 10RM(Rel)) and the same absolute load (kg) (5 x 10RM(Abs)) as in pretraining in men (n=12). Maximal strength and muscle power, surface EMG changes [amplitude and spectral indices of muscle fatigue], and metabolic responses (i.e.blood lactate and ammonia concentrations) were measured before and after exercise. After training, when the relative intensity of the fatiguing dynamic protocol was kept the same, the magnitude of exercise-induced loss in maximal strength was greater than that observed before training. The peak power lost after 5 x 10RM(Rel) (58-62%, pre-post training) was greater than the corresponding exercise-induced decline observed in isometric strength (12-17%). Similar neural adjustments, but higher accumulated fatigue and metabolic demand were observed after 5 x 10RM(Rel). This study therefore supports the notion that similar changes are observable in the EMG signal pre- and post-training at fatigue when exercising with the same relative load. However, after training the muscle is relatively able to work more and accumulate more metabolites before task failure. This result may indicate that rate of fatigue development (i.e. power and MVC) was faster and more profound after training despite using the same relative intensity.
The Application of Transcranial High Intensity Focused Ultrasound to Clot Lysis

The primary method for treating acute ischemic stroke – the administration of thrombolytics – is associated with a relatively low efficacy and a large number of patients are contraindicated against the use of the drug. This research was motivated by the need to develop a new treatment modality for acute ischemic stroke that is localized, does not require the use of thrombolytics, and is capable of quickly recanalizing an occluded vessel. A simulation model was developed to investigate the feasibility of employing high intensity focused ultrasound to induce non-invasive clot lysis through the human skull at frequencies capable of producing a focus small enough to fit within the major vessels of the brain. The results suggest that an array with approximately 16,000 elements would be required to electronically treat all but the most distal sonication targets. The element numbers required for this array are over an order of magnitude higher than what currently exists today and so this study motivates the need for further research into reducing the acoustic pressures required for clot lysis and optimizing array design.
First Steps in Creating Online Testable Reversible Sequential Circuits

Synthesis of reversible sequential circuits is a very new research area. It has been shown that such circuits can be implemented using quantum dot cellular automata. Other work has used traditional designs for sequential circuits and replaced the flip-flops and the gates with their reversible counterparts. Our earlier work uses a direct feedback method without any flip-flops, improving upon the replacement technique in both quantum cost and ancilla inputs. We present here a further improved version of the direct feedback method. Design examples show that the proposed method produces better results than our earlier method in terms of both quantum cost and ancilla inputs. We also propose the first technique for online testing of single line faults in sequential reversible circuits.
All‐cellulose composites from pineapple leaf microfibers: Structural, thermal, and mechanical properties

Pineapple leaf microfibers (PALM) were used to prepare all-cellulose composites using the surface selective dissolution method. Effect of dissolution times on mechanical and physical properties of the all-cellulose composites was investigated. The structural transformation from cellulose I to cellulose II was observed when the fibers were dissolved in a mixed solution of lithium chloride (LiCl) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Values of 42.8 MPa and 1.2 GPa for tensile strength and Young's modulus, respectively, were obtained from the composites with 120 min dissolution time in the LiCl/DMAc solution, whereas the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the undissolved PALM mats were found to be only 1.5 MPa and 0.1 GPa, respectively. The failure mechanism of the composites was changed from the fiber pull-out to the fiber breakage when the dissolution time was longer. However, lower thermal stability and degree of crystallinity of the composites were caused by the change of the cellulose structure. The composites prepared in this work can be called as biodegradable materials, and could be the potential candidates to replace nonbiodegradable materials. POLYM. COMPOS. , 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Appropriately differentiated ARPE-19 cells regain phenotype and gene expression profiles similar to those of native RPE cells

Purpose The RPE cell line ARPE-19 provides a dependable and widely used alternative to native RPE. However, replication of the native RPE phenotype becomes more difficult because these cells lose their specialized phenotype after multiple passages. Compounding this problem is the widespread use of ARPE-19 cells in an undifferentiated state to attempt to model RPE functions. We wished to determine whether suitable culture conditions and differentiation could restore the RPE-appropriate expression of genes and proteins to ARPE-19, along with a functional and morphological phenotype resembling native RPE. We compared the transcriptome of ARPE-19 cells kept in long-term culture with those of primary and other human RPE cells to assess the former’s inherent plasticity relative to the latter. Methods ARPE-19 cells at passages 9 to 12 grown in DMEM containing high glucose and pyruvate with 1% fetal bovine serum were differentiated for up to 4 months. Immunocytochemistry was performed on ARPE-19 cells grown on filters. Total RNA extracted from ARPE-19 cells cultured for either 4 days or 4 months was used for RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis using a 2 × 50 bp paired end protocol. The RNA-Seq data were analyzed to identify the affected pathways and recognize shared ontological classification among differentially expressed genes. RPE-specific mRNAs and miRNAs were assessed with quantitative real-time (RT)–PCR, and proteins with western blotting. Results ARPE-19 cells grown for 4 months developed the classic native RPE phenotype with heavy pigmentation. RPE-expressed genes, including RPE65, RDH5, and RDH10, as well as miR-204/211, were greatly increased in the ARPE-19 cells maintained at confluence for 4 months. The RNA-Seq analysis provided a comprehensive view of the relative abundance and differential expression of the genes in the differentiated ARPE-19 cells. Of the 16,757 genes with detectable signals, nearly 1,681 genes were upregulated, and 1,629 genes were downregulated with a fold change of 2.5 or more differences between 4 months and 4 days of culture. Gene Ontology analysis showed that the upregulated genes were associated with visual cycle, phagocytosis, pigment synthesis, cell differentiation, and RPE-related transcription factors. The majority of the downregulated genes play a role in cell cycle and proliferation. Conclusions The ARPE-19 cells cultured for 4 months developed a phenotype characteristic of native RPE and expressed proteins, mRNAs, and miRNAs characteristic of the RPE. Comparison of the ARPE-19 RNA-Seq data set with that of primary human fetal RPE, embryonic stem cell–derived RPE, and native RPE revealed an important overall similar expression ratio among all the models and native tissue. However, none of the cultured models reached the absolute values in the native tissue. The results of this study demonstrate that low-passage ARPE-19 cells can express genes specific to native human RPE cells when appropriately cultured and differentiated.
Evaluation of a BVH Construction Accelerator Architecture for High-Quality Visualization

The ever-increasing demands of computer graphics applications have motivated the evolution of computer graphics hardware over the last 20 years. Early commodity graphics hardware was largely based on fixed-function components offering little flexibility. The gradual replacement of fixed-function hardware with more general-purpose instruction processors, has enabled GPUs to deliver visual experiences more tailored to specific applications. This trend has culminated in modern GPUs essentially being programmable stream processors, capable of supporting a wide variety of applications in and outside of computer graphics. However, the growing concern of power efficiency in modern processors, coupled with an increasing demand for supporting next-generation graphics pipelines, has re-invigorated the debate on the use of fixed-function accelerators in these platforms. In this paper, we conduct a study of a heterogeneous, system-on-chip solution for the construction of a highly important data structure for computer graphics: the bounding volume hierarchy. This design incorporates conventional CPU cores alongside a fixed-function accelerator prototyped on a reconfigurable logic fabric. Our study supports earlier, simulation-only studies which argue for the introduction of this class of accelerator in future graphics processors.
Lack of RNase L Attenuates Macrophage Functions

Background Macrophages are one of the major cell types in innate immunity against microbial infection. It is believed that the expression of proinflammatory genes such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL–6, and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) by macrophages is also crucial for activation of both innate and adaptive immunities. RNase L is an interferon (IFN) inducible enzyme which is highly expressed in macrophages. It has been demonstrated that RNase L regulates the expression of certain inflammatory genes. However, its role in macrophage function is largely unknown. Methodology Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were generated from RNase L+/+and −/− mice. The migration of BMMs was analyzed by using Transwell migration assays. Endocytosis and phagocytosis of macrophages were assessed by using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-Dextran 40,000 and FITC-E. coli bacteria, respectively. The expression of inflammatory genes was determined by Western Blot and ELISA. The promoter activity of Cox-2 was measured by luciferase reporter assays. Conclusions/Findings Lack of RNase L significantly decreased the migration of BMMs induced by M-CSF, but at a less extent by GM-CSF and chemokine C-C motif ligand-2 (CCL2). Interestingly, RNase L deficient BMMs showed a significant reduction of endocytic activity to FITC-Dextran 40,000, but no any obvious effect on their phagocytic activity to FITC-bacteria under the same condition. RNase L impacts the expression of certain genes related to cell migration and inflammation such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, IL-1β, IL-10, CCL2 and Cox-2. Furthermore, the functional analysis of the Cox-2 promoter revealed that RNase L regulated the expression of Cox-2 in macrophages at its transcriptional level. Taken together, our findings provide direct evidence showing that RNase L contributes to innate immunity through regulating macrophage functions.
Exercise training reverses age‐induced diastolic dysfunction and restores coronary microvascular function

In a rat model of ageing that is free of atherosclerosis or hypertension, E/A, a diagnostic measure of diastolic filling, decreases, and isovolumic relaxation time increases, indicating that both active and passive ventricular relaxation are impaired with advancing age. Resting coronary blood flow and coronary functional hyperaemia are reduced with age, and endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation declines with age in coronary resistance arterioles. Exercise training reverses age‐induced declines in diastolic and coronary microvascular function. Thus, microvascular dysfunction and inadequate coronary perfusion are likely mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction in aged rats. Exercise training, initiated at an advanced age, reverses age‐related diastolic and microvascular dysfunction; these data suggest that late‐life exercise training can be implemented to improve coronary perfusion and diastolic function in the elderly.
Biomass Partitioning and Its Relationship with the Environmental Factors at the Alpine Steppe in Northern Tibet

Alpine steppe is considered to be the largest grassland type on the Tibetan Plateau. This grassland contributes to the global carbon cycle and is sensitive to climate changes. The allocation of biomass in an ecosystem affects plant growth and the overall functioning of the ecosystem. However, the mechanism by which plant biomass is allocated on the alpine steppe remains unclear. In this study, biomass allocation and its relationship to environmental factors on the alpine grassland were studied by a meta-analysis of 32 field sites across the alpine steppe of the northern Tibetan Plateau. We found that there is less above-ground biomass (MA) and below-ground biomass (MB) in the alpine steppe than there is in alpine meadows and temperate grasslands. By contrast, the root-to-shoot ratio (R:S) in the alpine steppe is higher than it is in alpine meadows and temperate grasslands. Although temperature maintained the biomass in the alpine steppe, precipitation was found to considerably influence MA, MB, and R:S, as shown by ordination space partitioning. After standardized major axis (SMA) analysis, we found that allocation of biomass on the alpine steppe is supported by the allometric biomass partitioning hypothesis rather than the isometric allocation hypothesis. Based on these results, we believe that MA and MB will decrease as a result of the increased aridity expected to occur in the future, which will reduce the landscape’s capacity for carbon storage.
A Biophysical Model of Endocannabinoid-Mediated Short Term Depression in Hippocampal Inhibition

Memories are believed to be represented in the synaptic pathways of vastly interconnected networks of neurons. The plasticity of synapses, that is, their strengthening and weakening depending on neuronal activity, is believed to be the basis of learning and establishing memories. An increasing number of studies indicate that endocannabinoids have a widespread action on brain function through modulation of synap–tic transmission and plasticity. Recent experimental studies have characterised the role of endocannabinoids in mediating both short- and long-term synaptic plasticity in various brain regions including the hippocampus, a brain region strongly associated with cognitive functions, such as learning and memory. Here, we present a biophysically plausible model of cannabinoid retrograde signalling at the synaptic level and investigate how this signalling mediates depolarisation induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), a prominent form of short-term synaptic depression in inhibitory transmission in hippocampus. The model successfully captures many of the key characteristics of DSI in the hippocampus, as observed experimentally, with a minimal yet sufficient mathematical description of the major signalling molecules and cascades involved. More specifically, this model serves as a framework to test hypotheses on the factors determining the variability of DSI and investigate under which conditions it can be evoked. The model reveals the frequency and duration bands in which the post-synaptic cell can be sufficiently stimulated to elicit DSI. Moreover, the model provides key insights on how the state of the inhibitory cell modulates DSI according to its firing rate and relative timing to the post-synaptic activation. Thus, it provides concrete suggestions to further investigate experimentally how DSI modulates and is modulated by neuronal activity in the brain. Importantly, this model serves as a stepping stone for future deciphering of the role of endocannabinoids in synaptic transmission as a feedback mechanism both at synaptic and network level.
Discharge Competence and Pattern Formation in Peatlands: A Meta-Ecosystem Model of the Everglades Ridge-Slough Landscape

Regular landscape patterning arises from spatially-dependent feedbacks, and can undergo catastrophic loss in response to changing landscape drivers. The central Everglades (Florida, USA) historically exhibited regular, linear, flow-parallel orientation of high-elevation sawgrass ridges and low-elevation sloughs that has degraded due to hydrologic modification. In this study, we use a meta-ecosystem approach to model a mechanism for the establishment, persistence, and loss of this landscape. The discharge competence (or self-organizing canal) hypothesis assumes non-linear relationships between peat accretion and water depth, and describes flow-dependent feedbacks of microtopography on water depth. Closed-form model solutions demonstrate that 1) this mechanism can produce spontaneous divergence of local elevation; 2) divergent and homogenous states can exhibit global bi-stability; and 3) feedbacks that produce divergence act anisotropically. Thus, discharge competence and non-linear peat accretion dynamics may explain the establishment, persistence, and loss of landscape pattern, even in the absence of other spatial feedbacks. Our model provides specific, testable predictions that may allow discrimination between the self-organizing canal hypotheses and competing explanations. The potential for global bi-stability suggested by our model suggests that hydrologic restoration may not re-initiate spontaneous pattern establishment, particularly where distinct soil elevation modes have been lost. As a result, we recommend that management efforts should prioritize maintenance of historic hydroperiods in areas of conserved pattern over restoration of hydrologic regimes in degraded regions. This study illustrates the value of simple meta-ecosystem models for investigation of spatial processes.
Control of actin polymerization via the coincidence of phosphoinositides and high membrane curvature

The conditional use of actin during clathrin-mediated endocytosis in mammalian cells suggests that the cell controls whether and how actin is used. Using a combination of biochemical reconstitution and mammalian cell culture, we elucidate a mechanism by which the coincidence of PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3)P in a curved vesicle triggers actin polymerization. At clathrin-coated pits, PI(3)P is produced by the INPP4A hydrolysis of PI(3,4)P2, and this is necessary for actin-driven endocytosis. Both Cdc42⋅guanosine triphosphate and SNX9 activate N-WASP–WIP- and Arp2/3-mediated actin nucleation. Membrane curvature, PI(4,5)P2, and PI(3)P signals are needed for SNX9 assembly via its PX–BAR domain, whereas signaling through Cdc42 is activated by PI(4,5)P2 alone. INPP4A activity is stimulated by high membrane curvature and synergizes with SNX9 BAR domain binding in a process we call curvature cascade amplification. We show that the SNX9-driven actin comets that arise on human disease–associated oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) deficiencies are reduced by inhibiting PI(3)P production, suggesting PI(3)P kinase inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy in Lowe syndrome.
Are maximum bite forces of subjects 7 to 17 years of age related to malocclusion?

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of occlusion on maximum bite force of growing subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Incisor and first molar bite force of children and adolescents was evaluated. Four cohorts were measured annually for 3 years, starting at approximately 7, 9, 12, and 15 years of age, respectively. The initial sample included 182 females and 198 males; there were 130 subjects with normal occlusion, 111 with Class I malocclusion, and 139 with Class II malocclusion. Multilevel analyses were performed to model the growth changes and compare groups. RESULTS Maximum bite force increased significantly (P < .05) over time. Incisal forces peaked at 14.3 and 15.3 years of age for females and males, respectively. Maximum molar bite force peaked at 16 years for both males and females. Subjects with normal occlusion had significantly higher bite force than subjects with malocclusion. Maximum molar bite force exhibited a significant testing effect, with forces increasing 2.6 kg each year that the tests were repeated. CONCLUSIONS Malocclusion has a detrimental effect on bite force. Changes in maximum bite force are also due to age, sex, and repeated testing.
Relationship between C:N/C:O Stoichiometry and Ecosystem Services in Managed Production Systems

Land use and management intensity can influence provision of ecosystem services (ES). We argue that forest/agroforestry production systems are characterized by relatively higher C:O/C:N and ES value compared to arable production systems. Field investigations on C:N/C:O and 15 ES were determined in three diverse production systems: wheat monoculture (Cwheat), a combined food and energy system (CFE) and a beech forest in Denmark. The C:N/C:O ratios were 194.1/1.68, 94.1/1.57 and 59.5/1.45 for beech forest, CFE and Cwheat, respectively. The economic value of the non-marketed ES was also highest in beech forest (US$ 1089 ha-1 yr-1) followed by CFE (US$ 800 ha-1 yr-1) and Cwheat (US$ 339 ha-1 yr-1). The combined economic value was highest in the CFE (US$ 3143 ha-1 yr-1) as compared to the Cwheat (US$ 2767 ha-1 yr-1) and beech forest (US$ 2365 ha-1 yr-1). We argue that C:N/C:O can be used as a proxy of ES, particularly for the non-marketed ES, such as regulating, supporting and cultural services. These ES play a vital role in the sustainable production of food and energy. Therefore, they should be considered in decision making and developing appropriate policy responses for land use management.
ESCAPE: a Large-scale Synthetic Corpus for Automatic Post-Editing

Training models for the automatic correction of machine-translated text usually relies on data consisting of (source, MT, human post- edit) triplets providing, for each source sentence, examples of translation errors with the corresponding corrections made by a human post-editor. Ideally, a large amount of data of this kind should allow the model to learn reliable correction patterns and effectively apply them at test stage on unseen (source, MT) pairs. In practice, however, their limited availability calls for solutions that also integrate in the training process other sources of knowledge. Along this direction, state-of-the-art results have been recently achieved by systems that, in addition to a limited amount of available training data, exploit artificial corpora that approximate elements of the "gold" training instances with automatic translations. Following this idea, we present eSCAPE, the largest freely-available Synthetic Corpus for Automatic Post-Editing released so far. eSCAPE consists of millions of entries in which the MT element of the training triplets has been obtained by translating the source side of publicly-available parallel corpora, and using the target side as an artificial human post-edit. Translations are obtained both with phrase-based and neural models. For each MT paradigm, eSCAPE contains 7.2 million triplets for English-German and 3.3 millions for English-Italian, resulting in a total of 14,4 and 6,6 million instances respectively. The usefulness of eSCAPE is proved through experiments in a general-domain scenario, the most challenging one for automatic post-editing. For both language directions, the models trained on our artificial data always improve MT quality with statistically significant gains. The current version of eSCAPE can be freely downloaded from: this http URL