Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A two-layered approach to recognize high-level human activities

Automated human activity recognition is an essential task for Human Robot Interaction (HRI). A successful activity recognition system enables an assistant robot to provide precise services. In this paper, we present a two-layered approach that can recognize sub-level activities and high-level activities successively. In the first layer, the low-level activities are recognized based on the RGB-D video. In the second layer, we use the recognized low-level activities as input features for estimating high-level activities. Our model is embedded with a latent node, so that it can capture a richer class of sub-level semantics compared with the traditional approach. Our model is evaluated on a challenging benchmark dataset. We show that the proposed approach outperforms the single-layered approach, suggesting that the hierarchical nature of the model is able to better explain the observed data. The results also show that our model outperforms the state-of-the-art approach in accuracy, precision and recall.
Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4 Activation Constricts the Human Bronchus via the Release of Cysteinyl Leukotrienes

Prior studies have demonstrated that the ion channel transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is functionally expressed in airway smooth muscle cells and that TRPV4 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We sought to use isometric tension measurements in ex vivo airways to determine whether short-term pharmacological activation of TRPV4 with the potent agonist GSK1016790 [N-((1S)-1-{[4-((2S)-2-{[(2,4-dichlorophenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-3-hydroxypropanoyl)-1-piperazinyl]carbonyl}-3-methylbutyl)-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxamide] would constrict human bronchial tissue. As predicted, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 activation in the human airway produces contractions that are blocked by the nonselective transient receptor potential channel blocker ruthenium red. Moreover, the novel TRPV4-selective blocker GSK2334775 [(R)-6-(methylsulfonyl)-3-((4-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)piperindin-1-yl)methyl)-N-(2,2,2,-trifluoro-1-phenylethyl)-2-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)quinoline-4-carboxamide] inhibited these contractions over a concentration range consistent with its in vitro potency against recombinant and native TRPV4-containing channels. Surprisingly, TRPV4-dependent contractions were also blocked by a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and two structurally distinct cysteinyl leukotriene 1 receptor antagonists. In aggregate, our results fail to support the hypothesis that TRPV4 in airway smooth muscle cells regulates airway contractility short term. Rather, we provide pharmacological evidence that TRPV4 activation causes human airway constriction that is entirely dependent upon the production of cysteinyl leukotrienes. Together, these data identify a novel mechanism by which TRPV4 activation may contribute to pathologic remodeling and inflammation, in addition to airflow obstruction, in the diseased human respiratory tract.
Single-Center Experience of Cerebral Artery Thrombectomy Using the TREVO Device in 60 Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— We sought to explore the safety and efficacy of the new TREVO stent-like retriever in consecutive patients with acute stroke. Methods— We conducted a prospective, single-center study of 60 patients (mean age, 71.3 years; male 47%) with stroke lasting <8 hours in the anterior circulation (n=54) or <12 hours in the vertebrobasilar circulation (n=6) treated if CT perfusion/CT angiography confirmed a large artery occlusion, ruled out a malignant profile, or showed target mismatch if symptoms >4.5 hours. Successful recanalization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction 2b–3), good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and mortality at Day 90, device-related complications, and symptomatic hemorrhage (parenchymal hematoma Type 1 or parenchymal hematoma Type 2 and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score increment ≥4 points) were prospectively assessed. Results— Median (interquartile range) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 18 (12–22). The median (interquartile range) time from stroke onset to groin puncture was 210 (173–296) minutes. Successful revascularization was obtained in 44 (73.3%) of the cases when only the TREVO device was used and in 52 (86.7%) when other devices or additional intra-arterial tissue-type plasminogen activator were also required. The median time (interquartile range) of the procedure was 80 (45–114) minutes. Good outcome was achieved in 27 (45%) of the patients and the mortality rate was 28.3%. Seven patients (11.7%) presented a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. No other major complications were detected. Conclusions— The TREVO device was reasonably safe and effective in patients with severe stroke. These results support further investigation of the TREVO device in multicentric registries and randomized clinical trials.
A threat to coral reefs multiplied? Four species of crown-of-thorns starfish

In the face of ever-increasing threats to coral reef ecosystems, it is essential to understand the impact of natural predators in order to devise appropriate management strategies. Destructive population explosions of the crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci have devastated coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific for decades. But despite extensive research, the causes of outbreaks are still unclear. An important consideration in this research is that A. planci has been regarded as a single taxonomic entity. Using molecular data from its entire distribution, we find that A. planci is in fact a species complex. This discovery has important consequences for future coral reef research, and might prove critical for successful reef conservation management.
Mechanosensitive Ion Channels in Cultured Sensory Neurons of Neonatal Rats

Mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels are present in a variety of cells. However, very little is known about the ion channels that account for mechanical sensitivity in sensory neurons. We identified the two most frequently encountered but distinct types of MS channels in 1390 of 2962 membrane patches tested in cultured dorsal root ganglion neurons. The two MS channels exhibited different thresholds, thus named as low-threshold (LT) and high-threshold (HT) MS channels, and sensitivity to pressure. The two channels retained different single-channel conductances and current–voltage relationships: LT and HT channels elicited large- and small-channel conductance with outwardly rectifying and linear I–V relationships, respectively. Both LT and HT MS channels were permeable to monovalent cations and Ca2+ and were blocked by gadolinium, a blocker of MS channels. Colchicine and cytochalasin D markedly reduced the activities of the two MS channels, indicating that cytoskeletal elements support the mechanosensitivity. Both types of MS channels were found primarily in small sensory neurons with diameters of <30 μm. Furthermore, HT MS channels were sensitized by a well known inducer of mechanical hyperalgesia, prostaglandin E2, via the protein kinase A pathway. We identified two distinct types of MS channels in sensory neurons that probably give rise to the observed MS whole-cell currents and transduce mechanical stimuli to neural signals involved in somatosensation, including pain.
Theoretical models of the role of visualisation in learning formal reasoning and A commentary on the use of theory in the analysis of the Jape study

Abstract: Although there is empirical evidence that visualisation tools can help students to learn formal subjects such as logic, and although particular strategies and conceptual difficulties have been identified, it has so far proved difficult to provide a general model of learning in this context that accounts for these findings in a systematic way. In this paper, four attempts at explaining the relative difficulty of formal concepts and the role of visualisation in this learning process are presented. These explanations draw on several existing theories, including Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, Green's Cognitive Dimensions, the Popper-Campbell model of conjectural learning, and cognitive complexity. The paper concludes with a comparison of the utility and applicability of the different models. It is also accompanied by a reflexive commentary[ 0 ] (linked to this paper as a hypertext) that examines the ways in which theory has been used within these arguments, and which attempts to relate these uses to the wider context of learning technology research. Editors: Simon Buckingham Shum (Open U.) Reviewers: Simon Buckingham Shum (Open U.)
Households' Perceived Personal Risk and Responses in a Multihazard Environment

This study proposed and tested a multistage model of household response to three hazards—flood, hurricane, and toxic chemical release—in Harris County Texas. The model, which extends Lindell and Perry's (1992, 2004) Protective Action Decision Model, proposed a basic causal chain from hazard proximity through hazard experience and perceived personal risk to expectations of continued residence in the home and adoption of household hazard adjustments. Data from 321 households generally supported the model, but the mediating effects of hazard experience and perceived personal risk were partial rather than complete. In addition, the data suggested that four demographic variables—gender, age, income, and ethnicity—affect the basic causal chain at different points.
VSUMM: An Approach for Automatic Video Summarization and Quantitative Evaluation

In this paper, we propose an approach for video summarization (VSUMM). The video summaries are generated based on visual features. A factorial experiment is designed to analyze the relative impact of the attributes. We demonstrate the validity of the VSUMM approach by testing it on a collection of videos from Open Video Project. We provide a comparison among results of the proposed summarization technique with Open Video storyboard. A subjective evaluation showed that the summaries are produced with good quality.
Social Support and Salivary Cortisol in Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer

Objective This study used a cross-sectional design to examine the relationships between social support, both quantity (number of people) and quality (appraisal, belonging, tangible, and self-esteem), and neuroendocrine function (mean and slope of diurnal salivary cortisol) among women with metastatic breast cancer. Methods Participants ( N = 103) were drawn from a study (N = 125) of the effects of group therapy on emotional adjustment and health in women with metastatic breast cancer. They completed the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List and the Yale Social Support Index and provided saliva samples for assessment of diurnal cortisol levels on each of 3 consecutive days. Diurnal mean levels were calculated using log-transformed cortisol concentrations, and the slope of diurnal cortisol variation was calculated by regression of log-transformed cortisol concentrations on sample collection time. Results Mean salivary cortisol was negatively related to the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List subscales of appraisal, belonging, and tangible social support. No association was found between quantitative support or the esteem subscale of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List and mean salivary cortisol. Measures of qualitative and quantitative social support were not associated with the diurnal cortisol slope. Conclusions Results show that greater quality of social support is associated with lower cortisol concentrations in women with metastatic breast cancer, which is indicative of healthier neuroendocrine functioning. These results may have clinical implications in the treatment of breast cancer.
HD 41641: A classical δ Sct-type pulsator with chemical signatures of an Ap star

Context. Among the known groups of pulsating stars, δ Sct stars are one of the least understood. Theoretical models do not predict the oscillation frequencies that observations reveal. Complete asteroseismic studies are necessary to improve these models and better understand the internal structure of these targets. Aims. We study the δ Sct star HD 41641 with the ultimate goal of understanding its oscillation pattern. Methods. The target was simultaneously observed by the CoRoT space telescope and the HARPS high-resolution spectrograph. The photometric data set was analyzed with the software package PERIOD04, while FAMIAS was used to analyze the line profile variations. The method of spectrum synthesis was used for spectroscopically determining the fundamental atmospheric parameters and individual chemical abundances. Results. A total of 90 different frequencies was identified and analyzed. An unambiguous identification of the azimuthal order of the surface geometry could only be provided for the dominant p-mode, which was found to be a nonradial prograde mode with m = +1. Using Teff and log g, we estimated the mass, radius, and evolutionary stage of HD 41641. We find HD 41641 to be a moderately rotating, slightly evolved δ Sct star with subsolar overall atmospheric metal content and unexpected chemical peculiarities. Conclusions. HD 41641 is a pure δ Sct pulsator with p-mode frequencies in the range from 10 d-1 to 20 d-1. This pulsating star presents chemical signatures of an Ap star and rotational modulation due to surface inhomogeneities, which we consider indirect evidence of the presence of a magnetic field.
Analysis of Airborne Particulate Matter (PM2.5) over Hong Kong Using Remote Sensing and GIS

Airborne fine particulates (PM2.5; particulate matter with diameter less than 2.5 μm) are receiving increasing attention for their potential toxicities and roles in visibility and health. In this study, we interpreted the behavior of PM2.5 and its correlation with meteorological parameters in Hong Kong, during 2007–2008. Significant diurnal variations of PM2.5 concentrations were observed and showed a distinctive bimodal pattern with two marked peaks during the morning and evening rush hour times, due to dense traffic. The study observed higher PM2.5 concentrations in winter when the northerly and northeasterly winds bring pollutants from the Chinese mainland, whereas southerly monsoon winds from the sea bring fresh air to the city in summer. In addition, higher concentrations of PM2.5 were observed in rush hours on weekdays compared to weekends, suggesting the influence of anthropogenic activities on fine particulate levels, e.g., traffic-related local PM2.5 emissions. To understand the spatial pattern of PM2.5 concentrations in the context of the built-up environment of Hong Kong, we utilized MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) 500 m data and visibility data to derive aerosol extinction profile, then converted to aerosol and PM2.5 vertical profiles. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) prototype was developed to integrate atmospheric PM2.5 vertical profiles with 3D GIS data. An example of the query function in GIS prototype is given. The resulting 3D database of PM2.5 concentrations provides crucial information to air quality regulators and decision makers to comply with air quality standards and in devising control strategies.
Oxidative Stress-Related Mechanisms and Antioxidant Therapy in Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in young adults. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a critical cause of DR. Metabolic abnormalities induced by high-glucose levels are involved in the development of DR and appear to be influenced by oxidative stress. The imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the antioxidant defense system activates several oxidative stress-related mechanisms that promote the pathogenesis of DR. The damage caused by oxidative stress persists for a considerable time, even after the blood glucose concentration has returned to a normal level. Animal experiments have proved that the use of antioxidants is a beneficial therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DR, but more data are required from clinical trials. The aims of this review are to highlight the improvements to our understanding of the oxidative stress-related mechanisms underlying the development of DR and provide a summary of the main antioxidant therapy strategies used to treat the disease.
Screw withdrawal resistance and surface soundness of three-layer fiberboard having coarse fibers in core layer.

Screw withdrawal resistance (SWR) and surface soundness of three-layer MDF were investigated and the results were compared to the single-layer MDF. For this aim, effects of various formulation variables such as coarse fi ber length (24.4 to 4.3 mm), resin content (10.5 to 6.5 wt%) in the core layer, average panel density (730 to 650 kg/m3), and surface/core layer ratio (70/30 to 30/70) were determined. The face and edge SWR and surface soundness of three-layer MDF panels were determined according to EN 320 and EN 311 standards, respectively. The results showed that the face SWR and edge SWR of MDF panels improved as the fi ber length increased from 4.3 to 11.5 mm in the core layer. Similar results were determined for the surface soundness. The surface soundness of MDF panels improved with increasing fi ber length in the core layer up to 17.8 mm. SWR and surface soundness improved with increasing resin content in the core layer, shelling ratio, and panel density.
Performance of G-RAKE Receiver in DS-CDMA Ultra-Wideband Systems

Next generation wireless personal area networks will be based on ultra-wideband (UWB) systems, which occupy 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz band with limited low power. For the UWB systems utilizing DS-CDMA, the number of observed multipaths could be quite high and RAKE reception is necessary to collect energy from the channel. In this work, we investigate the BER performance of an advanced RAKE reception scheme, namely generalized RAKE (G-RAKE) with decision feedback equalization (DFE), in UWB systems. Our simulation results show that G-RAKE can be used to improve the system performance and/or for reducing the overall complexity.
Effect of Periodically Use of Garlic (Allium sativum) Powder on Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens

— A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of periodically use of garlic on performance and carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. 240 1-day-old Ross broiler chicks randomly allocated into the 10 dietary treatments (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I and J) for 6 wk. Treatment A or control group, received basal diet (based on standards of Ross management guidelines) without supplementation of garlic powder while B, C and D dietary treatments were basal diet supplemented with 0.5, 1 and 3% garlic powder, respectively for the whole time of experiment (6 weeks). Birds in group E, F and G were fed control diet supplemented with 0.5, 1 and 3% garlic powder, respectively just in their starter diet (0-21d). Birds in three other treatments (H, I and J) received control diet for the first 21 days and 0.5, 1 and 3% of garlic powder was added to their finisher diets, respectively. 1 and 3% supplemented groups in finisher period had better performance as compared with other groups. Since present study conducted in optimum and antiseptic conditions, it seems that better or more responses could be expected in performance if the raising conditions would not be healthy.
Accuracy of Dynamic Computed Tomography to Calculate Rotation Occurring at Lumbar Spinal Motion Segments

Study Design. Reliability study comparing computed tomography (CT) to biomechanics. Objective. To measure the accuracy and precision of such measurements in comparison with a standard method. Summary of Background Data. Rotations of lumbar spinal motion segments can be measured with dynamic CT imaging. This may be a useful tool to measure intersegmental motion. Validation of its use is lacking. Methods. Human cadaveric lumbar spines were fixed in a rigid rotation device and rotated, whereas rotation at each level was measured with extensiometers. Rotation at each level was calculated as a percent of total rotation. The spines were placed in a CT scanner and imaged after rotation of the spine in each direction. The percent of total rotation that occurred at each level was calculated with a software program. Accuracy of the CT method was calculated as the average difference between methods. Precision was measured as the standard deviation of the CT measurement. Biomechanical testing and CT were repeated after the posterior anulus fibrosus at L3–L4 was incised with a scalpel. The power of the CT method to detect a change in rotation was tested by calculating the difference between the pre- and postsurgery rotation at L3–L4 and testing it for significance with a Student t test of paired samples. Results. Differences between CT and biomechanical measurements averaged 0.2%. Precision was 6.0% (Table 1). Postanular injury, percent rotation at the L3–L4 level increased, whereas it decreased at the other 4 levels. The change at L3–L4 was statistically significant (P = 0.047). Table 1. Mean (Standard Deviations) for the Rotations for Each Level in the Lumbar Spine Specimens as a Percent of Total Rotation Measured by the Biomechanical (BM) and the CT Methods Conclusion. Dynamic CT measures vertebral rotations sufficiently accurately to study the effect of a radial tear on axial rotation can.
Purification and characterization of Listeria monocytogenes phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C

We have purified to homogeneity the 33-kDa phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from the culture fluid of Listeria monocytogenes, a facultative intracellular pathogen. The protein was overexpressed, and secretion of PI-PLC was further enhanced by the addition of divalent cations to the culture medium. The basic protein (pI, approximately 9.4) was complexed with anionic proteins in the crude culture fluid. It bound to DEAE-Sepharose and was eluted from Sephacryl S-200 near the void volume in low-ionic-strength buffer, suggesting aggregates of greater than or equal to 150 kDa. Gel filtration chromatography on Sephacryl S-200 in the presence of 1 M ammonium sulfate resulted in disaggregation and complete separation of PI-PLC, which interacted with the column matrix. Amino-terminal sequencing of the pure protein gave results consistent with the previously deduced sequence and showed that the signal cleavage site was between alanine 29 and tyrosine 30. The enzyme was specific for PI and showed no activity with phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, or phosphatidylserine. It did not cleave PI-4-phosphate or PI-4,5-bisphosphate, but it was active on the membrane form of the variable surface glycoprotein from Trypanosoma brucei, a PI-glycan-anchored protein. When assayed with deoxycholate-mixed micelles of PI, activity was highly dependent on added salt. Activation by salt was also observed with Triton X-100-mixed micelles. The optimal concentration of CaCl2 or MgCl2 was lower than that of KCl or (NH4)2SO4, but activity was not specifically dependent on divalent cations and was not inhibited by addition of EDTA. With deoxycholate, the optimum pH was 7.0. A broader pH optimum ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 was observed with Triton X-100-mixed micelles. These results are consistent with a postulated role for secreted PI-PLC in the acidified primary phagocytic vesicle of infected cells.