Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neuronal intrinsic properties shape naturally evoked sensory inputs in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord

Intrinsic electrophysiological properties arising from specific combinations of voltage-gated channels are fundamental for the performance of small neural networks in invertebrates, but their role in large-scale vertebrate circuits remains controversial. Although spinal neurons have complex intrinsic properties, some tasks produce high-conductance states that override intrinsic conductances, minimizing their contribution to network function. Because the detection and coding of somato-sensory information at early stages probably involves a relatively small number of neurons, we speculated that intrinsic electrophysiological properties are likely involved in the processing of sensory inputs by dorsal horn neurons (DHN). To test this idea, we took advantage of an integrated spinal cord–hindlimbs preparation from turtles allowing the combination of patch-clamp recordings of DHN embedded in an intact network, with accurate control of the extracellular milieu. We found that plateau potentials and low threshold spikes (LTS) -mediated by L- and T-type Ca2+channels, respectively- generated complex dynamics by interacting with naturally evoked synaptic potentials. Inhibitory receptive fields could be changed in sign by activation of the LTS. On the other hand, the plateau potential transformed sensory signals in the time domain by generating persistent activity triggered on and off by brief sensory inputs and windup of the response to repetitive sensory stimulation. Our findings suggest that intrinsic properties dynamically shape sensory inputs and thus represent a major building block for sensory processing by DHN. Intrinsic conductances in DHN appear to provide a mechanism for plastic phenomena such as dynamic receptive fields and sensitization to pain.
Building maps for autonomous navigation using sparse visual SLAM features

Autonomous navigation, which consists of a systematic integration of localization, mapping, motion planning and control, is the core capability of mobile robotic systems. However, most research considers only isolated technical modules. There exist significant gaps between maps generated by SLAM algorithms and maps required for motion planning. This paper presents a complete online system that consists in three modules: incremental SLAM, real-time dense mapping, and free space extraction. The obtained free-space volume (i.e. a tessellation of tetrahedra) can be served as regular geometric constraints for motion planning. Our system runs in real-time thanks to the engineering decisions proposed to increase the system efficiency. We conduct extensive experiments on the KITTI dataset to demonstrate the run-time performance. Qualitative and quantitative results on mapping accuracy are also shown. For the benefit of the community, we make the source code public.
Nitrosyl-Cobinamide, a New and Direct Nitric Oxide–Releasing Drug Effective In Vivo

A limited number of nitric oxide (NO)-generating drugs are available for clinical use for acute and chronic conditions. Most of these agents are organic nitrates, which do not directly release NO; tolerance to the drugs develops, in part, as a consequence of their conversion to NO. We synthesized nitrosyl-cobinamide (NO-Cbi) from cobinamide, a structural analog of cobalamin (vitamin B12). NO-Cbi is a direct NO-releasing agent that we found was stable in water, but under physiologic conditions, it released NO with a half-life of 30 mins to 1 h. We show in five different biological systems that NO-Cbi is an effective NO-releasing drug. First, in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells, NO-Cbi induced phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein, a downstream target of cGMP and cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Second, in isolated Drosophila melanogaster Malpighian tubules, NO-Cbi–stimulated fluid secretion was similar to that stimulated by Deta-NONOate and a cGMP analog. Third, in isolated mouse hearts, NO-Cbi increased coronary flow much more potently than nitroglycerin. Fourth, in contracted mouse aortic rings, NO-Cbi induced relaxation, albeit to a lesser extent than sodium nitroprusside. Fifth, in intact mice, a single NO-Cbi injection rapidly reduced blood pressure, and blood pressure returned to normal after 45 mins; repeated NO-Cbi injections induced the expected fall in blood pressure. These studies indicate that NO-Cbi is a useful NO donor that can be used experimentally in the laboratory; moreover, it could be developed into a vasodilating drug for treating hypertension and potentially other diseases such as angina and congestive heart failure.
Community Resilience after Disaster in Taiwan: A Case Study of Jialan Village with the Strengths Perspective

This article examines community resilience in disaster recovery in Jialan Village, where many families lost their homes when Typhoon Morakot struck Taiwan in 2008. In-depth interviews were conducted with policymakers, social workers, resource coordinators, and leaders of the local aboriginal community. The main findings were (a) the village's recovery was due to the effective use and coordination of community resources; (b) partnership building between the public and private sectors was crucial in the community's recovery; and (c) the recovery was enhanced by values such as a strong sense of mutual help, good physical health, positive attitudes, and autonomy.
On Modeling Product Advertisement in Large-Scale Online Social Networks

We consider the following advertisement problem in online social networks (OSNs). Given a fixed advertisement investment, e.g., a number of free samples that can be given away to a small number of users, a company needs to determine the probability that users in the OSN will eventually purchase the product. In this paper, we model OSNs as scale-free graphs (either with or without high clustering coefficient). We employ various influence mechanisms that govern the influence spreading in such large-scale OSNs and use the local mean field (LMF) technique to analyze these online social networks wherein states of nodes can be changed by various influence mechanisms. We extend our model for advertising with multiple rating levels. Extensive simulations are carried out to validate our models, which can provide insight on designing efficient advertising strategies in online social networks.
LEVEL DIAGNOSIS OF SYMPTOMATIC URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN CHILDHOOD

ABSTRACT: Jodal, U. , Lindberg, U. and Lincoln, K. (Department of Paediatrics and Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden). Level diagnosis of symptomatic urinary tract infections in childhood. Acta Paediatr Scand, 64:201, 1975. –As no method for localization of urinary tract infection has been shown to be absolutely reliable, six procedures have been carried out simultaneously in 25 girls with acute symptomatic infections and the reliability of each method assessed. While clinical diagnosis of pyelonephritis or cystitis correlated well with the overall results of the battery of tests, the reliability of individual tests varied. Highest reliability was obtained with CRP determinations followed by antibody titration, sedimentation rate, and renal concentrating capacity. In the bladder washout test only 8 of the 14 patients with pyelonephritis had findings clearly indicating high infection. Intermittent or inadequate discharge of bacteria from the renal parenchyma is suggested as the major source for this inaccuracy. In fact, half of the 42 final washout specimens from girls with acute pyelonephritis contained less than 1 000 bacteria per ml, indicating that low numbers of organisms in ureteric urine is common in childhood pyelonephritis.
Isolated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the pancreas: case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND Isolated primary pancreatic lymphoma (PPL) is a rare extra-lymphatic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma comprising less than 1% of all extra-lymphatic lymphomas. It is seen in people of advanced age and there is a slight male preponderance. It is difficult to diagnose; the vague presenting symptoms and nonspecific laboratory/radiological findings make it difficult to differentiate the condition from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Histopathological examination is of paramount importance to conclusively establish the diagnosis since the treatment involves lymphoma protocols, and prognosis and survival in PPL are considerably superior to that in adenocarcinoma pancreas. CASE REPORT We report a case of isolated PPL diagnosed after Tru-Cut biopsy and immunohistochemistry after a thorough staging workup. RESULT The patient was treated with multi-agent combination chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. DISCUSSION A review of literature was done using a Medline search to determine the incidence and prevalence of isolated PPL and to note the diagnosis and management of previously reported cases. CONCLUSION An exceedingly rare entity, isolated PPLs need to be differentiated from pancreatic adenocarcinomas by histopathological evaluation since management is on the lines of other extralymphatic lymphomas and prognosis is significantly better.
Radar observations of stratocumulus compared with in situ aircraft data and simulations

During the Baltex Bridge Campaign in 2001 at the Cabauw site in The Netherlands, a whole set of instruments was used to probe water clouds. An important element of the BBC-campaign was to develop and test advanced remote sensing techniques to measure cloud properties, especially the combination of radar, lidar and microwave radiometers. One of the preliminary findings of the campaign is the radar discrepancy, which is the systematic difference (although de- pending on the cloud type) between radar observations of re- flectivity factor Z and the aircraft/balloon predictions of the same quantity. As the radar reflectivity is one of the key el- ements in many sensor synergetic retrieval algorithms, it is essential to understand the phenomenon.
Safety and efficacy of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide in acute steroid refractory inflammatory bowel disease

Background and aims: One major problem in the management of steroid refractory attacks of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the establishment of a rapidly acting immunosuppressive regimen. Based on its well known efficacy in systemic vasculitis, intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was used in refractory IBD patients to evaluate both its efficacy and safety. Methods: Between December 1998 and May 2001, seven patients (Crohn’s disease, n=5; indeterminate colitis, n=1) with severe steroid refractory IBD (Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) 264–479 points) received 4–6 cycles of monthly treatment with intravenous cyclophosphamide (750 mg) in a prospective uncontrolled pilot study. Results: All patients improved after two intravenous pulses of cyclophosphamide and six of seven patients achieved complete remission (CDAI <150 points). One patient with Crohn’s disease of the small and large bowel showed an impressive clinical response but did not enter into remission. Tapering to low dose steroids was possible in all responders. Remission was maintained in all patients for 18 months (median) but required a second course of intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide in one patient. The drug was well tolerated except for two episodes of candida oesophagitis. Conclusions: Intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide may be a safe and effective treatment in patients with severe IBD unresponsive to steroid treatment and merits evaluation in a controlled trial.
Oral Mucosa Status of Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of oral hygiene and the type of orthodontic appliance on oral mucosa in orthodontic patients. The study included 110 children, aged between 6 and 18, (60 subjects were wearers of fixed and removable orthodontic appliances and 50 subjects were control group who had just been referred to orthodontic treatment). A degree of oral hygiene, dental status, and periodontal status as well as the intensity of inflammation of oral mucosa was recorded in all subjects by using verified clinical tests. The frequency and intensity of inflammation were reversely proportional to oral hygiene degree (p= 2.287E-10 ; p<0.05). The controls had poorer oral hygiene findings. Only a small number of fixed orthodontic appliance wearers had inflammatory changes of higher intensity (5%). A significant correlation between oral mucosa inflammation and type of orthodontic appliance was not found. Orthodontic appliance wearers had better oral hygiene and less frequent inflammatory changes than controls.
IL-33 modulates chronic airway resistance changes induced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract Objective: Instillation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in C57BL/6 mice results in decrements of pulmonary function specifically characterized by increases in airway resistance. In this study, we examined possible mechanisms responsible for these alterations following MWCNT exposure, including the roles of IL-33 and chronic inflammation. Materials and methods: To elucidate the role of IL-33, we assessed lung histology and pulmonary function in C57BL/6 and IL-33−/− mice 30 days following MWCNT instillation. In addition, the impact of MWCNT instillation on airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was assessed by methacholine challenges of C57BL/6 and IL-33−/− mice. To further understand the mechanisms by which MWCNTs may increase airway constriction, C57BL/6 mice were treated with aerosolized albuterol or injected with multiple doses of methylprednisolone via intra-peritoneal injections prior to the assessment of MWCNT-induced changes in pulmonary function. Results: Total cell count, macrophages, and neutrophils were increased in the lavage fluid of C57BL/6 mice, but not in IL-33−/− mice, following MWCNT exposure. C57BL/6 mice displayed increased inflammation and fibrosis located proximal to the airways which was absent in IL-33−/− mice. Aerosolized methacholine increased parameters of airway resistance (R and Rn) in a dose-dependent manner in all groups, with MWCNT-instilled C57BL/6 mice responding more robustly compared to the controls, while no differences were found in IL-33−/− mice due to MWCNT exposure. Treatment with methylprednisolone reduced both the MWCNT-induced histopathological changes and increases in R and Rn in C57BL/6 mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that IL-33 and chronic inflammation in general are critical in the pulmonary toxicity induced by MWCNT resulting in modified pulmonary function.
A Familial 14q32.32q32.33 Duplication/17p13.3 Deletion Syndrome with Facial Anomalies and Moderate Intellectual Disability

To our knowledge, a derivative chromosome 17 formed by a subtelomeric translocation involving chromosomes 17 and 14 has not been reported before. Here, we present the clinical and molecular cytogenetic characteristics of 2 family members with a subtelomeric rearrangement involving chromosome regions 14q32.32q32. 33 and 17p13.3. The patients had moderate intellectual disability, a high forehead, a broad nasal root, downslanting palpebral fissures, epicanthal folds, retrognathia, hypertelorism, wrinkled skin over the glabella and metopic suture, and mild finger clubbing. Array CGH detected a 2.52-Mb duplication of 14q32.32q32. 33 (103,805,680-106,396,479) and a 1.2-Mb deletion of 17p13.3 (87,009-1,298,869) confirmed to be pathogenic by quantitative PCR and loss of heterozygosity analysis of 17p13.3. The derivative chromosome 17 was inherited from a parental balanced translocation. To our knowledge, this cytogenetic aberration has not been described previously. The refinement of the genetic location will improve the knowledge of the genes responsible for this phenotype.
Delay-Dependent Approach to Stabilization of Time-Delay Chaotic Systems via Standard and Delayed Feedback Controllers

In this paper, the stabilization problem of time-delay chaotic systems via standard feedback control (SFC) and delayed feedback control (DFC) methods is investigated. First, new delay-dependent conditions for stabilization via SFC method are obtained in terms of matrix inequalities. The proposed feedback controller stabilizes an unstable equilibrium point in the chaotic system. Then, based on this, delay-dependent conditions for stabilization via DFC method are derived. In both the SFC and DFC cases, algorithms on the design of desired state feedback controllers are proposed. Examples are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Transformation of VLF anomaly maps into apparent resistivity and phase

We investigate a transformation of magnetic transfer functions into the tangential‐electric mode part of the impedance tensor in the scope of the plane‐wave electromagnetic tensor–VLF method. The transformation, which is applicable to any 2D data representing the response of arbitrary 3D geoelectric structures, overcomes the difficulties of quantitative interpretation of magnetic transfer functions, which predominantly provide a measure of the lateral changes of the electrical conductivity in the earth. We require densely sampled magnetic transfer functions of one frequency as input data. These may be decomposed into their normal and anomalous parts (deviation from the response of a layered earth) for a unit external plane‐wave source field using the Hilbert transform relationship between the magnetic field components. Faraday's law then directly provides the anomalous toroidal electric field. Unfortunately, there is no chance to estimate the normal electric field from magnetic data, since the magnetic fi.
Grüneisen parameter of hcp‐Fe to 171 GPa

We measured the phonon density of states (DOS) of hexagonal close‐packed iron (ɛ‐Fe) with high statistical quality using nuclear resonant inelastic X‐ray scattering and in situ X‐ray diffraction experiments between pressures of 30 GPa and 171 GPa and at 300 K, with a neon pressure medium up to 69 GPa. The shape of the phonon DOS remained similar at all compression points, while the maximum (cutoff) energy increased regularly with decreasing volume. As a result, we present a generalized scaling law to describe the volume dependence of ɛ‐Fe's total phonon DOS which, in turn, is directly related to the ambient temperature vibrational Grüneisen parameter (γvib). Fitting our individual γvib data points with γvib = γvib,0(V/V0)q, a common parameterization, we found an ambient pressure γvib,0 = 2.0 ± 0.1 for the range q = 0.8 to 1.2. We also determined the Debye sound velocity (vD) from the low‐energy region of the phonon DOS and our in situ measured volumes, and used the volume dependence of vD to determine the commonly discussed Debye Grüneisen parameter (γD). Comparing our γvib(V) and γD(V), we found γvib to be ∼10% larger than γD at any given volume. Finally, applying our γvib(V) to a Mie‐Grüneisen type relationship and an approximate form of the empirical Lindemann melting criterion, we predict the vibrational thermal pressure and estimate the high‐pressure melting behavior of ɛ‐Fe at Earth's core pressures.
Distinct effects of anthropogenic aerosols on the East Asian summer monsoon between multidecadal strong and weak monsoon stages

Because industrial emissions of anthropogenic aerosols over East Asia have greatly increased in recent decades, the interactions between atmospheric aerosols and the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) have attracted enormous attention. To further understand the aerosol‐EASM interaction, we investigate the impacts of anthropogenic aerosols on the EASM during the multidecadal strong (1950–1977) and weak (1978–2000) EASM stages using the Community Atmospheric Model 5.1. Numerical experiments are conducted for the whole period, including the two different EASM stages, with present day (PD, year 2000) and preindustrial (PI, year 1850) aerosol emissions, as well as the observed time‐varying aerosol emissions. A comparison of the results from PD and PI shows that, with the increase in anthropogenic aerosols, the large‐scale EASM intensity is weakened to a greater degree (−9.8%) during the weak EASM stage compared with the strong EASM stage (−4.4%). The increased anthropogenic aerosols also result in a significant reduction in precipitation over North China during the weak EASM stage, as opposed to a statistically insignificant change during the strong EASM stage. Because of greater aerosol loading and the larger sensitivity of the climate system during weak EASM stages, the aerosol effects are more significant during these EASM stages. These results suggest that anthropogenic aerosols from the same aerosol emissions have distinct effects on the EASM and the associated precipitation between the multidecadal weak and strong EASM stages.
Observations of SST, heat flux and North Atlantic Ocean‐atmosphere interaction

The relationship between the observed North Atlantic atmosphere and the forcing of SST and heat flux is investigated using the lagged MCA analysis. The dominant heat flux forcing to the North Atlantic Oscillation is associated with the later summer horseshoe SST forcing. The horseshoe SST is generated largely by the surface heat flux, and then forces the early winter atmosphere through the release of oceanic heat flux into the atmosphere. Independent of the horseshoe SST, there is no significant heat flux forcing on the atmosphere with a lead of longer than 1 month.
Use of a 3D dynamometric horseshoe to assess the effects of an all-weather waxed track and a crushed sand track at high speed trot: preliminary study.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Track surface quality is considered a risk factor of musculoskeletal injuries. Ground reaction force (GRF) measurement is a relevant approach to study the interaction between the hoof and the ground. Force plates are not adapted to compare different surfaces at high speed. A 3D dynamometric horseshoe (DHS), using 4 triaxial piezoelectric sensors, has been developed and validated. OBJECTIVES To use the DHS to compare the effects of 2 track surfaces, an all-weather waxed track and a crushed sand track, on the GRF in trotter horses under training conditions. METHODS The right forelimb of 3 French Trotters was equipped with the DHS. Two tracks were tested in a straight line: a crushed sand track (S) and an all-weather waxed track (W). For each session, trials were repeated 3 times in a Latin square design. The speed of the runs was set at 10 m/s and recorded synchronously. For each trial, data acquisition was performed at 600 Hz and 10 consecutive strides were analysed. Statistical differences were tested using a general linear model procedure. RESULTS The amplitude of the maximal longitudinal braking force (Fx) was significantly lower on W compared to S. This event happened about 6% later in the stance phase on W. The magnitude of the GRF at impact decreased on W. The average speed and the mean stance phase duration were not statistically different on both surfaces. The stride length was about 6 cm longer on S. CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE This study demonstrates the ability and sensitivity of the DHS to discriminate track surfaces by measuring the GRF at high speed. These preliminary results show that the loading rate, the amplitude of horizontal braking and shock at impact are attenuated on W, which suggests a reduction of stresses in the distal limb.