Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Toward open knowledge enabling for human-robot interaction

This paper presents an effort to enable robots to utilize open-source knowledge resources autonomously for human-robot interaction. The main challenges include how to extract knowledge in semi-structured and unstructured natural languages, how to make use of multiple types of knowledge in decision making, and how to identify the knowledge that is missing. A set of techniques for multi-mode natural language processing, integrated decision making, and open knowledge searching is proposed. The OK-KeJia robot prototype is implemented and evaluated, with special attention to two tests on 11,615 user tasks and 467 user desires. The experiments show that the overall performance improves remarkably due to the use of appropriate open knowledge.
‘Ease of interpretation’ of cytological smears stained with modified ultrafast papanicolaou stain: Interobserver agreement and reproducibility

Since its inception in 1995, the Ultrafast Papanicoloau (UFPAP) cytological stain has undergone a number of modifications to suit the local availability of reagents and cost in different set ups. However, the reported results have been uniformly encouraging. We designed a study to investigate the inter‐observer agreement in ‘perceived ease of interpretation’ of cytological smears stained with Modified Ultrafast Papanicoloau stain (MUFPAP).
Regional Heritability Mapping Provides Insights into Dry Matter Content in African White and Yellow Cassava Populations

Regional heritability mapping (RHM) is effective for understanding the genetic architecture of complex traits in cassava. Prediction accuracies can reflect the impact of genomic segments on cassava dry matter (DM) content. Serine–threonine protein kinases (SnRKs) are candidates positionally associated with cassava DM. The prediction accuracy of SnRKs for cassava DM was 50% of the total accuracy from genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Activation of the astrocytic Nrf2/ARE system ameliorates the formation of demyelinating lesions in a multiple sclerosis animal model

Oxidative stress critically contributes to the pathogenesis of a variety of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Astrocytes are the main regulators of oxidative homeostasis in the brain and dysregulation of these cells likely contributes to the accumulation of oxidative damage. The nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the main transcriptional regulator of the anti‐oxidant stress defense. In this study, we elucidate the effects of astrocytic Nrf2‐activation on brain‐intrinsic inflammation and lesion development. Cells deficient for the Nrf2 repressor kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) are characterized by hyperactivation of Nrf2‐signaling. Therefore, wild type mice and mice with a GFAP‐specific Keap1‐deletion were fed with 0.25% cuprizone for 1 or 3 weeks. Cuprizone intoxication induced pronounced oligodendrocyte loss, demyelination and reactive gliosis in wild type animals. In contrast, astrocyte‐specific Nrf2‐activation was sufficient to prevent oligodendrocyte loss and demyelination, to ameliorate brain intrinsic inflammation and to counteract axonal damage. Our results highlight the potential of the Nrf2/ARE system for the treatment of neuroinflammation in general and of multiple sclerosis in particular. © GLIA 2016;64:2219–2230
Response of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) To Integrated Nutrient Management Amended Soil

In the present study, the effect of different organic manures and inorganic fertiliser levels in soil were observed on growth performances and yield of eggplant. Weeds play a major role in reducing the yield of crops in the field. Therefore this study aimed to use the most popular weed -Parthenium hysterophorous which was converted to vermicompost and used as a source of organic manure. The impact of the manures and the fertilisers on the plant height, number of fruits/plant, yield per plant, total protein content, total free amino acids and total carbohydrate contents of the plant were studied. The observations were recorded at three important growth stages namely, vegetative growth-30 DAS, flowering - 60 DAS and fruiting stage - 90 DAS. The perusal of the data revealed that Parthenium Vermicompost applied at 5t/ha either individual or in combination with FYM or 50% RDF of chemical fertilisers enhanced the growth, yield and food quality of eggplants.
Continuous Kisspeptin Administration in Postmenopausal Women: Impact of Estradiol on Luteinizing Hormone Secretion

Context Kisspeptin stimulates the reproductive endocrine cascade in both men and women. Circulating sex steroids are thought to modulate the ability of kisspeptin to stimulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Objective To probe the effects of sex steroids on kisspeptin-stimulated GnRH-induced LH pulses. Participants Eight healthy postmenopausal women. Intervention Subjects underwent every-10-minute blood sampling to measure GnRH-induced LH secretion at baseline and in response to a continuous kisspeptin infusion (12.5 µg/kg/h) over 24 hours. A subset of the participants also received kisspeptin (0.313 µg/kg) and GnRH (75 ng/kg) intravenous boluses. Results Postmenopausal women are resistant to the stimulatory effect of continuous kisspeptin on LH secretion. Postmenopausal women receiving estradiol replacement therapy are also resistant to kisspeptin initially, but they demonstrate a significant increase in LH pulse amplitude in direct proportion to the circulating estradiol concentration and duration of kisspeptin administration. Conclusions Kisspeptin administration has complex effects on GnRH, and by extension, on LH secretion. The ability of kisspeptin to affect LH secretion can be modulated by the ambient sex-steroid milieu in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
Short-term outcomes of the transvaginal minimal mesh procedure for pelvic organ prolapse

Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and complications of transvaginal minimal mesh repair without using commercially available kits for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Materials and Methods This retrospective cohort study involved 91 women who underwent surgical management of POP with originally designed small mesh between July 2014 and August 2015. This mesh is 56% smaller than the mesh widely used in Japan, and it has only two arms delivered into each right and left sacrospinous ligament. The main study outcome was the anatomic cure rate defined as recurrence of POP quantification (POP-Q) stage II or more. We also assessed changes in the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and prolapse quality of life questionnaire (P-QOL) and evaluated adverse events. Finally, we compared patient backgrounds between the patients with and without recurrence. Results Prolapse recurred in 10 of 91 patients (11.0%), and all patients with recurrence were diagnosed as POP-Q stage II. As adverse events, only mesh erosion occurred in two (2.2%) and pelvic pain in one (1.1%) of the 91 patients. The OABSS and P-QOL were significantly improved by the operation. When we compared patient backgrounds between the patients with and without recurrence, body mass index was the only factor influencing affecting recurrence. Conclusions Transvaginal minimal mesh repair resulted in successful outcomes with low mesh-related complications and anatomic recurrence at one year. Furthermore, significant improvement in QOL was offered by this procedure. Our minimal mesh technique should be considered as one treatment option for the management of POP.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-sampling: do women accept it?

Abstract This study aims to determine the acceptability of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) self-sampling and the factors associated with willingness to buy HPV self-sampling kit in the future. A total of 164 women aged 28–60 years old from Obstetrics & Gynaecology clinics at a teaching hospital performed HPV self-sampling using the Digene HC2 DNA collection kit. After samples were taken, the participants were given self-administered questionnaires. The majority of the participants were Malay (93.9%), had attained tertiary education (65.2%) and were employed (70.1%). The acceptability was good. More than half of the participants felt that self-sampling was easy. Only 1.2% felt that the procedure was difficult to perform. Most reported no pain at all during the procedure (66.9%). The commonest concern was getting a good sample (90.1%). A number of Pap smears were found to be significantly associated with the willingness to buy the HPV self-sampling kit. HPV self-sampling has the potential to be included in the cervical cancer screening programme. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject: HPV self-sampling is acceptable in some developed and developing countries. It is acceptable because it was easy to perform with very minimal pain or discomfort. Studies on the acceptance of self-screening are needed to plan a policy on self-sampling in the future. What the results of this study add: Our study adds new findings to the body of knowledge on self-sampling in the local population. We found that more women are willing to do the self-sampling at the clinic rather than at home. Although more than 90% expressed willingness to do self-sampling in the future, only 70% of them were willing to purchase the kit. Cost is a potential barrier to women who have the interest to perform the self-sampling. Given the global economic challenges, cost is inevitably an important predictor that we have to consider. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Future research should examine women from the rural areas and those who are resilient to Pap smear screening. In clinical practice, clinicians should acknowledge that cost is a potential barrier for women who are willing to do self-sampling. Self-sampling could be an option for women with no financial constraint to buy the kit. However, clinicians should counsel women so that they can make an informed choice in determining their screening method.
A time series of incubation experiments to examine the production and loss of CH3I in surface seawater

In order to investigate production pathways of methyl iodide and controls on emissions from the surface ocean, a set of repeated in vitro incubation experiments were performed over an annual cycle in the context of a time series of in situ measurements in Kiel Fjord (54.3°N, 10.1°E). The incubation experiments revealed a diurnal variation of methyl iodide in samples exposed to natural light, with maxima during day time and losses during night hours. The amplitude of the daily accumulation varied seasonally and was not affected by filtration (0.2 µm), consistent with a photochemical pathway for CH3I production. The methyl iodide loss rate at nighttime correlates with the concentration accumulated during daytime suggesting a first-order loss mechanism (R2 = 0.29, p << 0.01). Daily (24 h) net production (Pnet) was similar in magnitude between in vitro and in situ mass balances. However, the estimated gross production (Pgross) of methyl iodide ranged from −0.07 to 2.24 pmol L−1 d−1 and was up to 5 times higher in summer than Pnet calculated from the in situ study. The large excess of Pgross over Pnet in summer revealed by the incubation experiments is a consequence of large losses of CH3I by as-yet uncharacterized processes (e.g., biological degradation or chemical pathways other than Cl− substitution).
RHOA-ROCK signalling is necessary for lateralization and differentiation of the developing sinoatrial node

Aims RHOA-ROCK signalling regulates cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and transcription. RHOA is expressed in the developing cardiac conduction system in chicken and mice. In early development, the entire sinus venosus myocardium, including both the transient left-sided and the definitive sinoatrial node (SAN), has pacemaker potential. Later, pacemaker potential is restricted to the right-sided SAN. Disruption of RHOA expression in adult mice causes arrhythmias including bradycardia and atrial fibrillation, the mechanism of which is unknown but presumed to affect the SAN. The aim of this study is to assess the role of RHOA-ROCK signalling in SAN development in the chicken heart. Methods and results ROCK signalling was inhibited chemically in embryonic chicken hearts using Y-27632. This prolonged the immature state of the sinus venosus myocardium, evidenced by up-regulation of the transcription factor ISL1, wide distribution of pacemaker potential, and significantly reduced heart rate. Furthermore ROCK inhibition caused aberrant expression of typical SAN genes: ROCK1, ROCK2, SHOX2, TBX3, TBX5, ISL1, HCN4, CX40, CAV3.1, and NKX2.5 and left-right asymmetry genes: PITX2C and NODAL. Anatomical abnormalities in pulmonary vein development were also observed. Patch clamp electrophysiology confirmed the immature phenotype of the SAN cells and a residual left-sided sinus venosus myocardium pacemaker-like potential. Conclusions RHOA-ROCK signalling is involved in establishing the right-sided SAN as the definitive pacemaker of the heart and restricts typical pacemaker gene expression to the right side of the sinus venosus myocardium.
Altering neuronal excitability to preserve network connectivity in a computational model of Alzheimer's disease

Neuronal hyperactivity and hyperexcitability of the cerebral cortex and hippocampal region is an increasingly observed phenomenon in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In later stages, oscillatory slowing and loss of functional connectivity are ubiquitous. Recent evidence suggests that neuronal dynamics have a prominent role in AD pathophysiology, making it a potentially interesting therapeutic target. However, although neuronal activity can be manipulated by various (non-)pharmacological means, intervening in a highly integrated system that depends on complex dynamics can produce counterintuitive and adverse effects. Computational dynamic network modeling may serve as a virtual test ground for developing effective interventions. To explore this approach, a previously introduced large-scale neural mass network with human brain topology was used to simulate the temporal evolution of AD-like, activity-dependent network degeneration. In addition, six defense strategies that either enhanced or diminished neuronal excitability were tested against the degeneration process, targeting excitatory and inhibitory neurons combined or separately. Outcome measures described oscillatory, connectivity and topological features of the damaged networks. Over time, the various interventions produced diverse large-scale network effects. Contrary to our hypothesis, the most successful strategy was a selective stimulation of all excitatory neurons in the network; it substantially prolonged the preservation of network integrity. The results of this study imply that functional network damage due to pathological neuronal activity can be opposed by targeted adjustment of neuronal excitability levels. The present approach may help to explore therapeutic effects aimed at preserving or restoring neuronal network integrity and contribute to better-informed intervention choices in future clinical trials in AD.
Prostate cancer family history and eligibility for active surveillance: a systematic review of the literature

Active surveillance (AS) is an increasingly prevalent treatment choice for low grade prostate cancer. Eligibility criteria for AS are varied and it is unclear if family history of prostate cancer should be used as an exclusion criterion when considering men for AS. To determine whether family history plays a significant role in the progression of prostate cancer for men undergoing active surveillance, PubMed searches of ‘family history and prostate cancer’, ‘family history and prostate cancer progression’ and ‘factors of prostate cancer progression’ were used to identify research publications about the relationship between family history and prostate cancer progression. These searches generated 536 papers that were screened and reviewed. Six publications were ultimately included in this analysis. Review of the six publications suggests that family history does not increase the risk of prostate cancer progression, whilst a subgroup analysis in one study found that family history increases the risk of prostate cancer progression only in African‐Americans. A family history of prostate cancer does not appear to increase a patient's risk of having more aggressive prostate cancer and is therefore unlikely to be an important factor in determining eligibility for AS. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between race, family history, and eligibility for AS.
Understanding the Role of Sclerostin in Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Development in Mice

Author(s): Chang, Jiun Chiun | Advisor(s): Loots, Gabriela G | Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA), a joint inflammatory disease commonly described by the breakdown of articular cartilage, with major contributing factors including aging and traumatic injuries. To date, OA treatments are limited by surgical procedures and pain management; hence OA patients are anxiously awaiting the development of new pharmacologic interventions. Recent studies projected that the presence of Sclerostin (Sost) affecting Wnt signaling may modulate the metabolic processes in the articular chondrocyte. Therefore, the research conducted here is to explore whether Sost recombinant protein may be potentially used as a therapeutic to treat post-traumatic OA (PTOA) development, subsequent to trauma. We examined the role of Sost in knee joints before and post non-invasive tibial compression (TC) OA injury in mice over expressing SOST (SOSTTG) and lacking Sost (SostKO) and comparing them to C57Bl/6 (WT) mouse strain as controls. We surveyed the effect in joint tissues by histological, micro-computed tomography, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time PCR validation. After 16 weeks post TC injury, SOSTTG revealed an overall retention of the cartilage and reduces osteophyte formation comparing to SostKO and WTs. Interestingly, the overall activated matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are significantly reduces (~2 fold) in SOSTTG compared to SostKO and WT injured joints. After further validation, MMPs 2 (Gelatinase A) and 3 (Stromelysin-1) were dramatically down-regulated in SOSTTG injured joints. Consistent with the transgenic data, overall activated MMP levels were also reduced in WT injured joints after intra-articular administration of recombinant Sost protein shortly after the TC injury. By taking a systems biology approach and investigating whole joint derived RNA by RNA Sequencing, we identified 1446 genes differentially regulated between injured and uninjured joints in WTs. The transcripts presented both know regulators and uninvestigated genes associated with OA. Moreover, we identified 18 long noncoding RNAs that are differentially expressed in the injured joints. This study provides the first global gene expression profile changes associated with PTOA development and progression in a TC model. Future pathways analysis, in strains of mice with varying PTOA phenotypic outcomes have the potential to unveil new prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets that may be further explored for the treatment of PTOA in humans.
Assessment of the Measurement Error in Cyclosporine Levels Drawn Between Peripheral and Central Sources

Objectives Cyclosporine is often monitored by drug levels drawn through central venous catheters (CVCs), which may be falsely elevated due to reversible drug adsorption onto the catheter. Therefore, we assessed the correlation between cyclosporine levels drawn peripherally and through CVCs. Methods Bone marrow transplantation patients had a weekly collection of both peripheral and CVC draws from dual-lumen catheters simultaneously to assess cyclosporine levels after research ethics approval. Our primary outcome was the proportion of paired samples that were incongruent-defined as the mean of the CVC level being greater than 2 standard deviations from the peripheral level mean. Results After approaching 27 eligible patients, 20 patients (77.8%) provided samples. Of 53 paired samples, seven were incongruent (13.2%). Peripheral and CVC levels correlated (r = 0.91) and agreed well. Conclusion Despite potential for preanalytical error due to adsorption, cyclosporine infusion and monitoring via CVCs produce results similar to monitoring via peripheral blood draws.
Semantic Processing in the Anterior Temporal Lobes: A Meta-analysis of the Functional Neuroimaging Literature

The role of the anterior temporal lobes (ATLs) in semantic cognition is not clear from the current literature. Semantic dementia patients show a progressive and a specific semantic impairment, following bilateral atrophy of the ATLs. Neuroimaging studies of healthy participants, however, do not consistently show ATL activation during semantic tasks. Consequently, several influential theories of semantic memory do not ascribe a central role to the ATLs. We conducted a meta-analysis of 164 functional neuroimaging studies of semantic processing to investigate factors that might contribute to the inconsistency in previous results. Four factors influenced the likelihood of finding ATL activation: (1) the use of PET versus fMRI, reflecting the fact that fMRI but not PET is sensitive to distortion artifacts caused by large variations in magnetic susceptibility in the area of the ATL; (2) a field of view (FOV) of more than 15 cm, thereby ensuring whole-brain coverage; (3) the use of a high baseline task to prevent subtraction of otherwise uncontrolled semantic activation; (4) the inclusion of the ATL as an ROI. The type of stimuli or task did not influence the likelihood of ATL activation, consistent with the view that this region underpins an amodal semantic system. Spoken words, written words, and picture stimuli produced overlapping ATL peaks. On average, these were more inferior for picture-based tasks. We suggest that the specific pattern of ATL activation may be influenced by stimulus type due to variations across this region in the degree of connectivity with modality-specific areas in posterior temporal cortex.
Political Parties and Foreign Policy: A Structuralist Approach

This article introduces the theory and approach of structural anthropology and applies it to a problem in American political science. Through this approach, the "bipartisan foreign policy hypothesis" and that "two presidencies hypothesis" are reformulated and reconsidered. Until now participants in the debate over each have only rarely built on, or even cited, the other's research. An additional problem is that the widespread conventional wisdom in support of the two hypotheses is inconsistent with systematic scholarly analyses. This paper demonstrates that the two hypotheses are drawn from the same underlying structure. Each hypothesis and the theoretical model it implies is conceptually and empirically extended to take into account the differences between congressional leaders and members. Then, historical examples and statistical analyses of House roll call data are used to demonstrate that the hypotheses, while sometimes supported for the congressional members, are far more applicable to leadership decision making. Conclusions suggest that conventional wisdom be revised to take these differences into account.