Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Calf Compression Sleeves Change Biomechanics but Not Performance and Physiological Responses in Trail Running

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine whether calf compression sleeves (CS) affects physiological and biomechanical parameters, exercise performance, and perceived sensations of muscle fatigue, pain and soreness during prolonged (~2 h 30 min) outdoor trail running. Methods: Fourteen healthy trained males took part in a randomized, cross-over study consisting in two identical 24-km trail running sessions (each including one bout of running at constant rate on moderately flat terrain, and one period of all-out running on hilly terrain) wearing either degressive CS (23 ± 2 mmHg) or control sleeves (CON, <4 mmHg). Running time, heart rate and muscle oxygenation of the medial gastrocnemius muscle (measured using portable near-infrared spectroscopy) were monitored continuously. Muscle functional capabilities (power, stiffness) were determined using 20 s of maximal hopping before and after both sessions. Running biomechanics (kinematics, vertical and leg stiffness) were determined at 12 km·h−1 at the beginning, during, and at the end of both sessions. Exercise-induced Achilles tendon pain and delayed onset calf muscles soreness (DOMS) were assessed using visual analog scales. Results: Muscle oxygenation increased significantly in CS compared to CON at baseline and immediately after exercise (p < 0.05), without any difference in deoxygenation kinetics during the run, and without any significant change in run times. Wearing CS was associated with (i) higher aerial time and leg stiffness in running at constant rate, (ii) with lower ground contact time, higher leg stiffness, and higher vertical stiffness in all-out running, and (iii) with lower ground contact time in hopping. Significant DOMS were induced in both CS and CON (>6 on a 10-cm scale) with no difference between conditions. However, Achilles tendon pain was significantly lower after the trial in CS than CON (p < 0.05). Discussion: Calf compression did not modify muscle oxygenation during ~2 h 30 of trail running but significantly changed running biomechanics and lower limb muscle functional capabilities toward a more dynamic behavior compared to control session. However, wearing compression sleeves did not affect performance and exercise-induced DOMS, while it minimized Achilles tendon pain immediately after running.
Structure of the NheA Component of the Nhe Toxin from Bacillus cereus: Implications for Function

The structure of NheA, a component of the Bacillus cereus Nhe tripartite toxin, has been solved at 2.05 Å resolution using selenomethionine multiple-wavelength anomalous dispersion (MAD). The structure shows it to have a fold that is similar to the Bacillus cereus Hbl-B and E. coli ClyA toxins, and it is therefore a member of the ClyA superfamily of α-helical pore forming toxins (α-PFTs), although its head domain is significantly enlarged compared with those of ClyA or Hbl-B. The hydrophobic β-hairpin structure that is a characteristic of these toxins is replaced by an amphipathic β-hairpin connected to the main structure via a β-latch that is reminiscent of a similar structure in the β-PFT Staphylococcus aureus α-hemolysin. Taken together these results suggest that, although it is a member of an archetypal α-PFT family of toxins, NheA may be capable of forming a β rather than an α pore.
Drug-Resistant Variants That Evolve During Nonsuppressive Therapy Persist in HIV-1–Infected Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells After Long-Term Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract:The aim of this study was to determine whether drug-resistant virus persists in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after long-term suppression of virus replication. Proviral DNA was extracted from the PBMCs of 11 patients on long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Genotyping of the reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease gene of several proviral variants was performed using limiting dilution polymerase chain reaction and single-copy sequencing. All patients were on successful HAART for a mean period of 59 months but had a history of suboptimal therapy and genotypic drug resistance before. Comparison of the amino acid sequence of the RT and protease gene in the different proviral variants, with that of the plasma virus isolated before HAART treatment, revealed that the different drug-resistant viral variants that evolved during the process of gradually building up resistance were still detectable in the PBMCs in 10 of the 11 patients tested. The proportion of resistant variants was found to correlate with the time that the resistant variants had been able to replicate. These data clearly show that virus variants that are able to replicate for a certain period enter the latent reservoir and remain archived in the PBMCs for a very long period.
Cardiac tamponade as the initial presentation of malignancy: is it as rare as previously supposed.

Sir, Pleural biopsy using an Abram needle is a well established method of achieving histological diagnosis in a variety of pleural disorders. Although complications are rare and usually mild, more serious complications may occur. We report a patient in whom elective left pleural biopsy and aspiration for a persistent left pleural effusion was complicated by massive peri-splenic haematoma followed by splenic vein occlusion and ascites. This resolved with the formation of collateral veins. A 68-year-old insulin-treated diabetic with a history of hypertension, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and end-stage renal failure underwent investigation for a persistent left pleural effusion. He had been a smoker and there was a history of asbestos exposure. A chest X-ray in February 1993 showed left pleural effusion with some focal consolidation and pleural thickening. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed left lower lobe collapse with effusion. Pleural aspiration revealed a few leucocytes but no organisms. Fluid analysis: protein 37 g/l, albumin 19 g/l, amylase 12 Somogoyi units, adenosine deaminase 35 U/l, lactate dehydrogenase 296 U/l. Sputum culture, cytology and Gram stain were negative. Bronchoscopy was normal. He underwent pleural biopsy which showed chronic inflammation with suspicious mesothelial cells. A second pleural biopsy again showed non-specific inflammatory changes only. Three days after the second biopsy, 24-hours post-haemodialysis, he developed severe left upper quadrant pain and shock. There was a tender mass in the left upper quadrant. Haemoglobin was 3.9 g/dl, platelets 119 x 109/1, normal coagulation profile. CT scan showed a 14 x 11 cm heterogeneous mass infero-lateral to the spleen (figure 1). He was managed conservatively and discharged home after two weeks but two months later was readmitted with abdominal pain and distension. Clinically he had splenomegaly with marked ascites confirmed by ultrasound. The ascitic fluid was strawcoloured with a protein of 27 g/l, albumin 13 g/l, negative on culture and negative cytology. Microscopy showed red cells and polymorphs only. Repeat CT suggested the possibility of occlusion ofthe splenic vein by thrombus. He improved on regular paracentesis and propranolol. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography showed collateral vessel formation around the pancreas with no visible splenic vein blood flow (figure 2).
Display lag and gain effects on vection experienced by active observers.

BACKGROUND This study examined the effects of display lag and gain on visual self-motion perception (i.e., vection) in active observers. METHODS Our subjects viewed displays simulating self-motion in depth while physically oscillating their heads from side to side at approximately 1 Hz. Their horizontal head movements were recorded and incorporated into self-motion displays with four levels of added lag (0, 50, 100,and 200 ms; baseline system lag was 113 ms) and three levels of gain (i.e., subjects' head movements were either not incorporated into the display or were incorporated at either the same or twice the amplitude). At the end of each trial, subjects rated the strength of their perceived self-motion in depth. RESULTS While increasing display lag above baseline by an additional 50 ms impaired vection strength ratings, increasing display lag beyond this level eventually improved vection. For example, 200 ms added display lag produced vection strength ratings that were similar to those found with the baseline lag. As expected, larger simulated display gains were shown to improve vection strength ratings regardless of the level of added display lag. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that increasing display lag during active head oscillation only impairs vection until the resulting sensory conflict becomes too great to tolerate. Beyond this critical level of lag, the visual system appears to override or downplay such sensory conflicts.
Découverte et gestion distribuée de chemins alternatifs à contraintes de qualité de service dans l'internet

La convergence de recentes avancees technologiques permet l'emergence de nouveaux environnements informatiques pervasifs, dans lesquels des terminaux en reseaux cooperent et communiquent de maniere transparente pour les utilisateurs. Ces utilisateurs demandent des fonctionalites de plus en plus avancees de la part de ces terminaux. Etant donnees les limites intrinseques des terminaux mobiles, ces fonctionalites, au lieu d'etre directement implementees dans les terminaux, sont appelees a etre fournies par des fournisseurs de services situes a la peripherie du reseau. Ce derniers devient alors une source illimitee de services, et non plus seulement un medium de communication. Ces services, ou applications d'overlays, sont formes de plusieurs elements applicatifs distribues qui cooperent et communiquent entre eux via un reseau de recouvrement dynamique particulier, une association d'overlay. La Qualite de Service (QdS) percue par les utilisateurs d'une application d'overlay depend de la QdS existant au niveau des chemins de communications qui forment l'association d'overlay correspondante. Cette these montre qu'il est possible de fournir de la QdS a une application d'overlay en utilisant des chemins Internet alternatifs, resultant de la composition de chemins distincts. De plus, cette these montre egalement qu'il est possible de decouvrir, selectionner, et composer d'une maniere distribuee ces chemins elementaires, au sein d'une communaute comprenant un nombre important d'entites paires (telles que les precedents fournisseurs de services). Les principales contributions de cette these sont : i) une description et une analyse des caracteristiques de QdS de ces chemins alternatifs composes, ii) une architecture originale appelee SPAD (Super-Peer based Alternate path Discovery), qui permet la decouverte et la selection de maniere distribuee de ces chemins alternatifs. SPAD est un systeme completement decentralise, qui peut etre facilement et incrementalement deploye sur l' Internet actuel. Il permet aux utilisateurs situes a la peripherie du reseau de decouvrir et d'utiliser directement des chemins alternatifs.
Antidepressant-associated mood elevations in bipolar II disorder compared with bipolar I disorder and major depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE Antidepressant-associated manic and hypomanic episodes have been reported in bipolar I disorder but are rare in major depressive disorder (MDD). Several lines of evidence suggest that bipolar II disorder is a distinct illness from bipolar I disorder and MDD. The risk of antidepressant-associated mood elevations (AAME) in bipolar II disorder relative to bipolar I disorder and MDD is unknown. DATA SOURCES We conducted a computer-aided MEDLINE search encompassing the dates 1949 to February 2008, using the keywords antidepressant and mania, antidepressant and hypomania, antidepressant and bipolar, fluoxetine and bipolar, fluvoxamine and bipolar, sertraline and bipolar, paroxetine and bipolar, citalopram and bipolar, escitalopram and bipolar, venlafaxine and bipolar, mirtazapine and bipolar, bupropion and bipolar, monoamine oxidase inhibitor and bipolar, phenelzine and bipolar, tranylcypromine and bipolar, tricyclic and bipolar, imipramine and bipolar, amitriptyline and bipolar, nortriptyline and bipolar, and desipramine and bipolar. STUDY SELECTION All prospective English-language studies, including randomized, controlled trials (RCTs), open-label studies, and naturalistic treatment reports, were eligible for inclusion. We located 13 studies, including 7 RCTs, that reported rates of antidepressant-associated mood elevations in bipolar I disorder versus bipolar II disorder, and 5, including 4 RCTs, that reported rates in bipolar II disorder versus MDD. DATA EXTRACTION Data were combined to estimate mean switch rates and subjected to meta-analysis to determine the relative risks of antidepressant-associated mood elevations in bipolar I disorder versus bipolar II disorder and in bipolar II disorder versus MDD. DATA SYNTHESIS The mean rates of antidepressant-associated mood elevations in studies comparing bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder were 14.2% and 7.1%, respectively, in acute trials (less than 16 weeks), and 23.4% and 13.9%, respectively, in maintenance studies. The mean rates in reports comparing bipolar II disorder and MDD were 8.1% and 1.5%, respectively, in acute trials, and 16.5% and 6.0%, respectively, in maintenance studies. The relative risk (RR) of antidepressant-associated mood elevations was greater in bipolar I disorder than bipolar II disorder (RR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.24 to 2.58, p = .002), and higher in bipolar II disorder than MDD (RR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.26 to 6.09, p = .01). Mood elevations occurred almost exclusively into hypomania in MDD and bipolar II disorder, while patients with bipolar I disorder experienced manias and hypomanias with similar frequencies. CONCLUSIONS The risk of antidepressant-associated mood elevations in bipolar II disorder is intermediate between that in bipolar I disorder and MDD.
Mesh Segmentation - A Comparative Study

Mesh segmentation has become an important component in many applications in computer graphics. In the last several years, many algorithms have been proposed in this growing area, offering a diversity of methods and various evaluation criteria. This paper provides a comparative study of some of the latest algorithms and results, along several axes. We evaluate only algorithms whose code is available to us, and thus it is not a comprehensive study. Yet, it sheds some light on the vital properties of the methods and on the challenges that future algorithms should face
Multitiered Support Framework for Teachers’ Classroom-Management Practices

Many teachers enter the field without sufficient training in classroom management and continue to experience challenges throughout their careers. Therefore, school-based leaders need a multi-tiered support (MTS) framework to (a) provide training to all teachers in classroom management (Tier 1), (b) identify teachers who require additional assistance (universal screening), (c) support the identified teachers (Tiers 2 and 3), and (d) continue to monitor teachers’ classroom management to adjust (i.e., intensify or fade) supports. In this article, we describe key features of the MTS continuum of intervention and assessment and present a case study to illustrate implementation of some components of the framework with four middle school teachers.
FingerReader: A Wearable Device to Explore Printed Text on the Go

Accessing printed text in a mobile context is a major challenge for the blind. A preliminary study with blind people reveals numerous difficulties with existing state-of-the-art technologies including problems with alignment, focus, accuracy, mobility and efficiency. In this paper, we present a finger-worn device, FingerReader, that assists blind users with reading printed text on the go. We introduce a novel computer vision algorithm for local-sequential text scanning that enables reading single lines, blocks of text or skimming the text with complementary, multimodal feedback. This system is implemented in a small finger-worn form factor, that enables a more manageable eyes-free operation with trivial setup. We offer findings from three studies performed to determine the usability of the FingerReader.
Avoidance: grammatical or semantic causes?

This article follows up on a study by Dagut and Laufer (1985), who found that Hebrew learners of English avoid phrasal verbs, such as 'let down', while preferring one-word verbs, such as 'disappoint', since phrasal verbs do not exist in Hebrew. A corollary derived fronn Dagut and Laufer's study is that Dutcfi learners of English would tend not to avoid English phrasal verbs, since phrasal verbs also exist in Dutch. It was hypothesized, however, that Dutch learners of English as a second language (ESL) would avoid ptirasal verbs, too, not for structural, but for semantic reasons. Three tests (multiple choice, memorization, and translation) were administered to intermediate and advanced Dutch learners of English. Each test contained 15 sentences, eliciting preference for either a phrasal verb or an equivalent one-word verb. The results show that, as expected, Dutch learners of English do not avoid phrasal verbs categorically. However, they seem to avoid those idiomatic phrasal verbs that they perceive as too Dutch-like (lack of contrast between the first and second language). Furthermore, they exhibit a tendency to adopt a play-it-safe strategy, preferring one-word verbs with general, multi-purpose meanings over phrasal verbs with specific, sometimes idiomatic, meanings. It is argued that this semantic play-it-safe strategy may have also played a causal role in the avoidance behavior of the Hebrew ESL learners observed by Dagut and Laufer.
Safe Policy Improvement by Minimizing Robust Baseline Regret

An important problem in sequential decision-making under uncertainty is to use limited data to compute a safe policy, i.e., a policy that is guaranteed to perform at least as well as a given baseline strategy. In this paper, we develop and analyze a new model-based approach to compute a safe policy when we have access to an inaccurate dynamics model of the system with known accuracy guarantees. Our proposed robust method uses this (inaccurate) model to directly minimize the (negative) regret w.r. t. the baseline policy. Contrary to the existing approaches, minimizing the regret allows one to improve the baseline policy in states with accurate dynamics and seamlessly fall back to the baseline policy, otherwise. We show that our formulation is NP-hard and propose an approximate algorithm. Our empirical results on several domains show that even this relatively simple approximate algorithm can significantly outperform standard approaches.
Is militant Islamism a busted flush in Indonesia

In the late 1990s, Indonesia - the world’s most populous Muslim nation - began a transition from authoritarian rule. At the time, many commentators expressed concern about the security threat posed by militant Islamist extremists in the wake of Suharto’s downfall. Initially, Indonesia did witness a proliferation of Islamist paramilitary groups and a heightened security environment. Yet, in the decade and more since then, the dire threat predictions have largely failed to materialize. In fact, Indonesia today in coordination with international partners has reduced its potential climate of threat at least strategically. This outcome raises some interesting questions. First, has Indonesia really contained its paramilitary/extremist threat? Secondly, if so, how and what lessons, if any, can we draw from this? The following paper examines the ways in which Indonesia’s security concerns have actually diminished.
A Novel, Open Access Method to Assess Sleep Duration Using a Wrist-Worn Accelerometer

Wrist-worn accelerometers are increasingly being used for the assessment of physical activity in population studies, but little is known about their value for sleep assessment. We developed a novel method of assessing sleep duration using data from 4,094 Whitehall II Study (United Kingdom, 2012–2013) participants aged 60–83 who wore the accelerometer for 9 consecutive days, filled in a sleep log and reported sleep duration via questionnaire. Our sleep detection algorithm defined (nocturnal) sleep as a period of sustained inactivity, itself detected as the absence of change in arm angle greater than 5 degrees for 5 minutes or more, during a period recorded as sleep by the participant in their sleep log. The resulting estimate of sleep duration had a moderate (but similar to previous findings) agreement with questionnaire based measures for time in bed, defined as the difference between sleep onset and waking time (kappa = 0.32, 95%CI:0.29,0.34) and total sleep duration (kappa = 0.39, 0.36,0.42). This estimate was lower for time in bed for women, depressed participants, those reporting more insomnia symptoms, and on weekend days. No such group differences were found for total sleep duration. Our algorithm was validated against data from a polysomnography study on 28 persons which found a longer time window and lower angle threshold to have better sensitivity to wakefulness, while the reverse was true for sensitivity to sleep. The novelty of our method is the use of a generic algorithm that will allow comparison between studies rather than a “count” based, device specific method.
Illuminating Pathways to Civic Purpose

A multitiered sculpture entitled The Illuminated Crowd adorns a popular street in Montreal. The sculpture depicts a diverse group of people confronting a new idea. The people on the foremost tier, where the sunlight shines brightest, are best positioned to see and appreciate the idea for what it is. There is a collective attention among them, with all eyes concentrating on the spectacle ahead. Yet, the view forward is increasingly obscured for people standing on the lower tiers. Heavy shadows gradually swell and eventually blanket those positioned furthest behind, leaving them seemingly disorganized, disengaged, and directionless. The spread of new scientific insights bears a resemblance to the narrative embodied by this sculpture. New ideas rarely penetrate society deeply enough to impact all of its members uniformly. Even seemingly well-known strategies for promoting greater happiness, health, and longevity are not embraced or enacted by everyone. Indeed, there are discernible impediments, both personal and structural in nature, that influence how and by whom new ideas are accessed, construed, and utilized. Thus, whenever scholars advance promising new ideas, a parallel need emerges to consider the barriers that prevent it from being fully actualized by all potential beneficiaries. In what follows, I attend to this need in the context of Malin, Ballard, and Damon’s target article [this issue], by first acknowledging the insights they advance and then considering some potential impediments to the proliferation of those insights. I take this approach not to leverage opposition to the ideas they put forward but instead to add further dimensionality to them in hopes of broadening their impact.