Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic social behavior as motivated preparation to interact.

The authors propose that automatic social behavior may result from perceivers preparing to interact with primed social group members. In Study 1, participants primed with a disliked outgroup (gay men) showed evidence of interaction preparation (aggression) rather than direct stereotypic trait expression (passivity). In Study 2, participants with implicit positive attitudes toward the elderly walked more slowly after "elderly" priming, but participants with negative attitudes walked more quickly, results consistent with a preparatory account; the reverse was found priming "youth. " Study 3 demonstrated that the accessibility of a primed category follows a pattern more consistent with that of goal-related constructs (including post-goal-fulfillment inhibition) than that of semantically primed constructs. Implications for the function of stored knowledge are discussed.
Controlled release of TGF-beta 1 from RADA self-assembling peptide hydrogel scaffolds

Bioactive mediators, cytokines, and chemokines have an important role in regulating and optimizing the synergistic action of materials, cells, and cellular microenvironments for tissue engineering. RADA self-assembling peptide hydrogels have been proved to have an excellent ability to promote cell proliferation, wound healing, tissue repair, and drug delivery. Here, we report that D-RADA16 and L-RADA16-RGD self-assembling peptides can form stable second structure and hydrogel scaffolds, affording the slow release of growth factor (transforming growth factor cytokine-beta 1 [TGF-beta 1]). In vitro tests demonstrated that the plateau release amount can be obtained till 72 hours. Moreover, L-RADA16, D-RADA16, and L-RADA16-RGD self-assembling peptide hydrogels containing TGF-beta 1 were used for 3D cell culture of bone mesenchymal stem cells of rats for 2 weeks. The results revealed that these three RADA16 peptide hydrogels had a significantly favorable influence on proliferation of bone mesenchymal stem cells and hold some promise in slow and sustained release of growth factor.
Incremental sampling-based algorithm for risk-aware planning under motion uncertainty

This paper considers the problem of motion planning for linear systems subject to Gaussian motion noise and proposes a risk-aware planning algorithm: CC-RRT*-D. The proposed CC-RRT*-D employs the chance-constraint approximation and leverages the asymptotically optimal property of RRT* framework to compute risk-aware and asymptotically optimal trajectories. By explicitly considering the state dependence for prior state estimate, the over-conservative problem of chance-constraint approximation can be provably solved. Computational experiment results show that CC-RRT*-D is efficient and robust compared with related algorithms. The real-time experiment on an autonomous vehicle shows that our proposed algorithm is applicable to real-time obstacle avoidance.
Dynamics of the Anatomical Changes That Occur in the Brains of Schoolchildren as They Learn to Read

Although the functional brain network involved in reading for adults and children is now well documented, a critical lack of knowledge still exists about the structural development of these brain areas. To provide a better overview of the structural dynamics of the brain that sustain reading acquisition, we acquired anatomical MRI brain images from 55 children that were divided into two groups: one prior to the formal learning of reading (n = 33, 5–6 years old) and the second a few years after formal learning (n = 22, 9–10 years old). Reading performances were collected based on the “Alouette-R” test, a standardized test for reading text in French. Voxel-based morphometry analysis of gray matter showed that only the right insula volume was different between the two groups. Moreover, the reading group showed that the volumes of the left fusiform gyrus (corresponding to the well-known visual word form area, VWFA), the anterior part of the left inferior occipital gyrus and the left thalamus were significantly modulated by reading performance. This study reinforces the crucial role of the Visual Word Form Area in reading and correlation analyses performed between ROIs volumes suggesting that the VWFA is fully connected with the traditional left-hemispheric language brain network.
A Prospective Study Comparing Celecoxib with Naproxen in Children with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety of celecoxib and naproxen in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Methods In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority study, subjects with JRA were randomized to receive a target dose of celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid or 6 mg/kg bid, or a target dose of naproxen 7.5 mg/kg bid for 12 weeks (maximum allowed dose = 600 mg total daily dose). The primary efficacy measure was the percentage of responders at Week 12 attaining the American College of Rheumatology pediatric 30% improvement criterion (ACR Pediatric-30). Results Both celecoxib doses were at least as effective as naproxen at Week 12 [ACR Pediatric-30 treatment differences: celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid – naproxen = 1.36% (95% CI –13.08 to 15.80); celecoxib 6 mg/kg bid – naproxen = 13.02% (95% CI –0.22 to 26.25)]. Celecoxib 6 mg/kg bid had a numerically higher response rate than celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid at all postrandomization visits and a numerically higher response rate than naproxen 7.5 mg/kg bid at Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Improvement in each ACR Pediatric-30 core set measure was comparable to or numerically higher for celecoxib 6 mg/kg bid than naproxen or celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid. Adverse event rates were similar for all treatment groups, except that gastrointestinal adverse events were more common in the naproxen group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion Celecoxib 3 mg/kg bid and 6 mg/kg bid were at least as effective as naproxen 7.5 mg/kg bid in treating the signs and symptoms of JRA over 12 weeks. All treatments were generally well tolerated.
Molecular and Immunohistochemical Distinction of Equine Sarcoid From Schwannoma

Ten equine skin tumors that had been classified as schwannomas on routine histological examination were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for bovine papillomavirus DNA. All 10 were positive for bovine papillomavirus 1 or 2, and all 10 were immunohistochemically negative for S-100 protein and strongly positive for vimentin. Nine tumors were moderately positive for laminin and 8, for smooth muscle actin. Five tumors were variably and weakly positive for type IV collagen. The lack of S-100 protein expression made Schwann cells an unlikely cell of origin, as opposed to peripheral nerve sheath tumors, which typically express S-100 protein, at least in some neoplastic cells. The immunohistochemical reactivity is consistent with myofibroblastic origin of the neoplastic cells, although smooth muscle cell or pericyte origin cannot be ruled out. These tumors represent an atypical form of equine sarcoid. Polymerase chain reaction for bovine papillomavirus and S-100 immunohistochemistry are strongly recommended for all equine skin tumors with histological characteristics typical of schwannoma or peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
Mine detection using scattering parameters

The detection and disposal of antipersonnel land mines is one of the most difficult and intractable problems faced in ground conflict. This paper presents detection methods which use a separated-aperture microwave sensor and an artificial neural network pattern classifier. Several data-specific preprocessing methods are developed to enhance neural network learning. In addition, a generalized Karhunen-Loeve transform and the eigenspace separation transform are used to perform data reduction and reduce network complexity. Highly favorable results have been obtained using the above methods in conjunction with a feedforward neural network.
Severe recent decrease of adult body mass in a declining insectivorous bird population

Migratory bird species that feed on air-borne insects are experiencing widespread regional declines, but these remain poorly understood. Agricultural intensification in the breeding range is often regarded as one of the main drivers of these declines. Here, we tested the hypothesis that body mass in breeding individuals should reflect habitat quality in an aerial insectivore, the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), along a gradient of agricultural intensity. Our dataset was collected over 7 years (2005–2011) and included 2918 swallow captures and 1483 broods. Analyses revealed a substantial decline of the population over the course of the study (−19% occupancy rate), mirrored by decreasing body mass. This trend was especially severe in females, representing a total loss of 8% of their mass. Reproductive success was negatively influenced by intensive agriculture, but did not decrease over time. Interestingly, variation in body mass was independent of breeding habitat quality, leading us to suggest that this decline in body mass may result from carry-over effects from non-breeding areas and affect population dynamics through reduced survival. This work contributes to the growing body of evidence suggesting that declines in migratory aerial insectivores are driven by multiple, complex factors requiring better knowledge of year-round habitat use.
Forest Data Collection Using Terrestrial Image-Based Point Clouds From a Handheld Camera Compared to Terrestrial and Personal Laser Scanning

Stereo images have long been the main practical data source for the high-accuracy retrieval of 3-D information over large areas. However, stereoscopy has been surpassed by laser scanning (LS) techniques in recent years, particularly in forested areas, because the reflection of laser points from object surfaces directly provides 3-D geometric features and because the laser beam has good penetration capacity through forest canopies. In the last few years, image-based point clouds have become a more widely available data source because of advances in matching algorithms and computer hardware. This paper explores the possibility of using consumer cameras for forest field data collection and presents an application of terrestrial image-based point clouds derived from a handheld camera to forest plot inventories. In the experiment, the sample forest plot was photographed in a stop-and-go mode using different routes and camera settings. Five data sets were generated from photographs taken in the field, representing different photographic conditions. The stem detection accuracy ranged between 60% and 84%, and the root-mean-square errors of the estimated diameters at breast height were between 2.98 and 6.79 cm. The performance of image-based point clouds in forest data collection was compared with that of point clouds derived from two LS techniques, i.e., terrestrial LS (the professional level) and personal LS (an emerging technology). The study indicates that the construction of image-based point clouds of forest field data requires only low-cost, low-weight, and easy-to-use equipment and automated data processing. Photographic measurement is easy and relatively fast. The accuracy of tree attribute estimates is close to an acceptable level for forest field inventory but is lower than that achieved with the tested LS techniques.
Improved QRD-M algorithm based on adaptive threshold for MIMO systems

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) has been considered as a promising technique due to the fact that it dramatically increases the system throughput. In MIMO systems, signal detection at the receiver is regarded as one of the challenging tasks. Maximum likelihood (ML) detection provides minimum bit error rate (BER) by searching all possible candidates, however, its computational complexity grows exponentially as the number of antennas or modulation level increases. In order to reduce the complexity, QR decomposition (QRD)-M algorithm was proposed. The QRD-M algorithm achieves near ML performance by selecting M candidates in each layer, however, its complexity is still high when the number of M is large. In this paper, we propose an adaptive M selection scheme in QRD-M algorithm which provides comparable performance to the conventional QRD-M algorithm with significantly low complexity. In the proposed detection algorithm, the number of survival candidate symbols is determined by using an adaptive threshold to exclude unreliable candidate symbols. In order to verify the proposed algorithm, we present the BER of the proposed algorithm compared with that of the conventional QRD-M algorithm and analyze the computational complexities of the proposed and conventional algorithms.
Body mass index as a prognostic marker for biochemical recurrence in Dutch men treated with radical prostatectomy

To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) is a prognostic factor for biochemical recurrence (BCR) in Dutch men after radical prostatectomy (RP), as although epidemiological studies of obesity in relation to prostate cancer have provided conflicting results, recent studies from the USA suggest that a higher BMI is a risk factor for progression of prostate cancer.
A clinical and cost evaluation of hemodialysis in renal satellite units in England and Wales.

BACKGROUND The prevalence rate of renal replacement therapy in the United Kingdom has increased significantly, particularly by long-term hemodialysis (HD) therapy in renal satellite units (RSUs). These are largely nurse-run units linked to main renal units (MRUs). We compared outcomes, processes of care, and costs in RSUs with those in MRUs. METHODS A cross-sectional comparison was performed of HD patients from a representative sample of 12 RSUs in England and Wales and HD patients in the linked MRUs deemed suitable by the senior nurse for RSU care. Data for patient characteristics, clinical process and outcome measures, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction were collected. A partial analysis of National Health Service and social care costs was undertaken. Geographic access was assessed by road time and distance traveled to dialysis sessions. RESULTS Seven hundred thirty-six of 895 eligible patients (82%) participated. RSU patients were older (mean age, 63 versus 57 years), but had comorbidity similar to that of MRU patients. There were no significant differences in most processes of care or clinical outcomes; achievement of standards for adequacy of dialysis (urea reduction ratio) was significantly greater in RSU patients and hospitalization in the last year was less frequent. Patient HRQoL was similar, but patient satisfaction was greater in RSU patients. RSU patients potentially saved 19 minutes traveling for each dialysis session. Costs for routine dialysis and health/social care were similar. CONCLUSION RSUs appear to be as effective as main HD units for a wide spectrum of patients, improve geographic access, and are more acceptable to patients. There is evidence that they are as cost-effective as main units.
Gene expression changes in an animal model of in utero irradiation-induced Cortical Dysplasia.

PURPOSE Cortical Dysplasia (CD) is the histopathological substrate in almost half of all drug-resistant focal epilepsies. Little is known about the gene expression profile of CD. As such information may help target therapeutics more effectively, our aim was to perform a gene expression analysis of an animal model of cortical dysplasia induced by in utero irradiation. METHODS Nine offspring from irradiated animals, and nine age-matched controls were sacrificed at post-natal day 60. Cortical and hippocampal regions were separated, and total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted using a commercially available kit (Qiagen). RNA was then subjected to a gene expression analysis using an oligonucleotide microarray platform (Illumina). After statistical analysis, genes were considered differentially expressed when a p value less than 0.001 was observed. Real-time, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to confirm microarray results for three genes via the Livak method. RESULTS Twenty three genes from cortical tissue met criteria for altered gene expression. Six genes from cortex seemed relevant to the pathogenesis of CD. Two genes that promoted cell survival (connective tissue growth factor and peroxiredoxin) were upregulated. One gene that promoted excitotoxic neurodegeneration (latrophilin-2) was downregulated. Two genes involved in glutamate (protein kinase C-alpha) and AMPA receptor recycling (NEEP-21) were downregulated. One gene, (Shank-1) involved in the control of dendritic maturation, was downregulated. CONCLUSION Gene expression analysis in this animal model revealed some of the potential mechanisms by which CD may lead to the phenotype of intractable epilepsy. The downregulation of genes that are involved in glutamate and AMPA receptor recycling may lead to increased excitability. Disinhibition of aberrant dendritic branching, resulting from a downregulation of Shank-1, may also result in an increase in sprouting, excitation and/or hypersynchrony. Finally, genes promoting cell survival, either directly (connective tissue growth factor, peroxiredoxin) or indirectly (latrophilin-2) may allow CD tissue to survive the excitotoxic injury that it produces, thus allowing it to perpetuate the epileptic condition over time.
Technical and methodologic considerations for performance of indirect calorimetry in ventilated and nonventilated preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate and refine indirect calorimetry measurement techniques so that accurate metabolic measurements can be performed in mechanically ventilated and convalescing preterm infants who require supplemental oxygen. DESIGN Laboratory validation of an indirect calorimeter; clinical and laboratory assessments of technical problems in performing metabolic measurements; and clinical indirect calorimetry studies in mechanically ventilated and nonventilated preterm infants. SETTING Neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS Level II and level III mechanically ventilated (n = 10) and nonventilated (n = 14) neonatal ICU patients who required FIO2 levels ranging from 0.21 to 0.42. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS System calibration was assessed by combustion of 100% ethanol; the mean respiratory quotient was 0.667 +/- 0.001 (SEM). In addition, oxygen consumption (Vo2) and CO2 production (Vco2) were simulated by CO2/nitrogen infusions within the range expected for 0.5- to 7-kg infants. Mean relative errors were 0.6 +/- 0.3% and 1.8 +/- 0.3% for expected Vo2 and Vco2 values, respectively. In 27 mechanically ventilated patients with no audible endotracheal tube leak, measured endotracheal tube leak ranged from 0.0% to 7.5%. Fluctuations in FIO2 during mechanical ventilation were monitored in 30-min studies, using wall-source (n = 27) or tank-source (n = 11) supplemental oxygen. Mean FIO2 variation was 0.00075 +/- 0.00013 vs. 0.00011 +/- 0.00001 using wall-source and tank-source oxygen, respectively. Some of the difficulties of obtaining accurate measurements in supplemental hood oxygen studies were overcome by using tank-source vs. wall-source oxygen and a unique hood design. CONCLUSIONS Accurate indirect calorimetry studies can be performed in both ventilated and nonventilated infants weighing as little as 500 g, providing that sufficient attention is paid to technical and methodologic measurement details.
Effects of nano-fillers and process conditions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of microcellular injection molded polyamide nanocomposites

This paper presents the effects of process conditions and nano-clay fillers on the microstructure (namely, size, density, and distribution of microcells within samples) and the resulting mechanical properties of microcellular injection molded polyamide-6 (PA-6) nanocomposite and its neat-resin counterpart. Based on the design of experiments (DOE) matrices, samples were molded at various supercritical fluid (SCF) levels, melt temperatures, shot sizes, melt plastication pressures (MPP), and injection speeds. These samples were then subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, tensile testing, and impact testing. For both materials, the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the molded samples were found to be dependent on the process conditions and presence of nano-clay, which could serve as microcell nucleating agent. At higher weight reductions, the nanocomposite samples exhibit much smaller microcells and higher cell densities than those obtained in the neat-resin samples. The SEM micrographs reveal noticeable differences in microcell surface roughness between the nanocomposite and the neat resin. A statistical design analysis was used to identify the optimal process conditions that would result in desirable cell size and density and, thus, better mechanical properties. For example, the highest tensile strengths have been observed at the highest levels of shot size, MPP, injection speed, and SCF level, and at the lowest level of melt temperature.
Engaging the Appropriation of Technology-mediated Learning Services - A Theory-driven Design Approach

Technology in the learning process is a key success factor for innovative learning services such as massive open online courses (MOOCs). Prerequisite for the success of both service provider and recipient is the faithful appropriation of the provided learning methods in technology-mediated learning services (TMLS). However, information systems research lacks insights how to systematically support the appropriation in such IT-supported services. In this research-in-progress paper, we use the insights of scaffolding theory to design IT-supported scaffolds that support users in TMLS and engage the appropriation process. We therefore derive requirements from scaffolding theory for TMLS design. We address in a second step these requirements with IT-supported scaffolds that are implemented and evaluated in a TMLS. As practical contribu-tions, we are able to engage the integration of service recipients and ensure productive TMLS. As a theoretical contribution, we enrich the knowledge body of IT-supported services by consid-ering scaffolding theory to support the service process. The implementation is currently running and the evaluation is planned.
A comparative study of light and electrically evoked response of retinal ganglion cells

Understanding of the evoked neural discharges from retinal tissues is vital for designing of any retinal prosthesis. In this study, retinal ganglion cell activity to light and electrical stimulus is recorded using multielectrode arrays. For an effective epiretinal prosthetic device, the electrical stimulus through the prosthesis should be able to evoke responses similar to those of light response in normal condition. This pilot study was intended to design the experimental protocol for in-vitro retinal stimulation. Light and electrical stimulus of same duration to normal goat retina evoked different responses. Electrical stimulus produces greater number of spikes as compared with light response of same duration. With the experimental set up and the analysis technique presented here, stimulation parameters such as frequency of input pulse, amplitude, type of pulse required to generate responses close to that of light response can be optimized.