Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stimulus information stored in lasting active and hidden network states is destroyed by network bursts

In both humans and animals brief synchronizing bursts of epileptiform activity known as interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) can, even in the absence of overt seizures, cause transient cognitive impairments (TCI) that include problems with perception or short-term memory. While no evidence from single units is available, it has been assumed that IEDs destroy information represented in neuronal networks. Cultured neuronal networks are a model for generic cortical microcircuits, and their spontaneous activity is characterized by the presence of synchronized network bursts (SNBs), which share a number of properties with IEDs, including the high degree of synchronization and their spontaneous occurrence in the absence of an external stimulus. As a model approach to understanding the processes underlying IEDs, optogenetic stimulation and multielectrode array (MEA) recordings of cultured neuronal networks were used to study whether stimulus information represented in these networks survives SNBs. When such networks are optically stimulated they encode and maintain stimulus information for as long as one second. Experiments involved recording the network response to a single stimulus and trials where two different stimuli were presented sequentially, akin to a paired pulse trial. We broke the sequential stimulus trials into encoding, delay and readout phases and found that regardless of which phase the SNB occurs, stimulus-specific information was impaired. SNBs were observed to increase the mean network firing rate, but this did not translate monotonically into increases in network entropy. It was found that the more excitable a network, the more stereotyped its response was during a network burst. These measurements speak to whether SNBs are capable of transmitting information in addition to blocking it. These results are consistent with previous reports and provide baseline predictions concerning the neural mechanisms by which IEDs might cause TCI.
Adaptive Fuzzy Dynamic Surface Control for Ball and Beam System

This paper mainly investigates the control for the ball and beam system. Combined with the conventional dynamic surface control, an adaptive fuzzy scheme is proposed for the equilibrium balance of the ball. First, with the proper defined tracking errors of state variables, an integrating of tracking errors is considered as the fuzzy input. The parameters of fuzzy controller can be optimized by using the proposed adaptive mechanism such that the control performance can be improved. For the proposed control scheme, the closed-loop stability is also analyzed by the Lyapunov theorem. Simulations are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed works. From simulation results, the proposed adaptive fuzzy dynamic surface control scheme can provide better tracking responses than the conventional dynamic surface control counterparts.
Validation of an instrument measuring patient satisfaction with chest physiotherapy techniques in cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES Chest physiotherapy (CPT) has been an important part of cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment regimens for > 40 years. Techniques with different perceived costs, benefits, and patient satisfaction exist. An instrument measuring patient satisfaction with CPT has not been reported. Our goal was to develop and validate such an instrument. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey sent to 349 patients seen at a large, urban, academic CF care center. The two-page survey asked 17 questions related to CPT satisfaction (efficacy, convenience, comfort, overall satisfaction), followed by 4 general CF-care questions (disease severity, importance of therapies, prescribed vs missed therapies). A 5-point Likert-type scale was used for responses. Psychometric analysis included itemetric performance, confirmatory factor analysis, test-retest reliability, and evaluation of subject's responses to the general CF-care questions. RESULTS One hundred twenty-nine individuals returned completed surveys (39%; 66 males and 63 females; age range, 2 months to 47 years). FEV(1)values were 21 to 155% predicted (mean, 76%; n = 82). Disease severity was as follows: 60 mild, 47 moderate, and 14 severe. Seventy-nine subjects used postural drainage, percussion, and vibration (PDPV), 21 used a flutter device, and 14 used high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO). Five subjects used more than one technique. Internal consistency analysis found an overall coefficient alpha of 0.87 (range, 0.74 to 0.89 for four domains). Factor analysis demonstrated domains for efficacy, convenience, comfort, and overall satisfaction. Mean total satisfaction scores differed significantly among therapies (R(2) = 0. 118; F[ 2,111] = 7.56; p = 0.0008): PDPV, 3.8 (SD = 0.6); Flutter, 4. 3 (SD = 0.5); and HFCWO, 4.1 (SD = 0.5). Therapies also differed significantly on all subscores. Perceived importance of CPT and compliance with CPT increased linearly with disease severity. Overall satisfaction was positively correlated with CPT compliance. CONCLUSIONS The CPT satisfaction survey has good reliability and content validity. Significant differences in patient satisfaction exist among therapies. Sicker patients recognize the importance of, and demonstrate better compliance with prescribed CPT. Increased satisfaction is associated with better compliance with therapy.
A T4SS Effector Targets Host Cell Alpha-Enolase Contributing to Brucella abortus Intracellular Lifestyle

Brucella abortus, the causative agent of bovine brucellosis, invades and replicates within cells inside a membrane-bound compartment known as the Brucella containing vacuole (BCV). After trafficking along the endocytic and secretory pathways, BCVs mature into endoplasmic reticulum-derived compartments permissive for bacterial replication. Brucella Type IV Secretion System (VirB) is a major virulence factor essential for the biogenesis of the replicative organelle. Upon infection, Brucella uses the VirB system to translocate effector proteins from the BCV into the host cell cytoplasm. Although the functions of many translocated proteins remain unknown, some of them have been demonstrated to modulate host cell signaling pathways to favor intracellular survival and replication. BPE123 (BAB2_0123) is a B. abortus VirB-translocated effector protein recently identified by our group whose function is yet unknown. In an attempt to identify host cell proteins interacting with BPE123, a pull-down assay was performed and human alpha-enolase (ENO-1) was identified by LC/MS-MS as a potential interaction partner of BPE123. These results were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. In bone-marrow derived macrophages infected with B. abortus, ENO-1 associates to BCVs in a BPE123-dependent manner, indicating that interaction with translocated BPE123 is also occurring during the intracellular phase of the bacterium. Furthermore, ENO-1 depletion by siRNA impaired B. abortus intracellular replication in HeLa cells, confirming a role for α-enolase during the infection process. Indeed, ENO-1 activity levels were enhanced upon B. abortus infection of THP-1 macrophagic cells, and this activation is highly dependent on BPE123. Taken together, these results suggest that interaction between BPE123 and host cell ENO-1 contributes to the intracellular lifestyle of B. abortus.
Supplementary feeding at milking and minimum milking interval effects on cow traffic and milking performance in a pasture-based automatic milking system

In extensive pastoral dairy farming systems herds graze 12 months of the year with the majority fed a near-100% pasture or conserved pasture diet. The viability of automatic milking in these systems will depend partly upon the amount of supplementary feed necessary to encourage cows to walk from the pasture to the milking unit but also on the efficient use of the automatic milking system (AMS). This paper describes a study to determine the importance of offering concentrate in the milking unit and the effect of minimum milking interval on cow movement and milking performance in a pasture-based AMS. The effects of feeding rate (FR0=0 kg or FR1=1 kg crushed barley/d) and minimum milking interval (MM6=6 h or MM12=12 h) on cow movement and behaviour during milking were studied in a multi-factorial cross-over (feeding level only, 4 weeks per treatment) experiment involving 27 mixed-breed cows milked through a single AMS. Feeding 1 kg barley in the milking unit resulted in a higher visiting frequency to the pre-selection unit (FR0=4·6 visits/d, FR1=5·4 visits/d, sed=0·35, P<0·05) and a higher yield (FR0=22·5 kg/d, FR1=23·6 kg/d, sed=0·385, P<0·01) but had no effect on milking frequency (FR0=1·6 milkings/d, FR1=1·7 milkings/d, sed=0·04, NS). Minimum milking interval was the major factor influencing milking frequency (MM6=1·9, MM12=1·4 milkings/d, sed=0·15, P<0·01). The absence of feeding in the milking unit had no negative effect on behaviour during milking or the number of cows that had to be manually driven from the paddock. The results show that automatic milking can be combined with a near-100% pasture diet and that milking interval is an important determinant for maximizing milk harvested per AMS.
Sex Differences in High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Subjects with Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a prototypic marker of inflammation usually increased in MetS. Women with MetS-related diseases present higher hsCRP levels than men with MetS-related diseases, suggesting sex differences in inflammatory markers. However, it is unclear whether serum hsCRP levels are already increased in men and/or women with MetS risk factors and without overt diseases or under pharmacological treatment. Objective To determine the impact of the number of MetS risk factors on serum hsCRP levels in women and men. Methods One hundred and eighteen subjects (70 men and 48 women; 36 ± 1 years) were divided into four groups according to the number of MetS risk factors: healthy group (CT; no risk factors), MetS ≤ 2, MetS = 3, and MetS ≥ 4. Blood was drawn after 12 hours of fasting for measurement of biochemical variables and hsCRP levels, which were determined by immunoturbidimetric assay. Results The groups with MetS risk factors presented higher serum hsCRP levels when compared with the CT group (p < 0.02). There were no differences in hsCRP levels among groups with MetS risk factors (p > 0.05). The best linear regression model to explain the association between MetS risk factors and hsCRP levels included waist circumference and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.40, p < 0.01). Women with MetS risk factors presented higher hsCRP levels when compared with men (psex < 0.01). Conclusions Despite the absence of overt diseases and pharmacological treatment, subjects with MetS risk factors already presented increased hsCRP levels, which were significantly higher in women than men at similar conditions.
Fiber orientation-dependent white matter contrast in gradient echo MRI

Recent studies have shown that there is a direct link between the orientation of the nerve fibers in white matter (WM) and the contrast observed in magnitude and phase images acquired using gradient echo MRI. Understanding the origin of this link is of great interest because it could offer access to a new diagnostic tool for investigating tissue microstructure. Since it has been suggested that myelin is the dominant source of this contrast, creating an accurate model for characterizing the effect of the myelin sheath on the evolution of the NMR signal is an essential step toward fully understanding WM contrast. In this study, we show by comparison of the results of simulations and experiments carried out on human subjects at 7T, that the magnitude and phase of signals acquired from WM in vivo can be accurately characterized by (i) modeling the myelin sheath as a hollow cylinder composed of material having an anisotropic magnetic susceptibility that is described by a tensor with a radially oriented principal axis, and (ii) adopting a two-pool model in which the water in the sheath has a reduced T2 relaxation time and spin density relative to its surroundings, and also undergoes exchange. The accuracy and intrinsic simplicity of the hollow cylinder model provides a versatile framework for future exploitation of the effect of WM microstructure on gradient echo contrast in clinical MRI.
Global and domain-specific cognitive impairment and outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Background: Cognitive dysfunction is the most common form of neurologic impairment after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Objective: To evaluate the impact of global and domain-specific cognitive impairment on functional recovery and quality of life (QOL) after SAH. Methods: One hundred thirteen patients (mean age 49 years; 68% women) were evaluated 3 months after SAH. Three simple tests of global mental status and neuropsychological tests to assess seven specific cognitive domains were administered. Four aspects of outcome (global handicap, disability, emotional status, and QOL) were compared between cognitively impaired and unimpaired patients with analysis-of-covariance models controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and education. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relative contribution of global and domain-specific cognitive status for predicting concurrent modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) scores. Results: Impairment of global mental status on the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status (TICS) was associated with poor performance in all seven cognitive domains (all p < 0.0005) and was the only cognitive measure associated with poor recovery in all four aspects of outcome (all p ≤ 0.005). Cognitive impairment in four specific domains was also associated with functional disability or reduced QOL. After accounting for global cognitive impairment with the TICS, however, neuropsychological testing did not contribute additional predictive value for concurrent mRS or SIP total scores. Conclusions: Cognitive impairment impacts broadly on functional status, emotional health, and QOL after SAH. The TICS may be a useful alternative to more detailed neuropsychological testing for detecting clinically relevant global cognitive impairment after SAH.
Phylogenetic Position of Avian Nocturnal and Diurnal Raptors

We report three new avian mitochondrial genomes, two from widely separated groups of owls and a falcon relative (the Secretarybird). We then report additional progress in resolving Neoavian relationships in that the two groups of owls do come together (it is not just long-branch attraction), and the Secretarybird is the deepest divergence on the Accipitridae lineage. This is now agreed between mitochondrial and nuclear sequences. There is no evidence for the monophyly of the combined three groups of raptors (owls, eagles, and falcons), and again this is agreed by nuclear and mitochondrial sequences. All three groups (owls, accipitrids [eagles], and falcons) do appear to be members of the “higher land birds,” and though there may not yet be full “consilience” between mitochondrial and nuclear sequences for the precise order of divergences of the eagles, falcons, and the owls, there is good progress on their relationships.
Recognition of aggressive human behavior based on SURF and SVM

In this paper, we aim to develop a novel decision algorithm of human behavior using both Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) and PCA techniques. The SURF offers the opportunity to obtain a high level of performance under the constraint of scale variation with low computing coast to form spatio-temporal features. Thus, the PCA algorithm is used to reduce the dimensionality of the provided features to form robust pattern. The latter is performed as an input for training the Support Vector Machine (SVM). This machine is going to be able to classify the aggressive and nonaggressive behaviors. Different tests are conducted on KTH actions datasets. The obtained results have shown that the proposed technique provides more significant accuracy rate in comparison with current techniques as well as it drives more robustness to a dynamic environment.
Image reconstruction in computed tomography using variance-reduced stochastic gradient descent

Iterative image reconstruction algorithms have the potential to reduce the radiation dose in computed tomography (CT), but they are computationally intensive and their performance usually depends on careful parameter tuning. In this paper, we propose an iterative CT reconstruction algorithm based on the new class of variance-reduced stochastic gradient descent (VR-SGD) algorithms. Our experiments show that the proposed algorithm has a very fast convergence, while also eliminating the need for step size tuning. This study shows that VR-SGD can be used to devise very efficient iterative CT reconstruction algorithms.
Primary Arthrodesis versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries in a Young Athletic Population

Background: There are 2 Level I studies comparing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and primary arthrodesis (PA) in high-energy Lisfranc injuries. There are no studies comparing ORIF and PA in young athletic patients with low-energy injuries. Methods: All operatively managed low-energy Lisfranc injuries sustained by active duty military personnel at a single institution were identified from 2010 to 2015. The injury pattern, method of treatment, and complications were reviewed. Implant removal rates, fitness test scores, return to military duty rates, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were compared. Thirty-two patients were identified with the average age of 28 years. PA was performed in 14 patients with ORIF in 18. Results: The PA group returned to full duty at an average of 4.5 months whereas the ORIF group returned at an average of 6.7 months (P = .0066). The PA group ran their fitness test an average of 9 seconds per mile slower than their preoperative average whereas the ORIF group ran it an average of 39 seconds slower per mile (P = .032). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the FAAM scores at an average of 35 months. Implant removal was performed in 15 (83%) in the ORIF group and 2 (14%) in the PA group (P = .005). Conclusions: Low-energy Lisfranc injuries treated with primary arthrodesis had a lower implant removal rate, an earlier return to full military activity, and better fitness test scores after 1 year, but there was no difference in FAAM scores after 3 years. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative cohort study.
Central Amygdala Somatostatin Neurons Gate Passive and Active Defensive Behaviors

The central amygdala (CeA) has a key role in learning and expression of defensive responses. Recent studies indicate that somatostatin-expressing (SOM+) neurons in the lateral division of the CeA (CeL) are essential for the acquisition and recall of conditioned freezing behavior, which has been used as an index of defensive response in laboratory animals during Pavlovian fear conditioning. However, how exactly these neurons participate in fear conditioning and whether they contribute to the generation of defensive responses other than freezing remain unknown. Here, using fiber-optic photometry combined with optogenetic and molecular techniques in behaving mice, we show that SOM+ CeL neurons are activated by threat-predicting sensory cues after fear conditioning and that activation of these neurons suppresses ongoing actions and converts an active defensive behavior to a passive response. Furthermore, inhibition of these neurons using optogenetic or molecular methods promotes active defensive behaviors. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence that SOM+ neurons represent a CeL population that acquires learning-dependent sensory responsiveness during fear conditioning and furthermore reveal an important role of these neurons in gating passive versus active defensive behaviors in animals confronted with threat. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ability to develop adaptive behavioral responses to threat is fundamental for survival. Recent studies indicate that the central lateral amygdala (CeL), in particular its somatostatin-expressing neurons, is crucial for both learning and the expression of defensive response. However, how exactly these neurons participate in such processes remains unclear. Here we show for the first time in behaving mice that the somatostatin-expressing neurons in the CeL acquire learning-dependent responsiveness to sensory cues predicting a threat. Furthermore, our results indicate that these neurons gate the behavioral output of an animal: whereas high activity in these neurons biases toward passive defensive responses, low activity in these neurons allows the expression of active defensive responses.
A Finite Semantics of Simply-Typed Lambda Terms for Infinite Runs of Automata

Model checking properties are often described by means of finite automata. Any particular such automaton divides the set of infinite trees into finitely many classes, according to which state has an infinite run. Building the full type hierarchy upon this interpretation of the base type gives a finite semantics for simply-typed lambda-trees. A calculus based on this semantics is proven sound and complete. In particular, for regular infinite lambda-trees it is decidable whether a given automaton has a run or not. As regular lambda-trees are precisely recursion schemes, this decidability result holds for arbitrary recursion schemes of arbitrary level, without any syntactical restriction. This partially solves an open problem of Knapik, Niwinski and Urzyczyn.
Cardiac Pacemaker and Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Interference: Case Report in a Patient with Gastric Vascular Ectasias

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a new endoscopic tool for the diagnosis and management of small bowel diseases. The main indication at present is the evaluation of GI bleeding of obscure origin, Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease and small bowel tumors. Studies suggest that capsule endoscopy is associated with few adverse events. Whether cardiac pacemaker may interfere with capsule endoscopy is still a controversial issue. We here report a case showing that there is a possibility of interference between the two procedures, cardiac pacemaker affecting the proper functioning of capsule endoscopy and that this is related to the distance between the pacemaker and the recorder.