Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Generalization and Multirate Models of Motor Adaptation

Abstract When subjects adapt their reaching movements in the setting of a systematic force or visual perturbation, generalization of adaptation can be assessed psychophysically in two ways: by testing untrained locations in the work space at the end of adaptation (slow postadaptation generalization) or by determining the influence of an error on the next trial during adaptation (fast trial-by-trial generalization). These two measures of generalization have been widely used in psychophysical studies, but the reason that they might differ has not been addressed explicitly. Our goal was to develop a computational framework for determining when a two-state model is justified by the data and to explore the implications of these two types of generalization for neural representations of movements. We first investigated, for single-target learning, how well standard statistical model selection procedures can discriminate two-process models from single-process models when learning and retention coefficients were systematically varied. We then built a two-state model for multitarget learning and showed that if an adaptation process is indeed two-rate, then the postadaptation generalization approach primarily probes the slow process, whereas the trial-by-trial generalization approach is most informative about the fast process. The fast process, due to its strong sensitivity to trial error, contributes predominantly to trial-by-trial generalization, whereas the strong retention of the slow system contributes predominantly to postadaptation generalization. Thus, when adaptation can be shown to be two-rate, the two measures of generalization may probe different brain representations of movement direction.
Hard X- and soft gamma-ray polarimetry with CdTe array prototypes

Up to date there have been very few developments in the field of polarimetry in hard X- and soft /spl gamma/-ray astronomy, even if this measurement can give unique information about the geometry and the processes responsible of high energy emission from cosmic sources. We have recently proposed an instrument devoted to polarimetric measurements in this energy range known as the Coded Imager and Polarimeter for High Energy Radiation (CIPHER), a telescope which uses a detection plane optimized for the detection of Compton scattered events. In order to study the response of this polarimeter concept to linearly polarized radiation in the 100 keV to 1 MeV energy range, we have prepared an experiment (POLCA: POLarimetry with CdTe Arrays) based on CdTe detector prototypes of 4/spl times/4 pixels. The use of a beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ERSF) allowed us to study the Compton double-event efficiency and distribution, for beams of nearly 100% linearly polarized radiation in the energy range from 100 keV to 400 keV. We have obtained polarimetric modulation factors higher than 0.4 with double-event efficiencies higher than 20%. The photon beam energy and detector thickness dependencies will be discussed, comparing these experimental results with those calculated using Monte Carlo simulations.
Orbifolds as stacks

The first goal of this survey paper is to argue that if orbifolds are groupoids, then the collection of orbifolds and their maps has to be thought of as a 2-category. Compare this with the classical definition of Satake and Thurston of orbifolds as a 1-category of sets with extra structure and/or with the "modern" definition of orbifolds as proper etale Lie groupoids up to Morita equivalence. The second goal is to describe two complementary ways of thinking of orbifolds as a 2-category: 1. the weak 2-category of foliation Lie groupoids, bibundles and equivariant maps between bibundles and 2. the strict 2-category of Deligne-Mumford stacks over the category of smooth manifolds.
Intentional Nonadherence as a Means to Exert Control

Medication adherence is a major issue for patients with a chronic illness, who sometimes rationally choose temporary nonadherence. This study aims at better understanding intentional nonadherence and especially why it seems to fluctuate over time. It is based on 48 semi-structured interviews conducted in a hospital in the Netherlands with patients who had been prescribed a medication for a chronic disease for at least 1 year, and who had either type 2 diabetes, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or chronic myeloid leukemia. The analysis uses a simplified version of the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method. Intentional nonadherence appeared to be the result of the respondents’ desire (a) to exert control over the treatment and its effects on their body, and (b) to control the hold of the treatment on their daily life. This result provides a rationale for the fluctuation of intentional nonadherence behavior.
Acoustic characteristics of the piriform fossa in models and humans.

The piriform fossa forms the bottom part of the pharynx and acts as a pair of side branches of the vocal tract. Because of its obscure form and function, the piriform fossa has usually been neglected in the current speech production models. This study examines the geometric and acoustic characteristics of the piriform fossa by means of MRI-based mechanical modeling, in-vivo experiments and numerical computations. Volumetric MRI data showed that the piriform fossa is 2.1 to 2.9 cm3 in volume and 1.6 to 2.0 cm in depth for four Japanese subjects (three males and one female). The results obtained from mechanical models showed that the piriform fossa contributes strong troughs, i.e., spectral minima, to speech spectra in a region of 4 to 5 kHz. The antiresonances were identified with increasing frequency when water was injected into the piriform fossa of human subjects in in-vivo experiments. Antiresonances obtained from the experiments and simulations were confirmed to be consistent with those in natural speech within 5%. Acoustic measurements and simulations showed that the influence of the piriform fossa extends to the lower vowel formants in addition to the local troughs. This global effect can be explained by the location of the fossa near the glottal end of the vocal tract.
TRPC1 Associates With BKCa Channel to Form a Signal Complex in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

TRPC1 (transient receptor potential canonical 1) is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel involved in diverse physiological function. TRPC1 may associate with other proteins to form a signaling complex, which is crucial for channel function. In the present study, we investigated the interaction between TRPC1 and large conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel (BKCa). With the use of potentiometric fluorescence dye DiBAC4(3), we found that store-operated Ca2+ influx resulted in membrane hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The hyperpolarization was inhibited by an anti-TRPC1 blocking antibody T1E3 and 2 BKCa channel blockers, charybdotoxin and iberiotoxin. These data were confirmed by sharp microelectrode measurement of membrane potential in VSMCs of intact arteries. Furthermore, T1E3 treatment markedly enhanced the membrane depolarization and contraction of VSMCs in response to several contractile agonists including phenylephrine, endothelin-1, and U-46619. In coimmunoprecipitation experiments, an antibody against BKCa &agr;-subunit [BKCa(&agr;)] could pull down TRPC1, and moreover an anti-TRPC1 antibody could reciprocally pull down BKCa(&agr;). Double-labeling immunocytochemistry showed that TRPC1 and BKCa were colocalized in the same subcellular regions, mainly on the plasma membrane, in VSMCs. These data suggest that, TRPC1 physically associates with BKCa in VSMCs and that Ca2+ influx through TRPC1 activates BKCa to induce membrane hyperpolarization. The hyperpolarizing effect of TRPC1-BKCa coupling could serve to reduce agonist-induced membrane depolarization, thereby preventing excessive contraction of VSMCs to contractile agonists.
Retinal Dystrophy with Intraretinal Cystoid Spaces Associated with Mutations in the Crumbs Homologue (CRB1) Gene

Abstract Purpose: To report the occurrence of intraretinal cystoid spaces presumably due to retinal degeneration caused by CRB1 mutations, and the response to treatment with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Materials: Retrospective case series. Methods: We report four patients with retinal degeneration and intraretinal cystoid spaces due to CRB1 mutation. Of these patients, three were treated with topical carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. One of these three patients was changed to oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Best corrected visual acuity and quantitative and qualitative macular optical coherence tomography results were recorded. Results: Three patients were compound heterozygous for CRB1 mutations, and one had two mutations one of which was not found in the father. A total of seven different mutations were detected. All patients treated with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors experienced an improvement in visual acuity and decreased central retinal thickness, except in one eye in which retinal thickness paradoxically increased. Conclusions: CRB1 mutations may be associated with intraretinal cystoid spaces. The use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors can result in improved visual acuity in some patients.
Neutrophils are involved in acute, nonspecific resistance to Listeria monocytogenes in mice

The importance of neutrophils in killing extracellular, pyogenic bacteria has long been established. However, there is only indirect evidence for a role for neutrophils in resistance against intracellular organisms. In this study, we directly demonstrate the involvement of neutrophils in defense against Listeria monocytogenes in normal C.B-17 immunocompetent and C.B-17 SCID mice. Because of the lack of sterilizing T-cell immunity, SCID mice are unable to completely eliminate listeriae systemically and become chronically infected. Both immunocompetent and SCID mice treated with a specific neutrophil-depleting monoclonal antibody during the early stages of Listeria infection were rendered remarkably sensitive to the organism, with a high level of mortality resulting from enhanced bacterial growth. At a late stage of infection in SCID mice, however, administration of neutrophil-depleting antibody did not affect mortality. In spite of the neutrophil depletion, other parameters of nonspecific immune function were normal. Macrophage infiltration to the site of infection and macrophage expression of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules were unaffected. Moreover, NK cell functions were normal as measured by infiltration to an infection site and gamma interferon production. These data demonstrate an important role for neutrophils in controlling the acute phase of Listeria infection, cooperating with, and yet independent of, macrophages and NK cells.
Genetic control of floral zygomorphy in pea (Pisum sativum L.)

Floral zygomorphy (flowers with bilateral symmetry) has multiple origins and typically manifests two kinds of asymmetries, dorsoventral (DV) and organ internal (IN) asymmetries in floral and organ planes, respectively, revealing the underlying key regulators in plant genomes that generate and superimpose various mechanisms to build up complexity and different floral forms during plant development. In this study, we investigate the loci affecting these asymmetries during the development of floral zygomorphy in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Two genes, LOBED STANDARD 1 (LST1) and KEELED WINGS (K), were cloned that encode TCP transcription factors and have divergent functions to constitute the DV asymmetry. A previously undescribed regulator, SYMMETRIC PETALS 1 (SYP1), has been isolated as controlling IN asymmetry. Genetic analysis demonstrates that DV and IN asymmetries could be controlled independently by the two kinds of regulators in pea, and their interactions help to specify the type of zygomorphy. Based on the genetic analysis in pea, we suggest that variation in both the functions and interactions of these regulators could give rise to the wide spectrum of floral symmetries among legume species and other flowering plants.
Parameter Estimation of Kumaraswamy Distribution Based on Progressive Type II Censoring Scheme Using Expectation-Maximization Algorithm

This project considers the parameter estimation problem of test units from Kumaraswamy distribution based on progressive Type-II censoring scheme. The progressive Type-II censoring scheme allows removal of units at intermediate stages of the test other than the terminal point. The Maximum Likelihood Estimates (MLEs) of the parameters are derived using Expectation-Maximization (EM) algorithm. Also the expected Fisher information matrix based on the missing value principle is computed. By using the obtained expected Fisher information matrix of the MLEs, asymptotic 95% confidence intervals for the parameters are constructed. Through simulations, the behaviour of these estimates are studied and compared under different censoring schemes and parameter values. It’s concluded that for an increasing sample; the estimated parameter values become closer to the true values, the variances and widths of the confidence intervals reduce. Also, more efficient estimates are obtained with censoring schemes concerned with removals of units from their right.
Identification of a novel biomarker for oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide in primary human hepatocytes using the 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride isotope labeling method

Aim: Oxidative stress is involved in the progression of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, there are few biomarkers that are easily measured and accurately reflect the disease states. The aim of this study was to identify novel oxidative stress markers using the 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl (NBS) stable isotope labeling method and to examine the clinical utility of these diagnostic markers for NASH.
Incidence of cancer and mortality following alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene supplementation: a postintervention follow-up.

CONTEXT In the Finnish Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study, alpha-tocopherol supplementation decreased prostate cancer incidence, whereas beta-carotene increased the risk of lung cancer and total mortality. Postintervention follow-up provides information regarding duration of the intervention effects and may reveal potential late effects of these antioxidants. OBJECTIVE To analyze postintervention effects of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene on cancer incidence and total and cause-specific mortality. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Postintervention follow-up assessment of cancer incidence and cause-specific mortality (6 years [May 1, 1993-April 30, 1999]) and total mortality (8 years [May 1, 1993-April 30, 2001]) of 25 563 men. In the ATBC Study, 29 133 male smokers aged 50 to 69 years received alpha-tocopherol (50 mg), beta-carotene (20 mg), both agents, or placebo daily for 5 to 8 years. End point information was obtained from the Finnish Cancer Registry and the Register of Causes of Death. Cancer cases were confirmed through medical record review. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Site-specific cancer incidence and total and cause-specific mortality and calendar time-specific risk for lung cancer incidence and total mortality. RESULTS Overall posttrial relative risk (RR) for lung cancer incidence (n = 1037) was 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-1.20) among recipients of beta-carotene compared with nonrecipients. For prostate cancer incidence (n = 672), the RR was 0.88 (95% CI, 0.76-1.03) for participants receiving alpha-tocopherol compared with nonrecipients. No late preventive effects on other cancers were observed for either supplement. There were 7261 individuals who died by April 30, 2001, during the posttrial follow-up period; the RR was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.96-1.05) for alpha-tocopherol recipients vs nonrecipients and 1.07 (95% CI, 1.02-1.12) for beta-carotene recipients vs nonrecipients. Regarding duration of intervention effects and potential late effects, the excess risk for beta-carotene recipients was no longer evident 4 to 6 years after ending the intervention and was primarily due to cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSIONS The beneficial and adverse effects of supplemental alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene disappeared during postintervention follow-up. The preventive effects of alpha-tocopherol on prostate cancer require confirmation in other trials. Smokers should avoid beta-carotene supplementation.
Long-run performance of IPOs and the role of financial analysts: some French evidence

This paper examines the long-run performance of French initial public offerings (IPOs) carried out between 1991 and 2005. Using various methodologies, we found that IPOs in our sample performed poorly relative to the comparison portfolios over the 1991–2005 horizon in contrast to that reported by prior studies of the French market. This abnormal long-run performance is more severe for orphan IPOs (those without financial analysts’ recommendations) than for non-orphan IPOs the first year following the offerings (a statistically significant difference). In contrast to the widely held belief, this evidence suggests that analyst coverage is indeed not important to the issuing firm. Investors pay more attention to non-orphan IPOs when they are not book built, venture capital backed, underwritten by a large syndicate and less underpriced. Over the 1991–2005 period, an analyst's affiliation does not appear to matter. This result is inconsistent with the conflict of interest hypothesis. During the first year of issuance, analysts’ recommendations are associated with the success of a newly public firm. However, once we extend the horizon to 3 or 5 years after the issuance, we can find that analysts’ recommendations are not significantly related to the long-run performance of IPOs.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Heparin and Its Derivatives: A Systematic Review

Background. Heparin, used clinically as an anticoagulant, also has anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive review regarding the efficacy and safety of heparin and its derivatives as anti-inflammatory agents. Methods. We searched the following databases up to March 2012: Pub Med, Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid, Elsevier, and Google Scholar using combination of Mesh terms. Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) and trials with quasi-experimental design in clinical setting published in English were included. Quality assessments of RCTs were performed using Jadad score and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. Results. A total of 280 relevant studies were reviewed and 57 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among them 48 studies were RCTs. About 65% of articles had score of 3 and higher according to Jadad score. Twelve studies had a quality score > 40% according to CONSORT items. Asthma (n = 7), inflammatory bowel disease (n = 5), cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 8), and cataract surgery (n = 6) were the most studied disease condition. Forty studies use unfractionated heparin (UFH) for intervention; the remaining studies use low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Conclusion. Despite the conflicting results, heparin seems to be a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent; although it is shown that heparin can decrease the level of inflammatory biomarkers and improves patient conditions, still more data from larger rigorously designed studies are needed to support use of heparin as an anti-inflammatory agent in clinical setting. However, because of the association between inflammation, atherogenesis, thrombogenesis, and cell proliferation, heparin and related compounds with pleiotropic effects may have greater therapeutic efficacy than compounds acting against a single target.
Rapid Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies using the Piezoelectric Immunosensor

Monoclonal antibodies with specificity against the Francisella tularensis outer lipopolysaccharide (LPS) membrane were prepared and characterized using the piezoelectric immunosensor with immobilized LPS antigen from F. tularensis. Signals obtained by the immunosensor were compared with ELISA and similar sensitivity was noticed. Signal of negative controls obtained using the biosensor was below 0.5% of the signal obtained for the selected specific antibody clone 4H3B9D3. Testing of cross reactivity based on the sensors with immobilized LPS from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis confirmed selectivity of this antibody. Furthermore, the 4H3B9D3 antibody was successfully isotypized as IgM using the piezoelectric sensors with secondary antibodies. Kinetics parameters of antibody were evaluated in the flow-through arrangement. The kinetic rate constants for the antibody 4H3B9D3 were ka = (2.31 ± 0.20)·105 l mol-1s-1 (association) and kd = (0.0010 ±0.00062) s-1 (dissociation) indicating very good affinity to the LPS antigen.
Evaluating potential biomarkers of cachexia and survival in skeletal muscle of upper gastrointestinal cancer patients

In order to grow the potential therapeutic armamentarium in the cachexia domain of supportive oncology, there is a pressing need to develop suitable biomarkers and potential drug targets. This pilot study evaluated several potential candidate biomarkers in skeletal muscle biopsies from a cohort of upper gastrointestinal cancer (UGIC) patients.
Who Falls Prey to the Wolf of Wall Street? Investor Participation in Market Manipulation

Manipulative communications touting stocks are common in capital markets around the world. Although the price distortions created by so-called “pump-and-dump” schemes are well known, little is known about the investors in these frauds. By examining 421 “pump-and-dump” schemes between 2002 and 2015 and a proprietary set of trading records for over 110,000 individual investors from a major German bank, we provide evidence on the participation rate, magnitude of the investments, losses, and the characteristics of the individuals who invest in such schemes. Our evidence suggests that participation is quite common and involves sizable losses, with nearly 6% of active investors participating in at least one “pump-and-dump” and an average loss of nearly 30%. Moreover, we identify several distinct types of investors, some of which should not be viewed as falling prey to these frauds. We also show that portfolio composition and past trading behavior can better explain participation in touted stocks than demographics. Our analysis offers insights into the challenges associated with designing effective investor protection against market manipulation.