Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regular Algebra Applied to Path-finding Problems

In an earlier paper, one of the authors presented an algebra for formulating and solving extremal path problems. There are striking similarities between that algebra and the algebra of regular languages, which lead one to consider whether the previous results can be generalized—for instance to path enumeration problems—and whether the algebra of regular languages can itself be profitably used for the general study of path-finding problems. This paper gives affirmative answers to both these questions.
Use of polarized light to discriminate short-path photons in a multiply scattering medium.

We describe a method for discriminating short- and long-path photons transmitted through a multiply scattering medium that is based on the relationship between the polarization states of the incident and forward-scattered light. Results of Monte Carlo simulations and experiments show that if the scattering anisotropy of the scatterers is sufficiently small, absorbing barriers embedded in optically dense suspensions of polystyrene spheres can be resolved with good contrast by selectively detecting a component of the scattered-light intensity that has preserved its incident circular polarization state.The principles of operation of a polarization-modulation system capable of measuring small polarization fractions are explained. Using this system we were able to measure polarized light in a depolarized background over 1000 times as large.
Are parents’ motivations to exercise and intention to engage in regular family-based activity associated with both adult and child physical activity?

Background/aim To examine the associations between parents’ motivation to exercise and intention to engage in family-based activity with their own and their child’s physical activity. Methods Cross-sectional data from 1067 parent–child pairs (76.1% mother–child); children were aged 5–6 years. Parents reported their exercise motivation (ie, intrinsic motivation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, external regulation and amotivation) as described in self-determination theory and their intention to engage in family-based activity. Parents’ and children’s mean minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and mean counts per minute were derived from ActiGraph accelerometers worn for 3 to 5 days (including a mixture of weekdays and weekend days). Multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for parent sex, number of children, indices of multiple deprivation and clustering of children in schools were used to examine associations (total of 24 associations tested). Results In fully adjusted models, each unit increase in identified regulation was associated with a 6.08 (95% CI 3.27 to 8.89, p<0.001) min-per-day increase in parents’ MVPA. Parents’ external regulation was associated with children performing 2.93 (95% CI −5.83 to −0.03, p=0.05) fewer minutes of MVPA per day and a 29.3 (95% CI −53.8 to −4.7, p=0.02) accelerometer count-per-minute reduction. There was no evidence of association for the other 21 associations tested. Conclusions Future family-based physical activity interventions may benefit from helping parents identify personal value in exercise while avoiding the use of external control or coercion to motivate behaviour.
Lipocalin 2 as a clinical significance in rheumatoid arthritis

Aim of the study In this study, serum lipokalin 2 (LCN-2) levels and its clinical and radiological significance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was evaluated. Material and methods The study enrolled 37 patients with RA and 34 healthy controls. Serum LCN-2 level was measured using ELISA method. Patients with DAS 28 scores ≤ 3.2, and > 3.2 were allocated into lower and high/moderate disease activity groups, respectively. Additionally patients were divided into 2 groups as early RA (disease duration ≤ 2 years) and established RA (duration of the disease ≥ 2 years). Functional disability was evaluated using Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Radiographs were scored using the modified Larsen score. Results Serum LCN-2 (p = 0.029) levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in the controls. Serum LCN-2 level did not correlate with laboratory and clinical parameters of disease activity like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), DAS 28, Health Assessment Questionnaire Score (HAQ) and Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Similarly, any correlation could not be found between structural joint damage and serum LCN2 levels. Conclusions These results indicate that serum LCN-2 levels may be used as an indicator for structural damage like erosions in the early stage of the disease but do not able to be used to monitor disease activity.
Conservation of Structural and Functional Features in a Primordial CD80/86 Molecule from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), a Primitive Teleost Fish12

In mammals, interaction of CD28 with CD80 or CD86 molecules provides costimulatory signals for T cell activation that leads to increased IL-2 gene and protein expression by activated T cells. Thus far, CD80 and CD86 have been cloned and functionally characterized only in mammals and birds. To shed light into the evolution of CD80 and CD86, we have cloned and functionally characterized a rainbow trout (rt) molecule (rtCD80/86) that shows the highest degree of sequence conservation and phylogenetic relationship with CD80 and CD86 molecules. Moreover, its genomic organization was almost identical to that of human CD86. Rainbow trout possess one membrane-bound and two soluble CD80/86 transcripts, all of which are derived from the same rtCD80/86 gene. The membrane-bound form exhibited its highest degree of expression in lymphoid tissues, particularly on B cells. Incubation of trout leukocytes with LPS and bacteria leads to up-regulation of rtCD80/86 gene expression. Importantly, we show that trout and other teleost fish contain a single CD80/86 gene, thus suggesting that this gene may represent the ancestor from which CD80 and CD86 arose by gene duplication in more evolved species. To gain further insights into the function of rtCD80/86, we have identified and cloned trout IL-2 and have shown that recombinantly produced trout CD80/86 up-regulates the expression of IL-2 in trout blood leukocytes. Significantly, this finding indicates that the capacity to modulate IL-2 expression is a primordial function that has been conserved both in fish and mammalian CD80/CD86 molecules throughout 350 million years of evolution.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy During Early Stroke Rehabilitation

Background. Limited data are available about the effectiveness of early rehabilitation after stroke. Objective. This is the 1st randomized controlled trial of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) in subacute stroke to investigate neurophysiologic mechanisms and long-term outcome. Methods. Within 2 weeks after stroke, 23 patients with upper extremity (UE) weakness were randomized to 2 weeks of CIMT or traditional therapy at an equal frequency of up to 3 h/day. Motor function of the affected UE was blindly assessed before treatment, after treatment, and 3 months after stroke. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) measured the cortical area evoking movement of the affected hand. Results. Long-term improvement in motor function of the affected UE did not differ significantly between patients who received CIMT versus intensive traditional therapy. All outcome comparisons showed trends favoring CIMT over intensive traditional therapy, but none was statistically significant except for improvements in the Fugl-Meyer (FM) UE motor scale immediately following treatment and in reported quality of hand function at 3 months. Improvement in UE motor function on the FM was associated with a greater number of sites on the affected cerebral hemisphere where responses of the affected hand were evoked by TMS. Conclusions. Future trials of CIMT during early stroke rehabilitation need greater statistical power, more inclusive eligibility criteria, and improved experimental control over treatment intensity. The relationship between changes in motor function and in evoked motor responses suggests that motor recovery during the 1st 3 months after stroke is associated with increased motor excitability of the affected cerebral hemisphere.
Handbook of Metamemory and Memory

J. Dunlosky, R.A. Bjork, Introduction: The Integrated Nature of Metamemory and Memory. J. Metcalfe, Evolution of Metacognition. J.P. Van Overschelde, Metacognition: Knowing About Knowing. A.S. Benjamin, M. Diaz, Measurement of Relative Metamnemonic Accuracy. B.A. Spellman, A. Blumenthal, R.A. Bjork, Measuring Memory and Metamemory: Theoretical and Statistical Problems with Assessing Learning (In General) and Using Gamma (In Particular) To Do So. Memory Monitoring. A. Koriat, R. Nussinson, H. Bless, N. Shaked, Information-Based and Experience-Based Metacognitive Judgments. L. Narens, T.O. Nelson, P. Scheck, Memory Monitoring and the Delayed-JOL Effect. C.A. Weaver,III, J.T. Terrell, K.S. Krug, W.L. Kelemen, The Delayed JOL Effect with Very Long Delays: Evidence from Flashbulb Memories. R.H. Maki, Privileged Access for General Knowledge and Newly Learned Text Material. R.J. Leonesio, Feeling-of-Knowing Accuracy and Recollective Experience. Control of Memory. W.H. Batchelder, E. Batchelder, Metacognitive Guessing Strategies in Source Monitoring. C.M. MacLeod, Implicit Memory Tests: Techniques for Reducing Conscious Intrusion. K.J. Malmberg, Investigating Metacognitive Control in a Global Memory Framework. T.J. Perfect, L.J. Stark, Tales from the Crypt.omnesia. G. Mazzoni, Metacognitive Processes in Creating False Beliefs and False Memories: The Role of Event Plausibility. L.K. Son, N. Kornell, Research on the Allocation of Study Time: Key Studies from 1890 to the Present (and beyond). B.L. Schwartz, E. Bacon, Metacognitive Neuroscience. A.P. Shimamura, A Neurocognitive Approach to Metacognitive Monitoring and Control. W. Schneider, K. Lockl, Procedural Metacognition in Children: Evidence for Developmental Trends. M. Carroll, Metacognition in the Classroom. D.J. Hacker, L. Bol, M.C. Keener, Metacognition in Education: A Focus on Calibration.
Marine hybrid hotspot at Indo-Pacific biogeographic border

Studying hybridization is crucial to understanding speciation and almost all our knowledge comes from terrestrial and freshwater environments. Marine hybrids are considered rare, particularly on species-rich coral reefs. Here, we report a significant marine hybrid zone at Christmas and Cocos Islands (eastern Indian Ocean) with 11 hybrid coral reef fishes (across six families); the most recorded hybrids of any marine location. In most cases, at least one of the parent species is rare (less than three individuals per 3000 m2), suggesting that hybridization has occurred because individuals of the rare species have mated with another species owing to a scarcity of conspecific partners. These islands also represent a marine suture zone where many of the hybrids have arisen through interbreeding between Indian and Pacific Ocean species. For these species, it appears that past climate changes allowed species to diverge in allopatry, while recent conditions have facilitated contact and subsequent hybridization at this Indo-Pacific biogeographic border. The discovery of the Christmas–Cocos hybrid zone refutes the notion that hybridization is lacking on coral reefs and provides a natural laboratory for testing the generality of terrestrially derived hybridization theory in the marine environment.
Surface heparinization of central venous catheters reduces microbial colonization in vitro and in vivo: results from a prospective, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate in vitro and in vivo the efficacy of covalent end point-attached heparin to single-lumen polyurethane central venous catheters in reducing microbial adherence and colonization. DESIGN In vitro study: A controlled bench study. In vivo study: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. SETTING Intensive care unit in a 1200-bed teaching hospital. INTERVENTIONS In vitro study: Adhesion of 17 radiolabeled clinical isolates of Staphylococci to catheters was examined in vitro. In vivo study: The outcome of heparinized and control catheters was compared in vivo in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition. Fifty-five adult patients were prospectively, blindly randomized to heparinized or control central venous catheters. The catheters, removed on clinical grounds, were analyzed with semiquantitative and quantitative cultures. Blood cultures were done at catheter removal. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In vitro study: Coagulase-negative Staphylococci adhered less in vitro to heparinized catheters than to control catheters (p < .05). In vivo study: Among 32 central venous catheters, or patients who completed the study, catheter-associated bacteremia or fungemia was observed in five patients in the control group (n = 19) and in no patient with a heparinized catheter (n = 13) (p = .047). Four of 13 catheters in the heparin group were colonized compared with 14 of 19 in the control group (p = .03). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most frequent microorganisms in both groups. The numbers of organisms found on colonized catheters were larger in the control group than in the heparin group. CONCLUSIONS Covalent end point surface heparinization appears to have a great impact on both in vitro and in vivo bacterial colonization of central venous catheters. Such heparinization can be a practical and economical approach to the prevention of catheter-associated bacteremia or fungemia.
Crowd patches: populating large-scale virtual environments for real-time applications

Populating virtual environments (VEs) with large crowds is a subject that has been tackled for several years. Solutions have been proposed to offer realistic trajectories as well as interactivity, but limitations remain on the environment dimensions with respect to population density. In this paper, we extend the concept of motion patches [Lee et al. 2006] to densely populate large environments. We build a population from a set of blocks containing a pre-computed local crowd simulation. Each block is called a crowd patch. We address the problem of computing patches, assembling them to create VEs, and controlling their content to answer designers' needs. Our major contribution is to provide a drastic lowering of computation needs for simulating a virtual crowd at run-time. We can thus handle dense populations in large-scale environments with performances never reached so far. Our results illustrate the real-time population of a potentially infinite city with realistic and varied crowds interacting with each other and their environment. We discuss the advantages and drawbacks of the proposed solution, and its possible improvements in the future.
Prognostic Markers in Acute Babesia canis Infections

Background Canine babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis, is a prevalent and clinically relevant disease in Europe. Severe acute babesiosis is characterized by a high mortality but prognosis is not always correlated with clinical signs nor with the level of parasitemia. Objective This study evaluated prognostic markers associated with poor outcomes in acute Babesia canis infections. Animals and Methods We compared the results of routine laboratory profiles, hand‐held lactate and glucose analyzer, and the acute phase response in 2 groups of naturally infected dogs (7 survivors and 8 nonsurvivors). Samples were collected at the time of first admission and before any treatment. Subsequently, the course of prognostic markers was followed in 3 dogs experimentally inoculated with B. canis. Results Nonsurvivors showed significantly higher concentrations of lactate, triglycerides and phosphate and lower hematocrit, leukocyte counts, total serum protein concentrations, and thrombocyte counts when compared to survivors. All nonsurvivors (8/8) had hyperlactatemia, whereas most survivors (6/7) had values within the reference range. All survivors had leucocyte counts within the reference range, unlike the nonsurvivors, which showed leukopenia. During the course of acute babesiosis, the variables serum lactate, triglyceride, and phosphate concentrations, and thrombocyte count only exceeded a prognostic threshold during acute crisis. Conclusions and clinical importance Poor outcome in acute B. canis infection is indicated by changes in the laboratory profile. Intensive care should be considered for dogs presenting with moderate anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, mild to moderate leukopenia, hyperlactatemia, moderately increased serum phosphate, and triglyceride concentrations, and moderately decreased total serum protein concentrations.
Prognostic and Diagnostic Modes of Mathematical Model for the Pre-operation of Suspended Sediment Transport model in Estuaries and Coastal areas

Both prognostic and diagnostic modes of a 3D baroclinic model in hydrodynamic and sediment transport models of the Princeton Ocean Model (POM) were conducted to separate prognose and diagnose effects of different hydrodynamic factors on transport of suspended sediment discharged from the rivers to the Gulf of Thailand (GoT). Both transport modes of suspended sediment distribution in the GoT were numerically simulated. It could be concluded that the suspended sediment discharged from the rivers around the GoT. Most of sediments in estuaries and coastal areas are deposited outside the GoT under the condition of wind-driven current, and very small amount of the sediments of them are transported faraway. On the basis of wind forcing, sediments from the lower GoT to the upper GoT are mainly transported south-northwestward and also continuously moved north-southwestward. An obvious 3D characteristic of suspended sediment transport is produced in the wind-driven current residual circulation condition. In this study, the transport patterns at the third layer are generally consistent with the typhoon-induced strong currents in two case studies of Typhoon Linda 1997. The case studies presented the prognostic and diagnostic modes during 00UTC28OCT1997 to 12UTC06NOV1997 in a short period with the current condition for pre-operation of the suspended sediment transport model in estuaries and coastal areas. Keywords—prognostic, diagnostic, baroclinic, sediment transport, estuaries.
Doing Ethnographic and Observational Research

Introduction Ethnography and Participant Observation What Kinds of Topics Can Be Effectively and Efficiently Studied by Ethnographic Methods? Selecting a Field Site Data Collection in the Field Focus on Observation Analyzing Ethnographic Data Strategies for Representing Ethnographic Data Ethical Considerations Ethnography for the Twenty-First Century
[2‐3H]GLYCEROL AS A PRECURSOR OF PHOSPHOLIPIDS IN RAT BRAIN: EVIDENCE FOR LACK OF RECYCLING

Abstract— When [2‐3H]glycerol was injected intracranially into young rats, it was presented as a pulse label, leaving the brain rapidly and giving up much of its labelled hydrogen to water. [2‐3H]glycerol was efficiently incorporated into brain lipids, especially into choline and ethanolamine phospholipids. Following injection of a mixture of [3H]‐ and [14C]‐labelled glycerol, the ratio of 3H to 14C in the phospholipids of both whole brain and the microsomal fraction decreased as a function of time after injection. This finding indicated less recycling of the tritium label. This lack of recycling was further indicated by the finding that 94 per cent of the tritium label of phosphatidyl choline was in the glycerol portion of the molecule rather than in the fatty acids. At 2 weeks following injection with [3H]glycerol, 93 per cent of the total radioactivity in brain appeared in the lipid fraction. In contrast, following injection with [14C]glycerol, only 57 per cent of the radioactivity appeared in lipid, with about 20 per cent in protein.
APIS—a novel approach for conditioning honey bees

Honey bees perform robustly in different conditioning paradigms. This makes them excellent candidates for studying mechanisms of learning and memory at both an individual and a population level. Here we introduce a novel method of honey bee conditioning: APIS, the Automatic Performance Index System. In an enclosed walking arena where the interior is covered with an electric grid, presentation of odors from either end can be combined with weak electric shocks to form aversive associations. To quantify behavioral responses, we continuously monitor the movement of the bee by an automatic tracking system. We found that escapes from one side to the other, changes in velocity as well as distance and time spent away from the punished odor are suitable parameters to describe the bee's learning capabilities. Our data show that in a short-term memory test the response rate for the conditioned stimulus (CS) in APIS correlates well with response rate obtained from conventional Proboscis Extension Response (PER)-conditioning. Additionally, we discovered that bees modulate their behavior to aversively learned odors by reducing their rate, speed and magnitude of escapes and that both generalization and extinction seem to be different between appetitive and aversive stimuli. The advantages of this automatic system make it ideal for assessing learning rates in a standardized and convenient way, and its flexibility adds to the toolbox for studying honey bee behavior.
HIV-1 RNA genome dimerizes on the plasma membrane in the presence of Gag protein

Significance Dimerization of the RNA genome is a key event in HIV-1 virion assembly and has a strong impact in viral replication and evolution. Packaging the dimeric genome allows frequent recombination to rescue genetic information in damaged RNAs and to generate variants that can evade the host immune response or resist antiviral treatments. Furthermore, genome packaging is regulated by recognition of dimeric RNA. Our studies demonstrate that HIV-1 RNAs dimerize not in the cytoplasm but on the plasma membrane, often early during the assembly process, and that Gag protein is required for maintenance of the RNA dimer. These studies address the timing, location, and partners involved in RNA dimerization, an important process for HIV-1 replication. Retroviruses package a dimeric genome comprising two copies of the viral RNA. Each RNA contains all of the genetic information for viral replication. Packaging a dimeric genome allows the recovery of genetic information from damaged RNA genomes during DNA synthesis and promotes frequent recombination to increase diversity in the viral population. Therefore, the strategy of packaging dimeric RNA affects viral replication and viral evolution. Although its biological importance is appreciated, very little is known about the genome dimerization process. HIV-1 RNA genomes dimerize before packaging into virions, and RNA interacts with the viral structural protein Gag in the cytoplasm. Thus, it is often hypothesized that RNAs dimerize in the cytoplasm and the RNA–Gag complex is transported to the plasma membrane for virus assembly. In this report, we tagged HIV-1 RNAs with fluorescent proteins, via interactions of RNA-binding proteins and motifs in the RNA genomes, and studied their behavior at the plasma membrane by using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. We showed that HIV-1 RNAs dimerize not in the cytoplasm but on the plasma membrane. Dynamic interactions occur among HIV-1 RNAs, and stabilization of the RNA dimer requires Gag protein. Dimerization often occurs at an early stage of the virus assembly process. Furthermore, the dimerization process is probably mediated by the interactions of two RNA–Gag complexes, rather than two RNAs. These findings advance the current understanding of HIV-1 assembly and reveal important insights into viral replication mechanisms.