Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning prosthetic vision: a virtual-reality study

Acceptance of prosthetic vision will be heavily dependent on the ability of recipients to form useful information from such vision. Training strategies to accelerate learning and maximize visual comprehension would need to be designed in the light of the factors affecting human learning under prosthetic vision. Some of these potential factors were examined in a visual acuity study using the Landolt C optotype under virtual-reality simulation of prosthetic vision. Fifteen normally sighted subjects were tested for 10-20 sessions. Potential learning factors were tested at p<0.05 with regression models. Learning was most evident across-sessions, though 17% of sessions did express significant within-session trends. Learning was highly concentrated toward a critical range of optotype sizes, and subjects were less capable in identifying the closed optotype (a Landolt C with no gap, forming a closed annulus). Training for implant recipients should target these critical sizes and the closed optotype to extend the limit of visual comprehension. Although there was no evidence that image processing affected overall learning, subjects showed varying personal preferences.
Correlation between lumenal geometry changes and hemodynamics in fusiform intracranial aneurysms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hemodynamics may predispose aneurysms to rupture; however, hemodynamic descriptors that can describe aneurysm growth are not well understood. We examined the relationship between hemodynamics and growth of 2 fusiform basilar artery aneurysms in an effort to define hemodynamic variables that may be helpful in predicting aneurysmal growth. METHODS Two patients with basilar fusiform aneurysms of a similar size were followed for a 2-year period. The lumenal geometry and inflow and outflow rates were acquired by using MR angiography and velocimetry, respectively. The location of aneurysmal growth was identified by coregistering aneurysm models that were acquired at different times. Hemodynamic descriptors were calculated by using computational fluid dynamic simulations and compared with aneurysm growth pattern. RESULTS One patient had an aneurysm that grew significantly, but a similar-sized aneurysm in the other patient remained unchanged. The largest aneurysmal growth (approximately 3 mm/year) was found at the inferior side (lower part) of the aneurysm, where the wall shear stress was very low (<0.1N/m(2)). The general flow patterns did not change with time, even in the aneurysm that grew, but histograms of wall shear stress were very different in these 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS This study investigates whether hemodynamic descriptors can be correlated with regional changes in aneurysm lumen morphology on a patient-specific basis. That capability will permit the testing, in longitudinal studies, of hypotheses as to which mechanisms are the most important in aneurysm growth.
Transcatheter arterial embolization for advanced tumor thrombus with marked arterioportal or arteriovenous shunt complicating hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization with gelatin sponge immersed in an anti-cancer agent (GIA-TAE) alone or combined with radiation therapy, in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) or hepatic vein tumor thrombus (HVTT) complicated by marked arterioportal or arteriovenous shunts. MATERIALS AND METHODS GIA-TAE was performed in 15 patients with PVTT and arterioportal shunts to the main portal trunk or first-order branch, and five with HVTT and arteriovenous shunts, adding radiation therapy in suitable cases. Primary efficacy, hemodynamic changes, Child-Pugh score, and survival rates were evaluated. RESULTS GIA-TAE with or without radiation therapy was effective for tumor thrombus in 11 patients with PVTT and in four with HVTT. Treatment was effective for the main tumor in eight patients with PVTT and three with HVTT. Shunts disappeared in seven of 13 patients available for follow-up. Child-Pugh scores before and after the treatment were not significantly different. Median survival times of PVTT and HVTT groups were 8.7 and 12.2 months, respectively. One-year survival rates for both groups were about 15.6% and 50.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION TAE with GIA alone or combined with radiation therapy is effective and safe for severe arteriovenous shunts with PVTT or HVTT, and also favors patient survival.
Evidence for a Natural Allelic Series at the Maize Domestication Locus teosinte branched1

Despite numerous quantitative trait loci and association mapping studies, our understanding of the extent to which natural allelic series contribute to the variation for complex traits is limited. In this study, we investigate the occurrence of a natural allelic series for complex traits at the teosinte branched1 (tb1) gene in natural populations of teosinte (Zea mays ssp. parviglumis, Z. mays ssp. mexicana, and Z. diploperennis). Previously, tb1 was shown to confer large effects on both plant architecture and ear morphology between domesticated maize and teosinte; however, the effect of tb1 on trait variation in natural populations of teosinte has not been investigated. We compare the effects of nine teosinte alleles of tb1 that were introgressed into an isogenic maize inbred background. Our results provide evidence for a natural allelic series at tb1 for several complex morphological traits. The teosinte introgressions separate into three distinct phenotypic classes, which correspond to the taxonomic origin of the alleles. The effects of the three allelic classes also correspond to known morphological differences between the teosinte taxa. Our results suggest that tb1 contributed to the morphological diversification of teosinte taxa as well as to the domestication of maize.
Learning Roles: Behavioral Diversity in Robot Teams

This paper describes research investigating behavioral specialization in learning robot teams. Each agent is provided a common set of skills (motor schema-based behavioral assemblages) from which it builds a taskachieving strategy using reinforcement learning. The agents learn individually to activate particular behavioral assemblages given their current situation and a reward signal. The experiments, conducted in robot soccer simulations, evaluate the agents in terms of performance, policy convergence, and behavioral diversity. The results show that in many cases, robots will autorustically diversify by choosing heterogeneous behaviors. The degree of diversification and the performance of the team depend on the reward structure. When the entire team is jointly rewarded or penalized (global reinforcement), teams tend towards heterogeneous behavior. When agents are provided feedback individually (local reinforcement), they converge to identical policies.
Coordination of the supply chain of seasonal products

Because of the demand uncertainty of seasonal products, the retailer prefers to place an order as late as possible, so that he can have enough time to collect more information, which is helpful to reduce demand forecast error. On the other hand, the manufacturer has limited production capacity in general cases. The late ordering would result in insufficient production times, thus increasing the production cost. Such a conflict exists universally in a supply chain, especially in the seasonal products' supply chain. As a result, coordination between the retailer and the manufacturer becomes very important. In the paper, based on the traditional operating system, an improved operating system is introduced whose impact to both bodies of a supply chain is examined under the condition of information symmetry. The result shows that the manufacturer may not be better off or well off, although the retailer's performance is improved. Then, some profit compensation plans are designed so as to make the operating system Pareto improve.
A Comparison of Vestibular Spatiotemporal Tuning in Macaque Parietoinsular Vestibular Cortex, Ventral Intraparietal Area, and Medial Superior Temporal Area

Vestibular responses have been reported in the parietoinsular vestibular cortex (PIVC), the ventral intraparietal area (VIP), and the dorsal medial superior temporal area (MSTd) of macaques. However, differences between areas remain largely unknown, and it is not clear whether there is a hierarchy in cortical vestibular processing. We examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of macaque vestibular responses to translational motion stimuli using both empirical and model-based analyses. Temporal dynamics of direction selectivity were similar across areas, although there was a gradual shift in the time of peak directional tuning, with responses in MSTd typically being delayed by 100–150 ms relative to responses in PIVC (VIP was intermediate). Responses as a function of both stimulus direction and time were fit with a spatiotemporal model consisting of separable spatial and temporal response profiles. Temporal responses were characterized by a Gaussian function of velocity, a weighted sum of velocity and acceleration, or a weighted sum of velocity, acceleration, and position. Velocity and acceleration components contributed most to response dynamics, with a gradual shift from acceleration dominance in PIVC to velocity dominance in MSTd. The position component contributed little to temporal responses overall, but was substantially larger in MSTd than PIVC or VIP. The overall temporal delay in model fits also increased substantially from PIVC to VIP to MSTd. This gradual transformation of temporal responses suggests a hierarchy in cortical vestibular processing, with PIVC being most proximal to the vestibular periphery and MSTd being most distal.
On the Maximum Rate of Networked Computation in a Capacitated Network

We are given a capacitated communication network and several infinite sequences of source data each of which is available at some node in the network. A function of the source data is to be computed in the network and made available at a sink node that is also on the network. The schema to compute the function is given as a directed acyclic graph (DAG). We want to generate a computation and communication schedule in the network to maximize the rate of computation of the function for an arbitrary function (represented by DAG). We first analyze the complexity of finding the rate maximizing schedule for the general DAG. We show that finding an optimal schedule is equivalent to solving a packing linear program (LP). We then prove that finding the maximum rate is MAX SNP-hard (by analyzing this packing LP) even when the DAG has bounded degree, bounded edge weights and the network has three vertices. We then consider special cases arising in practical situations. First, a polynomial time algorithm for the network with two vertices is presented. This algorithm is a reduction to a version of a submodular function minimization problem. Next, for the general network we describe a restricted class of schedules and its equivalent packing LP. By relating this LP to minimum cost embedding problem, we present approximation algorithms for special classes of DAGs.
Astrocytes in adult rat brain express type 2 inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors

Astrocytes respond to neuronal activity by propagating Ca2+ waves elicited through the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate pathway. We have previously shown that wave propagation is supported by specialized Ca2+ release sites, where a number of proteins, including inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3R), occur together in patches. The specific IP3R isoform expressed by astrocytes in situ in rat brain is unknown. In the present report, we use isoform‐specific antibodies to localize immunohistochemically the IP3R subtype expressed in astrocytes in rat brain sections. Astrocytes were identified using antibodies against the astrocyte‐specific markers, S‐100β, or GFAP. Dual indirect immunohistochemistry showed that astrocytes in all regions of adult rat brain express only IP3R2. High‐resolution analysis showed that hippocampal astrocytes are endowed with a highly branched network of processes that bear fine hair‐like extensions containing punctate patches of IP3R2 staining in intimate contact with synapses. Such an organization is reminiscent of signaling microdomains found in cultured glial cells. Similarly, Bergmann glial cell processes in the cerebellum also contained fine hair‐like processes containing IP3R2 staining. The IP3R2‐containing fine terminal branches of astrocyte processes in both brain regions were found juxtaposed to presynaptic terminals containing synaptophysin as well as PSD 95‐containing postsynaptic densities. Corpus callosum astrocytes had an elongated morphology with IP3R2 studded processes extending along fiber tracts. Our data suggest that PLC‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in astrocytes in rat brain occurs predominantly through IP3R2 ion channels. Furthermore, the anatomical arrangement of the terminal astrocytic branches containing IP3R2 ensheathing synapses is ideal for supporting glial monitoring of neuronal activity. GLIA 39:69–84, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Altered expression of an L1-specific, O-linked cuticle surface glycoprotein in mutants of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

Mouse mAb M38 was used in indirect immunofluorescence experiments to detect a stage-specific antigen on the surface of the first larval stage (L1) of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, and to detect alterations in the apparent expression of this antigen in two distinct classes of C. elegans mutants. In previously described srf-2 and srf-3 mutants (Politz S. M., M. T. Philipp, M. Estevez, P.J. O'Brien, and K. J. Chin. 1990. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 87:2901- 2905), the antigen is not detected on the surface of any stage. Conversely, in srf-(yj43) and other similar mutants, the antigen is expressed on the surface of the first through the fourth (L4) larval stages. To understand the molecular basis of these alterations, the antigen was characterized in gel immunoblotting experiments. After SDS- PAGE separation and transfer to nitrocellulose, M38 detected a protein antigen in extracts of wild-type L1 populations. The antigen was sensitive to digestion by Pronase and O-glycanase (endo-alpha-N- acetylgalactosaminidase), suggesting that it is an O-linked glycoprotein. This antigen was not detected in corresponding extracts of wild-type L4s or srf-2 or srf-3 L1s, but was detected in extracts of srf-(yj43) L4s. The antigen-defective phenotype of srf-3 was epistatic to the heterochronic mutant phenotype of srf-(yj43) in immunofluorescence tests of the srf-3 srf-(yj43) double mutant, suggesting that srf-(yj43) causes incorrect regulation of a pathway of antigen formation that requires wild-type srf-3 activity.
Comparison of allografts and xenografts used for alveolar ridge preservation. A clinical and histomorphometric RCT in humans

BACKGROUND Several types of bone grafts are used in ridge preservation procedures. PURPOSE To compare the healing of allografts and xenografts applied for alveolar ridge preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty volunteers in need of extraction of a single-rooted tooth prior to implant installation were randomized into two groups. One group received a deproteinized cancellous bovine bone xenograft embedded in a 10% collagen matrix and the other a demineralized freeze-dried cortical bone allograft. A collagen membrane was used to cover the grafts, flaps were sutured. At baseline and 6 months later, clinical measurements including vertical and horizontal bone dimensions were taken. Histomorphometric analysis was performed. RESULTS Both groups showed shrinkage of bone dimensions. At mesial, center and distal sites, the vertical changes in dimension were -0.6, 0.5, and -0.1 mm for the allograft and -1.1, -0.4, and -0.9 mm for the xenograft. The horizontal changes in dimensions were -1.4 mm for the allograft and -2.6 mm for the xenograft. New bone and residual graft material were 25.5 ± 10.1% and 33.8 ± 9.4% at the allograft and 35.3 ± 16.8% and 22.2 ± 13.4% at the xenograft sites. None of the differences was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Both grafting materials are suitable for the preservation of the alveolar ridge.
Feeling the heat : workers' experiences of job stress in the Victorian community services sector

This thesis examines work stress in the Community Services Sector (CSS) in Victoria. Psychological injuries are extremely high in the CSS (WorkSafe Victoria), and yet there has been no research specifically addressing this issue in the sector. Further, there has been little research that examines workers’ perspectives of work stress. The thesis thus focuses on the ‘missing voices’ of workers by outlining what workers have to say about work stress, its causes and its effects. In order to place this research into both its historical and socio-political contexts, the genealogical roots of work in the CSS are examined and the impact of neo-liberalism on the sector critically assessed.
Effective Treatment of Edema and Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction With Imatinib

Background— Tissue edema and endothelial barrier dysfunction as observed in sepsis and acute lung injury carry high morbidity and mortality, but currently lack specific therapy. In a recent case report, we described fast resolution of pulmonary edema on treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib through an unknown mechanism. Here, we explored the effect of imatinib on endothelial barrier dysfunction and edema formation. Methods and Results— We evaluated the effect of imatinib on endothelial barrier function in vitro and in vivo. In human macro- and microvascular endothelial monolayers, imatinib attenuated endothelial barrier dysfunction induced by thrombin and histamine. Small interfering RNA knock-downs of the imatinib-sensitive kinases revealed that imatinib attenuates endothelial barrier dysfunction via inhibition of Abl-related gene kinase (Arg/Abl2), a previously unknown mediator of endothelial barrier dysfunction. Indeed, Arg was activated by endothelial stimulation with thrombin, histamine, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Imatinib limited Arg-mediated endothelial barrier dysfunction by enhancing Rac1 activity and enforcing adhesion of endothelial cells to the extracellular matrix. Using mouse models of vascular leakage as proof-of-concept, we found that pretreatment with imatinib protected against vascular endothelial growth factor–induced vascular leakage in the skin, and effectively prevented edema formation in the lungs. In a murine model of sepsis, imatinib treatment (6 hours and 18 hours after induction of sepsis) attenuated vascular leakage in the kidneys and the lungs (24 hours after induction of sepsis). Conclusions— Thus, imatinib prevents endothelial barrier dysfunction and edema formation via inhibition of Arg. These findings identify imatinib as a promising approach to permeability edema and indicate Arg as novel target for edema treatment.
Wolbachia Age-Sex-Specific Density in Aedes albopictus: A Host Evolutionary Response to Cytoplasmic Incompatibility?

Background Wolbachia bacteria have invaded many arthropod species by inducing Cytoplasmic Incompatibility (CI). These symbionts represent fascinating objects of study for evolutionary biologists, but also powerful potential biocontrol agents. Here, we assess the density dynamics of Wolbachia infections in males and females of the mosquito Aedes albopitcus, an important vector of human pathogens, and interpret the results within an evolutionary framework. Methodology/Principal Findings Wolbachia densities were measured in natural populations and in age controlled mosquitoes using quantitative PCR. We show that the density dynamics of the wAlbA Wolbachia strain infecting Aedes albopictus drastically differ between males and females, with a very rapid decay of infection in males only. Conclusions/Significance Theory predicts that Wolbachia and its hosts should cooperate to improve the transmission of infection to offspring, because only infected eggs are protected from the effects of CI. However, incompatible matings effectively lower the fertility of infected males, so that selection acting on the host genome should tend to reduce the expression of CI in males, for example, by reducing infection density in males before sexual maturation. The rapid decay of one Wolbachia infection in Aedes albopictus males, but not in females, is consistent with this prediction. We suggest that the commonly observed reduction in CI intensity with male age reflects a similar evolutionary process. Our results also highlight the importance of monitoring infection density dynamics in both males and females to assess the efficiency of Wolbachia-based control strategies.
Causal cross-spectral analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability for describing the impairment of the cardiovascular control in neurally mediated syncope

A causal approach to the calculation of coherence and transfer function between systolic pressure (SP) and RR interval variability was applied in eight patients and eight control subjects during prolonged tilt test for investigating the impairment of cardiovascular control related to neurally mediated syncope. The causal analysis showed a depressed baroreflex regulation in resting patients, with reduced gain and increased latency from SP to RR, and a drop of the baroreflex coupling immediately before syncope. These findings, which were not elicited by traditional cross-spectral analysis, strongly suggest the use of the causal approach for the study of syncope mechanisms.
Effects of sleep fragmentation in healthy men on energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, physical activity, and exhaustion measured over 48 h in a respiratory chamber.

BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies show an inverse or U-shaped relation between sleep duration and BMI. Decreases in total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity have been suggested to be contributing factors. OBJECTIVE The objective was to assess the effect of sleep fragmentation on energy metabolism and energy balance in healthy men. DESIGN Fifteen healthy male subjects [mean ± SD BMI (in kg/m(2)): 24.1 ± 1.9; age: 23.7 ± 3.5 y] were included in a randomized crossover study in which energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and physical activity (by radar) were measured twice for 48 h in a respiration chamber while subjects were monitored by electroencephalography to determine slow-wave sleep (SWS), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and total sleeping time (TST). During 2 nights, sleep (2330-0730 h) was either fragmented or nonfragmented. RESULTS Fragmented sleep led to reductions in TST, SWS, and REM sleep (P < 0.001). TEE did not differ (9.96 ± 0.17 compared with 9.83 ± 0.13 MJ/d, NS) between the sleep groups, nor did the components of energy expenditure, with the exception of activity-induced energy expenditure (AEE; 1.63 ± 0.15 compared with 1.42 ± 0.13 MJ/d for fragmented and nonfragmented sleep, respectively; P < 0.05). Physical activity, exhaustion, sleepiness, respiratory quotient (RQ), and carbohydrate oxidation were elevated in comparison with nonfragmented sleep [physical activity counts: 2371 ± 118 compared with 2204 ± 124 counts/d, P < 0.02; exhaustion: 40.1 ± 3.8 compared with 21.8 ± 2.4 mm (by using a visual analog scale; VAS), P < 0.001; sleepiness: 47.4 ± 4.2 compared with 33.9 ± 4.6 mm (VAS), P < 0.001; RQ: 0.94 ± 0.04 compared with 0.91 ± 0.03, P < 0.05; and carbohydrate oxidation: 346.3 ± 23.8 compared with 323.7 ± 22.5 g/d, P < 0.05], whereas fat oxidation was reduced (29.1 ± 9.1 compared with 61.0 ± 6.6 g/d, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Fragmented compared with nonfragmented sleep induced reductions in the most important sleep phases, which coincided with elevated AEE, physical activity, exhaustion, and sleepiness. RQ and carbohydrate oxidation increased and fat oxidation decreased, which may predispose to overweight. This trial is registered at www.who. int/ictrp and www.trialregister. nl as NTR1919.