Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of support leg kinetics between side-step and cross-step cutting techniques

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the support leg joint moment and moment power between side-step (SS) and cross-step (CS) cutting techniques with a prescribed 90° cutting angle. Ground reaction forces (1,000 Hz) and three-dimensional kinematics (250 Hz) of SS and CS cutting techniques were collected from 20 male college athletes. Normalised peak knee extension moment was larger in the SS technique than in the CS technique (0.40 ± 0.10 in SS; 0.26 ± 0.08 in CS). In the SS technique, the knee extensors ( − 0.10 ± 0.06 in SS; − 0.02 ± 0.04 in CS) and ankle plantarflexors ( − 0.12 ± 0.05 in SS; − 0.07 ± 0.03 in CS) did significantly more negative work (normalised). The direction change angle (40.5 ± 8.7° in SS; 33.0 ± 6.8° in CS) and the decrease in horizontal velocity of the centre of mass ( − 0.63 ± 0.23 m/s in SS; − 0.31 ± 0.23 m/s in CS) were significantly larger in the SS technique. These results suggest that the SS technique is an effective means of changing running direction at the expense of velocity of the centre of mass and that the CS technique is better for minimising the reduction in horizontal velocity of the centre of mass.
Distribution and size of ganglion cells in the retinae of large Amazon rodents

Abstract The topographical distribution of density and soma size of the retinal ganglion cells were studied in three species of hystricomorph rodents. Flat-mounted retinae were stained by the Nissl method and the ganglion cells counted on a matrix covering the whole retinae. Soma size was determined for samples at different retinal regions. The agouti, a diurnal rodent, shows a well-developed visual streak, reaching a peak density of 6250 ganglion cells/mm2. The total number of ganglion cells ranged from 477, 427–548, 205 in eight retinae. The ganglion-cell-size histogram of the visual streak region exhibits a marked shift towards smaller values when compared to retinal periphery. Upper and lower regions differ in both cell density and cell size. The crepuscular capybara shows a less-developed visual streak with a peak ganglion cell density of 2250/mm2. The shift towards small-sized cells in the visual streak is less marked. Total ganglion cell population is 368,840. In the nocturnal paca, the upper half of the fundus oculi includes a tapetum lucidum. The retina of this species shows the least-developed visual streak of this group, with the lowest peak ganglion cell density reaching 925/mm2. The total ganglion cell number (230,804) is also smaller than in the two other species. Soma-size spectra of this species are characterized by the presence, in the lower hemi-retina, of very large perikarya comparable in size to the cat's alpha ganglion cells.
Less is more: minimal expression of myoendothelial gap junctions optimizes cell–cell communication in virtual arterioles

Electrical signalling in blood vessels is important in acute and long‐term flow regulation. As myoendothelial gap junctions (MEGJs) provide electrical contacts between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), a high MEGJ expression is thought to be important for intercellular communication despite observations of heterogeneous MEGJ expression. Using a computational approach, we find that a minimal but sufficient number of heterogeneously distributed MEGJs optimize electrical cell–cell communication. Tailoring SMC–SMC coupling to the MEGJ distribution and permeability ensures a smooth electrical response while retaining the ability to display local responses. As heterogeneous MEGJ distributions allow for different conduction profiles along the SMC and endothelial cell layers, it is possible to observe an apparently non‐decaying conduction profile in the SMC layer of a vessel with passive electrical properties. These findings expand our understanding of how heterogeneity in MEGJ distribution affects local and global flow.
Migfilin Interacts with Vasodilator-stimulated Phosphoprotein (VASP) and Regulates VASP Localization to Cell-Matrix Adhesions and Migration*

Cell migration is a complex process that is coordinately regulated by cell-matrix adhesion and actin cytoskeleton. We report here that migfilin, a recently identified component of cell-matrix adhesions, is a biphasic regulator of cell migration. Loss of migfilin impairs cell migration. Surprisingly, overexpression of migfilin also reduces cell migration. Molecularly, we have identified vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) as a new migfilin-binding protein. The interaction is mediated by the VASP EVH1 domain and a single L104PPPPP site located within the migfilin proline-rich domain. Migfilin and VASP form a complex in both suspended and adhered cells, and in the latter, they co-localize in cell-matrix adhesions. Functionally, migfilin facilitates VASP localization to cell-matrix adhesions. Using two different approaches (VASP-binding defective migfilin mutants and small interfering RNA-mediated VASP knockdown), we show that the interaction with VASP is crucially involved in migfilin-mediated regulation of cell migration. Our results identify migfilin as an important regulator of cell migration and provide new information on the mechanism by which migfilin regulates this process.
A Novel Hematopoietic Adaptor Protein, Chat-H, Positively Regulates T Cell Receptor-mediated Interleukin-2 Production by Jurkat Cells*

Chat (Cas/HEF1-associated signaltransducer) is a novel adaptor protein with an N-terminal Src homology-2 domain and C-terminal Cas/HEF1 association domain. We report here the molecular cloning of Chat-H, the hematopoietic isoform of Chat. Chat-H has an extended N-terminal domain besides the known Chat domain structures, suggesting a unique function of Chat-H in hematopoietic cells. Jurkat transfectants overexpressing Chat-H show a marked increase in interleukin-2 production after costimulation of T cell receptor and CD28. The degree of JNK activation is enhanced substantially in the Chat-H transfectants upon costimulation. The Src homology-2 domain mutant of Chat-H loses this signal modulating activity. Expression of the Cas/HEF1 association domain mutant exhibits a dominant negative effect on both JNK activation and interleukin-2 production. We further found that Chat-H forms a complex with Pyk2H and enhances its tyrosine 402 phosphorylation, an up-regulator of the JNK pathway. These results suggest that Chat-H positively controls T cell function via integrating the costimulatory signals.
The value of human life: a review of the models.

This paper reviews four consumer maximization models where the probability of premature death enters as a variable that is both known to the consumer and under his control. These models generate a number of interesting results with respect to a person's willingness to pay for an increased chance of living. The most useful to the cost-benefit analyst is the derived relationship between this willingness-to-pay value and a person's lifetime earnings, and thus the relationship between the theoretically correct willingness-to-pay approach to the valuation of life-saving programs and the widely-used human-capital approach. However, the conclusions of the reviewed models are in this regard conflicting. Two of the models establish a theoretical basis for investigating the correlation of these two measures; however, this basis is shown to follow from an unrealistic assumption concerning the person's lifetime utility function. The remaining two models, although based upon more realistic assumptions, do not claim to provide theoretical grounds for making such investigations. The conclusion of this review is that in the absence of available data on personal demand for increased survival probability it is impossible to determine the relationship between the willingness-to-pay and the human-capital approaches to placing a value on human life.
Evaluation of the Facial Soft-Tissue Thickness in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

AIM In this study the authors aimed to evaluate craniofacial morphology and facial soft tissue thickness of the patients with cleft lip and palate. (CLP), and to compare the results with a sex and age-matched noncleft healthy control group. METHODS Craniofacial and soft tissue thickness measurements of 20 patients with unilateral cleft lip palate (UCLP) and 20 patients with bilateral cleft lip palate (BCLP) were compared with 20 noncleft control subjects. Angles between Sella-Nasion-A point, Sella-Nasion-B point, Nasion-A and Nasion-B line, Sella-Nasion line and Gonion-Gnation line, and linear (glabella, rhinion, subnasale, labrale superius, stomion, labrale inferius, labiomentale, pogonion, and gnathion) measurements were assessed on lateral cephalometric radiographs. Group differences were evaluated with 1-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test. RESULTS Unilateral cleft lip palate and BCLP groups demonstrated lower values of skeletal measurements than control group except for Sella-Nasion line and Gonion-Gnation line value (P < 0.01). Maxillary incisors were retruded in BCLP group compared with the other groups (P < 0.001). Thickness of the rhinion, subnasale, and stomion demonstrated no significant difference between UCLP and BCLP groups (P > 0.05). Thickness of rhinion and stomion was found significantly higher in both groups, and thickness of the subnasale was found significantly lower than the healthy group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Findings of the study suggested that patients with CLP showed differences on craniofacial morphology and facial soft tissue thickness. Before planning orthodontic treatment and esthetic surgeries, soft tissue thickness should be taken into consideration in addition to skeletal measurements in CLP patients.
CUG Repeats Present in Myotonin Kinase RNA Form Metastable “Slippery” Hairpins*

We show that CUG repeats form “slippery” hairpins in their natural sequence context of the myotonin kinase gene transcript. This novel type of RNA structure is characterized by strong S1 and T1 nuclease and lead cleavages in the terminal loop and by mild lead cleavages in the hairpin stem. The latter effect indicates a relaxed metastable structure of the stem. (CUG)5 repeats do not form any detectable secondary structure, whereas hairpins of increasing stability are formed by (CUG)11, (CUG)21, and (CUG)49. The potential role of the RNA hairpin structure in the pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy is discussed.
Effects of deltamethrin, dimethoate, and chlorpyrifos on survival and reproduction of the collembolan Folsomia candida and the predatory mite Hypoaspis aculeifer in two African and two European soils

Indiscriminate use of pesticides is rampant in most parts of Africa, but only scanty ecotoxicological data exist for the protection of soil organisms—and these data were usually obtained under temperate conditions, including the use of Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) standard test protocols. In order to assess the effects of 3 commonly used pesticides (deltamethrin, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos) on soil fauna in Africa, noncontaminated natural soils were collected from Nigeria and Tunisia. In addition, 2 common test soils, OECD artificial soil and European (Landwirtschaftliche Untersichungs‐ und Forschungsanstalt [LUFA]) 2.3 soil, were used in OECD standard reproduction tests. Two microarthropod species, the springtail Folsomia candida and the predatory mite Hypoaspis aculeifer, were exposed in these 4 soils spiked individually with the 3 insecticides. Results show that the collembolan F. candida was more sensitive than the mite H. aculeifer for all 3 insecticides. The toxicity of each insecticide in the 4 soils differed, with few exceptions, by less than an order of magnitude. However, the pattern of toxicity was not consistent, that is, the lowest toxicity was often but not always found in OECD artificial soil. Soil‐ and pesticide‐specific patterns of toxicity to F. candida and H. aculeifer might be related to the physicochemical properties of the soils and thus the availability of the 3 pesticides. Following the rules laid down in the European Union for the registration of pesticides and using standard European exposure scenarios, neither an acute nor a chronic risk of dimethoate and chlorpyrifos can be excluded (with few exceptions) in all 4 soils. Lower risks were identified for deltamethrin. For pesticide used in Africa, an environmental risk assessment based on data gained in tests with at least 1 additional natural field soil, preferably of African origin, should be performed using the same risk assessment principles as in the European Union. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:92–104. © 2017 SETAC
Topological shape optimization design of continuum structures via an effective level set method

Abstract This paper proposes a new level set method for topological shape optimization of continuum structure using radial basis function (RBF) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The boundary of the structure is implicitly represented as the zero level set of a higher-dimensional level set function. The interpolation of the implicit surface using RBF is introduced to decouple the spatial and temporal dependence of the level set function. In doing so, the Hamilton-Jacobi partial differential equation (PDE) that defines the motion of the level set function is transformed into an explicit parametric form, without requiring the direct solution of the complicated PDE using the finite difference method. Therefore, many more efficient gradient-based optimization algorithms can be applied to solve the optimization problem, via updating the expansion coefficients of the interpolant and then evolving the level set function and the boundary. Furthermore, the DWT is employed to handle the full matrix arising from the globally supported RBF interpolation. Several high stiffness but lightweight designs with smooth and clear structural boundaries are optimized and presented. The numerical results show that the proposed method can remarkably increase the efficiency in the topology optimization design of both the 2D and 3D structures.
Structural variability of the carboxy‐terminus of Epstein–Barr virus encoded latent membrane protein 1 gene in Hodgkin's lymphomas

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in the pathogenesis of several lymphoid and epithelial neoplasms. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is the major viral oncogene and it is controversial whether tumor LMP1 variants reflect their geographical predominance or are associated with enhanced oncogenic properties. This study aimed to analyze LMP1 molecular variability of 62 EBV+ Hodgkin's lymphomas and 22 non‐neoplastic controls from Brazil and Argentina. EBV association was characterized by EBER‐ISH, LMP1 immunohistochemistry and PCR assays for EBNA2 and 3C (typing), LMP1 30 bp deletion (del30) and number of 33 bp tandem repeats. LMP1 C‐terminal sequencing was performed in 42 cases. EBV1 was the predominant strain in both geographical Hodgkin's lymphoma groups (average 82%). A higher frequency of del30 variant was observed in lymphomas (41/63) than in non‐neoplastic controls (6/22) (OR 4.97, CI 95% 1.53–16.79; P = 0.005, χ2 test). A large number (5–7) of 33 bp repeat units was characteristic of del30 LMP1 variants (P < 0.0001, Fisher's exact test). Sequence analysis showed a similar mutation spectrum to that described worldwide but none of the current classification schemes could be applied completely. A distinct structural pattern was observed in del30 variants, characterized by a large number of 33 bp repeat units and the presence of a 15 bp insertion encoding the JAK3 Box‐1a motif (3/15 wt vs. 16/20 del30; P = 0.001, χ2 test). The results suggest a pathogenic role for LMP1 del30 variants in Hodgkin's lymphoma from South America and point to particular virus‐host molecular mechanisms, such as genomic instability in LMP1 carboxy‐terminus, leading to enhanced production and selection of these deletion variants. J. Med. Virol. 79:1722–1730, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling the effects of cingula structure on strain patterns and potential fracture in tooth enamel

The mammalian cingulum is a shelf of enamel, which rings the base of the molar crown (fully or partially). Certain nonmammalian cynodonts show precursors of this structure, indicating that it may be an important dental character in the origins of mammals. However, there is little consensus as to what drove the initial evolution of the cingulum. Recent work on physical modeling of fracture mechanics has shown that structures which approximate mammalian dentition (hard enamel shell surrounding a softer/tougher dentine interior) undergo specific fracture patterns dependent on the material properties of the food items. Soft materials result in fractures occurring at the base of the stiff shell away from the contact point due to heightened tensile strains. These tensile strains occur around the margin in the region where cingula develop. In this article, we test whether the presence of a cingulum structure will reduce the tensile strains seen in enamel using basic finite element models of bilayered cones. Finite element models of generic cone shaped “teeth” were created both with and without cingula of various shapes and sizes. Various forces were applied to the models to examine the relative magnitudes and directions of average maximum principal strain in the enamel. The addition of a cingulum greatly reduces tensile strains in the enamel caused by “soft‐food” forces. The relative shape and size of the cingulum has a strong effect on strain magnitudes as well. Scaling issues between shapes are explored and show that the effectiveness of a given cingulum to reducing tensile strains is dependent on how the cingulum is created. Partial cingula, which only surround a portion of the tooth, are shown to be especially effective at reducing strain caused by asymmetrical loads, and shed new light on the potential early function and evolution of mammalian dentitions. J. Morphol. , 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Indicators of Hippocampal Neurogenesis are Altered by 56Fe-Particle Irradiation in a Dose-Dependent Manner

Abstract Rola, R. , Otsuka, S. , Obenaus, A. , Nelson, G. A. , Limoli, C. L. , VandenBerg, S. R. and Fike, J. R. Indicators of Hippocampal Neurogenesis are Altered by 56Fe-Particle Irradiation in a Dose-Dependent Manner. Radiat. Res. 162, 442–446 (2004). The health risks to astronauts exposed to high-LET radiation include possible cognitive deficits. The pathogenesis of radiation-induced cognitive injury is unknown but may involve loss of neural precursor cells from the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. To address this hypothesis, adult female C57BL/6 mice received whole-body irradiation with a 1 GeV/nucleon iron-particle beam in a single fraction of 0, 1, 2 and 3 Gy. Two months later mice were given BrdU injections to label proliferating cells. Subsequently, hippocampal tissue was assessed using immunohistochemistry for detection of proliferating cells and immature neurons. Routine histopathological methods were used to qualitatively assess tissue/cell morphology in the hippocampal formation and adjacent areas. When compared to controls, irradiated mice showed progressively fewer BrdU-positive cells as a function of dose. This observation was confirmed by Ki-67 immunostaining in the SGZ showing reductions in a dose-dependent fashion. The progeny of the proliferating SGZ cells, i.e. immature neurons, were visualized by doublecortin staining and were significantly reduced by irradiation, with the decreases ranging from 34% after 1 Gy to 71% after 3 Gy. Histopathology showed that in addition to cell changes in the SGZ, 56Fe particles induced a chronic and diffuse astrocytosis and changes in pyramidal neurons in and around the hippocampal formation. The present data provide the first evidence that high-LET radiation has deleterious effects on cells associated with hippocampal neurogenesis.
Utilization by soil fungi of p-hydroxybenzaidehyde, ferulic acid, syringaldehyde and vanillin.

SUMMARY: A number of fungi isolated from soils under a variety of vegetational types was found to attack p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, ferulic acid, syringaldehyde and vanillin. These compounds were used as sole source of carbon by the organisms tested. By means of spectrochemical methods and paper chromatography it was shown that vanillin and ferulic acid were converted to vanillic acid before the breaking of the benzene ring, and syringaldehyde was converted to syringic acid. The bearing of these results on the breakdown of lignin in soil is discussed.
Entropy-Based Security Analytics: Measurements from a Critical Information System

Critical information systems strongly rely on event logging techniques to collect data, such as housekeeping/error events, execution traces and dumps of variables, into unstructured text logs. Event logs are the primary source to gain actionable intelligence from production systems. In spite of the recognized importance, system/application logs remain quite underutilized in security analytics when compared to conventional and structured data sources, such as audit traces, network flows and intrusion detection logs. This paper proposes a method to measure the occurrence of interesting activity (i.e., entries that should be followed up by analysts) within textual and heterogeneous runtime log streams. We use an entropy-based approach, which makes no assumptions on the structure of underlying log entries. Measurements have been done in a real-world Air Traffic Control information system through a data analytics framework. Experiments suggest that our entropy-based method represents a valuable complement to security analytics solutions.
Fusion pore expansion in horse eosinophils is modulated by Ca2+ and protein kinase C via distinct mechanisms

Using the patch‐clamp technique, we studied the role of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation on the exocytotic fusion of secretory granules with the plasma membrane in horse eosinophils. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) had no effect on the amplitude and dynamics of degranulation, indicating that the formation of fusion pores is insensitive to activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Fusion pore expansion, however, was accelerated ∼2‐fold by PMA, and this effect was abolished by staurosporine. Elevating intracellular Ca2+ to 1.5 μM also resulted in a 2‐fold acceleration of pore expansion; this effect was not prevented by staurosporine, indicating that intracellular Ca2+ and activation of PKC accelerate fusion pore expansion via distinct mechanisms. However, fusion pores can expand fully even when PKC is inhibited. In contrast, the phosphatase inhibitor α‐naphthylphosphate inhibits exocytotic fusion and slows fusion pore expansion. These results demonstrate that, subsequent to its formation, fusion pore expansion is under control of proteins subject to functional changes based on their phosphorylation states.
lastic pikas : Behavioural flexibility in low-elevation pikas ( Ochotona rinceps )

Behaviour is an important mechanism for accommodating rapid environmental changes. Understanding a species’ capacity for behavioural plasticity is therefore a key, but understudied, aspect of developing tractable conservation and management plans under climate-change scenarios. Here, we quantified behavioural differences between American pikas (Ochotona princeps) living in an atypical, low-elevation habitat versus those living in a more-typical, alpine habitat. With respect to foraging strategy, lowelevation pikas spent more time consuming vegetation and less time caching food for winter, compared to high-elevation pikas. Low-elevation pikas were also far more likely to be detected in forested microhabitats off the talus than their high-elevation counterparts at midday. Finally, pikas living in the atypical habitat had smaller home range sizes compared to those in typical habitat or any previously published