Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Where is my forearm? Clustering of body parts from simultaneous tactile and linguistic input using sequential mapping

Humans and animals are constantly exposed to a continuous stream of sensory information from different modalities. At the same time, they form more compressed representations like concepts or symbols. In species that use language, this process is further structured by this interaction, where a mapping between the sensorimotor concepts and linguistic elements needs to be established. There is evidence that children might be learning language by simply disambiguating potential meanings based on multiple exposures to utterances in different contexts (cross-situational learning). In existing models, the mapping between modalities is usually found in a single step by directly using frequencies of referent and meaning co-occurrences. In this paper, we present an extension of this one-step mapping and introduce a newly proposed sequential mapping algorithm together with a publicly available Matlab implementation. For demonstration, we have chosen a less typical scenario: instead of learning to associate objects with their names, we focus on body representations. A humanoid robot is receiving tactile stimulations on its body, while at the same time listening to utterances of the body part names (e.g., hand, forearm and torso). With the goal at arriving at the correct "body categories", we demonstrate how a sequential mapping algorithm outperforms one-step mapping. In addition, the effect of data set size and noise in the linguistic input are studied.
Selective v / s Routine Nasogastric Decompression after Elective Laparotomy : A Prospective Randomised Controlled Study

Routine nasogastric tube insertion after elective laparotomy is widely practiced to prevent postoperative ileus and its subsequent complications like vomiting, aspiration, anastomotic leak, wound infection and abdominal wall dehiscence etc. However, nasogastric tubes themselves cause patient discomfort coupled with restrictions in mobility and pulmonary complications. The purpose of our study is to compare the effects and outcomes of routine versus selective nasogastric [NG] tube decompression following elective gastrointestinal [GI] surgeries. One hundred patients, undergoing laparotomy for routine gastrointestinal surgery in the period of one year in PBM HOSPITAL Bikaner, were randomized into two groups of 50 each – GROUP A without NG tube and GROUP B with NG tube postoperatively. Emergency GI surgeries and patients with electrolyte imbalance preoperatively were excluded from this study. 1. Shorter hospital stay in non NG tube group. 2. No significant statistical difference concerning return of bowel function, postoperative vomiting , pulmonary complications and anastomotic leakage. 3. Significant discomfort in NG tube group. Routine NG tube decompression after elective laparotomy causes significant complications and therefore, nasogastric decompression should be used selectively.
Conditioned suppression or facilitation as a function of the behavioral baseline.

Rats were exposed to a multiple schedule of reinforcement. During one component, a bar-press was followed by reinforcement only if it occurred between 15 and 20 sec after the previous response. This differential-reinforcement-of-low-rate (DRL) schedule produced a typical slow rate of responding. During the other component, reinforcement followed the first response to be emitted during limited periods of time which occurred at fixed intervals. These fixed-interval schedules with a limited hold produced higher response rates, described as ;interval' or ;ratio-like' behavior. Responding during the DRL component increased in frequency during a tone which ended with an unavoidable shock of low intensity, but decreased during the tone when the shock intensity was raised. The ;interval' and ;ratio-like' responding decreased in frequency during the tone at all shock intensities. Initial acceleration of the DRL responding appeared to be due to adventitious punishment of collateral behavior which was observed between the bar-presses. The more severe conditioned suppression during the fixed-interval components might be the result of the lower probability of reinforcement after any single response.
CRYPTIC SPECIATION AND HOST‐RACE FORMATION IN A PURPORTEDLY GENERALIST TUMBLING FLOWER BEETLE

Abstract Host‐race formation remains controversial as a source of herbivorous insect diversity, and examples of host races are still fairly scarce. In this study, analysis of five enzyme loci in the ostensibly generalist tumbling flower beetle Mordellistena convicta (Coleoptera: Mordellidae) revealed hidden host‐plant and plant‐organ related genetic differentiation. Mordellistena convicta turned out to be a complex of cryptomorphic species, each with fewer hosts than the nominal species. These cryptic species, in turn, were divided into taxa that showed host‐race characteristics: samples from different host plants and organs exhibited (1) genetic indications of partial reproductive isolation, (2) differences in size and emergence timing that suggested divergent host‐related selection, and (3) among‐host selective differences in mortality from parasitoids. Host‐race formation in M. convicta, which has a somewhat different life history from the well‐studied host races, enlarges the group of insects considered likely to undergo this process. The widespread sympatry of the M. convicta species complex, along with its spectrum of host‐correlated genetic differentiation, suggests that these host specialist taxa developed in sympatry.
Combinatorial antibody library from multiple sclerosis patients reveals antibodies that cross‐react with myelin basic protein and EBV antigen

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a widespread neurodegenerative autoimmune disease with unknown etiology. It is increasingly evident that, together with pathogenic T cells, autoreactive B cells are among the major players in MS development. The analysis of myelin neuroantigen‐specific antibody repertoires and their possible cross‐reactivity against environmental antigens, including viral proteins, could shed light on the mechanism of MS induction and progression. A phage display library of single‐chain variable fragments (scFvs) was constructed from blood lymphocytes of patienst with MS as a potential source of representative MS autoantibodies. Structural alignment of 13 clones selected toward myelin basic protein (MBP), one of the major myelin antigens, showed high homology within variable regions with cerebrospinal fluid MS‐associated antibodies as well as with antibodies toward Epstein‐Barr latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). Three scFv clones showed pronounced specificity to MBP fragments 65–92 and 130–156, similar to the serum MS antibodies. One of these clones, designated E2, in both scFv and full‐size human antibody constructs, was shown to react with both MBP and LMP1 proteins in vitro, suggesting natural cross‐reactivity. Thus, antibodies induced against LMP1 during Epstein‐Barr virus infection might act as inflammatory trigger by reacting with MBP, suggesting molecular mimicry in the mechanism of MS pathogenesis. —Gabibov, A. G. , Belogurov, A. A. , Jr. Lomakin, Y. A. , Zakharova, M. Y. , Avakyan, M. E. , Dubrovskaya, V. V. , Smirnov, I. V. , Ivanov, A. S. , Molnar, A. A. , Gurtsevitch, V. E. , Diduk, S. V. , Smirnova, K. V. , Avalle, B. , Sharanova, S. N. , Tramontano, A. , Friboulet, A. , Boyko, A. N. , Ponomarenko, N. A. , Tikunova, N. V. Combinatorial antibody library from multiple sclerosis patients reveals antibodies that cross‐react with myelin basic protein and EBV antigen. FASEB J. 25, 4211–4221 (2011). www.fasebj. org
Protocol update and preliminary results of EACVI/HFA Cardiac Oncology Toxicity (COT) Registry of the European Society of Cardiology

European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging/Heart Failure Association Cardiac Oncology Toxicity Registry was launched in October 2014 as a European Society of Cardiology multicentre registry of breast cancer patients referred to imaging laboratories for routine surveillance, suspected, or confirmed anticancer drug‐related cardiotoxicity (ADRC). After a pilot phase (1 year recruitment and 1 year follow‐up), some changes have been made to the protocol (version 1.0) and electronic case report form.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE CALIBRATION OF THE NEW CAMECO MOBILE LUNG COUNTER: DETECTOR SIZE OR PHANTOM LIMITATION?

Abstract— This paper describes the calibration of the new Cameco mobile lung counter and, more importantly, the problems encountered with recommendations for their long-term solution. The new Cameco lung counting system, which is based on an array of four 80-mm-diameter Canberra BeGe detectors, has used the JAERI phantom for its primary calibration as it more closely resembles ICRP reference data for lung dimensions compared with the LLNL phantom. Although the JAERI phantom’s lung dimensions offer advantages over the LLNL phantom’s lungs, this phantom is still not ideal. The work described in this paper leads to the conclusion that the LLNL be modified to more closely resemble the ICRP reference data if large area germanium detectors comprise the lung counter. Overlay plate stacking was necessary to achieve the range of chest wall thicknesses found within the Cameco work force (2–8 cm) when using the JAERI phantom. This technique has proved to be robust and is useful for extending the calibration range. Cameco is using group monitoring, which adds spectra to simulate very long counting times (10–20 h), and it is essential that all materials be low background. This was not initially the case here as found from overnight background counts.
Age-related Differences in Working Memory and Force Control under Dual-task Conditions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between force control and cognitive performance under dual-task conditions in younger (18–22 years) and older adults (65–77 years). Cognitive (n-back test) and motor performance (force-tracking) was measured independently and simultaneously. Results indicated overall age-related differences for the n-back and the force-tracking task. Age-related differences increased during dual-task conditions. While younger adults exhibited no decrease in cognitive or motor performance during dual-task conditions, older adults showed a decrease in motor and cognitive performance. Additionally, when older adults made an error in the cognitive task they tended to show greater variability in the force-tracking task. These results suggest that cognitive motor deficits are responsible for older adults' performance decrements under dual-task conditions.
Functional dissection of the α‐synuclein promoter: transcriptional regulation by ZSCAN21 and ZNF219

Alpha‐Synuclein (SNCA) is an abundant neuronal protein involved in synaptic neurotransmission. SNCA expression levels have been strongly implicated in Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that in the PC12 cell line elements in intron 1 may mediate SNCA transcriptional regulation in response to neurotrophins. We have now identified transcription factor (TF) binding sites in intron 1 and the 5′‐promoter of SNCA. A binding site for the TF zinc finger and SCAN domain containing (ZSCAN)21 in the 5′‐region of intron 1 is required for intron 1 transcriptional activity. Small interfering RNA against ZSCAN21 inhibits activation in the luciferase assay and diminishes SNCA protein levels in naïve and neurotrophin‐treated PC12 cells and in primary cultured cortical neurons, demonstrating that ZSCAN21 is a novel transcriptional regulator of SNCA in neuronal cells. The 5′‐promoter of SNCA has a complex architecture, including multiple binding sites for the TF zinc finger protein (ZNF)219, which functions as both an activator and a repressor. Targeting ZSCAN21 or other TFs controlling SNCA transcriptional activity may provide novel therapeutic avenues not only for Parkinson’s disease but also for other synucleopathies.
Molecular Evolution of the H-NS Protein: Interaction with Hha-Like Proteins Is Restricted to Enterobacteriaceae

ABSTRACT We show here that chromosomal hha-like genes are restricted to the Enterobacteriaceae. The H-NS N-terminal domain of members of this family includes an unaltered seven-amino-acid sequence located between helixes 1 and 2, termed the Hha signature, that contains key residues for H-NS-Hha interaction.
Actual drawing of histological images improves knowledge retention

Medical students have to process a large amount of information during the first years of their study, which has to be retained over long periods of nonuse. Therefore, it would be beneficial when knowledge is gained in a way that promotes long‐term retention. Paper‐and‐pencil drawings for the uptake of form‐function relationships of basic tissues has been a teaching tool for a long time, but now seems to be redundant with virtual microscopy on computer‐screens and printers everywhere. Several studies claimed that, apart from learning from pictures, actual drawing of images significantly improved knowledge retention. However, these studies applied only immediate post‐tests. We investigated the effects of actual drawing of histological images, using randomized cross‐over design and different retention periods. The first part of the study concerned esophageal and tracheal epithelium, with 384 medical and biomedical sciences students randomly assigned to either the drawing or the nondrawing group. For the second part of the study, concerning heart muscle cells, students from the previous drawing group were now assigned to the nondrawing group and vice versa. One, four, and six weeks after the experimental intervention, the students were given a free recall test and a questionnaire or drawing exercise, to determine the amount of knowledge retention. The data from this study showed that knowledge retention was significantly improved in the drawing groups compared with the nondrawing groups, even after four or six weeks. This suggests that actual drawing of histological images can be used as a tool to improve long‐term knowledge retention. Anat Sci Educ. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Antiplatelet and lipid-lowering therapies for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: are we doing enough?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether current recommendations with respect to the treatment of dyslipidemias and the use of antiplatelet agents are being applied in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in primary care settings. DESIGN Descriptive study based on data from the FAMUS (FAmily Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke) primary care register. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Two-hundred and thirty-three physicians participating in the FAMUS project contributed information from nonpregnant patients over 20 years of age consulting for a periodic health examination between 1992 and 1996. INTERVENTIONS Data from patients in secondary prevention (those with or having had angina, a previous myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, coronary angioplasty or peripheral vascular disease) were extracted and analyzed. MAIN RESULTS Of the 52,505 patients in the register, 4315 (8%) were identified as being in secondary prevention. Overall, 53% were noted as receiving an antiplatelet agent while 4% were taking warfarin therapy. Only 64% (2780) had a complete lipid profile on record while 38% were being treated with a hypolipidemic agent. In the treated group, only 30% had a low density lipoprotein cholesterol level below 3.0 mmol/L compared with 22% in the untreated group. CONCLUSIONS A large number of patients identified as being in secondary prevention were not screened for dyslipidemias, and, of those who were, the majority were undertreated according to current recommendations. Antiplatelet agents were more widely prescribed but potentially underused.
Passive water flows driven across the isolated rabbit ileum by osmotic, hydrostatic and electrical gradients.

Water flows generated by osmotic and hydrostatic pressure and electrical currents were measured in sheets of isolated rabbit ileum at 20 degrees C. Flows across the mucosal and serosal surfaces were monitored continuously by simultaneous measurement of tissue volume change (with an optical lever) and net water flows across one surface of the tissue (with a capacitance transducer). Osmotic gradients were imposed across the mucosal and serosal surfaces of the tissue separately, using probe molecules of various sizes from ethanediol (68 Da) to dextrans (161 000 Da). Flows across each surface were elicited with very short delay. The magnitudes of the flows were proportional to the osmotic gradient and related to the size of the probe molecule. Osmotic flow across the mucosal surface was associated with streaming potentials which were due to electro‐osmotic water flow. The mucosal surface is a heteroporous barrier with narrow (0.7 nm radius, Lp (hydraulic conductivity) = (7.6 +/‐ 1.6) X 10(‐9) cm s‐1 cmH2O‐1) cation‐selective channels in parallel with wide neutral pores (ca. 6.5 nm radius, Lp = (2.3 +/‐ 0.2) X 10(‐7) cm s‐1 cmH2O‐1) which admit large pressure‐driven backflows from the submucosa to the lumen. There is additional evidence for a further set of narrow electroneutral pores less than 0.4 nm radius with Lp less than 7 X 10(‐9) cm s‐1 cmH2O‐1. The serosal surface has neutral pores of uniform radius (ca. 6.5 nm), Lp = (7.6 +/‐ 1.6) X 10(‐8) cm s‐1 cmH2O‐1. Hypertonic serosal solutions (100 mM‐sucrose) cause osmotic transfer of fluid from isotonic mucosal solutions into the submucosa, expand it, and elevate the tissue pressure to 19.6 +/‐ 3.2 cmH2O (n = 4). Conversely, hypertonic mucosal solutions (100 mM‐sucrose) draw fluid out of the submucosa in the presence of isotonic serosal solutions, collapse the submucosa, and lower the tissue pressure to ‐87.7 +/‐ 4.6 cmH2O (n = 5). Water flows coupled to cation movement could be generated across the mucosal surface in both directions by brief direct current pulses. The short latency of onset and cessation of flow (less than 2 s), absence of polarization potentials, and high electro‐osmotic coefficients (range 50‐520 mol water F‐1), together with the presence of streaming potentials during osmotically generated water flows indicate electro‐osmotic water flow through hydrated channels in the tight junctions and/or lateral intercellular spaces. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Spondylodiscitis and bacteremia due to Staphylococcus hyicus in an immunocompetent man.

INTRODUCTION Staphylococcus hyicus is a coagulase-variable Staphylococcus spp. well-known by veterinarians since it is the major agent of a severe cutaneous infection in piglets called exudative epidermitis. In other species the symptoms of infection are quite different. Human cases are uncommon but seem to occur more frequently after repeated contacts with farm animals. CASE REPORT We report the case of a 58-year-old man suffering from debilitating subacute lumbar pain, in whom diagnosis of infectious spondylodiscitis was based on spine MRI and positive microbiological results. A strain of S. hyicus was surprisingly isolated from blood cultures and bone biopsy. Identification was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS, Bruker, USA), and the patient was successfully cured with a six-week course of anti-staphylococcal antibiotic regimen. CONCLUSION The prevalence of S. hyicus in human clinical samples is very low, but may be underestimated. This pathogen may enter the bloodstream through a skin injury, and then induce various pyogenic manifestations in people working with farm animals. S. hyicus exfoliative toxins, responsible for dermatological lesions in piglets, seem unable to damage the human epidermis, explaining the absence of cutaneous blisters in the previously reported cases. Precise data about its pathogenicity in humans and the adequate therapy are lacking.
Activity and diving metabolism correlate in Steller sea lion Eumetopias jubatus

Three Steller sea lions Eumetopias jubatus were trained to participate in free-swim- ming, open-ocean experiments designed to determine if activity can be used to estimate the ener- getic cost of finding prey at depth. Sea lions were trained to dive to fixed depths of 10 to 50 m, and to re-surface inside a floating dome to measure energy expenditure via gas exchange. A 3-axis accelerometer was attached to the sea lions during foraging. Acceleration data were used to deter- mine the overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA), a proxy for activity. Results showed that ODBA correlated well with the diving metabolic rate (dive + surface interval) and that the variability in the relationship (r 2 = 0.47, linear regression including Sea lion as a random factor) was similar to that reported for other studies that used heart rate to estimate metabolic rate for sea lions swimming underwater in a 2 m deep water channel. A multivariate analysis suggested that both ODBA and dive duration were important for predicting diving metabolic cost, but ODBA alone predicted foraging cost to within 7% between animals. Consequently, collecting 3-dimensional acceleration data is a simple technique to estimate field metabolic rate of wild Steller sea lions and other diving mammals and birds.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Dementia and Kynurenic Acid

A female 49 years old patient with vestibular schwannoma developed normal pressure hydrocephalus. Patient complained about gait disturbance, urinary incontinence and memory impairment. Investigation of clinical parameter and measurement of kynurenic acid in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus and in corresponding controls (CO; N=15) were performed. Within investigated parameters significant increase of protein and IgG levels in CSF were found in patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Furthermore, kynurenic acid was increased in the CSF by 60% and in the serum by 40%, comparing to CO subjects. Kynurenic acid level in CO was in the CSF and serum 2.77 ± 0.23 and 53.4 ± 4.0 nM, respectively. Three lumbar punctures were applied to patient with normal pressure hydrocephalus and clinical parameters partially normalized and lowering of kynurenic acid levels in CSF and serum were observed. Patient was improving after each lumbar puncture but the effect was transient, therefore permanent CSF shunting was recommended. After that a complete remission of symptoms occurred. Revealed data indicate a significant advantage of single punctures in management of treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus. Increase of kynurenic acid in CSF represents interesting parameter. It is questionable if occurrence of cognition impairment and/or dementia in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus might be related to an enhancement of kynurenic acid in the CNS.