Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increases of Quadriceps Inter-Muscular Cross-Correlation and Coherence during Exhausting Stepping Exercise

The aim of this study was to examine the change of the intermuscular cross-correlation and coherence of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) during exhausting stepping exercise. Eleven healthy adults repeated the stepping exercise up to their individual endurance limits (RPE score reached 20), and the cross-correlation and coherence were assessed by surface electromyography (EMG) recordings. The coefficient and time lag of cross-correlation and the coherence areas in the alpha (8–12 Hz), beta (15–30 Hz), gamma (30–60 Hz) and high-gamma (60–150 Hz) bands among the three muscle pairs (RF-VM, RF-VL and VM-VL) were calculated. As muscle fatigue, RF-VM and VM-VL showed increases of coefficients and the shortening of time lags. RF-VM and RF-VL showed increases of beta-band coherence in the ascent and descent phases, respectively. The increased intermuscular cross-correlation and beta-band coherence may be a compensatory strategy for maintaining the coordination of knee synergistic muscles during fatigue due to the fatigue-related disturbance of the corticospinal transmission. Therefore, the intermuscular cross-correlation and beta-band coherence may be a potential index for assessing muscle fatigue and monitoring the central control of motor function during dynamic fatiguing exercise.
Deciphering the microRNA transcriptome of skeletal muscle during porcine development

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in many important biological processes, such as growth and development in mammals. Various studies of porcine muscle development have mainly focused on identifying miRNAs that are important for fetal and adult muscle development; however, little is known about the role of miRNAs in middle-aged muscle development. Here, we present a comprehensive investigation of miRNA transcriptomes across five porcine muscle development stages, including one prenatal and four postnatal stages. We identified 404 known porcine miRNAs, 118 novel miRNAs, and 101 miRNAs that are conserved in other mammals. A set of universally abundant miRNAs was found across the distinct muscle development stages. This set of miRNAs may play important housekeeping roles that are involved in myogenesis. A short time-series expression miner analysis indicated significant variations in miRNA expression across distinct muscle development stages. We also found enhanced differentiation- and morphogenesis-related miRNA levels in the embryonic stage; conversely, apoptosis-related miRNA levels increased relatively later in muscle development. These results provide integral insight into miRNA function throughout pig muscle development stages. Our findings will promote further development of the pig as a model organism for human age-related muscle disease research.
Transport Phenomena and Clot Dissolving Therapy: An Experimental Investigation of Diffusion-Controlled and Permeation-Enhanced Fibrinolysis

Summary We have investigated the effects of diffusive and convective transport on fibrinolysis. Using a constant pressure drop (ΔP/L) from 0 to 3.7 mmHg/cm-clot to drive fluid permeation, various regimes of lytic agents were delivered into fine and coarse fibrin gels (3 mg/ml) and whole blood clots. Using plasmin (1 μM) delivered into pure fibrin or urokinase (1 μM) delivered into glu-plasminogen (2.2 μM)-laden fibrin, the velocity at which a lysis front moved across fibrin was greatly enhanced by increasing ΔP/L. Lysis of fine and coarse fibrin clots by 1 μM plasmin at ΔP/L of 3.67 and 1.835 mmHg/cm-clot, respectively, led to a 12-fold and 16-fold enhancement of the lysis front velocity compared to lysis without pressure-driven permeation. For uPA-me-diated lysis of coarse fibrin at ΔP/L = 3.67 mmHg/cm-clot, the velocity of the lysis front was 25-fold faster than the lysis front velocity measured in the absence of permeation. Similar permeation-enhanced phenomenon was seen for the lysis of whole blood clots. Without permeation, the placement of a lytic agent adjacent to a clot boundary led to a reaction front that moved at a velocity dependent on the concentration of plasmin or uPA used. Overall, these studies suggest that transport phenomena within the clot can play a major role in determining the time needed for reperfusion during fibrinolysis.
On Manipulation in Prediction Markets When Participants Influence Outcomes Directly

Prediction markets are often used as mechanisms to aggregate information about a future event, for example, whether a candidate will win an election. The event is typically assumed to be exogenous. In reality, participants may influence the outcome, and therefore (1) running the prediction market could change the incentives of participants in the process that creates the outcome (for example, agents may want to change their vote in an election), and (2) simple results such as the myopic incentive compatibility of proper scoring rules no longer hold in the prediction market itself. We introduce a model of games of this kind, where agents first trade in a prediction market and then take an action that influences the market outcome. Our two-stage two-player model, despite its simplicity, captures two aspects of real-world prediction markets: (1) agents may directly influence the outcome, (2) some of the agents instrumental in deciding the outcome may not take part in the prediction market. We show that this game has two different types of perfect Bayesian equilibria, which we term LPP and HPP, depending on the values of the belief parameters: in the LPP domain, equilibrium prices reveal expected market outcomes conditional on the participants' private information, whereas HPP equilibria are collusive -- participants effectively coordinate in an uninformative and untruthful way.
Opposing gates model for voltage gating of gap junction channels.

Gap junctions are intercellular channels that link the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. Because a gap junction channel is composed of two connexons docking head-to-head with each other, the channel voltage-gating profile is symmetrical for homotypic channels made of two identical connexons (hemichannels) and asymmetric for the heterotypic channels made of two different connexons (i.e., different connexin composition). In this study we have developed a gating model that allows quantitative characterization of the voltage gating of homotypic and heterotypic channels. This model differs from the present model in use by integrating, rather than separating, the contributions of the voltage gates of the two member connexons. The gating profile can now be fitted over the entire voltage range, eliminating the previous need for data splicing and fusion of two hemichannel descriptions, which is problematic when dealing with heterotypic channels. This model also provides a practical formula to render quantitative several previously qualitative concepts, including a similarity principle for matching a voltage gate to its host connexon, assignment of gating polarity to a connexon, and the effect of docking interactions between two member connexons in an intact gap junction channel.
Positive Allosteric Modulation of the Muscarinic M1 Receptor Improves Efficacy of Antipsychotics in Mouse Glutamatergic Deficit Models of Behavior

Current antipsychotics are effective in treating the positive symptoms associated with schizophrenia, but they remain suboptimal in targeting cognitive dysfunction. Recent studies have suggested that positive allosteric modulation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) may provide a novel means of improving cognition. However, very little is known about the potential of combination therapies in extending coverage across schizophrenic symptom domains. This study investigated the effect of the M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator BQCA [1-(4-methoxybenzyl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid], alone or in combination with haloperidol (a first-generation antipsychotic), clozapine (a second-generation atypical antipsychotic), or aripiprazole (a third-generation atypical antipsychotic), in reversing deficits in sensorimotor gating and spatial memory induced by the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, MK-801 [(5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine]. Sensorimotor gating and spatial memory induction are two models that represent aspects of schizophrenia modeled in rodents. In prepulse inhibition (an operational measure of sensorimotor gating), BQCA alone had minimal effects but exhibited different levels of efficacy in reversing MK-801–induced prepulse inhibition disruptions when combined with a subeffective dose of each of the three (currently prescribed) antipsychotics. Furthermore, the combined effect of BQCA and clozapine was absent in M1−/− mice. Interestingly, although BQCA alone had no effect in reversing MK-801–induced memory impairments in a Y-maze spatial test, we observed a reversal upon the combination of BQCA with atypical antipsychotics, but not with haloperidol. These findings provide proof of concept that a judicious combination of existing antipsychotics with a selective M1 mAChR positive allosteric modulator can extend antipsychotic efficacy in glutamatergic deficit models of behavior.
6D Object Detection and Next-Best-View Prediction in the Crowd

6D object detection and pose estimation in the crowd (scenes with multiple object instances, severe foreground occlusions and background distractors), has become an important problem in many rapidly evolving technological areas such as robotics and augmented reality. Single shot-based 6D pose estimators with manually designed features are still unable to tackle the above challenges, motivating the research towards unsupervised feature learning and next-best-view estimation. In this work, we present a complete framework for both single shot-based 6D object pose estimation and next-best-view prediction based on Hough Forests, the state of the art object pose estimator that performs classification and regression jointly. Rather than using manually designed features we a) propose an unsupervised feature learnt from depth-invariant patches using a Sparse Autoencoder and b) offer an extensive evaluation of various state of the art features. Furthermore, taking advantage of the clustering performed in the leaf nodes of Hough Forests, we learn to estimate the reduction of uncertainty in other views, formulating the problem of selecting the next-best-view. To further improve 6D object pose estimation, we propose an improved joint registration and hypotheses verification module as a final refinement step to reject false detections. We provide two additional challenging datasets inspired from realistic scenarios to extensively evaluate the state of the art and our framework. One is related to domestic environments and the other depicts a bin-picking scenario mostly found in industrial settings. We show that our framework significantly outperforms state of the art both on public and on our datasets.
Functional study of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nha1p C‐terminus

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells possess an alkali metal cation antiporter encoded by the NHA1 gene. Nha1p is unique in the family of yeast Na+/H+ antiporters on account of its broad substrate specificity (Na+, Li+, K+) and its long C‐terminus (56% of the whole protein). In order to study the role of the C‐terminus in Nha1p function, we constructed a series of 13 truncated NHA1 versions ranging from the complete one (2958 nucleotides, 985 amino acids) down to the shortest version (1416 nucleotides, 472 amino acids), with only 41 amino acid residues after the last putative transmembrane domain. Truncated NHA1 versions were expressed in an S. cerevisiae alkali metal cation‐sensitive strain (B31; ena1–4Δ nha1Δ). We found that the entire Nha1p C‐terminus domain is not necessary for either the proper localization of the antiporter in the plasma membrane or the transport of all four substrates (we identified rubidium as the fourth Nha1p substrate). Partial truncation of the C‐terminus of about 70 terminal amino acids improves the tolerance of cells to Na+, Li+ and Rb+ compared with cells expressing the complete Nha1p. The presence of the neighbouring part of the C‐terminus (amino acids 883–928), rich in aspartate and glutamate residues, is necessary for the maintenance of maximum Nha1p activity towards sodium and lithium. In the case of potassium, the participation of the long C‐terminus in the regulation of intracellular potassium content is demonstrated. We also present evidence that the Nha1p C‐terminus is involved in the cell response to sudden changes in environmental osmolarity.
The cost‐effectiveness of contemporary home haemodialysis modalities compared with facility haemodialysis: A systematic review of full economic evaluations

The financial burden of the increasing dialysis population challenges healthcare resources internationally. Home haemodialysis offers many benefits over conventional facility dialysis including superior clinical, patient‐centred outcomes and reduced cost. This review updates a previous review, conducted a decade prior, incorporating contemporary home dialysis techniques of frequent and nocturnal dialysis. We sought comparative cost‐effectiveness studies of home versus facility haemodialysis (HD) for people with end‐stage kidney failure (ESKF).
The Development of Disruptive Behavioral Disorders and Correlated Constraints: Implications for Intervention

A systems perspective of the development of disruptive behavioral disorders is presented and discussed with an emphasis on correlated constraints. The concept of correlated constraints suggests that behavior development involves the interconnected contributions of multiple factors working together as a system. Implications of this perspective are considered in relation to prevention and treatment, social skills interventions, and service delivery for youths with and at risk of developing emotional or behavioral disorders.
Introduction to Multicanonical Monte Carlo Simulations

Monte Carlo simulation with a-priori unknown weights have attracted recent attention and progress has been made in understand- ing (i) the technical feasibility of such simulations and (ii) classes of systems for which such simulations lead to major improvements over conventional Monte Carlo simulations. After briefly sketching the his- tory of multicanonical calculations and their range of application, a general introduction in the context of the statistical physics of the d- dimensional generalized Potts models is given. Multicanonical simu- lations yield canonical expectation values for a range of temperatures or any other parameter(s) for which appropriate weights can be con- structed. We shall address in some details the question how the mul- ticanonical weights are actually obtained. Subsequently miscellaneous topics related to the considered algorithms are reviewed. Then multi- canonical studies of first order phase transitions are discussed and finally applications to complex systems such as spin glasses and proteins.
A rodent model for the study of invariant visual object recognition

The human visual system is able to recognize objects despite tremendous variation in their appearance on the retina resulting from variation in view, size, lighting, etc. This ability—known as “invariant” object recognition—is central to visual perception, yet its computational underpinnings are poorly understood. Traditionally, nonhuman primates have been the animal model-of-choice for investigating the neuronal substrates of invariant recognition, because their visual systems closely mirror our own. Meanwhile, simpler and more accessible animal models such as rodents have been largely overlooked as possible models of higher-level visual functions, because their brains are often assumed to lack advanced visual processing machinery. As a result, little is known about rodents' ability to process complex visual stimuli in the face of real-world image variation. In the present work, we show that rats possess more advanced visual abilities than previously appreciated. Specifically, we trained pigmented rats to perform a visual task that required them to recognize objects despite substantial variation in their appearance, due to changes in size, view, and lighting. Critically, rats were able to spontaneously generalize to previously unseen transformations of learned objects. These results provide the first systematic evidence for invariant object recognition in rats and argue for an increased focus on rodents as models for studying high-level visual processing.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Hypoxia-Responsive Genes in the Rice Blast Fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae

Rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most destructive pathogen in the rice-growing area. This fungus has a biotrophic phase early in infection and later switches to a necrotrophic lifestyle. During the biotrophic phase, the fungus competes with its host for nutrients and oxygen. Continuous uptake of oxygen is essential for successful establishment of blast disease of this pathogen. Here, we report transcriptional responses of the fungus to oxygen limitation. Transcriptome analysis using RNA-Seq identified that 1,047 genes were up-regulated in response to hypoxia. Those genes are involved in mycelial development, sterol biosynthesis, and metal ion transport based on hierarchical GO terms, and are well-conserved among three fungal species. In addition, null mutants of two hypoxia-responsive genes were generated and their roles in fungal development and pathogenicity tested. The mutant for the sterol regulatory element-binding protein gene, MoSRE1, exhibited increased sensitivity to a hypoxia-mimicking agent, increased conidiation, and delayed invasive growth within host cells, which is suggestive of important roles in fungal development. However, such defects did not cause any significant decrease in disease severity. The other null mutant, for the alcohol dehydrogenase gene MoADH1, showed no defect in the hypoxia-mimicking condition (using cobalt chloride) and fungal development. Taken together, this comprehensive transcriptional profiling in response to a hypoxic condition with experimental validations would provide new insights into fungal development and pathogenicity in plant pathogenic fungi.
AFLP utility for population assignment studies: analytical investigation and empirical comparison with microsatellites

Individual‐based population assignment tests have thus far mainly relied on the use of microsatellite loci. However, the logistic difficulty of screening large numbers of loci required to reach sufficient statistical power hampers the usefulness of microsatellites in situations of weak population structuring. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) represents an alternative for overcoming this logistical issue as the technique allows the user to characterize a much larger number of loci with a comparable analytical effort. In this study, an assignment test based on maximum likelihood for dominant markers was used to investigate the potential usefulness of AFLP for population assignment. We also compared assignment success achieved with AFLP with that obtained using microsatellites in a case study of low population differentiation involving whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) sympatric ecotypes. The analytical investigation showed that the minimum number of AFLP loci required to reach an assignment success of 95% stood within values that are easily achievable in many situations. This also showed how assignment success varied according to the number of AFLP loci used, their absolute frequency and their frequency differential and sampling errors, as well as the number of putative source populations. The case study showed that given a comparable analytical effort in the laboratory, AFLP were much more efficient than the microsatellite loci in discriminating the source of an individual among putative populations. AFLP resulted in higher assignment success at all levels of stringency and the log‐likelihood differences between populations obtained with AFLP for each individual were much larger than those obtained with microsatellites. These results indicate that research involving individual‐based population assignment methods should benefit importantly from the use of AFLP markers, especially in systems characterized by weak population structuring.
Harvesting Application Information for Industry-Scale Relational Schema Matching

Consider the problem of migrating a company’s CRM or ERP database from one application to another, or integrating two such databases as a result of a merger. This problem requires matching two large relational schemas with hundreds and sometimes thousands of fields. Further, the correct match is likely complex: rather than a simple one-to-one alignment, some fields in the source database may map to multiple fields in the target database, and others may have no equivalent fields in the target database. Despite major advances in schema matching, fully automated solutions to large relational schema matching problems are still elusive. This paper focuses on improving the accuracy of automated large relational schema matching. Our key insight is the observation that modern database applications have a rich user interface that typically exhibits more consistency across applications than the underlying schemas. We associate UI widgets in the application with the underlying database fields on which they operate and demonstrate that this association delivers new information useful for matching large and complex relational schemas. Additionally, we show how to formalize the schema matching problem as a quadratic program, and solve it efficiently using standard optimization and machine learning techniques. We evaluate our approach on real-world CRM applications with hundreds of fields and show that it improves the accuracy by a factor of 2-4x.
Techniques for Estimating the Bit Error Rate in the Simulation of Digital Communication Systems

Computer simulation is often used to estimate the bit error rate (BER) performance of digital communication systems. There are a number of distinct techniques in the simulation context that can be used to construct this estimate. A tutorial exposition of such techniques is provided, with particular reference to five specific methods which can be implemented in a simulation. These methods range from the traditional Monte Carlo trials to assumption of definite forms for the noise statistics. An attempt is made to show how these methods are related, and the specific assumptions that are invoked in order to apply them.
Representing Conditional Independence Using Decision Trees

While the representation of decision trees is fully expressive theoretically, it has been observed that traditional decision trees has the replication problem. This problem makes decision trees to be large and learnable only when sufficient training data are available. In this paper, we present a new representation model, conditional independence trees (CITrees), to tackle the replication problem from probability perspective. We propose a novel algorithm for learning CITrees. Our experiments show that CITrees outperform naive Bayes (Langley, Iba, & Thomas 1992), C4.5 (Quinlan 1993), TAN (Friedman, Geiger, & Goldszmidt 1997), and AODE (Webb, Boughton, & Wang 2005) significantly in classification accuracy.