Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observations on the automatic compensation of reflex gain on varying the pre‐existing level of motor discharge in man.

The human stretch reflex is well known to show 'automatic gain compensation'; in other words, the electromyographic (e.m.g.) response evoked by a given disturbance increases progressively with the level of pre‐existing voluntary activity, and so remains an approximately constant proportion of the background. Such behaviour has now been observed using vibration as the stimulus to Ia action and recording the reflexly developed force, in addition to the e.m. g. Inhibition was studied as well as excitation by vibrating the antagonist as well as the agonist, and found to be similarly regulated. The experiments were performed on the elbow flexors while they were contracting isometrically under voluntary drive. The vibration was either square‐wave modulated at 5 Hz or delivered in bursts of one to five pulses. The latency of the e.m. g. responses produced by the latter was sufficiently short to show that gain compensation was a feature of spinal reflex action. In the Discussion, it is concluded that in principle 'automatic gain compensation' can be readily attributed to the known organization of the motoneurone pool. As the background force increases so does the number of active motoneurones available to be frequency‐modulated by a given input, and the larger and stronger will be those motor units which are on the verge of recruitment or de‐recruitment.
Epiblast‐restricted Cre expression in MORE mice: A tool to distinguish embryonic vs. extra‐embryonic gene function

We have generated a mouse line, MORE (Mox2Cre), which expresses the Cre recombinase from the Mox2 locus. This locus drives expression of Cre throughout the epiblast following implantation. A nls-Cre recombinase gene (provided by Steve O’Gorman) was inserted by homologous recombination in embryonic stem (ES) cells at the initiator ATG of the Mox2 gene, which maps to mouse chromosome 12 (Candia et al., 1992). The Cre gene was followed immediately by a neomycin resistance cassette (Fig. 1a). To maintain ﬁdelity of expression from the Mox2 locus, we replaced only the ﬁrst coding exon and 300 bp of the following intron. Correct recombination events in ES cells were conﬁrmed by Southern blot (Fig. 1b and c)
Extracellular free potassium and calcium during synchronous activity induced by 4‐aminopyridine in the juvenile rat hippocampus.

1. Field potential recordings and measurements of the extracellular concentration of free K+ ([K+]o) and Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) were made during application of 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP, 50 microM) in hippocampal slices that were obtained from 11‐ to 32‐day‐old rats. 2. Spontaneous field potentials recorded under this experimental condition in the CA3 stratum radiatum of slices from rats < 23 days old consisted of interictal (duration, 0.2‐1.4 s; intervals of occurrence, 0.9‐3.4 s) and ictal epileptiform discharges (duration, 5‐46 s; intervals of occurrence, 22‐259 s) and negative‐going potentials that often preceded the onset of ictal discharge. Ictal activity became rare in slices from rats > 25 days old. 3. The negative‐going potential (which also corresponded to the ictal discharge onset) was associated with [K+]o increases to 9.4 +/‐ 3.6 mM (mean +/‐ S.D.) from 3.25 mM baseline (n = 11 slices). [K+]o remained elevated at 5‐6 mM throughout the ictal event. Decreases in [Ca2+]o (from 1.8 mM baseline to 1.3 +/‐ 0.1 mM, n = 7) were observed during the ictal discharge. 4. Interictal and ictal discharges were abolished by the non‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2, 3‐dione (CNQX, 10 microM). CNQX and the NMDA receptor antagonist 3‐((+/‐)‐2‐carboxypiperazine‐4‐yl)propyl‐1‐phosphonic acid (CPP) did not influence negative‐going potentials or the associated [K+]o increases (peak values were 8.7 +/‐ 3.2 mM, n = 8), that were blocked, however, by bicuculline methiodide (BMI, 10 microM). 5. The mu‐opioid receptor agonist (D‐Ala2,N‐Me‐Phe4,Gly5‐ol)‐enkephalin (DAGO, 10 microM) which inhibits GABA release from interneurons, prevented the occurrence of both GABA‐mediated synchronous potentials and subsequent ictal discharges (n = 6) as well as the [K+]o elevations. DAGO effects were antagonized by naloxone (10 microM; n = 4). 6. The GABA‐mediated [K+]o elevations changed as a function of age. In hippocampal slices obtained from 11‐ to 17‐day‐old rats, peak values of 10.6 +/‐ 2.0 mM (n = 10) and half‐width durations of 8.7 +/‐ 1.3 s (n = 7) were observed. In slices obtained from 25‐ to 32‐day‐old animals these parameters were 5.2 +/‐ 0.5 mM (n = 13) and 4.6 +/‐ 1.1 s (n = 4), respectively. 7. This study shows that, in the juvenile rat hippocampus, 4‐AP induces a glutamatergic independent synchronous potential that is due to GABA released from inhibitory terminals and is associated with an increase in [K+]o. This [K+]o elevation undergoes age‐dependent changes, and is instrumental in synchronizing neurons thus initiating prolonged epileptiform discharges.
Block Distributed Compressive Sensing-Based Doubly Selective Channel Estimation and Pilot Design for Large-Scale MIMO Systems

The doubly selective (DS) channel estimation in the large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems is a challenging problem due to the large number of the channel coefficients to be estimated, which requires unaffordable and prohibitive pilot overhead. In this paper, first we conduct the analysis about the common sparsity of the basis expansion model (BEM) coefficients among all the BEM orders and all the transmit–receive antenna pairs. Then, a novel pilot pattern is proposed, which inserts the guard pilots to deal with the intercarrier interference under the superimposed pilot pattern. Moreover, by exploiting the common sparsity of the BEM coefficients among different BEM orders and different antennas, we propose a block distributed compressive sensing-based DS channel estimator for the large-scale MIMO systems. Its structured sparsity leads to the reduction of the pilot overhead under the premise of guaranteeing the accuracy of the estimation. Furthermore, taking consideration of the block structure, a pilot design algorithm referred to as block discrete stochastic optimization is proposed. It optimizes the pilot positions by reducing the coherence among different blocks of the measurement matrix. Besides, a linear smoothing method is extended to large-scale MIMO systems to improve the accuracy of the estimation. Simulation results verify the performance gains of our proposed estimator and the pilot design algorithm compared with the existing schemes.
Posttranslational Modification of Serine to Formylglycine in Bacterial Sulfatases

Cα-formylglycine is the catalytic residue of sulfatases. Formylglycine is generated by posttranslational modification of a cysteine (pro- and eukaryotes) or serine (prokaryotes) located in a conserved (C/S)XPXR motif. The modifying enzymes are unknown. AtsB, an iron-sulfur protein, is strictly required for modification of Ser72 in the periplasmic sulfatase AtsA ofKlebsiella pneumoniae. Here we show (i) that AtsB is a cytosolic protein acting on newly synthesized serine-type sulfatases, (ii) that AtsB-mediated FGly formation is dependent on AtsA's signal peptide, and (iii) that the cytosolic cysteine-type sulfatase ofPseudomonas aeruginosa can be converted into a substrate of AtsB if the cysteine is substituted by serine and a signal peptide is added. Thus, formylglycine formation in serine-type sulfatases depends both on AtsB and on the presence of a signal peptide, and AtsB can act on sulfatases of other species. AtsB physically interacts with AtsA in a Ser72-dependent manner, as shown in yeast two-hybrid and GST pull-down experiments. This strongly suggests that AtsB is the serine-modifying enzyme and that AtsB relies on a cytosolic function of the sulfatase's signal peptide.
Autotuning Stencil Computations with Structural Ordinal Regression Learning

Stencil computations expose a large and complex space of equivalent implementations. These computations often rely on autotuning techniques, based on iterative compilation or machine learning (ML), to achieve high performance. Iterative compilation autotuning is a challenging and time-consuming task that may be unaffordable in many scenarios. Meanwhile, traditional ML autotuning approaches exploiting classification algorithms (such as neural networks and support vector machines) face difficulties in capturing all features of large search spaces. This paper proposes a new way of automatically tuning stencil computations based on structural learning. By organizing the training data in a set of partially-sorted samples (i.e., rankings), the problem is formulated as a ranking prediction model, which translates to an ordinal regression problem. Our approach can be coupled with an iterative compilation method or used as a standalone autotuner. We demonstrate its potential by comparing it with state-of-the-art iterative compilation methods on a set of nine stencil codes and by analyzing the quality of the obtained ranking in terms of Kendall rank correlation coefficients.
The Survival Benefit of a Novel Trauma Workflow that Includes Immediate Whole-body Computed Tomography, Surgery, and Interventional Radiology, All in One Trauma Resuscitation Room

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a novel trauma workflow, using an interventional radiology (IVR)–computed tomography (CT) system in severe trauma. Background: In August 2011, we installed an IVR-CT system in our trauma resuscitation room. We named it the Hybrid emergency room (ER), as it enabled us to perform all examinations and treatments required for trauma in a single place. Methods: This retrospective historical control study conducted in Japan included consecutive severe (injury severity score ≥16) blunt trauma patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Conventional (from August 2007 to July 2011) or Hybrid ER (from August 2011 to July 2015). We set the primary endpoint as 28-day mortality. The secondary endpoints included cause of death and time course from arrival to start of CT and surgery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for clinically important variables was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Results: We included 696 patients: 360 in the Conventional group and 336 in the Hybrid ER group. The Hybrid ER group was significantly associated with decreased mortality [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 0.29–0.85); P = 0.011] and reduced deaths from exsanguination [0.17 (0.06–0.47); P = 0.001]. The time to CT initiation [Conventional 26 (21 to 32) minutes vs Hybrid ER 11 (8 to 16) minutes; P < 0.0001] and emergency procedure [68 (51 to 85) minutes vs 47 (37 to 57) minutes; P < 0.0001] were both shorter in the Hybrid ER group. Conclusion: This novel trauma workflow, comprising immediate CT diagnosis and rapid bleeding control without patient transfer, as realized in the Hybrid ER, may improve mortality in severe trauma.
Early archives of genetically-restricted proviral DNA in the female genital tract after heterosexual transmission of HIV-1

Objectives and method:In order to characterize human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants that are transmitted in women via heterosexual intercourse, the env V1-V3 sequences of HIV-1 provirus (DNA) and free virus (RNA) in paired samples of blood and cervicovaginal secretions of untreated chronically and primary infected African women were compared. Results:Env RNA sequences retrieved from plasma and genital compartments formed a single cluster in primary infection. In contrast, env RNA sequences from these two compartments were distinct in chronically infected women. Analysis of proviral DNA of primary infected women showed that most HIV-1 sequences derived from the genital epithelia form independent clusters from HIV-1 sequences of DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and RNA recovered from plasma and genital secretions. Similarly, the analysis of proviral DNA in the genital compartment of chronically infected women showed the persistence of genetically-restricted cluster of HIV-1. Conclusions:These observations indicate that a viral subpopulation is archived as proviral DNA in the female genital tract early in primary infection, and suggest that HIV-1 variants from the male donor are selected in the female mucosal site during male to female transmission of HIV-1.
Enhanced BIOlogically-inspired Spectrum Sharing for cognitive radio networks

Currently, spectrum access is generally regulated by governments via a fixed spectrum allocation policy. However, the tremendous increase in the spectrum access of the wireless technologies challenges the limited spectrum bands. Cognitive radio will be able to overcome this limitation by enabling users to detect and transmit over the temporarily unused spectrum bands. One of the most challenging tasks for cognitive radio is spectrum sharing. In this paper, the BIOlogically-inspired Spectrum Sharing (BIOSS) algorithm is enhanced (e-BIOSS) to achieve higher spectrum utilization. The e-BIOSS algorithm enables cognitive radio to select the appropriate channels to transmit while at the same time avoids interference to the incumbent users. Results clearly indicate that a significant improvement in performance can be achieved with e-BIOSS. This improvement will allow better utilization of frequency spectrum in the future.
Optimum Transceiver Designs in Two-Hop Amplify-and-Forward MIMO Relay Systems With SIC Receivers

We consider joint source/relay precoding in three-node two-hop amplify-and-forward (AF) multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) relay systems. In our systems, linear precoders are used at the source and the relay, and the QR successive interference cancelation (SIC) receiver is used at the destination. Our design criterion is to minimize the block error rate (BLER) of the receiver. Since the BLER is a complicated function of the source and relay precoders, and the power constraints are coupled, the optimization problem is difficult to solve. To overcome the difficulty, we first apply the primal decomposition approach, transforming the original optimization to a subproblem and a master problem. In the subproblem, the optimum source precoder can be obtained with the geometric mean decomposition (GMD). In the master problem, however, the optimum relay precoder cannot be straightforwardly obtained. We theoretically prove that the optimum relay precoder exhibits a matrix diagonalization property. Using this property, we can then transform the master problem into a scalar-variable concave optimization problem. A closed-form solution can be derived by the Karuch-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions. Finally, we extend our method to the two-hop AF MIMO relay system with the minimum mean square error (MMSE) SIC receiver. Assuming a unitary source precoder, we obtain the optimum source and relay precoders in closed form. Simulations show that the proposed transceivers can significantly improve the system performance.
Attitudes towards and perceptions of eco-driving and the role of feedback systems

This paper addresses whether eco-driving may be encouraged by providing drivers with feedback, and how eco-driving attitudes fit with other environmental attitudes. Eight focus groups, including fleet drivers, discussed how feedback and other motives might affect driving behaviour. A survey of 350 respondents investigated attitudes towards saving fuel, the role of incentives and use of eco-friendly products. The focus groups' findings show that the environment is a lower priority than comfort and convenience, that feedback might provide a stimulus to eco-driving and that saving money was less important than saving time. The attitude survey showed that price, convenience, attitudes and eco-driving are not conceptually linked together, that convenience is rated as more important than saving money from fuel efficiency and that although the environment is of concern, it is not a high enough priority to increase fuel efficiency. The findings are discussed in relation to the low level of priority given to environmental concerns and the inability of financial incentives presenting significant challenges in terms of changing the subjective norms of the majority of drivers. Practitioner summary: This paper, using focus groups and a questionnaire, aims to understand how feedback devices, attitudes and motivation can improve eco-driving behaviours. The incentive to save money by better fuel economy was found to be insufficient, and roles for feedback devices and how information is presented are identified.
A systematic review of intentional delivery in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes

Objective. To evaluate the effect of intentional delivery versus expectant management in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM). Methods. We searched electronic databases and trials registries, contacted experts, and checked reference lists of relevant studies. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials comparing intentional delivery versus expectant management after PPROM, the gestational age of participants was between 30 and 36 weeks, and the study reported one of several pre-determined outcomes. Results. Four studies were included in the meta-analysis. No difference was found between intentional delivery and expectant management in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) length of stay (LOS) (weighted mean difference (WMD) −0.81 day, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.66, 0.04), respiratory distress syndrome (risk difference (RD) −0.01, 95% CI −0.07, 0.06), and confirmed neonatal sepsis (RD −0.01, 95% CI −0.05, 0.04). One study found a significantly lower incidence of suspected neonatal sepsis among the intentional delivery group (RD −0.31, 95% CI −0.50, −0.12; number needed to treat (NNT) 3, 95% CI 2, 8). Maternal LOS was significantly shorter for the intentional delivery group (WMD −1.39 day, 95% CI −2.03, −0.75). There was a significant difference in the incidence of clinical chorioamnionitis favoring intentional delivery (RD −0.16, 95% CI −0.23, −0.10; NNT 6, 95% CI 5, 11). There was no significant difference in the incidence of other maternal outcomes, including cesarean section (RD 0.05, 95% CI −0.01, 0.11). Conclusions. Intentional delivery may be favorable to expectant management for some maternal outcomes (chorioamnionitis and LOS). There is insufficient evidence to suggest that either strategy is beneficial or harmful for the baby. Large multicenter trials with primary neonatal outcomes are required to assess whether intentional delivery is associated with less neonatal morbidity.
Generalized hybrid model-based/eigenvalue decomposition

In this paper, an advanced version of the hybrid Freeman/eigenvalue decomposition technique for land parameter extraction is presented, denoted as G3H. It is shown that vegetation areas and oriented objects such as urban building areas are well discriminated by the proposed technique as compared to the existing Cloude hybrid decomposition technique, denoted as F3Hc.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Critical Limb Ischemia

Background and Objective:Patients with critical limb ischemia have a perioperative cardiovascular morbidity comparable to patients with acute coronary syndromes. We hypothesized that perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy would improve biomarkers of atherothrombosis without causing unacceptable bleeding in patients undergoing surgery for critical limb ischemia. Methods:In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 108 patients undergoing infrainguinal revascularization or amputation for critical limb ischemia were maintained on aspirin (75 mg daily) and randomized to clopidogrel (600 mg prior to surgery, and 75 mg daily for 3 days; n = 50) or matched placebo (n = 58). Platelet activation and myocardial injury were assessed by flow cytometry and plasma troponin concentrations, respectively. Results:Clopidogrel reduced platelet-monocyte aggregation before surgery (38%–30%; P = 0.007). This was sustained in the postoperative period (P = 0.0019). There were 18 troponin-positive events (8 [16.0%] clopidogrel vs. 10 [17.2%] placebo; relative risk [RR]: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.39–2.17; P = 0.86). Half of troponin-positive events occurred preoperatively with clopidogrel causing a greater decline in troponin concentrations (P < 0.001). There was no increase in major life-threatening bleeding (7 [14%] vs. 6 [10%]; RR: 1.4, 95% CI: 0.49–3.76; P = 0.56) or minor bleeding (17 [34%] vs. 12 [21%]; RR 1.64, 95% CI: 0.87–3.1; P = 0.12), although blood transfusions were increased (28% vs. 12.6%, RR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0–5.29; P = 0.037). Conclusions:In patients with critical limb ischemia, perioperative dual antiplatelet therapy reduces biomarkers of atherothrombosis without causing unacceptable bleeding. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish whether dual antiplatelet therapy improves clinical outcome in high-risk patients undergoing vascular surgery.
Distinct Clathrin‐Coated Pits Sort Different G Protein‐Coupled Receptor Cargo

Upon activation, many G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) internalize by clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and are subsequently sorted to undergo recycling or lysosomal degradation. Here we observe that sorting can take place much earlier than previously thought, by entry of different GPCRs into distinct populations of clathrin‐coated pit (CCP). These distinct populations were revealed by analysis of two purinergic GPCRs, P2Y1 and P2Y12, which enter two populations of CCPs in a mutually exclusive manner. The mechanisms underlying early GPCR sorting involve differential kinase‐dependent processes because internalization of P2Y12 is mediated by GPCR kinases (GRKs) and arrestin, whereas P2Y1 internalization is GRK‐ and arrestin‐independent but requires protein kinase C. Importantly, the β2 adrenoceptor which also internalizes in a GRK‐dependent manner also traffics exclusively to P2Y12‐containing CCPs. Our data therefore reveal distinct populations of CCPs that sort GPCR cargo at the plasma membrane using different kinase‐dependent mechanisms.
Exfoliative toxin detection using reversed passive latex agglutination: clinical and epidemiologic applications

A rapid and simple method for detecting exfoliative toxin serotypes A and B from clinical isolates has been developed as a test kit (EXT-RPLA; Denka Seiken Co. Ltd., Niigata, Japan). This method is based on reversed passive latex agglutination. The detection limit of the EXT-RPLA observed for purified exfoliative toxin serotypes A and B was 1 ng/ml. We evaluated the clinical and epidemiologic uses of the EXT-RPLA. A total of 381 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, 292 from various clinical specimens and 89 from the skin of dermatologic patients, were studied. The EXT-RPLA detected 19 exfoliative toxin producers, including 16 serotype A producers and 3 serotype B producers, but no double producers. The sensitivity and specificity of the EXT-RPLA were confirmed by the newborn mouse bioassay and a PCR assay for the structural genes for exfoliative toxin serotypes A and B (eta and etb, respectively). The overall positivity rate of exfoliative toxin producers was 5.0% (19 of 381), including 16 serotype A isolates and 3 serotype B isolates. Of the 89 isolates from the skin of dermatologic patients, 12 (13.5%) were positive for exfoliative toxin production. Only 2 (1.3%) of the 153 methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates produced exfoliative toxin, while 17 (7.5%) of the 228 methicillin-sensitive isolates produced exfoliative toxin. The EXT-RPLA assay is a simple and reliable method for detecting exfoliative toxin, and we recommend its use for the rapid diagnosis of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. We also recommend its use for detection of this syndrome so that effective control measures can be taken against the spread of this syndrome.