Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patterns of quadrupedal locomotion in a vertical clinging and leaping primate (Propithecus coquereli) with implications for understanding the functional demands of primate quadrupedal locomotion.

OBJECTIVES Many primates exhibit a suite of characteristics that distinguish their quadrupedal gaits from non-primate mammals including the use of a diagonal sequence gait, a relatively protracted humerus at touchdown, and relatively high peak vertical forces on the hindlimbs compared to the forelimbs. These characteristics are thought to have evolved together in early, small-bodied primates possibly in response to the mechanical demands of navigating and foraging in a complex arboreal environment. It remains unclear, however, whether primates that employ quadrupedalism only rarely demonstrate the common primate pattern of quadrupedalism or instead use the common non-primate pattern or an entirely different mechanical pattern from either group. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study compared the kinematics and kinetics of two habitually quadrupedal primates (Lemur catta and Varecia variegata) to those of a dedicated vertical clinger and leaper (Propithecus coquereli) during bouts of quadrupedal walking. RESULTS All three species employed diagonal sequence gaits almost exclusively, displayed similar degrees of humeral protraction, and exhibited lower vertical peak forces in the forelimbs compared to the hindlimb. DISCUSSION From the data in this study, it is possible to reject the idea that P. coquereli uses a non-primate pattern of quadrupedal walking mechanics. Nor do they use an entirely different mechanical pattern from either most primates or most non-primates during quadrupedal locomotion. These findings provide support for the idea that this suite of characteristics is adaptive for the challenges of arboreal locomotion in primates and that these features of primate locomotion may be basal to the order or evolved independently in multiple lineages including indriids. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:644-652, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ion Channel Function and Cross-Species Determinants in Viral Assembly of Nonprimate Hepacivirus p7

ABSTRACT Nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV), the closest homolog of hepatitis C virus (HCV) described to date, has recently been discovered in horses. Even though the two viruses share a similar genomic organization, conservation of the encoded hepaciviral proteins remains undetermined. The HCV p7 protein is localized within endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes and is important for the production of infectious particles. In this study, we analyzed the structural and functional features of NPHV p7 in addition to its role during virus assembly. Three-dimensional homology models for NPHV p7 using various nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) structures were generated, highlighting the conserved residues important for ion channel function. By applying a liposome permeability assay, we observed that NPHV p7 exhibited liposome permeability features similar to those of HCV p7, indicative of similar ion channel activity. Next, we characterized the viral protein using a p7-based trans-complementation approach. A similar subcellular localization pattern at the ER membrane was observed, although production of infectious particles was likely hindered by genetic incompatibilities with HCV proteins. To further characterize these cross-species constraints, chimeric viruses were constructed by substituting different regions of HCV p7 with NPHV p7. The N terminus and transmembrane domains were nonexchangeable and therefore constitute a cross-species barrier in hepaciviral assembly. In contrast, the basic loop and the C terminus of NPHV p7 were readily exchangeable, allowing production of infectious trans-complemented viral particles. In conclusion, comparison of NPHV and HCV p7 revealed structural and functional homology of these proteins, including liposome permeability, and broadly acting determinants that modulate hepaciviral virion assembly and contribute to the host-species barrier were identified. IMPORTANCE The recent discovery of new relatives of hepatitis C virus (HCV) enables for the first time the study of cross-species determinants shaping hepaciviral pathogenesis. Nonprimate hepacivirus (NPHV) was described to infect horses and represents so far the closest homolog of HCV. Both viruses encode the same viral proteins; however, NPHV protein functions remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to dissect NPHV p7 on a structural and functional level. By using various NMR structures of HCV p7 as templates, three-dimensional homology models for NPHV p7 were generated, highlighting conserved residues that are important for ion channel function. A p7-based trans-complementation approach and the construction of NPHV/HCV p7 chimeric viruses showed that the N terminus and transmembrane domains were nonexchangeable. In contrast, the basic loop and the C terminus of NPHV p7 were readily exchangeable, allowing production of infectious viral particles. These results identify species-specific constraints as well as exchangeable determinants in hepaciviral assembly.
Adjusting Pulse Amplitude During Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Does Not Provide Greater Hypoalgesia.

OBJECTIVES Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an electrotherapeutic modality commonly used in rehabilitation to relieve pain. Adjusting pulse amplitude (intensity) during TENS treatment has been suggested to overcome nerve habituation. However, it is still unclear if this procedure leads to greater hypoalgesia. The aim of this study was to determine if the hypoalgesic effect of TENS is greater when pulse amplitude is adjusted throughout the TENS treatment session in chronic low-back pain patients. DESIGN Randomized double-blind crossover study. SETTING Recruitment and assessment were conducted at the Clinique universitaire de réadaptation de l'Estrie (CURE) of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the Université de Sherbrooke. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-one volunteers with chronic low-back pain were enrolled and completed this investigation. INTERVENTIONS Each patient received two high-frequency TENS treatments on two separate sessions: (1) with adjustment of pulse amplitude and (2) without pulse amplitude adjustment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain intensity and unpleasantness were assessed before, during, and after TENS application with a 10 cm visual analog scale. RESULTS Both TENS conditions (with and without adjustment of intensity) decreased pain intensity and unpleasantness when compared with baseline. No difference was observed between the two stimulation conditions for both pain intensity and unpleasantness. CONCLUSION The current results suggest that adjustment of pulse amplitude during TENS application does not provide greater hypoalgesia in individuals with chronic low-back pain. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings in other pain populations.
An enhanced space vector PWM for nine-level inverter employing single voltage source

This paper presents an enhanced space vector pulse width modulation (ESVPWM) for nine-level inverter with reduced switch count utilizing single DC voltage source. The proposed SVPWM scheme is obtained by disintegrating higher level hexagons into two-level hexagons. Compared to conventional SVPWM technique, the proposed SVPWM techniques reduce the computational burden involved in SVM for nine-level inverter without losing the inverter output voltage profile. A further enhanced SVPWM (FESVPWM) technique is presented, which greatly reduces the computation efforts. Proposed SVPWM techniques are performed on nine-level inverter by using MAT LAB/SI MULINK software tool and compared with two well established Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) techniques.
High Frequency Remote Monitoring of Parkinson's Disease via Smartphone: Platform Overview and Medication Response Detection

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a smartphone-based high-frequency remote monitoring platform, assess its feasibility for remote monitoring of symptoms in Parkinson's disease, and demonstrate the value of data collected using the platform by detecting dopaminergic medication response. Methods: We have developed HopkinsPD, a novel smartphone-based monitoring platform, which measures symptoms actively (i.e. data are collected when a suite of tests is initiated by the individual at specific times during the day), and passively (i.e. data are collected continuously in the background). After data collection, we extract features to assess measures of five key behaviors related to PD symptoms -- voice, balance, gait, dexterity, and reaction time. A random forest classifier is used to discriminate measurements taken after a dose of medication (treatment) versus before the medication dose (baseline). Results: A worldwide study for remote PD monitoring was established using HopkinsPD in July, 2014. This study used entirely remote, online recruitment and installation, demonstrating highly cost-effective scalability. In six months, 226 individuals (121 PD and 105 controls) contributed over 46,000 hours of passive monitoring data and approximately 8,000 instances of structured tests of voice, balance, gait, reaction, and dexterity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to have collected data at such a scale for remote PD monitoring. Moreover, we demonstrate the initial ability to discriminate treatment from baseline with 71.0(+-0.4)% accuracy, which suggests medication response can be monitored remotely via smartphone-based measures.
Altered gastrointestinal motility involving autoantibodies in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that, in addition to motor, sensory, and cognitive symptoms, also causes constipation, which is poorly understood. Here, we characterize gastrointestinal (GI) dysmotility in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS and evaluate whether autoantibodies target the enteric nervous system (ENS) and cause dysmotility.
Neutrophil derived LTB4 induces macrophage aggregation in response to encapsulated Streptococcus iniae infection

Immune cells sense and react to a multitude of factors including both host and microbe-derived signals. Understanding how cells translate these cues into particular cellular behaviors is a complex yet critical area of study. We have previously shown that both neutrophils and macrophages are important for controlling the fish pathogen Streptococcus iniae. Here, we report both host and bacterial determinants leading to the formation of organized macrophage aggregates as part of the host inflammatory response in a subset of infected larvae. Streptococcal capsule was a required signal for aggregate formation. Macrophage aggregation coincided with NFκB activity, and the formation of these aggregates is mediated by leukotriene B4 (LTB4) produced by neutrophils. Depletion, inhibition, or genetic deletion of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (Lta4h), which catalyzes the last step in LTB4 synthesis, resulted in the absence of macrophage aggregation. Larvae with impaired neutrophil function also had impaired macrophage aggregation; however, aggregate formation was partially rescued with the addition of exogenous LTB4. Neutrophil-specific expression of lta4h was sufficient to rescue macrophage aggregation in Lta4h-deficient larvae and increased host survival following infection. In summary, our findings highlight a novel innate immune response to infection in which specific bacterial products drive neutrophils that modulate macrophage behavior through eicosanoid signaling.
Evaluation of correlation between NF-κB mediated PAI-1 gene and sepsis.

OBJECTIVE The present study is aimed to explore the correlation between PAI-1 gene mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and human sepsis. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this study, we used 74 cases of sepsis patients preserved by the laboratory as the observation group, and 68 cases of healthy people served the control group. Further methods like fluorescence quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western-blotting were used to determine NF-B expression, NF-κB gene mRNA analyses and protein expression on different research subjects. Further, the positive expression rates of PAI-1 gene in the observation group and the control group were determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The expression levels of NF-κB and PAI-1 gene mRNA in the blood of the observation group significantly increased in comparison to control group (X2 = 3.24, p < 0.05; X2 = 2.81, p < 0.05). Also, NF-κF and PAI-1 gene protein expressions (0.14 ug/l, 0.32 ug/l) were significantly higher in the observation group in comparison to control group (p < 0.05). The results of blood glucose measurement showed that the fasting blood glucose (14.3 mmol/l) in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.6 mmol/l). Immunohistochemical were also in sync with above results. CONCLUSIONS The present study concludes that PAI-1 gene expression gets significantly increased via NF-κF signaling pathway during sepsis.
Pursuing origins of (poly)ethylene glycol-induced G-quadruplex structural modulations

Abstract Molecular crowding conditions provided by high concentration of cosolutes are utilized for characterization of biomolecules in cell-mimicking environment and development of drug-delivery systems. In this context, (poly)ethylene glycols are often used for studying non-canonical DNA structures termed G-quadruplexes, which came into focus by emerging structural biology findings and new therapeutic drug design approaches. Recently, several reports were made arguing against using (poly)ethylene glycols in role of molecular crowding agents due to their direct impact on DNA G-quadruplex stability and topology. However, the available data on structural details underlying DNA interaction is very scarce and thus limits in-depth comprehension. Herein, structural and thermodynamic analyses were strategically combined to assess G-quadruplex-cosolute interactions and address previously reported variances regarding the driving forces of G-rich DNA structural transformations under molecular crowding conditions. With the use of complementary (CD, NMR and UV) spectroscopic methods and model approach we characterized DNA G-quadruplex in the presence of the smallest and one of the largest typically used (poly)ethylene glycols. Dehydration effect is the key contributor to ethylene-glycol-induced increased stability of the G-quadruplex, which is in the case of the large cosolute mainly guided by the subtle direct interactions between PEG 8000 and the outer G-quartet regions.
The C-Test: A Valid Measure to Test Second Language Proficiency?

The C-Test is a gap-filling test belonging to the family of the reduced redundancy tests which is used as an overall measure of general language proficiency in a second or a native language. There is no consensus on the construct underlying the C-Test and many researchers are still puzzled by what is actually activated when examinees take a C-Test. The purpose of the present study is to cast light on this issue by examining the factors that contribute to C-Test item difficulty. A number of factors were selected and entered into regression model to predict item difficulty. Linear logistic test model was also used to support the results of regression analysis. Findings showed that the selected factors only explained 12 per cent of the variance in item difficulty estimates. Implications of the study for C-Test validity and application are discussed.
Critical Parameters for Particle-Based Pulmonary Delivery of Chemotherapeutics.

Abstract Targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics through the respiratory system is a potential approach to improve drug accumulation in the lung tumor, while decreasing their negative side effects. However, elimination by the pulmonary clearance mechanisms, including the mucociliary transport system, and ingestion by the alveolar macrophages, rapid absorption into the blood, enzymatic degradation, and low control over the deposition rate and location remain the main complications for achieving an effective pulmonary drug delivery. Therefore, particle-based delivery systems have emerged to minimize pulmonary clearance mechanisms, enhance drug therapeutic efficacy, and control the release behavior. A successful implementation of a particle-based delivery system requires understanding the influential parameters in terms of drug carrier, inhalation technology, and health status of the patient's respiratory system. This review aims at investigating the parameters that significantly drive the clinical outcomes o.
Proprioception deficits in chronic stroke—Upper extremity function and daily living

Background Proprioception deficits are common post-stroke and predict poor functional outcome. It is unknown if the presence of proprioception deficits is negatively associated with the motor and functional ability of the affected upper extremity and daily living at the chronic stage post-stroke. Aims 1) To describe proprioception deficits of individuals with chronic stroke, 2) to correlate the severity of proprioception deficits with the motor and functional ability of the upper extremity, and 3) to compare independence in basic and instrumental activities in daily living (BADL, IADL), upper extremity motor and functional abilities between individuals with and without proprioception deficits. Methods 102 adults aged 29–85 years with chronic stroke participated in this cross sectional study. The upper extremity was assessed for proprioception (Thumb localization Test), motor [Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA)] and functional ability [Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block Test (BBT)], grip strength and daily use [Motor Activity Log (MAL)]. Independence in BADL and IADL was also assessed. Results 71 participants had intact proprioception, 31 participants had mild-moderate proprioception deficits. Negative significant (p<.001) correlations were found between the severity of proprioception deficits to the motor ability (FMA) (r = -.41), functional ability (ARAT) (r = -.48), dexterity (BBT) (r = -.43), grip strength (r = -.41) and daily-use (MAL amount and quality) (r = -.55 and r = -.54, respectively) of the affected upper extremity. Significant between-group differences were found for BADL, IADL and upper extremity measures. Conclusion Proprioception deficits of individuals with chronic stroke are negatively associated with upper extremity motor and functional abilities and independence in daily living. Therefore, proprioception should be assessed at the chronic stage post-stroke.
Long range order in 3D nanoparticle assemblies

Magnetic nanoparticles and their assembly in highly correlated structures are of great interest for future applications as e.g. spin-based data storage. These systems are not only distinguished by the obvious miniaturization but by the novel physical properties emerging due to their limited size and ordered arrangement, as well. The superstructures are formed from nanometer sized building blocks, ordered like atoms in a crystal, which renders them a new class of materials. To gain a profound understanding of these systems it is necessary to perform experiments on all length scales. The present work supplies an extensive and novel contribution to the investigation of the structural properties and the self-assembly of iron oxide nanoparticle superstructures. The unique combination of microscopy and scattering techniques allows a new understanding of the structural features of three dimensional structures that develop from the self-organization of these particles. In this thesis, magnetic nanoparticles have been deposited for this purpose using a self organization method to form long range ordered structures, so called mesocrystals. The process of self-assembling has been investigated for the influence of different deposition parameters and these parameters have been optimized. An in-situ study using grazing incidence x-ray scattering during the growth of the mesocrystals allowed the identification of different stages of the mesocrystal growth and its spatial position. From the combination of these different experiments it was possible to establish a model for the growth process governed by a shape and size selective arrangement of the particles. Another highlight of this work is the measurement on a single mesocrystal, which had only a volume of 2. 5μm3, leading to a challenging diffraction experiment. It was possible to extract structural quality parameters from this investigation, as e.g. the mosaicity, which would normally be masked by the distribution of the orientation and lattice parameters generally present in the normal samples that contain a large number of mesocrystals. A detailed analysis of the scattering patterns of different samples with mesocrystal ensembles yielded a refined structure model, which allowed the quantitative analysis of the data collected as well for in-situ created as for already deposited samples. In addition, a new rounded cubes form factor was developed for the modeling of small angle x-ray scattering and the single mesocrystal diffraction data. In conclusion, this work shows the large correlation in these nanoparticle superstructures, the distribution of different structural parameters that can be present in the samples and how much information can be extracted from the scattering patterns. Langreichweitige Ordnung in 3D Nanopartikelüberstrukturen
Appropriating Affordances. Three Practice Based Explorations

Affordance and Appropriation are related. An effective way of examining these phenomena is through practice. This paper discusses practice based exploration of affordance in the design of physical interfaces. This study follows a framework developed by Zimmerman et al (2007) based on Process Invention and Relevance. Three artefacts that explore affordance with tangible interfaces are presented. Aide Memoire demonstrates that what can be considered a simple and direct affordance may turn out to be a learnt affordance that only becomes simple through familiarity. The Homesick Aliens demonstrate the effectiveness of narrative in encouraging appropriation of a digital artefact. Giant Eyeballs demonstrates the direct appropriation of an affordance.
Mobility Support for Cellular Connected Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Performance and Analysis

Beyond visual line-of-sight connectivity is key for use cases of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as package delivery, infrastructure inspection, and rescue missions. Cellular networks stand ready to support flying UAVs by providing wide-area, quality, and secure connectivity for UAV operations. Ensuring reliable connections in the presence of UAV movements is important for safety control and operations of UAVs. With increasing height above the ground, the radio environment changes. Using terrestrial cellular networks to provide connectivity to the UAVs moving in the sky may face new challenges. In this article, we share some of our findings in mobility support for cellular connected UAVs. We first identify how the radio environment changes with altitude and analyze the corresponding implications on mobility performance. We then present evaluation results to shed light on the mobility performance of cellular connected UAVs. We also discuss potential enhancements for improving mobility performance in the sky.