Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning discriminative intention predictors for sit-to-stand assistance

Prediction of user motion intention is crucial for assistive robotics. Many previous studies have focused on only a single target motion. However, in practice, the user may also perform other motions. If a motion intention predictor constructed for the target motion is applied to other non-target motions, incorrect intention would be predicted and improper assistance might be provided to the user. To alleviate this issue, in this paper, we propose a discriminative intention predictor that has the capabilities of both intention prediction and target motion discrimination from non-target motions. Such a predictor can be constructed by learning latent features between the sensor input and prediction output of motion intention with the both target and non-target motion data. We applied it to the task of sit-to-stand timing prediction from surface electromyography and motion sensors. The experimental results show that our motion intention predictor certainly has capabilities of both intention prediction and motion discrimination. Furthermore, subjective experiments with a sit-to-stand assistance robot suggest that our approach can reduce the risk of improper assistance when the user performs non-target motions.
Acute kidney injury in the intensive care unit according to RIFLE*

Objectives:To apply the RIFLE criteria “risk,” “injury,” and “failure” for severity of acute kidney injury to patients admitted to the intensive care unit and to evaluate the significance of other prognostic factors. Design:Retrospective analysis of the Riyadh Intensive Care Program database. Setting:Riyadh Intensive Care Unit Program database of 41,972 patients admitted to 22 intensive care units in the United Kingdom and Germany between 1989 and 1999. Patients:Acute kidney injury as defined by the RIFLE classification occurred in 15,019 (35.8%) patients; 7,207 (17.2%) patients were at risk, 4,613 (11%) had injury, and 3,199 (7.6%) had failure. It was found that 797 (2.3%) patients had end-stage dialysis-dependent renal failure when admitted to an intensive care unit. Interventions:None. Measurements and Main Results:Patients with risk, injury, and failure classifications had hospital mortality rates of 20.9%, 45.6%, and 56.8%, respectively, compared with 8.4% among patients without acute kidney injury. Independent risk factors for hospital mortality were age (odds ratio 1.02); Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score on admission to intensive care unit (odds ratio 1.10); presence of preexisting end-stage disease (odds ratio 1.17); mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 1.52); RIFLE categories risk (odds ratio 1.40), injury (odds ratio 1.96), and failure (odds ratio 1.59); maximum number of failed organs (odds ratio 2.13); admission after emergency surgery (odds ratio 3.08); and nonsurgical admission (odds ratio 3.92). Renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury was not an independent risk factor for hospital mortality. Conclusions:The RIFLE classification was suitable for the definition of acute kidney injury in intensive care units. There was an association between acute kidney injury and hospital outcome, but associated organ failure, nonsurgical admission, and admission after emergency surgery had a greater impact on prognosis than severity of acute kidney injury.
Negative Regulation of Protein Translation by Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Interacting Kinases 1 and 2

ABSTRACT Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a key component of the translational machinery and an important modulator of cell growth and proliferation. The activity of eIF4E is thought to be regulated by interaction with inhibitory binding proteins (4E-BPs) and phosphorylation by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-interacting kinase (MNK) on Ser209 in response to mitogens and cellular stress. Here we demonstrate that phosphorylation of eIF4E via MNK1 is mediated via the activation of either the Erk or p38 pathway. We further show that expression of active mutants of MNK1 and MNK2 in 293 cells diminishes cap-dependent translation relative to cap-independent translation in a transient reporter assay. The same effect on cap-dependent translation was observed when MNK1 was activated by the Erk or p38 pathway. In line with these findings, addition of recombinant active MNK1 to rabbit reticulocyte lysate resulted in a reduced protein synthesis in vitro, and overexpression of MNK2 caused a decreased rate of protein synthesis in 293 cells. By using CGP 57380, a novel low-molecular-weight kinase inhibitor of MNK1, we demonstrate that eIF4E phosphorylation is not crucial to the formation of the initiation complex, mitogen-stimulated increase in cap-dependent translation, and cell proliferation. Our results imply that activation of MNK by MAP kinase pathways does not constitute a positive regulatory mechanism to cap-dependent translation. Instead, we propose that the kinase activity of MNKs, eventually through phosphorylation of eIF4E, may serve to limit cap-dependent translation under physiological conditions.
The neem limonoids azadirachtin and nimbolide induce cell cycle arrest and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells

Abstract Limonoids from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) have attracted considerable research attention in recent years owing to their potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects. The present study was designed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which azadirachtin and nimbolide exert cytotoxic effects in the human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line. Both azadirachtin and nimbolide significantly suppressed the viability of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner by inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase accompanied by p53-dependent p21 accumulation and down-regulation of the cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin B, cyclin D1 and PCNA. Characteristic changes in nuclear morphology, presence of a subdiploid peak and annexin-V staining pointed to apoptosis as the mode of cell death. Increased generation of reactive oxygen species with decline in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and release of cytochrome c confirmed that the neem limonoids transduced the apoptotic signal via the mitochondrial pathway. Altered expression of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, inhibition of NF-κB activation and over-expression of caspases and survivin provide compelling evidence that azadirachtin and nimbolide induce a shift of balance toward a pro-apoptotic phenotype. Antioxidants such as azadirachtin and nimbolide that can simultaneously arrest the cell cycle and target multiple molecules involved in mitochondrial apoptosis offer immense potential as anti-cancer therapeutic drugs.
Evaluation of the potential of diffusion-weighted imaging in prostate cancer detection

Background: Conventional T2-weighted (T2W) imaging alone has a poor sensitivity for prostate cancer detection. Purpose: To evaluate combined T2W and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) versus T2W MRI alone for identifying tumor in patients with prostate cancer. Material and Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients with prostate cancer (46 stage 1 and 2, 8 stage 3) and sextant biopsies within the previous 3 months were studied. Endorectal MR images were analyzed by two radiologists (1 experienced, 1 trainee) blinded to patient information and histopathology. T2W images were scored first, followed by combined T2W and isotropic apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps calculated from DW-MRI (b = 0, 300, 500, and 800 s/mm2). Gland apex, middle, and base for each side were scored negative, indeterminate, or positive for tumor. Imaging data for each sextant were compared with histology. Sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver agreement were calculated. Results: Sensitivity and specificity for tumor identification significantly improved from 50% and 79.6% (T2W alone, experienced observer) to 73.2% and 80.8% (P<0.001), respectively. For the trainee observer, there was no improvement (44.3% and 72% T2W alone vs. 45.1% and 69.2% T2W plus ADC maps). Interobserver agreement was moderate for T2W imaging alone (kappa 0.51) and fair for T2W plus ADC maps (kappa 0.33). Conclusion: In an experienced observer, DW-MRI together with T2W imaging can significantly improve tumor identification in prostate cancer.
Canalicular membrane transport is primarily responsible for the difference in hepatobiliary excretion of triethylmethylammonium and tributylmethylammonium in rats.

Two structurally similar quaternary ammonium compounds, triethylmethylammonium (TEMA, M(r) 116) and tributylmethylammonium (TBuMA, M(r) 200) were used as model compounds to identify the unit process of hepatobiliary excretion that is responsible for markedly different biliary excretion of organic cations (OCs). Cumulative biliary excretion (in percentage of dose; i.v., 12 micromol/kg) was 0.17 for TEMA and 34.5 for TBuMA. In vivo uptake clearance into the liver was 0.686 +/- 0.020 ml/min for TEMA and 0.421 +/- 0.028 ml/min for TBuMA. When the uptake clearance was examined in an isolated hepatocyte system, comparable clearance between TEMA and TBuMA was obtained, consistent with the in vivo result. These observations suggest that uptake into the liver is not the major determinant for the difference in biliary excretion of the OCs. Coadministration of colchicine, an inhibitor of microtubule formation, had no effect on biliary excretion of the model compounds, and the primary site of subcellular distribution of the OCs appears to be the cytosol, suggesting that intracellular movement does not play a major role in the markedly different biliary excretion of the OCs. In contrast, in vivo excretion clearance across the canalicular membrane for TBuMA was 180-fold greater than that for TEMA, and in vitro efflux clearance of TBuMA was smaller than that of TEMA (p <.01), indicative of involvement of these processes in the markedly different biliary excretion of the OCs. Therefore, these data indicate that canalicular transport is primarily responsible for the markedly different biliary excretion of TEMA and TBuMA.
Motor imagery classification by means of source analysis for brain–computer interface applications

We report a pilot study of performing classification of motor imagery for brain–computer interface applications, by means of source analysis of scalp-recorded EEGs. Independent component analysis (ICA) was used as a spatio-temporal filter extracting signal components relevant to left or right motor imagery (MI) tasks. Source analysis methods including equivalent dipole analysis and cortical current density imaging were applied to reconstruct equivalent neural sources corresponding to MI, and classification was performed based on the inverse solutions. The classification was considered correct if the equivalent source was found over the motor cortex in the corresponding hemisphere. A classification rate of about 80% was achieved in the human subject studied using both the equivalent dipole analysis and the cortical current density imaging analysis. The present promising results suggest that the source analysis approach could manifest a clearer picture on the cortical activity, and thus facilitate the classification of MI tasks from scalp EEGs.
Simulating the Legislative Process with LegSim

Abstract The use of active learning pedagogies gives students a more applied experience and aids in the retention of material, improvement of critical thinking, and overall student satisfaction. Among these pedagogies, long-form (complex, extended) simulations provide an excellent vehicle for teaching students about the legislative process. However, these simulations can be time-consuming and organizationally taxing. We use LegSim, an online simulation platform, to overcome these difficulties. LegSim allows for the easy execution of key simulation activities, such as bill introduction and referral and voting. It facilitates the organization of large quantities of information including legislative proposals, party rosters, caucus rosters, committee rosters, committee reports, and member participation. As a result, we have been able to incorporate substantial complexity into our legislative process simulations while keeping the task of administering the simulation manageable. Students represent real districts/states, introduce and cosponsor legislation, work in party groups and in committees, develop familiarity with legislative procedures and norms, and debate and vote on legislation. In this essay we discuss the key features of LegSim, explain our primary goals and design choices for the simulation, and reflect on students’ reaction to this kind of pedagogical activity.
The effect of Ca2+–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II on cardiac excitation–contraction coupling in ferret ventricular myocytes

1 The effect of Ca2+–calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) on excitation–contraction coupling (E–C coupling) was studied in intact ferret cardiac myocytes using the selective inhibitor KN‐93. KN‐93 decreased steady‐state (SS) twitch [Ca2+]i (by 51%), resting Ca2+ spark frequency (by 88%) and SS sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content evaluated by caffeine application (by 37.5%). 2 Increasing extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) to 5 mm in KN‐93 restored SR Ca2+ load and Ca2+ spark frequency towards that in control (2 mm Cao2+), but SS twitch [Ca2+]i was still significantly depressed by KN‐93. 3 KN‐93 decreased Ca2+ transient amplitude of SS twitches much more strongly than the amplitude of post‐rest (PR) twitches. In the control, the time constant (τ) of [Ca2+]i decline of SS twitches was faster than that for PR twitches. This stimulation‐dependent acceleration of [Ca2+]i decline was abolished by KN‐93. 4 Voltageclamp experiments demonstrated that KN‐93 significantly inhibited sarcolemmal L‐type Ca2+ current (ICa) during repetitive pulses by slowing recovery from inactivation. This may explain the preferential action of KN‐93 to suppress SS vs. PR twitches. 5 In KN‐93, even when both ICa and SR Ca2+ load were matched to the control levels by manipulation of conditioning voltage‐clamp pulses, contraction and twitch Ca2+ transients were still both significantly depressed (to 39 and 49% of control, respectively). 6 Since KN‐93 reduced SR Ca2+ release channel (RyR) activity during E–C coupling, even for matched SR Ca2+ load and trigger ICa, we infer that endogenous CaMKII is an important modulator of E–C coupling in intact cardiac myocytes. Effects of KN‐93 on ICa and SS twitch [Ca2+]i decline also indicate that endogenous CaMKII may have stimulatory effects on ICa and SR Ca2+ uptake.
NT-3 promotes nerve regeneration and sensory improvement in CMT1A mouse models and in patients

Background: Xenografts from patients with Charcot–Marie–Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) have shown delayed myelination and impaired regeneration of nude mice axons passing through the grafted segments. Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), an important component of the Schwann cell (SC) autocrine survival loop, could correct these deficiencies. Objective: To assess the efficacy of NT-3 treatment in preclinical studies using animal models of CMT1A and to conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, pilot clinical study to assess the efficacy of subcutaneously administered NT-3 in patients with CMT1A. Methods: Nude mice harboring CMT1A xenografts and TremblerJ mice with a peripheral myelin protein 22-point mutation were treated with NT-3, and the myelinated fiber (MF) and SC numbers were quantitated. Eight patients received either placebo (n = 4) or 150 μg/kg NT-3 (n = 4) three times a week for 6 months. MF regeneration in sural nerve biopsies before and after treatment served as the primary outcome measure. Additional endpoint measures included the Mayo Clinic Neuropathy Impairment Score (NIS), electrophysiologic measurements, quantitative muscle testing, and pegboard performance. Results: The NT-3 treatment augmented axonal regeneration in both animal models. For CMT1A patients, changes in the NT-3 group were different from those observed in the placebo group for the mean number of small MFs within regeneration units (p = 0.0001), solitary MFs, (p = 0.0002), and NIS (p = 0.0041). Significant improvements in these variables were detected in the NT-3 group but not in the placebo group. Pegboard performance was significantly worsened in the placebo group. NT-3 was well tolerated. Conclusion: Neurotrophin-3 augments nerve regeneration in animal models for CMT1A and may benefit patients clinically, but these results need further confirmation.
Survival Rates for International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage III Ovarian Carcinoma by Cell Type: A Study of 262 Unselected Patients With Uniform Pathologic Review

Objective Published data are conflicting on the influence of cell type on prognosis in ovarian cancer. The recent separation of low-grade serous carcinoma as a distinctive cell type of ovarian cancer with an indolent behavior, in retrospect, suggests that survival in studies that have not separated this group may be inaccurate. Methods An unselected series of 262 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III ovarian carcinomas was studied. Diagnostic classification of each tumor was made with particular attention to recent refinements in cell-type classification. Survival curves were constructed according to Kaplan-Meier and compared with the log-rank test. Results The 5-year survival for 207 high-grade serous carcinomas was 40%, as compared with 71% for 18 patients with low-grade serous carcinoma (P = 0.0113). Low-grade serous carcinoma was significantly more likely to be optimally debulked (P = 0.0039) and significantly less likely to be substage IIIC (P < 0.0001). The survival for carcinosarcoma was significantly inferior to all serous carcinomas (P = 0.0322). The significance of this latter comparison was lost when carcinosarcomas were compared with only high-grade serous carcinoma (P > 0.05). Conclusions Low-grade serous carcinoma has a significantly better prognosis than high-grade serous carcinoma and also differs with regard to substage distribution and proportion of patients optimally debulked. Because of its excellent prognosis, failure to separate low-grade serous carcinomas, notwithstanding its infrequent occurrence, can change the results of survival analyses that do not make this separation.
Image perceptual hash algorithm based on target character

This paper proposed a perceptual hashing algorithm based on the image shape target Using the Hu invariant moments, the scheme extract the image characters. Then, calculate the weighted average of the Hu invariant moments of the image and the normal processed image. Select five invariant moments which are good at differentiating normal image processing from malicious attacks to the hash. In authentication period, calculate the distance of two hash values to judge two images whether match or not. Finally, experimental simulations and theoretical analysis are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this algorithm.
Towards softwarization in the IoT: Integration and evaluation of t-res in the oneM2M architecture

Softwarization is a systemic trend which appears under several paradigms impacting networks, services and terminals evolution. Even the Internet of Things (IoT) scenario is going to be affected by this revolution. The efforts that are being made to provide IoT objects with embedded logic reconfiguration capabilities and the architectures that are being defined to support standard Machine-2-Machine (M2M) transactions are clear expressions of this trend. In this direction, a powerful framework to enable softwarization in constrained IoT objects is T-Res, where a virtual-machine based design is used to support execution tasks abstraction. To adopt T-Res in a real scenario in which device software functionalities can be remotely managed in an automatic fashion, its integration in a global M2M architecture must be defined. In this paper, the integration of TRes in the oneM2M architecture is presented, and its feasibility concerning application logic execution time and power consumption is analyzed by taking into account new generation devices. Performance results show that although oneM2M compliant TRes requires greater execution times and energy consumption when compared to a monolithic firmware approach, it results to be a feasible solution to be implemented in current and next generation IoT objects in order to provide advanced application logic reconfigurability features in softwarized ecosystems.
The differential expression of low‐threshold K+ currents generates distinct firing patterns in different subtypes of adult mouse trigeminal ganglion neurones

In adult mouse trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurones we identified three neuronal subpopulations, defined in terms of their firing response to protracted depolarizations, namely MF neurones, characterized by a multiple tonic firing; DMF neurones, characterized by a delay before the beginning of repetitive firing; and SS neurones, characterized by a strongly adapting response. The three subpopulations also differed in several other properties important for defining their functional role in vivo, namely soma size, action potential (AP) shape and capsaicin sensitivity. MF neurones had small soma, markedly long AP and mostly responded to capsaicin, properties typical of a subgroup of C‐type nociceptors. SS neurones had large soma, short AP duration and were mostly capsaicin insensitive, suggesting that most of them have functions other than nociception. DMF neurones were all capsaicin insensitive, had a small soma size and intermediate AP duration, making them functionally distinct from both MF and SS neurones. We investigated the ionic basis underlying the delay to the generation of the first AP of DMF neurones, and the strong adaptation of SS neurones. We found that the expression of a fast‐inactivating, 4‐AP‐ and CP‐339,818‐sensitive K+ current (IA) in DMF neurones plays a critical role in the generation of the delay, whereas a DTX‐sensitive K+ current (IDTX) selectively expressed in SS neurones appeared to be determinant for their strong firing adaptation. A minimal theoretical model of TG neuronal excitability confirmed that IA and IDTX have properties congruent with their suggested role.
The Relationship Between Social Media Data and Crime Rates in the United States

Crime monitoring tools are needed for public health and law enforcement officials to deploy appropriate resources and develop targeted interventions. Social media, such as Twitter, has been shown to be a feasible tool for monitoring and predicting public health events such as disease outbreaks. Social media might also serve as a feasible tool for crime surveillance. In this study, we collected Twitter data between May and December 2012 and crime data for the years 2012 and 2013 in the United States. We examined the association between crime data and drug-related tweets. We found that tweets from 2012 were strongly associated with county-level crime data in both 2012 and 2013. This study presents preliminary evidence that social media data can be used to help predict future crimes. We discuss how future research can build upon this initial study to further examine the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.