Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Network Architectures and Circuit Function: Testing Alternative Hypotheses in Multifunctional Networks

Understanding how species-typical movement patterns are organized in the nervous system is a central question in neurobiology. The current explanations involve ‘alphabet’ models in which an individual neuron may participate in the circuit for several behaviors but each behavior is specified by a specific neural circuit. However, not all of the well-studied model systems fit the ‘alphabet’ model. The ‘equation’ model provides an alternative possibility, whereby a system of parallel motor neurons, each with a unique (but overlapping) field of innervation, can account for the production of stereotyped behavior patterns by variable circuits. That is, it is possible for such patterns to arise as emergent properties of a generalized neural network in the absence of feedback, a simple version of a ‘self-organizing’ behavioral system. Comparison of systems of identified neurons suggest that the ‘alphabet’ model may account for most observations where CPGs act to organize motor patterns. Other well-known model systems, involving architectures corresponding to feed-forward neural networks with a hidden layer, may organize patterned behavior in a manner consistent with the ‘equation’ model. Such architectures are found in the Mauthner and reticulospinal circuits, ‘escape’ locomotion in cockroachs, CNS control of Aplysia gill, and may also be important in the coordination of sensory information and motor systems in insect mushroom bodies and the vertebrate hippocampus. The hidden layer of such networks may serve as an ‘internal representation’ of the behavioral state and/or body position of the animal, allowing the animal to fine-tune oriented, or particularly context-sensitive, movements to the prevalent conditions. Experiments designed to distinguish between the two models in cases where they make mutually exclusive predictions provide an opportunity to elucidate the neural mechanisms by which behavior is organized in vivo and in vitro.
Real-Time Self-Collision Avoidance for humanoid robot Based on Dynamic Task-Prior System

Self-collision between manipulator links is a physical constraint in designing and controlling the redundant manipulators. This paper proposes a task-prior algorithm to avoid self-collision during highly complex robotic whole-body motion. Based on 3D geometry information, a collision model with paired-up simple segments is constructed, in which collisions can be detected by calculating the distance between the pairs. To improve the real-time capability, nonlinear optimization method is employed to select potentially collusive pairs as candidates subjected to real-time monitoring. Dynamic task-prior structure is utilized not only to mitigate the conflict between self-collision avoidance and tracking the trajectory of the end-effector in the free-floating kinematic coordinates, but also to compare tracking accuracy under different task priorities. Experiments on both simulation and a full-body humanoid are designed to validate the task-prior algorithm. With the proposed method, the full-body humanoid robot succeeds in avoiding collision during horizontal and vertical movements of the arms.
Dietary Factors and Cancers of the Renal Pelvis and Ureter

In the United States, cancers of the renal pelvis and ureter (primarily transitional cell carcinomas) are rare and epidemiologic studies are infrequent compared with renal cell cancer (renal parenchyma) of the kidney (primarily adenocarcinomas) or bladder carcinomas [primarily transitional cell
Molecular analysis of the A322D mutation in the GABAA receptor α1‐subunit causing juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) belongs to the most common forms of hereditary epilepsy, the idiopathic generalized epilepsies. Although the mode of inheritance is usually complex, mutations in single genes have been shown to cause the disease in some families with autosomal dominant inheritance. The first mutation in a multigeneration JME family has been recently found in the α1‐subunit of the GABAA receptor (GABRA1), predicting the single amino acid substitution A322D. We further characterized the functional consequences of this mutation by coexpressing α1‐, β2‐ and γ2‐subunits in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. By using an ultrafast application system, mutant receptors have shown reduced macroscopic current amplitudes at saturating GABA concentrations and a highly reduced affinity to GABA compared to the wild‐type (WT). Dose–response curves for current amplitudes, activation kinetics, and GABA‐dependent desensitization parameters showed a parallel shift towards 30‐ to 40‐fold higher GABA concentrations. Both deactivation and resensitization kinetics were considerably accelerated in mutant channels. In addition, mutant receptors labelled with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were not integrated in the cell membrane, in contrast to WT receptors. Therefore, the A322D mutation leads to a severe loss‐of‐function of the human GABAA receptor by several mechanisms, including reduced surface expression, reduced GABA‐sensitivity, and accelerated deactivation. These molecular defects could decrease and shorten the resulting inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in vivo, which can induce a hyperexcitability of the postsynaptic membrane and explain the occurrence of epileptic seizures.
Multiple Transient Signals in Human Visual Cortex Associated with an Elementary Decision

The cerebral cortex continuously undergoes changes in its state, which are manifested in transient modulations of the cortical power spectrum. Cortical state changes also occur at full wakefulness and during rapid cognitive acts, such as perceptual decisions. Previous studies found a global modulation of beta-band (12–30 Hz) activity in human and monkey visual cortex during an elementary visual decision: reporting the appearance or disappearance of salient visual targets surrounded by a distractor. The previous studies disentangled neither the motor action associated with behavioral report nor other secondary processes, such as arousal, from perceptual decision processing per se. Here, we used magnetoencephalography in humans to pinpoint the factors underlying the beta-band modulation. We found that disappearances of a salient target were associated with beta-band suppression, and target reappearances with beta-band enhancement. This was true for both overt behavioral reports (immediate button presses) and silent counting of the perceptual events. This finding indicates that the beta-band modulation was unrelated to the execution of the motor act associated with a behavioral report of the perceptual decision. Further, changes in pupil-linked arousal, fixational eye movements, or gamma-band responses were not necessary for the beta-band modulation. Together, our results suggest that the beta-band modulation was a top-down signal associated with the process of converting graded perceptual signals into a categorical format underlying flexible behavior. This signal may have been fed back from brain regions involved in decision processing to visual cortex, thus enforcing a “decision-consistent” cortical state. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Elementary visual decisions are associated with a rapid state change in visual cortex, indexed by a modulation of neural activity in the beta-frequency range. Such decisions are also followed by other events that might affect the state of visual cortex, including the motor command associated with the report of the decision, an increase in pupil-linked arousal, fixational eye movements, and fluctuations in bottom-up sensory processing. Here, we ruled out the necessity of these events for the beta-band modulation of visual cortex. We propose that the modulation reflects a decision-related state change, which is induced by the conversion of graded perceptual signals into a categorical format underlying behavior. The resulting decision signal may be fed back to visual cortex.
Model Predictive Control using Prognosis and Health Monitoring of actuators

In order to keep a plant running until the next scheduled maintenance, a Prognosis and Health Monitoring (PHM) system may provide valuable information that can be used to distribute the control effort among the redundant actuators to avoid breakdown due to degradation. This paper proposes a Model Predictive Control (MPC) approach capable of distributing the control effort among actuators on the basis of PHM information, exploiting relations between control effort and actuator degradation. Constraints are then imposed to ensure that the accumulated actuator degradation will not reach a unsafe level at the end of MH. A simulated tank level control system is used as a case study to illustrate the details of the proposed approach. The results show that the predictive controller distributes the control effort in a suitable manner to relieve the actuator with larger accumulated damage.
Spectroscopic imaging with spectral domain visible light optical coherence microscopy in Alzheimer’s disease brain samples

A visible light spectral domain optical coherence microscopy system was developed. A high axial resolution of 0.88 μm in tissue was achieved using a broad visible light spectrum (425 – 685 nm). Healthy human brain tissue was imaged to quantify the difference between white (WM) and grey matter (GM) in intensity and attenuation. The high axial resolution enables the investigation of amyloid-beta plaques of various sizes in human brain tissue and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By performing a spectroscopic analysis of the OCM data, differences in the characteristics for WM, GM, and neuritic amyloid-beta plaques were found. To gain additional contrast, Congo red stained AD brain tissue was investigated. A first effort was made to investigate optically cleared mouse brain tissue to increase the penetration depth and visualize hyperscattering structures in deeper cortical regions.
Fast Calculation of Synaptic Conductances

The drawback of these solutions is that one must keep track of the times of occurrences of each spike that initiated the synaptic potentials, and recalculate each exponential in the summation at each time step. This creates a large storage and computational overhead. Since both these equations represent the impulse response of a second-order differential equation, another approach is to numerically integrate additional differential equations for each synapse in the network (Wilson and Bower 1989). We have developed an improved method for computing synaptic conductances that separates equations 1 and 2 into two components: one that is a function of the current time of the simulation and one that accumulates the contributions of previous spike events to the synaptic conductance. We demonstrate that this method requires only the storage of two running sums and the time constants for each synapse, and that it is mathematically equivalent to equations 1 and 2. We will then demonstrate that it is also faster for a given level of precision than numerically integrating differential equations for each synapse. We will first describe our algorithm for equation 1, and then for equation 2.
Transnationale Diskurse. Zur Analyse politischer Kommunikation in der europäischen Medienöffentlichkeit

In der Debatte um ein europaisches Demokratieund Offentlichkeitsdefizit wird haufig bemangelt, dass innerhalb der Europaischen Union keine transnationalen Diskurse gefuhrt wurden. Zwar informierten die nationalen Medien uber europapolitische Entscheidungen, ein vorheriger grenzuberschreitender Meinungsaustausch sei jedoch nicht zu beobachten. In diesem Beitrag wird erstens definiert, was unter einem transnationalen Diskurs in Europa genau zu verstehen ist, zweitens wird eine diskursanalytische Methode vorgeschlagen, mit der sich massenmediale Diskurse studieren lassen, wahrend drittens am Fall der offentlichen Debatte zu einem moglichen EU-Beitritt der Turkei empirische Ergebnisse prasentiert werden. Die allgemein gehaltene These, nach der grundsatzlich keine transnationale Interdiskursivitat in der europaischen Medienoffentlichkeit zu beobachten ist, muss daher als nicht langer haltbar zuruckgewiesen werden.
Effect of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise on Symptoms and Function Associated With Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

Background Current management of osteoarthritis (OA) focuses on pain control and maintaining physical function through pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and surgical treatments. Exercise, including therapeutic aquatic exercise (TAE), is considered one of the most important management options. Nevertheless, there is no up-to-date systematic review describing the effect of TAE on symptoms and function associated with lower limb OA. Purpose The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the effect of TAE on symptoms and function associated with lower limb OA. Data Sources The data sources used in this study were: MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. Study Selection All studies selected for review were randomized controlled trials with an aquatic exercise group and a nontreatment control group. In total, 11 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the synthesis and meta-analysis. Data Extraction Data were extracted and checked for accuracy by 3 independent reviewers. Data Synthesis Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated for all outcomes. The meta-analysis showed a significant TAE effect on pain (SMD=0.26 [95% CI=0.11, 0.41]), self-reported function (SMD=0.30 [95% CI=0.18, 0.43]), and physical functioning (SMD=0.22 [95% CI=0.07, 0.38]). Additionally, a significant effect was seen on stiffness (SMD=0.20 [95% CI=0.03, 0.36]) and quality of life (SMD=0.24 [95% CI=0.04, 0.45]). Limitations Heterogeneity of outcome measures and small sample sizes for many of the included trials imply that conclusions based on these results should be made with caution. Conclusions The results indicate that TAE is effective in managing symptoms associated with lower limb OA.
The product of tadZ, a new member of the parA/minD superfamily, localizes to a pole in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans establishes a tenacious biofilm that is important for periodontal disease. The tad locus encodes the components for the secretion and biogenesis of Flp pili, which are necessary for the biofilm to form. TadZ is required, but its function has been elusive. We show that tadZ genes belong to the parA/minD superfamily of genes and that TadZ from A. actinomycetemcomitans (AaTadZ) forms a polar focus in the cell independent of any other tad locus protein. Mutations indicate that regions in AaTadZ are required for polar localization and biofilm formation. We show that AaTadZ dimerizes and that all TadZ proteins are predicted to have a Walker‐like A box. However, they all lack the conserved lysine at position 6 (K6) present in the canonical Walker‐like A box. When the alanine residue (A6) in the atypical Walker‐like A box of AaTadZ was converted to lysine, the mutant protein remained able to dimerize and localize, but it was unable to allow the formation of a biofilm. Another essential biofilm protein, the ATPase (AaTadA), also localizes to a pole. However, its correct localization depends on the presence of AaTadZ. We suggest that the TadZ proteins mediate polar localization of the Tad secretion apparatus.
Looking at t'other : Robert Thornton's Yorkshire Oryent, c.1400-1473

This thesis examines the place of the “Oryent” in the socio-cultural milieu of Robert Thornton, a member of the North Riding gentry, circa 1400-1473. Using the figure of Thornton, and his two manuscripts, Lincoln, Lincoln Cathedral Library MS 91 and London, British Library MS Additional 31042, as a way of entering into this cultural landscape, it situates them in their historical and geographical contexts in order to explore the representations, reception of, and attitudes towards the people and material culture of the “Oryent” (employing Thornton’s own orthography and usage to define this region) as found in Thornton’s socio-cultural sphere. By then exploring both the cultural landscape, and the ideas presented by the manuscripts themselves, this thesis argues that, counter to much current critical thinking, those of Thornton’s circle possessed a sophisticated and nuanced understanding of the “Oryent,” and its people, the Jews and so-called “Saracens. ” Firstly it examines the real contemporary presence and usages of “Oryental” foodstuffs, fabrics and animals throughout Yorkshire. It then explores the remembered presence of the Jews, the evoked presence of the Holy Land in the city of York, and how these cultural memories influenced the experience of reading the alliterative romance Siege of Jerusalem. Finally it investigates the imagined literary figure of the Saracen, as located in Thornton’s manuscripts, how this figure was informed by scholastic ideas, and how these ideas impacted upon thoughts concerning Saracen conversion to Christianity. The thesis concludes that the Yorkshire literati enjoyed a sustained, informed and positive interaction with “Oryental” material culture that contrasted strongly with their hostile —yet still deeply considered—attitude towards the Jews, whilst their attitude towards the Saracens was more nuanced and, again, had been thought through thoroughly.
Experience of Diagnostic Coding In Irish General Practice: The Practice Perspective

Background: Coordinated research and diagnostic coding are both in their infancy in Irish general practice. As part of a larger project, which aimed to investigate the feasibility of primary diagnostic ICPC-2 coding in the Republic of Ireland with a view to creating a national morbidity database via the introduction of coding to a sample of computerised practices, a survey of GP experiences in this regard was undertaken. Research Question: What are the challenges, barriers and facilitators experienced by participating GP practices in terms of establishing diagnostic coding in their practice? Methods: An online survey of participating practices (n=25), including detailed open-ended responses, was carried out. Results: According to respondents, the most significant barriers to the implementation of diagnostic coding in Irish general practice include the impact on consultations with regard to time, patient care, the limitations (and resultant frustrations) of the practice management software (PMS) systems and the ICPC-2 classification structures. Respondents displayed a high level of competence in terms of using their PMS, a willingness to contribute towards the overall goal of a national morbidity register, a degree of flexibility in terms of adopting the initial additional workload, and perseverance in the knowledge of the existence of a learning curve in terms of diagnostic coding. Conclusions: There exist both technical and cultural barriers to the establishment of coding throughout Ireland; including issues in relation to the time required to code, and concerns about the specificity of the codes being used to adequately record morbidity. However, it is evident that the skills and desire exist to overcome these obstacles with a view to improving practice and patient management.
Distribution of LINEs and other repetitive elements in the karyotype of the bat Carollia: implications for X-chromosome inactivation

The Lyon repeat hypothesis postulates that long interspersed elements (LINEs) play a role in X-chromosome inactivation. Evidence to support this hypothesis includes the observation that the degree of inactivation of autosomes translocated to the X chromosome is correlated with LINE density on that autosome. We examined the distribution of LINEs in the fruit bat Carollia brevicauda, which has an autosomal translocation to the X that occurred at least 7 million years ago. A quantitative analysis of LINE accumulation on multiple metaphase chromosome spreads revealed a significant accumulation on the original X relative to the attached autosome, the homolog of that autosome (Y2), and chromosome 1. Previous replication studies indicate that for the X and attached autosome, only the original X chromosome replicates late in Carollia females, and that the attached autosome replicates in the same timeframe as other autosomes. These data are compatible with the Lyon repeat hypothesis, and the possibility that LINEs act as booster elements for X inactivation remains a viable hypothesis. We address the procedures and limitations of quantitative analysis based on in situ hybridization.
Effective bit selection methods for improving performance of packet classifications on IP routers

In recent years, high-performance routers are needed as well as increasing the link capacity to keep up with the Internet traffic explosion. Routers are preferable to store statistics of the incoming/outgoing traffic to realize the intelligent or policy-based services in the Internet. In this paper, we propose a new packet classification solution, which uses the combination of CAM and DRAM memories. Unlike other algorithms, we do not search the classifier by selecting the front bits, but select bits arbitrary from the classifier as the search key in the CAM. For this purpose, we propose new bit selection methods. Through simulation results, we show that our bit selection methods can decrease the delay of classification.
A World of Paradox: is that the Public Statement or Private Talk in Virtual Community?

Past studies mostly suggest that virtual community be the platform especially applicable for private exchange because people express themselves through hiding their real images and identities in online interaction. On the other hand, the anonymously private opinions at cyberspace are easily cited and forwarded as public ones because of the powerful search engines and hyperlink connections of internet. We consider that both public and private aspects coexist in the interaction of virtual community. This study is conducted as an interpretive research and uses the views of “front region” and “back region” in dramaturgical theory to unobtrusively observe a virtual community. We analyze the data upon hermeneutic circle to find out that the point of reference of the stage in virtual community is shaky. The virtual community can be both public and private channel at the same time just as the front region and back region overlapping. We also expect that the administrative team of every virtual community recognize the subject matter and elaborate an appropriate online environment for their members.
Oblique Spatial Dispersive Shock Waves in Nonlinear Schrödinger Flows

In dispersive media, hydrodynamic singularities are resolved by coherent wavetrains known as dispersive shock waves (DSWs). Only dynamically expanding, temporal DSWs are possible in one-dimensional media. The additional degree of freedom inherent in two-dimensional media allows for the generation of time-independent DSWs that exhibit spatial expansion. Spatial oblique DSWs, dispersive analogs of oblique shocks in classical media, are constructed utilizing Whitham modulation theory for a class of nonlinear Schrodinger boundary value problems. Self-similar, simple wave solutions of the modulation equations yield relations between the DSW's orientation and the upstream/downstream flow fields. Time dependent numerical simulations demonstrate a convective or absolute instability of oblique DSWs in supersonic flow over obstacles. The convective instability results in an effective stabilization of the DSW.