Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust Off- and Online Separation of Intracellularly Recorded Up and Down Cortical States

Background The neuronal cortical network generates slow (<1 Hz) spontaneous rhythmic activity that emerges from the recurrent connectivity. This activity occurs during slow wave sleep or anesthesia and also in cortical slices, consisting of alternating up (active, depolarized) and down (silent, hyperpolarized) states. The search for the underlying mechanisms and the possibility of analyzing network dynamics in vitro has been subject of numerous studies. This exposes the need for a detailed quantitative analysis of the membrane fluctuating behavior and computerized tools to automatically characterize the occurrence of up and down states. Methodology/Principal Findings Intracellular recordings from different areas of the cerebral cortex were obtained from both in vitro and in vivo preparations during slow oscillations. A method that separates up and down states recorded intracellularly is defined and analyzed here. The method exploits the crossover of moving averages, such that transitions between up and down membrane regimes can be anticipated based on recent and past voltage dynamics. We demonstrate experimentally the utility and performance of this method both offline and online, the online use allowing to trigger stimulation or other events in the desired period of the rhythm. This technique is compared with a histogram-based approach that separates the states by establishing one or two discriminating membrane potential levels. The robustness of the method presented here is tested on data that departs from highly regular alternating up and down states. Conclusions/Significance We define a simple method to detect cortical states that can be applied in real time for offline processing of large amounts of recorded data on conventional computers. Also, the online detection of up and down states will facilitate the study of cortical dynamics. An open-source MATLAB® toolbox, and Spike 2®-compatible version are made freely available.
Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on Reinitiation of Breathing after Neonatal Resuscitation in Rat Pups

To test our hypothesis that resuscitation with 21% and 40% oxygen (O2) would shorten time to onset of respiratory activity when compared with resuscitation with 100% O2, diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) electrodes were inserted in Sprague-Dawley rat pups, age 8–10 d before intubation and mechanical ventilation with 5% O2 to induce cessation of respiratory activity. Each animal was then resuscitated with 100% and 21% O2 (n = 10) or 100% and 40% O2 (n = 11) for 30 s before the ventilator was disconnected. Recovery of diaphragm activity was compared between resuscitation groups. Blood gas status and heart rate data were characterized in additional rat pups. Time to first respiratory effort was 36 ± 21 s (mean ± SD) for room air resuscitation and 72 ± 22 s for 100% O2, (p = 0.002). In contrast, there was no difference in time to onset of diaphragm activity when resuscitation with 40% O2 was compared with 100% O2: 84 ± 27 s versus 76 ± 23 s, respectively (p > 0.05). Resuscitation with 100% and 40% O2 both resulted in hyperoxia and hypocapnia when compared with room air, without effect on heart rate. Our findings indicate that even modest hyperoxic resuscitation will result in a delayed onset of respiration compared with normoxic gas, via a mechanism that may involve both hyperoxemic and hypocapnic inhibition of chemoreceptors.
Endurance of low back musculature: normative data for adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Lack of baseline values is a limitation in the quantification of physical performance testing of the low back muscles. The purpose of this study is to present an age and gender normative values for static back extensor muscles' endurance in adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Five hundred and sixty one healthy adults aged between 19 to 67 years volunteered for this study. Endurance of the low back musculature was assessed using modified Biering-Sørensen test of Static Muscular Endurance. The mean, standard deviation, and percentile scores for endurance time were determined for five gender / age groups classified on a range of 10 years. RESULTS The mean endurance time of all the participants was 113 ± 46 seconds. Men had higher mean endurance than women (t=3.309; p=0.001). Significant difference (F=32.702; p=0.001) was found in the endurance time across the age groups. There was an age and gender variation in the percentile values. The normative values demonstrate that a decrease in endurance time is expected with increasing age. The significant age and anthropometric differences across the age groups could contribute to the endurance differences. CONCLUSION These values could be used to compare a patient's score at intake and also serve as clinical target for which subsequent testing after treatment, at discharge and/or follow up can be compared, providing an indication of change in endurance capacity over time.
Can sources and receivers be interchanged for imaging?

The design of ultrasound scanning systems for applications such as breast cancer detection is a challenging task, especially when the number of sources and receivers increases and they become spread over a large surface. In order to determine the number of transducers and above all their position, several approaches could be followed. A simple and straightforward approach is to compute the energy distribution in the region of interest for several configurations, and treat each receiver as if it is a source. Here the underlying assumption is that the number of A-scans, i.e. number of sources times receivers, determines the image quality. This assumption is mainly based on reciprocity; the observation that the response RAB measured by a receiver located at B and a source at A is identical to the response RBA obtained after interchanging the source and receiver locations. This is valid for linear imaging methods. However, the question arises whether this is also the case for non-linear inversion methods. In this work, we evaluate the SAFT, CG and CSI imaging and inversion methods for different configurations of sources and receivers located uniformly distributed over a circular array, surrounding an heterogeneous medium. The obtained results show that with the linear SAFT and CG methods, the sources and receivers can be interchanged, and the resulting images are the same. However, for the non-linear CSI method, the results show that it is preferred to have more receivers than sources, despite the fact the measured signals are reciprocal.
Periprocedural Nebivolol for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Nebivolol provides a protective effect on contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) in animal models. However, the reports on the efficacy of nebivolol for the prevention of CIAKI in human remain unclear. Aims: The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of nebivolol for the prevention of CIAKI. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive literature searches were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database from inception through February 2015. Studies that reported relative risks, odd ratios, or hazard ratios comparing the risk of CIAKI in patients who received nebivolol versus those who did not were included. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effect, generic inverse variance method. Results: Four studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 2 cohort studies) with 543 patients were included in our analysis to assess the risk of CIAKI and the use of nebivolol. Patients in the nebivolol group had an overall lower incidence of CIAKI (14.4%) compared to the control group (18.4%). The pooled RR of CIAKI in patients receiving nebivolol was 0.66 (95% CI: 0.38-1.15, I2 = 0). When meta-analysis was limited only to randomized control trials (RCTs), the pooled RR of CIAKI in patients receiving nebivolol was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.35-1.79, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Despite no statistical significance, there was a trend toward reduced CIAKI risk in patients receiving nebivolol. The findings of our meta-analysis suggest the need of a large RCT with very careful attention to the balance of benefits and harms.
Complete Genes May Pass from Food to Human Blood

Our bloodstream is considered to be an environment well separated from the outside world and the digestive tract. According to the standard paradigm large macromolecules consumed with food cannot pass directly to the circulatory system. During digestion proteins and DNA are thought to be degraded into small constituents, amino acids and nucleic acids, respectively, and then absorbed by a complex active process and distributed to various parts of the body through the circulation system. Here, based on the analysis of over 1000 human samples from four independent studies, we report evidence that meal-derived DNA fragments which are large enough to carry complete genes can avoid degradation and through an unknown mechanism enter the human circulation system. In one of the blood samples the relative concentration of plant DNA is higher than the human DNA. The plant DNA concentration shows a surprisingly precise log-normal distribution in the plasma samples while non-plasma (cord blood) control sample was found to be free of plant DNA.
Direct Involvement of Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin (ERM)-binding Membrane Proteins in the Organization of Microvilli in Collaboration with Activated ERM Proteins

Ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) proteins have been thought to play a central role in the organization of cortical actin-based cytoskeletons including microvillar formation through cross-linking actin filaments and integral membrane proteins such as CD43, CD44, and ICAM-2. To examine the functions of these ERM-binding membrane proteins (ERMBMPs) in cortical morphogenesis, we overexpressed ERMBMPs (the extracellular domain of E-cadherin fused with the transmembrane/cytoplasmic domain of CD43, CD44, or ICAM-2) in various cultured cells. In cultured fibroblasts such as L and CV-1 cells, their overexpression significantly induced microvillar elongation, recruiting ERM proteins and actin filaments. When the ERM-binding domains were truncated from these molecules, their ability to induce microvillar elongation became undetectable. In contrast, in cultured epithelial cells such as MTD-1A and A431 cells, the overexpression of ERMBMPs did not elongate microvilli. However, in the presence of EGF, overexpression of ERMBMPs induced remarkable microvillar elongation in A431 cells. These results indicated that ERMBMPs function as organizing centers for cortical morphogenesis by organizing microvilli in collaboration with activated ERM proteins. Furthermore, immunodetection with a phosphorylated ERM-specific antibody and site-directed mutagenesis suggested that ERM proteins phosphorylated at their COOH-terminal threonine residue represent activated ERM proteins.
Cause of death * All causes All malignant neoplasms Buccal cavity and pharynx § HypopharynxH Esophagus Stomach LarynxU Lung Bladder Circulatory system diseases Respiratory system diseases Cirrhosis of the liver Ill-defined causes External causes Unknown causes

Little information is available on the role of risk factors for cancer of the larynx in survival. This study analyzed survival through the end of 1994 for 355 cases of laryngeal cancer diagnosed among residents of Turin, Italy, during 1979-1982. Relative survival at 5 years was 75% in women and 67% in men. The role of clinical and etiologic factors was analyzed in detail among 222 male cases. The role of nodal involvement as a strong predictor of poor survival was confirmed. Patients of low socioeconomic status experienced poorer survival than other patients, as did heavy smokers. Alcohol drinking and diet did not seem to strongly influence survival. Survival in this series of laryngeal cancer cases closely parallels that observed in other case series from Europe. While the results regarding socioeconomic status, tobacco smoking, and alcohol drinking parallel those of the few previous studies available, this investigation did not confirm a role for diet in the survival of laryngeal cancer patients, a finding that was recently seen in another study from northern Italy. Am J Epidemiol 1997; 145:1100-5.
Jedidiah Morse and the Bavarian Illuminati: An Essay in the Rhetoric of Conspiracy.

This study examines the role of the the jeremiad in shaping public attitudes toward political dissent during the Franco‐American Crisis of 1798‐99. Attention is focused on three widely publicized sermons in which the Reverend Jedidiah Morse disclosed details of a dark conspiracy involving both domestic critics of the Adams administration and a mysterious order of European anarchists known as the Bavarian Illuminati. By framing his suspicions in the form of a jeremiad, Morse evoked a rhetorical context which portrayed the conspiracy as a divine test of American civic piety. As a result, the conspiracy provided a rhetorical justification for the condemnation of domestic political dissent on moral grounds.
Consistent Pile-shape quantification for autonomous wheel loaders

This paper presents a study of approaches for selecting an efficient attack pose when loading piled materials with industrial construction vehicles. Automated handling of piled materials is a highly desired goal in many construction and mining applications. The main contributions of the paper are an experimental study of two novel approaches for selecting an attack pose from 3D data, compared to previously published approaches and extensions thereof. The outcome is based on quantitative validation, both with simulated data and data from a real-world scenario with nontrivial ground geometry.
The Rapid Perceptual Impact of Emotional Distractors

The brief presentation of an emotional distractor can temporarily impair perception of a subsequent, rapidly presented target, an effect known as emotion-induced blindness (EIB). How rapidly does this impairment unfold? To probe this question, we examined EIB for targets that immediately succeeded (“lag-1”) emotional distractors in a rapid stream of items relative to EIB for targets at later serial positions. Experiments 1 and 2 suggested that emotional distractors interfere with items presented very soon after them, with impaired target perception emerging as early as lag-1. Experiment 3 included an exploratory examination of individual differences, which suggested that EIB onsets more rapidly among participants scoring high in measures linked to negative affect.
Transdermal immunization: biological framework and translational perspectives

Introduction: The renaissance in drug delivery research during the past decade led to several new approaches toward vaccine development. Transdermal immunization (TI) is a promising modality with both practical and immunological merits. Compared with conventional routes of administration, this needle-free delivery approach with ability to target the rich immunologically milieu of the skin provides a dual-edged benefit. It not only elicits an effective immune response in both systemic and mucosal compartments but has the potential to make vaccine delivery more equitable, safer and efficient. Areas covered: Over the years, numerous studies have explored physical, chemical and nanocarrier-based strategies to develop vaccines using this attractive route of delivery. The review provides insight into the various facets including research at interface that might drive novel basic scientific ideas to translational outcomes. Expert opinion: As we continue to develop TI as a vaccine delivery method, it is important to consider the practical application of this method and device strategies that best fit the public health needs. In the authors' view, nanoengineering-based approaches holds a great promise to overcome the associated challenges in TI and might help to translate early laboratory successes into the development of effective clinical prophylactics.
Eye localization for face matching: is it always useful and under what conditions?

In this paper we address the influence of eye localization accuracy on face matching performance in the case of low resolution image and video content. By means of a broad experimental evaluation involving several base-line eye localizers and face matching algorithms we investigated to which extent and under what conditions the eye localization accuracy will benefit the face matching performance, both in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Our evaluation showed that (1) worst-case eye localization errors have a big impact on face matching performance, (2) in respect to that and under a minimum required accuracy, eye localization can boost performance of naive face matchers, (3) eye localization allows for more efficient face matching without degrading performance.
alpha8beta1 Integrin expression in the rat carotid artery: involvement in smooth muscle cell migration and neointima formation.

OBJECTIVE Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from the tunica media to the intima is a key event in neointima formation after coronary artery angioplasty. The central dogma in VSMC migration is cell modulation from the contractile to the noncontractile phenotype. Increased alpha8beta1 integrin expression, observed in situations where the majority of cells are in the contractile phenotype, led us to hypothesize that a decrease of alpha8beta1 integrin may play an important role in the migratory state of VSMCs. METHODS AND RESULTS To test this hypothesis, neointima formation was induced in the left common carotid artery of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by balloon dilatation. Immunohistochemical and Western blotting analysis showed reduced expression for up to 4 weeks of both the alpha8 and beta1 integrin subunits as well as smooth muscle alpha-actin in the tunica media following balloon injury. Moreover, ex vivo culture of carotid VSMCs revealed diminished alpha8 integrin expression in the platelet-derived growth-factor-dependent migratory state with an increase in the angiotensin-II-induced contractile state. To ascertain the functional role of alpha8 integrin in VSMC migration and proliferation, alpha8 gene expression was reduced by nearly 70% by short interference RNA (siRNA). Decreased alpha8 expression resulted in a significant increase of carotid VSMC migration but not of proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with those of other studies demonstrating that alpha8 integrin could be used as an appropriate differentiation marker. In addition, depressed alpha8 integrin expression (after vascular injury or siRNA knockdown) was correlated with heightened cell migratory activity, demonstrating its potential role in neointima formation.
In vitro susceptibilities and biotypes of Candida albicans isolates from the oral cavities of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Candida albicans strains were isolated from the oral cavities of 62 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients at different stages of HIV infection. Only patients with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related complex or full-blown AIDS showed typical clinical symptoms for oral candidiasis. In general, the microbiological recovery of Candida strains from the oral cavity increased with more advanced stages of HIV infection. The antifungal activity of ketoconazole, itraconazole, nystatin, amphotericin B, and flucytosine against all 62 strains was evaluated by means of a photometer-read broth microdilution method for determination of the 30% inhibitory concentrations of the drugs. The 95% ranges of 30% inhibitory concentrations were as follows: less than or equal to 0.063 to 32 micrograms/ml for ketoconazole, less than or equal to 0.063 to 8 micrograms/ml for itraconazole, 0.5 to 4 micrograms/ml for nystatin, less than or equal to 0.063 to 4 micrograms/ml for amphotericin B, and less than or equal to 0.063 to 8 micrograms/ml for flucytosine. Two strains were resistant to flucytosine, one was resistant to ketoconazole, and three were resistant to itraconazole. Isolates from patients with full-blown AIDS showed significantly less susceptibility to itraconazole, amphotericin B, and flucytosine. Strains were biotyped by using the API 20C carbohydrate assimilation system. The major biotype accounted for 63.9% of the isolates. At repeated evaluation, a change in biotype pattern was seen in 27.3%.
Identifying Re-finding Difficulty from User Query Logs

This paper presents a first study of how consistently human assessors are able to identify, from query logs, when searchers are facing difficulties re-finding documents. Using 12 assessors, we investigate the effect of two variables on assessor agreement: the assessment guideline detail, and assessor experience. The results indicate statistically significant better agreement when using detailed guidelines. An upper agreement of 78.9% was achieved, which is comparable to the levels of agreement in other information retrieval contexts. The effects of two contextual factors, representative of system performance and user effort, were studied. Significant differences between agreement levels were found for both factors, suggesting that contextual factors may play an important role in obtaining higher agreement levels. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how to generate ground truth data both in the re-finding and other labeling contexts, and have further implications for building automatic re-finding difficulty prediction models.
p185HER2 monoclonal antibody has antiproliferative effects in vitro and sensitizes human breast tumor cells to tumor necrosis factor

The HER2/c-erbB-2 gene encodes the epidermal growth factor receptorlike human homolog of the rat neu oncogene. Amplification of this gene in primary breast carcinomas has been show to correlate with poor clinical prognosis for certain cancer patients. We show here that a monoclonal antibody directed against the extracellular domain of p185HER2 specifically inhibits the growth of breast tumor-derived cell lines overexpressing the HER2/c-erbB-2 gene product and prevents HER2/c-erbB-2-transformed NIH 3T3 cells from forming colonies in soft agar. Furthermore, resistance to the cytotoxic effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha, which has been shown to be a consequence of HER2/c-erbB-2 overexpression, is significantly reduced in the presence of this antibody.
Silicon micromechanics: sensors and actuators on a chip

The techniques used to fabricate micromechanical structures are described. Bulk micromachining is routinely used to fabricate microstructures with critical dimensions that are precisely determined by the crystal structure of the silicon wafer, by etch-stop layer thicknesses, or by the lithographic masking pattern. Silicon fusion bonding has been used to fabricate micro silicon pressure sensor chips. Surface micromachining, based on depositing and etching structural and sacrificial films, allows the designer to exploit the uniformity with which chemical vapor deposition (CVD) films coat irregular surfaces as well as the patterning fidelity of modern plasma etching processes. Silicon accelerometers, resonant microsensors, motors, and pumps made by these techniques are discussed. Measuring the mechanical properties of silicon, which are important to these applications, is examined. <<ETX>>
The study of improved binarization algorithm and the design of fingerprint identification system

1 Abstract. Many domestic enterprises use punch machine for attendance management of coal mine workers, which leads to have some underground hidden danger and have difficulties to confirm the accident personnel and rescue them afterwards. This paper describes the design of a fingerprint recognition system for coal mine workers identity recognition, which can guarantee the safe production. The result of debugging shows that this system can operate stably and reliably, improving the accuracy and efficiency of the security check.