Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fixation cells in monkey superior colliculus. I. Characteristics of cell discharge.

1. We studied the role of the superior colliculus (SC) in the control of visual fixation by recording from cells in the rostral pole of the SC in awake monkeys that were trained to perform fixation and saccade tasks. 2. We identified a subset of neurons in three monkeys that we refer to as fixation cells. These cells increased their tonic discharge rate when the monkey actively fixated a visible target spot to obtain a reward. This sustained activity persisted when the visual stimulation of the target spot was momentarily removed but the monkey was required to continue fixation. 3. The fixation cells were in the rostral pole of the SC. As the electrode descended through the SC, we encountered visual cells with foveal and parafoveal receptive fields most superficially, saccade-related burst cells with parafoveal movement fields below these visual cells, and fixation cells below the burst cells. From this sequence in depth, the fixation cells appeared to be centered in the deeper reaches of the intermediate layers, and this was confirmed by small marking lesions identified histologically. 4. During saccades, the tonically active fixation cells showed a pause in their rate of discharge. The duration of this pause was correlated to the duration of the saccade. Many cells did not decrease their discharge rate for small-amplitude contraversive saccades. 5. The saccade-related pause in fixation cell discharge always began before the onset of the saccade. The mean time from pause onset to saccade onset for contraversive saccades and ipsiversive saccades was 36.2 and 33.0 ms, respectively. Most fixation cells were reactivated before the end of contraversive saccades. The mean time from saccade terminatioN to pause end was -2.6 ms for contraversive saccades and 9.9 ms for ipsiversive saccades. The end of the saccade-related pause in fixation cell discharge was more tightly correlated to saccade termination, than pause onset was to saccade onset. 6. After the saccade-related pause in discharge, many fixation cells showed an increased discharge rate exceeding that before the pause. This increased postsaccadic discharge rate persisted for several hundred milliseconds. 7. The discharge rate of fixation cells was not consistently altered when the monkey actively fixated targets requiring different orbital positions. 8. Fixation cells discharged during smooth pursuit eye movements as they did during fixation. They maintained a steady tonic discharge during pursuit at different speeds and in different directions, provided the monkey looked at the moving target. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Urinary 8-Oxoguanine as a Predictor of Survival in Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

Background: Because of the importance to identify prognostic indicator for radiotherapy, herein we decided to check whether the parameters which describe oxidative stress/DNA damage may be used as a marker of the therapy. The aim of this work was to investigate whether fractionated radiotherapy of patients with cancer (n = 99) is responsible for oxidative DNA damage on the level of the whole organism and whether the biomarkers of the damage such as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and its modified base 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxo-Gua) in urine and DNA may be used as a predictor of radiotherapy success. Methods: All the aforementioned modifications were analyzed using techniques which involve high-performance liquid chromatography/electrochemical detection (HPLC/EC) or HPLC/gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results: Of all analyzed parameters only patients with significantly elevated urinary excretion of the 8-oxo-Gua with concomitant unchanged level of 8-oxo-dG in leukocytes DNA in the samples collected 24 hours after the first fraction in comparison to the initial level have significantly increased survival time (60 months after the treatment, survival of 50% of the patients who fulfill the above mentioned criteria, in comparison with 10% of the patients who did not). Conclusions: Results of our work suggest that patients with higher urinary 8-oxo-Gua and concomitant stable level of 8-oxo-dG in leukocytes DNA, after 24 hours of the first dose should be regarded as better responder to radiotherapy as being at lower risk of mortality. Impact: The above mentioned statement could make it possible to use these parameters as markers to predict the clinical success. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(4); 629–34. ©2012 AACR.
Who needs a friend? Marital status transitions and physical health outcomes in later life.

OBJECTIVE This study assessed the moderating role of 2 types of confidante relationships in mitigating the negative health impact of transitions involving spousal loss in late life (widowhood and divorce/separation). METHOD The sample included 707 respondents who participated in the 1992 and 2004 waves of the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS, 2007) all of whom were married at Time 1 and by Time 2 experienced either an end of the marriage resulting from widowhood or divorce/separation or remained continuously married to the same spouse. The majority of the sample was female (n = 457) and 64.3 years old on average. Three indicators of physical health were examined, including somatic depressive symptomatology, self-rated health, and number of sick days in the preceding year. RESULTS Moderated regression analyses showed that the availability of a friend as confidante at Time 2 played a significant moderating role in the link between marital transitions and health outcomes, buffering the health impact of widowhood. Specifically, among those who became widowed between the 2 waves, those who had available a friend as confidante at Time 2 reported significantly lower somatic depressive symptoms, better self-rated health, and fewer sick days in bed during the preceding year than those who reported not having a friend as confidante. No support was obtained for the moderating role of having a family member as confidante at Time 2 in the link from marital transitions to health. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the need to develop means to maintain and enhance confiding friendships among widowed older adults.
Patients' revisions of their beliefs about the need for hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE An influential rationale for involuntary hospitalization is that prospective patients who refuse hospitalization at the time it is offered are likely to change their belief about the necessity of hospitalization after receiving hospital treatment. The authors examine how patients changed their evaluations of psychiatric hospitalization following hospital treatment. METHOD The authors studied 433 patients who were interviewed about their hospitalization within 2 days of their admission to a psychiatric hospital; 267 of these patients were reinterviewed 4-8 weeks following discharge. RESULTS When reinterviewed at follow-up, 33 (52%) of 64 patients who said at admission that they did not need hospitalization said that, in retrospect, they believed they had needed it. Only 9 (5%) of 198 patients who said at admission that they needed hospitalization shifted to saying that they had not needed it. CONCLUSIONS Many of the patients who initially judged that they did not need hospitalization revised their belief after hospital discharge and reported that they had needed hospital treatment. However, perceptions of coercion were stable from admission to follow-up, and patients' attitudes toward hospitalization did not become more positive. Coerced patients did not appear to be grateful for the experience of hospitalization, even if they later concluded that they had needed it.
A sensitive method for the identification of uncharacterized viruses related to known virus groups: hepadnavirus model system.

Amino acid sequence similarity of the reverse transcriptases encoded by retroviruses and hepadnaviruses was first reported by Toh, H. , Hayashida, H. & Miyata, T. (1983) Nature (London) 305, 827-829. The regions of similarity extend over a small number of amino acids and require the introduction of gaps through the open reading frame. By using an octapeptide region as the sole criterion for "taxonomic" classification, we have grouped the oncoviruses into two distinct categories and the lentiviruses and hepadnaviruses into two additional groupings. This classification suggests that murine and feline leukemia viruses may be more closely related to the viruses that are associated with leukemia in primates and cattle than had been appreciated. We have exploited a portion of this region because of the minimal translational codon degeneracy of the conserved residues. Unique oligonucleotides from this region have been designed and used in the primer-directed in vitro DNA amplification of the hepadnaviruses as a model system. In addition, mixtures of oligonucleotides with various sequences but of the same length were demonstrated to be efficient primers. The amplification procedure enabled dramatic increases in sensitivity and coincident detection of mammalian and avian genomes. This approach will be a valuable tool to detect and characterize members of viral groups. In addition, since short stretches of similarity have been frequently identified in related but distinct genes, such an approach could prove a valuable asset to molecular studies in general.
Differential analysis of bifurcations and isolated singularities for robots and mechanisms

This article develops a general technique for differential analysis that can be applied to singularities of three related problems: path tracking for nonredundant robots, self-motion analysis for robots with one degree of redundancy, and displacement analysis of single-loop mechanisms. For each of these problems, the locus of displacement solutions generally forms a set of one-dimensional manifolds in the space of variable parameters. However, if singularities occur, the manifolds may degenerate into isolated points, or into curves that include bifurcations at the singular points. Higher-order equations, derived from Taylor series expansion of the matrix equation of closure, are solved to identify singularity type and, in the case of bifurcations, to determine the number of intersecting branches as well as a Taylor series expansion of each branch about the point of bifurcation. To avoid unbounded mathematics, branch expansions are derived in terms of an introduced curve parameter. The results are useful for identifying singularity type, for numerical curve tracking with continuation past bifurcations on any chosen branch, and for determining exact rate relations for each branch at a bifurcation. The noniterative solution procedure involves configuration-dependent systems of equations that are evaluated by recursive algorithm, then solved using singular value decomposition, polynomial equation solution, and linear system solution. Examples show applications to RCRCR mechanisms and the Puma manipulator. >
Effect of Obesity on Asthma Phenotype is Dependent upon Asthma Severity

Background. We recently reported that obese and non-obese patients with asthma have similar airflow limitation and bronchodilator responsiveness, but obese patients have more symptoms overall. There is limited information on the effect of obesity on asthmatics of varying severity measured by objective physiological parameters. Understanding how obesity affects asthmatics of differing severity can provide insights into the pathogenesis of asthma in the obese and a rationale for the therapeutic approach to such patients. Methods. Participants with asthma from two American Lung Association—Asthma Clinical Research Center (ALA-ACRC) studies were grouped by tertiles of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%) predicted, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC)) and methacholine reactivity (PC20FEV1). Within each tertile, we examined the independent effect of body mass index (BMI), divided into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories, on lung function, airway reactivity, and symptoms. Results. Overall, both FEV1 and FVC decreased and symptoms worsened with increasing BMI; airway reactivity was unchanged. When stratified by the degree of airflow obstruction, higher BMI was not associated with greater airway reactivity to methacholine. Higher BMI was associated with more asthma symptoms only in the least obstructed FEV1/FVC tertile. When stratified by degree of airway reactivity, BMI was inversely associated with FVC in all PC20FEV1 tertiles. BMI was directly associated with asthma symptoms only in those with the least airway reactivity. Conclusions. Obesity does not influence airway reactivity in patients with asthma and it is associated with more symptoms only in those with less severe disease.
QoS‐aware replica placement for grid computing

In this paper, we consider the QoS‐aware replica placement problem. Although there has been much research on the problem, most approaches focus on the average system performance and ignore the quality assurance issue. However, quality assurance is crucial, especially in heterogeneous environments. To fill this research gap, we proposed four heuristic algorithms to determine the locations of replicas in order to satisfy the quality requirements imposed by data requests. Three of the algorithms are greedy heuristics called Greedy‐Cover, Cover‐Partition and Multi‐Source. The fourth algorithm is based on the Simulated Annealing technique. Our experiment results indicated that Greedy‐Cover and the Simulated Annealing‐based algorithms can find effective solutions efficiently. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outcome of cases of de novo structural rearrangements diagnosed at amniocentesis

The frequency of de novo rearrangements at amniocentesis was determined in 76952 prenatal diagnoses from centres in the United States. Rates for balanced rearrangements are slightly greater than rates previously reported in the newborn, possibly because banding studies were not used in the latter. Rates for unbalanced rearrangements are considerably higher in the amniocentesis data not only because banding was used but also because a substantial loss of abnormal conceptions is to be expected between amniocentesis and birth. The higher frequency of cases with supernumerary markers at amniocentesis is unexplained.
The Utility of Serum C-Reactive Protein in Differentiating Bacterial from Nonbacterial Pneumonia in Children: A Meta-Analysis of 1230 Children

Background: Differentiating bacterial from nonbacterial community-acquired pneumonia in children is difficult. Although several studies have evaluated serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a predictor of bacterial pneumonia in this patient population, the utility of this test remains unclear. Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively define the utility of serum CRP as a predictor of bacterial pneumonia in acutely ill children. Methods: Multiple databases were searched, bibliographies reviewed, and 2 authorities in the field were queried. Studies were included if: (1) the patient population was between 1 month and 18 years of age; (2) CRP was quantified in all subjects as part of the initial evaluation of a suspected, infectious, pulmonary process; (3) a cutoff serum CRP concentration between 30 and 60 mg/dL was used to distinguish nonbacterial from bacterial pneumonia; (4) some criteria were applied to differentiate bacterial from nonbacterial or viral pneumonia; (5) all patients were acutely ill; and (6) a chest radiograph was obtained as part of the initial evaluation. The quality of each included study was determined across 4 metrics: diagnostic criteria; study design; exclusion of chronically ill or human immunodeficiency virus infected subjects; and exclusion of patients who recently received antibiotics. Data was extracted from each article; the primary outcome measure was the odds ratio of patients with bacterial or mixed etiology pneumonia and serum CRP concentrations exceeding 30–60 mg/L. Heterogeneity among the studies was determined by Cochran’s Q statistic; the methods of both Mantel and Haenszel, and DerSimonian and Laird were used to combine the study results. Results: Eight studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. Combining all of the studies demonstrated a pooled study population of 1230 patients with the incidence of bacterial infection of 41%. Children with bacterial pneumonia were significantly more likely to have serum CRP concentrations exceeding 35–60 mg/L than children with nonbacterial infections (odds ratio = 2.58, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–5.55). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that this difference was robust. There was significant heterogeneity among the 8 studies (Q = 37.7, P < 0.001, I2 = 81.4) that remained throughout the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: In children with pneumonia, serum CRP concentrations exceeding 40–60 mg/L weakly predict a bacterial etiology.
Oil spill detection by means of neural networks algorithms: a sensitivity analysis

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images provided by satellite missions may provide a significant support for oil spill detection over the sea. In particular neural networks algorithms have recently demonstrated their potentialities for discrimination between oil spills and objects which resemble oil spills (called "look-alikes"). The main steps of the classification procedure are the identification of dark spots over the sea, the computing of a set of parameters (features) for each dark spot and the classification of the oil spill candidate using a trained neural network, where the network input is a vector containing the values of the features extracted. The features so far mainly consist of physical-geometrical characteristics of the dark spot. This study presents a new neural network algorithm for the oil spill detection. The results also report a sensitivity analysis of the classification performance on the quantities that are given as input to the neural network. Among the considered inputs the value of the local wind speed has been also included.
Forward Dynamics Compliance Control (FDCC): A new approach to cartesian compliance for robotic manipulators

Compliant end effectors in robotics are an important prerequisite for the field of object manipulation and environment interactions. However, current manipulators are usually stiff position-controlled systems, generating the need to add compliance. In this work, we present Forward Dynamics Compliance Control (FDCC), a new threefold control concept that realizes Cartesian compliance through combining Admittance, Impedance and Force Control into one control strategy. We close the control loop only through a force-torque sensor, allowing a system independent and decoupled configuration of the end effector compliance. As a key component in FDCC, we leverage forward dynamics simulations of a virtual model to directly map Cartesian inputs to joint control commands, leading to excellent stability in singularities. Experiments on three different robotic manipulators verify the key advantages of this approach.
Micro-assembly of three dimensional tetrahedra by capillary forces

This paper presents the realization of micrometer sized silicon nitride tetrahedra with well-defined angles that are folded out of a planar geometry using capillary forces. The required specific three-dimensional shape is achieved by a well-defined folding sequence. Using the favorable properties of the recently developed corner lithography technique, a programmable stop hinge is micro-machined by etching specifically defined intersection planes of the silicon mold. Tetrahedra were successfully folded by capillarity validating this new technique. The demand for such a microstructure has become very large since it can form the essential basic element for future three-dimensional data storage systems.
The effect of prophylactic melatonin administration on reperfusion damage in experimental testis ischemia-reperfusion.

AIM Torsion of testis, which is a urologic emergency case, is generally treated by surgical detorsion procedure. However, the resulting reperfusion and both ipsilateral and contralateral testis damage caused thereby are important problems. This study aims at investigating the administration of prophylactic melatonin in order to reduce free radical damage that is caused due to reperfusion after experimental testis torsion-detorsion procedure. MATERIAL AND METHOD The rats used in the study were allocated to four groups, each containing 10 rats. Rats in Group I had six hours of torsion (ischemia) followed by orchiectomy. Rats in Group II had six hours of torsion, then received melatonin (10 mg/kg/IM) and after that had detorsion (reperfusion). Rats in Group III had detorsion after six hours of torsion and serum physiologic administration (the same volume as melatonin). Torsion and/or detorsion procedures were not applied in Group IV (control). Ipsilateral, contralateral testis and plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in all groups. RESULTS Tissue and plasma MDA levels in the group which had detorsion were found to be significantly higher than those in the group that had orchiectomy only (p<0.02). Ipsilateral and contralateral testis MDA levels were identified to be significantly lower in the group receiving prophylactic melatonin in comparison to the group receiving serum physiologic (p<0.02). Plasma and contralateral MDA levels correlated positively with MDA levels identified in ipsilateral testis in all groups (rs=+0.89, n=40, p=0.000). CONCLUSION In cases where testis torsion is identified, administration of melatonin just before torsion may reduce local and systemic free radical damage.
Quality Control of Plasma Membrane Proteins by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nedd4-Like Ubiquitin Ligase Rsp5p under Environmental Stress Conditions

ABSTRACT In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, when a rich nitrogen source such as ammonium is added to the culture medium, the general amino acid permease Gap1p is ubiquitinated by the yeast Nedd4-like ubiquitin ligase Rsp5p, followed by its endocytosis to the vacuole. The arrestin-like Bul1/2p adaptors for Rsp5p specifically mediate this process. In this study, to investigate the downregulation of Gap1p in response to environmental stresses, we determined the intracellular trafficking of Gap1p under various stress conditions. An increase in the extracellular ethanol concentration induced ubiquitination and trafficking of Gap1p from the plasma membrane to the vacuole in wild-type cells, whereas Gap1p remained stable on the plasma membrane under the same conditions in rsp5A401E and Δend3 cells. A 14C-labeled citrulline uptake assay using a nonubiquitinated form of Gap1p (Gap1pK9R/K16R) revealed that ethanol stress caused a dramatic decrease of Gap1p activity. These results suggest that Gap1p is inactivated and ubiquitinated by Rsp5p for endocytosis when S. cerevisiae cells are exposed to a high concentration of ethanol. It is noteworthy that this endocytosis occurs in a Bul1/2p-independent manner, whereas ammonium-triggered downregulation of Gap1p was almost completely inhibited in Δbul1/2 cells. We also found that other environmental stresses, such as high temperature, H2O2, and LiCl, also promoted endocytosis of Gap1p. Similar intracellular trafficking caused by ethanol occurred in other plasma membrane proteins (Agp1p, Tat2p, and Gnp1p). Our findings suggest that stress-induced quality control is a common process requiring Rsp5p for plasma membrane proteins in yeast.