Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Renal denervation alters cardiovascular and endocrine responses to hemorrhage in conscious newborn lambs.

To investigate the role of renal sympathetic nerves in modulating cardiovascular and endocrine responses to hemorrhage early in life, we carried out three experiments in conscious, chronically instrumented lambs with intact renal nerves (intact; n = 8) and with bilateral renal denervation (denervated; n = 5). Measurements were made 1 h before and 1 h after 0, 10, and 20% hemorrhage. Blood pressure decreased transiently after 20% hemorrhage in intact lambs and returned to control levels. In denervated lambs, however, blood pressure remained decreased after 60 min. After 20% hemorrhage, heart rate increased from 170 +/- 16 to 207 +/- 18 beats/min in intact lambs but not in denervated lambs, in which basal heart rates were already elevated to 202 +/- 21 beats/min. Despite an elevated plasma renin activity (PRA) measured in denervated (12.0 +/- 6.4 ng ANG I . ml-1 . h-1) compared with intact lambs (4.0 +/- 1.1 ng ANG I . ml-1 . h-1), the increase in PRA in response to 20% hemorrhage was similar in both groups. Plasma levels of arginine vasopressin increased from 11 +/- 8 to 197 +/- 246 pg/ml after 20% hemorrhage in intact lambs but remained unaltered in denervated lambs from baseline levels of 15 +/- 10 pg/ml. These observations provide evidence that in the newborn, renal sympathetic nerves modulate cardiovascular and endocrine responses to hemorrhage.
The effects of swim training on respiratory aspects of speech production in adolescents with down syndrome.

Reduced respiratory muscle strength in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) may affect speech respiratory variables such as maximum phonation duration (MPD), initiation volume, and expired mean airflow. Researchers randomly assigned adolescents with DS (N = 28) to either 12 weeks of swim training (DS-ST) or a control group (DS-NT). Repeated measures MANOVA demonstrated a significant increase in MPD for DS-ST participants from pretest to posttest, t(11) = -3.44, p = 0.006, that was not maintained at follow-up, t(11) = 6.680, p < . 001. No significant change was observed for DS-NT participants across time, F(2, 11) = 4.20, p = 0.044. The lack of long-term change in DS-ST participants may be related to the relatively short training period.
A computing architecture for correcting perspective distortion in motion-detection based visual systems

The projection of 3D scenarios onto 2D surfaces produces distortion on the resulting images that affects the accuracy of low-level motion primitives. Independently of the motion detection algorithm used, post-processing stages that use motion data are dominated by this distortion artefact. Therefore we need to devise a way of reducing the distortion effect in order to improve the post-processing capabilities of a vision system based on motion cues. In this paper we adopt a space-variant mapping strategy, and describe a computing architecture that finely pipelines all the processing operations to achieve high performance reliable processing. We validate the computing architecture in the framework of a real-world application, a vision-based system for assisting overtaking manoeuvres using motion information to segment approaching vehicles. The overtaking scene from the rear-view mirror is distorted due to perspective, therefore a space-variant mapping strategy to correct perspective distortion arterfaces becomes of high interest to arrive at reliable motion cues.
Arabidopsis thaliana as a model host plant for Plutella xylostella.

Investigations of host plant-pest interactions have rarely used plant material in which the phenotype could be linked directly to a known genotype. However, in recent years, Arabidopsis thaliana has been intensively studied by molecular biologists and, as a result, there are a large number of genetically characterised A. thaliana mutants available to the scientific community. Our preliminary laboratory investigations have shown that A. thaliana can be used as a host plant by Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and have demonstrated that larval period, pupal period and pupal weight measurements of P. xylostella developing on A. thaliana are comparable to those on Brassica rapa. These factors, combined with its relatively small size and easy growth, make A. thaliana a suitable model host plant for investigation of both genotypic and phenotypic factors which influence the biology of P. xylostella, the aim of our research. Our initial investigations have used the A. thaliana lines Col-0 and Col-5. These lines are genetically very similar except that Col-5 is homozygous for a gl1–1 mutant allele that is not present in Col-0. This mutant allele results in an absence of trichomes on the leaves and stem of the plant, which are normally present in Col-0. In our investigations, it was found that female larvae took significantly longer to develop and produced lighter pupae on Col-0 compared with Col-5. However, this effect was not seen in male insects. In both males and females, there was no significant effect on pupal period. It was also found that adults that had developed from larvae on Col-0 produced significantly fewer eggs than those that had developed on Col-5.
Interpolation of Computerized Tomography Slices using 3D Digital Inpainting

The visualization of image structures in 3D obtained from computerized tomography examinations aids the medical professional in the analysis of images and consequently, provides a more accurate diagnoses. As these images (slices) are spaced apart it becomes necessary to fill in the empty spaces to show the structure in 3D. The use of the virtual slice between the real slices following the restoration is a new approach to realizing slice interpolation aimed at 3D visualization. The goal of this article is to develop a method which produces a virtual slice with few empty regions and, through the use of an in-painting process using transportation and diffusion of information with a partial differential equation, complete the virtual slices. The experimental results, presented by images 2D and 3D show the efficiency of the proposed method
Smartphone-based identification of dangerous driving situations: Algorithms and implementation

In this paper, we demonstrate the concept of the situation analysis of dangerous driving events for smartphones to fully understand the driving situation in a given scenario in a real time and to undertake actions necessary to avoid road accidents. To fulfil these, we utilize a wide array of sensors for creating a consistent and extendable description of most common dangerous situations, a situation model and situation analysis. In the situation model, on-board smartphone sensing signals are used to build up a representation of the environment around and within the vehicle. On top of the situation model, a situation analysis is established to detect driver hazards, according to the given description of the driving situation, and provide a driving strategy to prevent such dangerous situations. The paper describes the details of the algorithms, following by simulation results, which show the feasibility of the proposed algorithm.
Rapid, efficient genotyping of clinical tumor samples by laser-capture microdissection/PCR/SSCP.

BACKGROUND Mutation analysis is becoming increasingly important in clinical practice, since sporadic mutations in tumors often correlate with prognosis and/or therapeutic response. However, the labor-intensive nature of the molecular analyses has limited the routine clinical use of tumor genotyping. Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) allows procurement of relatively pure tumor cell populations. We have investigated the possibility that the use of laser-capture microdissection would allow elimination of time-consuming intermediate steps in tumor genotyping. Design. Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from seven cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma were laser- and hand-microdissected and subsequently evaluated by PCR/SSCP/sequencing for Ki-ras exon 1 and p53 exons 5, 7, and 8. Results. Mutations in Ki-ras exon 1 and/or p53 exons 5 and 7 were detected in five of the seven samples. In the hand-microdissected samples, confident identification of mutations was possible in several cases only after band excision, DNA elution, reamplification, and verification of mutant enrichment by a second SSCP analysis prior to sequencing. In the laser-microdissected samples, confident mutation identification was possible in all cases with direct sequencing of the original PCR product, reducing the time required for molecular analysis to 3 days. Conclusion. Using laser-capture microdissection, mutant signals are strong enough to sequence directly from original PCR products. With rapid, efficient genotyping by LCM/PCR/SSCP, results can be incorporated directly into the surgical pathology report.
Broad and direct interaction between TLR and Siglec families of pattern recognition receptors and its regulation by Neu1

Both pathogen- and tissue damage-associated molecular patterns induce inflammation through toll-like receptors (TLRs), while sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin superfamily lectin receptors (Siglecs) provide negative regulation. Here we report extensive and direct interactions between these pattern recognition receptors. The promiscuous TLR binders were human SIGLEC-5/9 and mouse Siglec-3/E/F. Mouse Siglec-G did not show appreciable binding to any TLRs tested. Correspondingly, Siglece deletion enhanced dendritic cell responses to all microbial TLR ligands tested, while Siglecg deletion did not affect the responses to these ligands. TLR4 activation triggers Neu1 translocation to cell surface to disrupt TLR4:Siglec-E interaction. Conversely, sialidase inhibitor Neu5Gc2en prevented TLR4 ligand-induced disruption of TLR4:Siglec E/F interactions. Absence of Neu1 in hematopoietic cells or systematic treatment with sialidase inhibitor Neu5Gc2en protected mice against endotoxemia. Our data raised an intriguing possibility of a broad repression of TLR function by Siglecs and a sialidase-mediated de-repression that allows positive feedback of TLR activation during infection. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.04066. 001
Risk factors for fecal shedding of Salmonella in 91 US dairy herds in 1996

In 1996, data on management practices used on US dairy operations were collected and analyzed for association with fecal shedding of Salmonella by dairy cows. A total of 4299 fecal samples from 91 herds was cultured for Salmonella isolation. Herd-size (adjusted odds ratios (OR)  5.8, 95% CI 1.1, 31.3), region (OR  5.7, CI 1.4, 23.5), use of flush water systems (OR  3.5, CI 0.9, 14.7), and feeding brewers' products to lactating cows (OR  3.4, CI 0.9, 12.9) were identified as the most important predictive risk factors. The population attributable risks (PARs) for herd-size, region, flush water system, and feeding brewers' products to lactating cows were 0.76, 0.46, 0.37, and 0.42, respectively. The estimated PAR for all four risk factors combined was 0.95. The effects of these factors need to be more-closely evaluated in more-controlled studies, in order to develop intervention programs that reduce Salmonella shedding. # 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Improved Bounds for Mixing Rates of Markov Chains and Multicommodity Flow

The paper is concerned with tools for the quantitative analysis of finite Markov chains whose states are combinatorial structures. Chains of this kind have algorithmic applications in many areas, including random sampling, approximate counting, statistical physics and combinatorial optimisation. The efficiency of the resulting algorithms depends crucially on the mixing rate of the chain, i.e., the time taken for it to reach its stationary or equilibrium distribution. The paper presents a new upper bound on the mixing rate, based on the solution to a multicommodity flow problem in the Markov chain viewed as a graph. The bound gives sharper estimates for the mixing rate of several important complex Markov chains. As a result, improved bounds are obtained for the runtimes of randomised approximation algorithms for various problems, including computing the permanent of a 0–1 matrix, counting matchings in graphs, and computing the partition function of a ferromagnetic Ising system. Moreover, solutions to the multicommodity flow problem are shown to capture the mixing rate quite closely: thus, under fairly general conditions, a Markov chain is rapidly mixing if and only if it supports a flow of low cost.
Construct Confounding Among Predictors of Mathematics Achievement

Identifying which early mathematics skills have the largest effects on later mathematics achievement has important implications. However, regression-based estimates often rely on untested assumptions: (a) Scores on different mathematics skills reflect unique constructs, and (b) other factors affecting early and later mathematics achievement are fully controlled. We illustrate a process to test these assumptions with a sample of third and fourth graders who completed measures of mathematics skills, working memory and motivation, and standardized mathematics and English language arts tests. Factor analyses indicated that mathematics skills largely reflect the same underlying construct. The skills that loaded highest on the general factor most predicted both later mathematics and English language arts, even after adjusting for working memory and motivation. Findings suggest that relations between earlier mathematics and later achievement largely reflected more general factors that contribute to children’s learning. We discuss the importance of establishing construct validity in correlational studies.
Reference Resolution Using Semantic Patterns in Japanese Newspaper Articles

Reference resolution is one of the important tasks in natural language processing. In this paper, the author first determines the referents and their locations of "dousha", literally meaning "the same company", which appear in Japanese newspaper articles. Secondly, three heuristic methods, two of which use semantic information in text such as company names and their patterns, are proposed and tested on how accurately they identify the correct referents. The proposed methods based on semantic patterns show high accuracy for reference resolution of "dousha" (more than 90\%). This suggests that semantic pattern-matching methods are effective for reference resolution in newspaper articles.
Transplant Patient Classification and Tacrolimus Assays: More Evidence of the Need for Assay Standardization

Background: A global tacrolimus proficiency study recently showed clinically significant variability between laboratories, the inability of a common calibrator to harmonize methods, and differences in patient classification depending on the test method. The authors evaluated (1) the effect of a change in methodology on patient classification based on tacrolimus blood concentration and (2) the ability of 2 methods to position the concentration in a given specimen within the correct range. Methods: A total of 839 consecutive samples were analyzed at The Rogosin Institute and New York Presbyterian Hospital for routine tacrolimus monitoring over 30 days. Concordance analysis between the methods was performed covering dosage target ranges of 8–10, 6–8, 4–6 ng/mL currently used at our center. Six Sigma Metrics were applied to statistically evaluate the discordance rate. Results: Deming regression comparing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and immunoassay yielded y = 0.927x − 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.903–0.951; R2 = 0.875; n = 839. There were 310 pairs (37%) discordant by 1, 21 (2.5%) discordant by 2, and 4 (0.5%) discordant by 3 therapeutic ranges. Surprisingly, 40% of patient samples were discordant when therapeutic ranges were 2 ng/mL wide. This discordant rate is equivalent to 1.7 Sigma and falls far below the minimum acceptable threshold of 3 Sigma. Conclusions: Both methods are capable of measuring tacrolimus in the clinically relevant range between 1 and 10 ng/mL, yet 40% of the samples were discordant with an unacceptable Sigma level. Standardization of tacrolimus assays will mitigate this issue.
Oligoclonal bands and cerebrospinal fluid markers in multiple sclerosis: associations with disease course and progression

Background: The use of oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters are established in the diagnosis of MS, but poorly as markers of disease. Objective: To investigate the role of OCBs in disease course and progression. Methods: CSF data for 1120 patients with MS were analyzed for associations between OCBs and CSF parameters and clinical data (disease course [relapsing-onset MS (ROMS) vs primary-progressive MS (PPMS)]), disability progression (proportion reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale 6 within 10 years of onset and progression index) and ethnicity. Results: Of patients with MS, 72.5% had detectable OCBs. For patients with detectable OCBs, 84.6% had ROMS and 15.4% PPMS versus 89.7% and 10.3%, respectively for those without detectable OCBs (p=0.04). Total CSF IgG and protein levels were higher in PPMS compared with ROMS (p<0.001). Disease progression appeared independent of OCB status. Patients with CSF (vs without) data were more likely to be male, older at onset, have PPMS and lack optic neuropathy at onset (p<0.001). Conclusions: OCB positivity and elevated total CSF IgG and protein were moderately associated with a PPMS disease course, but not disease progression. Patients with atypical clinical presentations were more likely to have had CSF work-up, suggesting a testing bias.
Evaluation of a Collaborative Movement Task in a Distributed Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment

A task designed to estimate the impact of communication channel performance on individual and collaborative human performance in distributed, shared, virtual environments was evaluated. The 'Fitts-like' task required participants to press buttons as fast as they could in a three-dimensional virtual workspace. In addition, in the collaborative task the 2 participants were required to press the buttons simultaneously. The size of the buttons, the distance between buttons, and the delay between movement and visual feedback were manipulated. The results were well described by Fitts' law. Movement Time increased with increases in Index of Difficulty and delay. The Index of Performance decreased with delay and was lower in the collaborative task. Overall, orderly changes in performance were observed with manipulation of task parameters, suggesting that future studies to examine more complicated manipulations of network performance and multisensory displays are appropriate.
Interleaving Impact on AC Passive Components of Paralleled Three-Phase Voltage-Source Converters

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis studying the impact of interleaving on harmonic currents and voltages on AC side of parallel three-phase voltage source converters (VSCs). The analysis performed considers the effects of modulation index and the interleaving angle. Based on the analysis, the impact of interleaving on the design of AC passive components such as AC line inductor and EMI filter are discussed. The results show that interleaving has the potential benefit to reduce AC passive components. To maximize such benefit, the interleaving angle should be optimized according to the system requirements including THD limit, ripple limit or EMI standards in different operation conditions such as modulation index and PWM strategy. All the analysis is based on an example system containing two two-level VSCs. However the proposed analysis method in frequency domain can be easily extended to multiple VSCs systems with other topologies. Experimental results have verified the analysis results.
Pteros: Fast and easy to use open‐source C++ library for molecular analysis

An open‐source Pteros library for molecular modeling and analysis of molecular dynamics trajectories for C++ programming language is introduced. Pteros provides a number of routine analysis operations ranging from reading and writing trajectory files and geometry transformations to structural alignment and computation of nonbonded interaction energies. The library features asynchronous trajectory reading and parallel execution of several analysis routines, which greatly simplifies development of computationally intensive trajectory analysis algorithms. Pteros programming interface is very simple and intuitive while the source code is well documented and easily extendible. Pteros is available for free under open‐source Artistic License from http://sourceforge.net/projects/pteros/. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reframing resilience: Pilot evaluation of a program to promote resilience in marginalized older adults

ABSTRACT Resilience has been described as a paradigm for aging that is more inclusive than models that focus on physiological and functional abilities. We evaluated a novel program, Resilient Aging, designed to influence marginalized older adults’ perceptions of their resilience, self-efficacy, and wellness. The multiweek group program incorporated an inductive definition of resilience based on group members’ lived experiences. Outcomes evaluation for this pilot study included pre/postassessments on resilience, self-efficacy, and six wellness variables. Twenty-nine participants completed the program. Pre/post-assessment indicated a statistically significant multivariate change across the eight outcome variables. Increases in resilience, physical wellness, and emotional wellness, and decreases in social wellness and intellectual wellness accounted for most of the multivariate change. Resilient Aging is a participant-centered and strengths-based program that has potential for enhancing participants’ perceptions of resilience and wellness. The program can be administered within community settings to promote resilience and wellness among marginalized older adults.
A laboratory simulation of Arabidopsis seed dormancy cycling provides new insight into its regulation by clock genes and the dormancy‐related genes DOG1, MFT, CIPK23 and PHYA

Abstract Environmental signals drive seed dormancy cycling in the soil to synchronize germination with the optimal time of year, a process essential for species' fitness and survival. Previous correlation of transcription profiles in exhumed seeds with annual environmental signals revealed the coordination of dormancy‐regulating mechanisms with the soil environment. Here, we developed a rapid and robust laboratory dormancy cycling simulation. The utility of this simulation was tested in two ways: firstly, using mutants in known dormancy‐related genes [DELAY OF GERMINATION 1 (DOG1), MOTHER OF FLOWERING TIME (MFT), CBL‐INTERACTING PROTEIN KINASE 23 (CIPK23) and PHYTOCHROME A (PHYA)] and secondly, using further mutants, we test the hypothesis that components of the circadian clock are involved in coordination of the annual seed dormancy cycle. The rate of dormancy induction and relief differed in all lines tested. In the mutants, dog1‐2 and mft2, dormancy induction was reduced but not absent. DOG1 is not absolutely required for dormancy. In cipk23 and phyA dormancy, induction was accelerated. Involvement of the clock in dormancy cycling was clear when mutants in the morning and evening loops of the clock were compared. Dormancy induction was faster when the morning loop was compromised and delayed when the evening loop was compromised.