Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determinants of endurance in well-trained cyclists.

Fourteen competitive cyclists who possessed a similar maximum O2 consumption (VO2 max; range, 4.6-5.0 l/min) were compared regarding blood lactate responses, glycogen usage, and endurance during submaximal exercise. Seven subjects reached their blood lactate threshold (LT) during exercise of a relatively low intensity (group L) (i.e., 65.8 +/- 1.7% VO2 max), whereas exercise of a relatively high intensity was required to elicit LT in the other seven men (group H) (i.e., 81.5 +/- 1.8% VO2 max; P less than 0.001). Time to fatigue during exercise at 88% of VO2 max was more than twofold longer in group H compared with group L (60.8 +/- 3.1 vs. 29.1 +/- 5.0 min; P less than 0.001). Over 92% of the variance in performance was related to the % VO2 max at LT and muscle capillary density. The vastus lateralis muscle of group L was stressed more than that of group H during submaximal cycling (i.e., 79% VO2 max), as reflected by more than a twofold greater (P less than 0.001) rate of glycogen utilization and blood lactate concentration. The quality of the vastus lateralis in groups H and L was similar regarding mitochondrial enzyme activity, whereas group H possessed a greater percentage of type I muscle fibers (66.7 +/- 5.2 vs. 46.9 +/- 3.8; P less than 0.01). The differing metabolic responses to submaximal exercise observed between the two groups appeared to be specific to the leg extension phase of cycling, since the blood lactate responses of the two groups were comparable during uphill running. These data indicate that endurance can vary greatly among individuals with an equal VO2 max.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The application of a deterministic ray launching algorithm for the prediction of radio channel characteristics in small-cell environments

Propagation characteristics play a fundamental role in the design and implementation of radio systems. The application of broadband digital data services within the cordless environment requires close consideration of the dispersive nature of radio channels. A prediction algorithm is presented such that propagation characteristics can be estimated for small-cell high-data-rate systems. Through the use of geometric optics and geometric theory of diffraction the algorithm performs ray launching techniques in order to evaluate reflected, transmitted, and diffracted rays from a simplified description of a given environment. Both modeled and measured results are presented demonstrating the model's ability to predict typical rms delay spread values. >
Anomaly Detection Through Statistics-Based Machine Learning For Computer Networks

The intrusion detection in computer networks is a complex research problem, which requires the understanding of computer networks and the mechanism of intrusions, the configuration of sensors and the collected data, the selection of the relevant attributes, and the monitor algorithms for online detection. It is critical to develop general methods for data dimension reduction, effective monitoring algorithms for intrusion detection, and means for their performance improvement. This dissertation is motivated by the timely need to develop statistics-based machine learning methods for effective detection of computer network anomalies. Three fundamental research issues related to data dimension reduction, control charts design and performance improvement have been addressed accordingly. The major research activities and corresponding contributions are summarized as follows: (1) Filter and Wrapper models are integrated to extract a small number of the informative attributes for computer network intrusion detection. A two-phase analyses method is proposed for the integration of Filter and Wrapper models. The proposed method has successfully reduced the original 41 attributes to 12 informative attributes while increasing the accuracy of the model. The comparison of the results in each phase shows the effectiveness of the proposed method. (2) Supervised kernel based control charts for anomaly intrusion detection. We propose to construct control charts in a feature space. The first contribution is the use of multi-objective Genetic Algorithm in the parameter pre-selection for SVM based control charts. The second contribution is the performance evaluation of supervised kernel based control charts. (3) Unsupervised kernel based control charts for anomaly intrusion detection. Two types of unsupervised kernel based control charts are investigated: Kernel PCA control charts and Support Vector Clustering based control charts. The applications of SVC based control charts on computer networks audit data are also discussed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Although the developed methodologies in this dissertation are demonstrated in the computer network intrusion detection applications, the methodologies are also expected to be applied to other complex system monitoring, where the database consists of a large dimensional data with non-Gaussian distribution.
Effect of Virtual Reality–Based Rehabilitation on Upper-Extremity Function in Patients with Brain Tumor: Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of virtual reality–based rehabilitation on upper-extremity function in patients with brain tumor. DesignPatients with upper-extremity dysfunction were divided into age-matched and tumor type–matched two groups. The intervention group performed the virtual reality program 30 mins per session for 9 sessions and conventional occupational therapy 30 mins per session for 6 sessions for 3 wks, whereas the control group received conventional occupational therapy alone 30 mins per session for 15 sessions for 3 wks. The Box and Block test, the Manual Function test, and the Fugl-Meyer scale were used to evaluate upper-extremity function. The Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index was used to assess activities of daily living. ResultsForty patients completed the study (20 for each group). Each group exhibited significant posttreatment improvements in the Box and Block test, Manual Function test, Fugl-Meyer scale, and Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index scores. The Box and Block test, the Fugl-Meyer scale, and the Manual Function test showed greater improvements in shoulder/elbow/forearm function in the intervention group and hand function in the control group. ConclusionsVirtual reality–based rehabilitation combined with conventional occupational therapy may be more effective than conventional occupational therapy, especially for proximal upper-extremity function in patients with brain tumor. Further studies considering hand function, such as use of virtual reality programs that targeting hand use, are required.
Threonine, Isoleucine, and Isoleucine-Valine Mutants of Salmonella Typhimurium.

HIS paper reports an analysis, by transduction techniques, of the genetics of Ta series of mutants of Salmonella typhimurium that are blocked in the synthesis of the amino acids threonine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The results were summarized earlier in the Carnegie Institution of Washington Year Book (DEMEREC, LAHR, MIYAKE, GOLDMAN, BALBINDER, BANIE, HASHIMOTO, GLANVILLE, and GROSS 1958). The pathway of biosynthesis of these amino acids has been described in several organisms, and summarized by KNOX and BEHRMAN ( 1959). The diagram of the pathway shown in Figure 1 indicates the probable points in the synthetic sequence at which the different mutant groups described in this paper are deficient. The approximate positions of the blocks were determined primarily on the basis of growth-requirement and feeding tests, and also by analogy with similar mutants, in other organisms, whose enzymatic properties are known. We have not attempted enzymatic analysis of the mutants studied here; and therefore the precise position of the block in each group is not definite, except in the case of the isoleucine-valine mutants. These have been analyzed biochemically by DR. R. P. WAGNER, whose results are reported in the paper following this one (WAGNER and BERGQUIST 1960). Table 1 lists the mutants in each group, classified according to their approximate spontaneous mutability. Table 2 shows the growth responses of a representative mutant from each group, and Table 3 gives the results of feeding tests between the groups.
Effect of immunization with pneumolysin on survival time of mice challenged with Streptococcus pneumoniae

The role of the cytolytic toxin pneumolysin in the pathogenicity of Streptococcus pneumoniae was investigated. Pneumolysin was purified to homogeneity and used to immunize mice. When these mice were subsequently challenged via the nasal route with virulent S. pneumoniae, they survived significantly longer than control mice. The mean survival times were 5.52 and 2.48 days for immunized and control mice, respectively. This work provides direct evidence for the involvement of pneumolysin in pneumococcal pathogenicity.
Lower-zone emphysema in young patients without α1-antitrypsin deficiency

Martelli, N. A. , Goldman, E. , and Roncoroni, A. J. (1974). Thorax, 29, 237-244. Lowerzone emphysema in young patients without α1-antitrypsin deficiency. Three young patients with radiographic pulmonary emphysema predominantly in the lower zones are reported. The clinical and physiological features were those observed in severe pulmonary emphysema. Predominance of the main lesions in the lower zones was confirmed in two cases by selective pulmonary angiography. One of the patients died and extensive panlobular emphysema was found at necropsy. Although the similarities between our patients and those with emphysema and α1-antitrypsin deficiency were remarkable, the latter condition was ruled out.
A Quantitative Description of Low‐ and High‐threshold Ca2+ Spikes in Rat Sensory Neurons: A Perforated‐patch Study

Action potentials generated by voltage‐dependent Ca2+ conductances were studied at 25°C with the perforated‐patch technique, in freshly dispersed adult rat sensory neurons perfused with Na‐free solutions containing tetraethylammonium. Brief depolarizing currents from membrane potentials negative to –75 mV always elicited long (>100 ms) plateau spikes which had different thresholds in different neurons: a low threshold around –60/–50 mV and a high‐threshold at –30/–20 mV. Stimulations from potentials positive to –55 mV, on the contrary, elicited spikes originating only in the high threshold region and sensitive to 25 μM Cd2+, designated high‐threshold spikes. In neurons which showed spikes with low threshold, addition of 25 μM Cd2+ disclosed a smaller and shorter regenerative response, the low‐threshold spike. Moreover, the classical ‘anode‐break’ stimulation from –50/–60 mV uncovered isolated low‐threshold spikes, indicating a time‐ and voltage‐dependent de‐inactivating process. From the properties of the low (LVA) and high (HVA) voltage‐activated Ca2+ currents, recorded under the same extracellular conditions, a Hodgkin–Huxley model was derived and used to reconstruct all the features of the recorded spikes. The model was also able to simulate experimental blocking of LVA channels by amiloride, modulation of HVA channels by baclofen and induced oscillatory firing. This agreement between the behaviour of recorded spikes and their mathematical description led us to conclude that the LVA and HVA Ca2+ currents underlie the low‐ and high‐threshold Ca2+ spikes, respectively. Furthermore, our data suggest that complex behaviour known to be typical of central nervous system neurons is also present in sensory peripheral neurons.
The Expression Patterns of Some Pro-inflammatory and Anti-inflammatory Cytokines Genes Pre and Post Acute Exercise

This study was designed to determine the expression patterns of some pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes in some young male undergraduates that passed through exhaustive exercise using the Bruce protocol for sub-maximal acute exercise as studies have shown that exhaustive exercise activates the release of multiple cytokine genes which modulate the immune responses of stressed individuals. Twenty five (25) healthy young male undergraduates with an average age of 24.3±3 years and body mass index of 22.7±1.8 (Kg/m 2 ) participated fully in the study. Blood samples were collected from the participants before commencement of the study, at 1 hour, 4 hours and 24 hours post exercise. Tumor necrosis factor α, interferon gamma and interleukin-10 genes expression patterns were detected using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction methods. Serum cortisol (nmol/L) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The study revealed that eleven (11) out of the twenty-five (25) participants had their tumor necrosis factor α genes up-regulated at 1 hour post exercise and sustained till 24 hours post exercise. Moreover, interferon gamma and interleukin-10 genes were up-regulated at 4 hours post exercise and sustained till 24 hours post exercise in most of the subjects. This study also observed that the cortisol level of the exercised subjects was significantly higher at 1 hour post acute exercise when compared with pre-exercise stage. Acute exercise was associated with an enhanced lymphocytic cell functions which are evidence in the up-regulation patterns of both lymphocytic pro-inflammatory cytokine and anti-inflammatory cytokine genes post exercise.
Complement Factor H Binds to Human Serum Apolipoprotein E and Mediates Complement Regulation on High Density Lipoprotein Particles*

Background: Factor H is the main complement alternative pathway regulator in plasma. Results: Factor H binds to apoE leading to reduced complement activity against HDL particles. Conclusion: Interaction of factor H with HDL particles is involved in complement regulation in plasma. Significance: Complement regulation on HDL particles by factor H could be involved in disease processes caused by alternative pathway dysregulation. The alternative pathway of complement is an important part of the innate immunity response against foreign particles invading the human body. To avoid damage to host cells, it needs to be efficiently down-regulated by plasma factor H (FH) as exemplified by various diseases caused by mutations in its domains 19–20 (FH19–20) and 5–7 (FH5–7). These regions are also the main interaction sites for microbial pathogens that bind host FH to evade complement attack. We previously showed that inhibition of FH binding by a recombinant FH5–7 construct impairs survival of FH binding pathogens in human blood. In this study we found that upon exposure to full blood, the addition of FH5–7 reduces survival of, surprisingly, also those microbes that are not able to bind FH. This effect was mediated by inhibition of complement regulation and subsequently enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis by FH5–7. We found that although FH5–7 does not reduce complement regulation in the actual fluid phase of plasma, it reduces regulation on HDL particles in plasma. Using affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry we revealed that FH interacts with serum apolipoprotein E (apoE) via FH5–7 domains. Furthermore, binding of FH5–7 to HDL was dependent on the concentration of apoE on the HDL particles. These findings explain why the addition of FH5–7 to plasma leads to excessive complement activation and phagocytosis of microbes in full anticoagulated blood. In conclusion, our data show how FH interacts with apoE molecules via domains 5–7 and regulates alternative pathway activation on plasma HDL particles.
Delayed Skin Graft Application Following Burn Scar Release of the Face and Hand

Hypertrophic scars and contractures involving the face and hand secondary to bums were excised and the defects covered with saline compresses changed every 4 hours. Banked split-thickness skin grafts were applied 24 to 48 hours later. Upper and lower lip, cheek, forehead, scalp, neck, the first web space of the hand, and the flexor surfaces of the fingers were treated. Head and neck defects were grafted open. Hand defects created by release were maintained with dynamic splints and grafted open or covered with bolus dressings kept in place with sutures inserted at the time of creation of the defect, jobst compression with elastomer inserts for added pressure was started postoperatively. It is believed that delay permitted natural hemostasis to occur without extensive electrocoagulation, which produces additional necrotic tissue. Anesthetic time was shortened. Delay also permitted capillary proliferation to start in the defect, hastening revascularization of the grafts.
Task-switching for self-sufficient robots

Task-switching enables a system to make its own decisions about which task to perform. It is therefore a key ability for any truly autonomous system. Common task-switching methods range from computationally expensive planning methods to often suboptimal, minimalistic, heuristics. This thesis takes a bio-inspired approach, motivated by the fact that animals successfully make task-switching decisions on a daily basis. The field of behavioural ecology provides a vast literature on animal task-switching. Generally these works are descriptive models of animal behaviour, either modelling to fit the data from observed animal behaviour, or theoretically optimal models of how animals ought to behave. But what is needed in robotics are methods that generate behaviour based on the information available (due to sensing) to the robot. Furthermore these methods have to take the physical limitations (velocity, acceleration, storage capacity etc.) of the robot into account. This thesis takes inspiration from descriptive behavioural ecology models and proposes a situated and embodied task-switching method suitable for mobile robots. To evaluate the quality of the decisions an objective function is needed. Reproductive success is commonly used in Biology, here economical success is used. We illustrate the applicability of the proposed methods on Toda's Fungus Eater robot. The decisions this robot faces are (1) when to work and when to refuel and (2) where to work or refuel respectively. Both decision types are essential to any autonomous, mobile robot. The proposed task-switching methods are based on Optimal Foraging Theory, in particular on rate-maximization and the Marginal-Value Theorem.
The XXL Survey - I. Scientific motivations − XMM-Newton observing plan − Follow-up observations and simulation programme

Context. The quest for the cosmological parameters that describe our universe continues to motivate the scientific community to undertake very large survey initiatives across the electromagnetic spectrum. Over the past two decades, the Chandra and XMM-Newton observatories have supported numerous studies of X-ray-selected clusters of galaxies, active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and the X-ray background. The present paper is the first in a series reporting results of the XXL-XMM survey; it comes at a time when the Planck mission results are being finalised. Aims. We present the XXL Survey, the largest XMM programme totaling some 6.9 Ms to date and involving an international consortium of roughly 100 members. The XXL Survey covers two extragalactic areas of 25 deg(2) each at a point-source sensitivity of similar to 5 x 10(-15) erg s(-1) cm(-2) in the [0.5-2] keV band (completeness limit). The survey's main goals are to provide constraints on the dark energy equation of state from the space-time distribution of clusters of galaxies and to serve as a pathfinder for future, wide-area X-ray missions. We review science objectives, including cluster studies, AGN evolution, and large-scale structure, that are being conducted with the support of approximately 30 follow-up programmes. Methods. We describe the 542 XMM observations along with the associated multi-lambda and numerical simulation programmes. We give a detailed account of the X-ray processing steps and describe innovative tools being developed for the cosmological analysis. Results. The paper provides a thorough evaluation of the X-ray data, including quality controls, photon statistics, exposure and background maps, and sky coverage. Source catalogue construction and multi-lambda associations are briefly described. This material will be the basis for the calculation of the cluster and AGN selection functions, critical elements of the cosmological and science analyses. Conclusions. The XXL multi-lambda data set will have a unique lasting legacy value for cosmological and extragalactic studies and will serve as a calibration resource for future dark energy studies with clusters and other X-ray selected sources. With the present article, we release the XMM XXL photon and smoothed images along with the corresponding exposure maps.
Two-dimensional sparse synthetic aperture radar imaging method with stepped-frequency waveform

Abstract Stepped-frequency waveforms (SFWs) can use the digital signal processing method to obtain high-range resolution with relatively narrow instantaneous bandwidth, which has been used in synthetic aperture radar (SAR). However, SFWs have the disadvantages of poor antijamming capability and a long period of transmission. Also, in the coherent integration time, some echo data are frequently lost. A two-dimensional sparse imaging method in the space and frequency domains for SAR is proposed based on compressed sensing (CS) theory. A sparse SFW for SAR imaging is formed and analyzed first, which has the advantages of better antijamming capability and a shorter time period of transmission. The range compression is completed by using CS theory. As to the sparse echo data in the space domain, the imaging operator and the CS-based imaging scheme are constructed to simultaneously implement the range cell migration correction and azimuth compression. Compared with the conventional SAR imaging method of SFWs, a much smaller number of frequencies and a smaller amount of imaging data are required for SAR imaging by using the proposed method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is proven by simulation and experimental results.
Sexual Selection and the Genetic Mating System of Wild Turkeys

Abstract Molecular measures of parentage provide important insights into the opportunity for sexual selection; in birds, such studies have been conducted almost exclusively on pair-bonded passerines. Here I employ a multitiered parentage analysis involving 10-locus microsatellite genotypes to characterize the genetic mating system of a population of Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), a promiscuous species in which males and potentially females have been thought to mate multiply. Young in almost half of nests (48%, n = 15) were each apparently the product of a single male and female parent. Fourteen broods (45%) resulted from multiple paternity; seven contained eggs from multiple females, four of which appeared to be cases of quasi parasitism, in which the offspring of the brood parasitic female were fathered by the same male that sired at least one of the host females' offspring. Bateman gradients for males and females indicate that males experience a significantly greater gain in reproductive success from additional mates; the trend for females to benefit from multiple matings disappeared when the small “clutches” of parasitic females were excluded from the analysis. Of the components of variance in male fitness, number of mates was the most important determinant of male reproductive success. Somewhat surprisingly, when considering only reproductively successful males, the proportion of a female's offspring that a male sired also explained a substantial proportion of the total variance in male reproductive success. Incomplete sampling of offspring could mean that these estimates, particularly the importance of mate number, may be underestimated. Regardless, these results suggest that multiple mating by females may be an important and overlooked component of sexual selection in species with lek-like mating systems, and that selection may act independently on males to attract more mates and increase their share of paternity with those mates.