Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence and robotics in rehabilitation.

This chapter provides an overview of applications of intelligent technologies in contemporary rehabilitation practice and research. Within the context of the chapter, we focus primarily on current trends and future capabilities in ubiquitous computing, especially smart environments, intelligent mobile and wearable devices, and other assistive technologies. We also explore the application and study of robotics in rehabilitation practice and research. This is followed by a discussion of the broader implications for rehabilitation practice and research.
Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic, and Neurobehavioral Effects of a Leaf Extract of Avicennia marina on Autoimmune Diabetic Mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that can affect the central nervous system and behavioral traits in animals. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes is considered an autoimmune disease. The aim of the current study was to determine whether supplementation with the alcoholic extract of Avicennia marina leaves could improve diabetes-associated pathological changes. The animals were divided into four groups: a control group (A), an A. marina receiving nondiabetic group (B), a diabetic group (C), and a DM group orally supplemented with A. marina alcoholic leaf extract (D). The DM group of animals receiving the alcoholic extract of A. marina leaves had reduced blood glucose levels, improved blood picture, and organ functions. This group also showed improvement in locomotory behavior. The results of this study showed that supplementation with the alcoholic extract of A. marina leaves reduced oxidative stress and blood sugar levels, protected the liver, and improved the neurobehavioral changes associated with diabetes in mice. Introducing alcoholic leaf extract of A. marina to diabetic mice decreased inflammatory cells aggregation, vacuolation, and hemorrhage. Additionally, a positive effect of the alcoholic leaf extract on the histopathological changes was observed in the testicular tissue of treated mice.
Compensation Consultants: Whom Do They Serve? Evidence From Consultant Changes

We use compensation consultant turnover to investigate optimal or excessive CEO compensation recommendations by consultants. Prior literature contends that consultants issue outsized pay recommendations in order to achieve repeat business; we present evidence suggesting their interests are, instead, aligned with shareholders’ desire to appropriately pay the CEO. We find that boards are more likely to dismiss their consultant when CEO pay is abnormally large. These pay-related switches are associated with a decrease in CEO compensation the following year and are concentrated at firms with stronger corporate governance. Lastly, directors representing shareholders’ interests are rewarded with higher votes in annual elections.
IEEE Transactions on Broadcasting -- Special Issue on 3D-TV Horizon: Contents, Systems and Visual Perception

There exist a variety of ways to represent 3D content, including stereo and multiview video, as well as framecompatible and depth-based video formats. There are also a number of compression architectures and techniques that have been introduced in recent years. This paper provides an overview of relevant 3D representation and compression formats. It also analyzes some of the merits and drawbacks of these formats considering the application requirements and constraints imposed by different storage and transmission systems.
3-D Object Classification in Heterogeneous Point Clouds via Bag-of-Words and Joint Distribution Adaption

Object classification model used in point clouds requires to be retrained when applying on heterogeneous point clouds that are collected from different kinds of laser scanning systems. The model training procedure needs supervised information from the corresponding laser scanning systems. However, the acquisition of supervised information is labor-intensive and time-consuming. This letter proposes a new framework to exploit objects from point clouds with supervised information (source domain) to directly classify objects from heterogeneous point clouds with no supervised information (target domain). More specifically, to alleviate occlusions and point density variations, intraclass variations in object classification, the proposed framework integrates a bag-of-words model to effectively describe 3-D objects of point clouds. To alleviate the difference of point clouds collected from various devices, a joint distribution adaption model is exploited to build an effective feature transformation to accomplish the adaption in the source and target domains. The proposed framework is validated on data sets, which contain three kinds of point clouds. Extensive experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed framework on classifying 3-D objects in heterogeneous point clouds.
Discussion of Banks, Markets and Liquidity

Although Franklin Allen and Elena Carletti’s paper on banks, markets and liquidity is in itself very stimulating and interesting, the emergence of the recent fi nancial market turmoil has made this paper even more topical and important. The crisis illustrates a key message of the paper; given incomplete markets, even relatively small losses can lead to large swings in asset prices, bank defaults and fi nancial instability. As politicians have already called for tighter regulation of banks, the paper provides a timely reminder that regulation should address market failures and not be led by political point scoring.
A Bayesian Account of Generalist and Specialist Formation Under the Active Inference Framework

This paper offers a formal account of policy learning, or habitual behavioural optimisation, under the framework of Active Inference. In this setting, habit formation becomes an autodidactic, experience-dependent process, based upon what the agent sees itself doing. We focus on the effect of environmental volatility on habit formation by simulating artificial agents operating in a partially observable Markov decision process. Specifically, we used a ‘two-step’ maze paradigm, in which the agent has to decide whether to go left or right to secure a reward. We observe that in volatile environments with numerous reward locations, the agents learn to adopt a generalist strategy, never forming a strong habitual behaviour for any preferred maze direction. Conversely, in conservative or static environments, agents adopt a specialist strategy; forming strong preferences for policies that result in approach to a small number of previously-observed reward locations. The pros and cons of the two strategies are tested and discussed. In general, specialization offers greater benefits, but only when contingencies are conserved over time. We consider the implications of this formal (Active Inference) account of policy learning for understanding the relationship between specialisation and habit formation. Author Summary Active inference is a theoretical framework that formalizes the behaviour of any organism in terms of a single imperative – to minimize surprise. Starting from this principle, we can construct simulations of simple “agents” (artificial organisms) that show the ability to infer causal relationships and learn. Here, we expand upon currently-existing implementations of Active Inference by enabling synthetic agents to optimise the space of behavioural policies that they can pursue. Our results show that by adapting the probabilities of certain action sequences (which may correspond biologically to the phenomenon of synaptic plasticity), and by rejecting improbable sequences (synaptic pruning), the agents can begin to form habits. Furthermore, we have shown our agent’s habit formation to be environment-dependent. Some agents become specialised to a constant environment, while other adopt a more general strategy, each with sensible pros and cons. This work has potential applications in computational psychiatry, including in behavioural phenotyping to better understand disorders.
Nanosized functional miRNA liposomes and application in the treatment of TNBC by silencing Slug gene

Background: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy is an effective strategy for improving treatment of breast cancers. However, the efficacy of this treatment strategy is limited for treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Gene therapy may be a more effective strategy for improving the prognosis of TNBC. Methods: A novel 25 nucleotide sense strand of miRNA was designed to treat TNBC by silencing the Slug gene, and encapsulated into DSPE-PEG2000-tLyp-1 peptide-modified functional liposomes. The efficacy of miRNA liposomes was evaluated on invasive TNBC cells and TNBC cancer-bearing nude mice. Furthermore, functional vinorelbine liposomes were constructed to investigate the anticancer effects of combined treatment. Results: The functional miRNA liposomes had a round shape and were nanosized (120 nm). Functional miRNA liposomes were effectively captured by TNBC cells in vitro and were target to mitochondria. Treatment with functional liposomes silenced the expression of Slug and Slug protein, inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, and inhibited invasiveness and growth of TNBC cells. In TNBC cancer-bearing mice, functional miRNA liposomes exerted a stronger anticancer effect than functional vinorelbine liposomes, and combination therapy with these two formulations resulted in nearly complete inhibition of tumor growth. Preliminary safety evaluations indicated that the functional miRNA liposomes did not affect body weight or cause damage to any major organs. Furthermore, the functional liposomes significantly increased the half-life of the drug in the blood of cancer-bearing nude mice, and increased drug accumulation in breast cancer tissues. Conclusion: In this study, we constructed novel functional miRNA liposomes. These liposomes silenced Slug expression and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in TNBC cells, and enhanced anticancer efficacy in mice using combined chemotherapy. Hence, the present study demonstrated a promising strategy for gene therapy of invasive breast cancer.
Native American

of social science, humanist, and natural science fields; examination of development in the field of global environmental history with focus on histories of the Global South; assessment of salient debates within the field, past and present; various methodological strategies employed by environmental historians; relationship of the field with area studies and "global turn
Inhibition of PARP activity
does not affect the differentiation processes caused by retinoic acid in SH-SY5Y
cells

Differentiation is a complex process by which cells become specialized in their physiological functions. As this process is followed by a decrease in proliferation ability, the induction of differentiation could be an ideal cancer treatment. We analyzed the effects of a common differentiation agent, retinoic acid, on neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells under the conditions of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition. Namely, PARP1 can be indirectly involved in processes of chromatin remodelling, so the aim was to investigate whether its inhibition can influence the process of differentiation. Cells differentiated after retinoic acid treatment into neural cells, with neurite outgrowth, proliferation arrest and induction of tissue plasminogen activator. PARP inhibition did not influence the process of differentiation. Analysis of gene expression revealed the involvement of several signaling pathways in RA-dependent differentiation. Beside TGFβ and Notch pathways, master transcription factors directing epithelial-mesenchymal transition were shown to also take part in the differentiation process.
Trafficking and intracellular processing of exogenous and endogenous proteins: VacA toxin from Helicobacter pylori as a tool

5 INTRODUCTION . 5 VESICLES MEDIATED INTRACELLULAR TRAFFICKING . 6 The endocytic system . 7 Toxins . 10 Inhibitors . 14 EGA.16 Trafficking and misfolded proteins. 18 Particle-rich cytoplasmic structure . 19 Lafora Bodies . 21 Juxtanuclear Quality Control compartment and Insoluble Protein Deposit . 22 HELICOBACTER PYLORI . 24 The Vacuolation toxin A . 27 Internalization and effects . 28 VacA & CagA interaction . 33 AIM OF THE STUDY . 34 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 36 MATERIALS . 36 Reagents and inhibitors . 36 Plasmids . 36 Antibodies . 36 Cells lines and bacterial strains . 37 METHODS . 37 Bacterial filtrates production and VacA preparation . 37 Vacuolation assay . 38 EGA effect analysis . 39 Acridine Orange staining . 39 Colocalization study and ICC analysis. 40 Plasmid preparation and trasfection . 41 Aggregates analysis . 41 Ubiquitination assay . 43 Protein biochemical methods . 44 Samples preparation . 44 SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis . 45 Coomassie blue staining . 45 Statistics . 45 RESULTS . 46 STRAIN SELECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION . 46 TRAFFICKING ALTERATIONS AND MISFOLDED PROTEINS . 47 PaCSs vs LBs . 47 PaCS vs JUNQ and IPOD . 49 VACA UBIQUITINATION ASSAY . 53 VACUOLATION ASSAY AND INHIBITORS EFFECT . 55 EGA EFFECT ON CELLS . 60 Time-dependent effect . 60 pH analysis . 62 Endosomal analysis . 66 TIME COURSE ANALYSIS . 67 Protocol development and CTxB analysis. 67 VacA trafficking inside the cell . 70 DISCUSSION . 74 CONCLUSION . 82 BIBLIOGRAPHY . 84
Compressive behaviour of Neovius Triply Periodic Minimal Surface cellular structure manufactured by fused deposition modelling

ABSTRACT Compressive behaviour of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface type Neovius structure is investigated. The structure was manufactured by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) Additive Manufacturing technology in ABS material. The Neovius cellular structures with four different unit cell sizes of 8, 10, 12 and 14 mm with the volume fractions of 15%, 20% and 25% were investigated. Morphology of the samples was analysed through optical microscopy, and the pore and strut sizes were compared for the designed model and FDM samples. During the compression test, the Neovius structure showed the oscillating behaviour of the stress–strain curve with the larger unit cell size showing fracture across multiple layers in different orientations. Optical analysis of the struts after the compression tests showed that struts are the weakest link with the highest stressed area and the fracture was seen initiated at the struts. Both compressive modulus and strength increased with the increase in volume fraction.
Shaping business through and within networks: evolving from a traditional to a digital firm

Purpose Although individual and business actors are often mentioned as an important part of clarifying the stages that firms and their networks go through from starting up to becoming established, most studies have emphasised activities and resources rather than actors. Therefore, more needs to be known about how actors shape and are shaped through and within firms’ networks. Design/methodology/approach To clarify the process of reshaping business in networks, the focus of this study is on the role of actors in firms’ networks during the main stages of development. The major events for each stage are described in terms of how these events affect the interaction, alignment and interfaces between individual actors and business actors with a focus on individual and collective interests. Findings The individual actor plays a key role in the start-up stage, whereas the business actor has a key role in the final stage when the firm has become an important player in the industry. In later stages, the individual actor plays a gradually decreasing role and the business actor an increasing role. However, it appears that an analysis of the interplay between the two levels of analysis provides deeper insight into the shaping. Originality/value This study provides new insights into the role of the actor and how the actor shapes and is shaped by a firm and its network in different stages. Further, the study contributes by clarifying actors’ roles on two levels of analysis and shows the roles of interests, conflicts, interfaces and alignment in shaping firms and their networks.
Fine mapping of GWAS signals to identify genetic markers of the plasma triglyceride response to an omega-3 fatty acid supplementation

Background: Using a genome-wide association study (GWAS) approach, our group previously computed a genetic risk score (GRS) from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ten loci which affect the plasma triglyceride (TG) response to an omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid (FA) supplementation. Objective: The objective was to compute a novel and more refined GRS using fine mapping to include a large number of genetic variants. Design: A total of 208 participants of the Fatty Acid Sensor (FAS) study received 5g of fish oil per day, containing 1.9–2.2g of eicosapentanoic acid and 1.1g of docosahexanoic acid, for six weeks. Plasma TG levels were measured before and after supplementation. Dense genotyping and genotype imputation were employed to refine mapping around GWAS hits. A GRS was computed by summing the number of at-risk alleles of tagging SNPs. Analyses were replicated in samples of the FINGEN study. Results: A total of 31 tagging SNPs associated with the TG response were used for GRS calculation in the FAS study. In a general linear model adjusted for age, sex and body mass index, the GRS explained 49.73% of TG response variance (p < 0.0001). Non-responders to the n-3 FA supplementation had a higher GRS than responders. In the FINGEN replication study, the GRS explained 3.67% of TG response variance (p = 0.0006). Conclusion: Fine mapping proved to be effective to refine the previous GRS. Carrying increasing numbers of at-risk alleles of 31 SNPs confers a higher risk of being non-responsive to n-3 FA. The genetic profile therefore appears to be an important determinant of the plasma TG response to an n-3 FA supplementation and could be used to target those most likely to gain clinical benefit.
Time series database in Industrial IoT and its testing tool

In the essence of the Industrial Internet of Things is data gathering. Data is time and event-based and hence time series data is key concept in the Industrial Internet of Things, and specific time series database is required to process and store the data. Solution development and choosing the right time series database for Industrial Internet of Things solution can be difficult. Inefficient comparison of time series databases can lead to wrong choices and consequently to delays and financial losses. This thesis is improving the tools to compare different time series databases in context of the Industrial Internet of Things. In addition, the thesis identifies the functional and non-functional requirements of time series database in Industrial Internet of Things and designs and implements a performance test bench. A practical example of how time series databases can be compared with identified requirements and developed test bench is also provided. The example is used to examine how selected time series databases fulfill these requirements. Eight functional requirements and eight non-functional requirements were identified. Functional requirements included, e.g., aggregation support, information models, and hierarchical configurations. Non-functional requirements included, e.g., scalability, performance, and lifecycle. Developed test bench took Industrial Internet of Things point of view by testing the database in three scenarios: write heavy, read heavy, and concurrent write and read operations. In the practical example, ABB’s cpmPlus History, InfluxDB, and TimescaleDB were evaluated. Both requirement evaluation and performance testing resulted that cpmPlus History performed best, InfluxDB second best, and TimescaleDB the worst. cpmPlus History showed extensive support for the requirements and best performance in all performance test cases. InfluxDB showed high performance for data writing while TimescaleDB showed better performance for data
The relationship between individual root anatomy and fine root system development in blueberry seedlings: dominance of diarch roots in initial root systems

: Heterogeneity of individual root traits (heterorhizy) is thought to be one of the most important mechanisms that maintain the functional gradients in fine root systems. It is necessary to know heterorhizy and its relation to the root system architecture in seedlings, because it is the initial form of fine root development. Herein, we investi gated individual root traits and the root system architecture of blueberry seedlings by using the protoxylem grouping. Most individual roots were diarch but some laterals were monarch. Compared to the monarch, the diarch roots had significantly larger diameters and tissues, and over half of them exhibited secondary growth. In other words, frameworks of the blueberry seedlings were diarch, although those of cuttings had been at least triarch as seen in our previous study. The employment of diarch frameworks may optimize investment for root system expansion of blueberry seedlings. Our results imply ontogenetic dynamics of heterorhizy in blueberries.
ON THE PRESENCE OF DNA IN LARVAL SALIVARY GLAND NUCLEOLI IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

In the course of recent experiments on Drosophila salivary gland chromosomes with both fluorescent dyes and isotopic labeling, we have found evidence which bears on the question of nucleolar DNA. We would like to describe these observations in support of the growing number of reports on the presence of DNA in nucleoli (1-5; see reference 4 for additional references) and in view of
Traffic Signal Phasing Problem-Solving Rationales of Professional Engineers Developed from Eye-Tracking and Clinical Interviews

There is a lack of knowledge on the way transportation engineering practitioners engage with various Contextual Representations (CRs) to solve traffic engineering design problems. CRs such as equations, graphs, and tables could be perceived differently, even if they represent the same concept. The present study recognized left-turn treatment at signalized intersections as a prominent concept in traffic engineering practice and identified three associated CRs (a text-book equation, a graphical representation, and a stepwise flowchart) to design a phasing plan. Two data collection mechanisms were concurrently employed: 1) eye-tracking to analyze visual attention and document problem-solving approaches and 2) reflective clinical interviews to analyze ways of thinking and document problem-solving rationales. The problem-solving experiment was completed by twenty-four transportation engineering practitioners. Transportation engineering practitioners not only demonstrated preferences for different CRs, they also demonstrated different reasoning as to the selection of the same CR. Results of Multivariate Analysis of Variance showed that there was a statistically significant difference in visual attention based on CR. Additionally, in-vivo coding of participants’ interviews identified seven distinct rationales for CR selection. Findings from this study could be employed to modify transportation engineering curricula with optimized visual CRs.