Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CNGB3-Achromatopsia Clinical Trial With CNTF: Diminished Rod Pathway Responses With No Evidence of Improvement in Cone Function.

on the results of the open-label Phase 1/2 trial to evaluate the safety and efﬁcacy of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on human cone function in patients with congenital achromatopsia (ACHM) caused by CNGB3 mutations. while there was evidence of CNTF delivery, there was no objectively measureable enhancement of cone function (as-sessed using visual acuity, mesopic increment sensitivity threshold, hue discrimination, photopic electroretinography [ERG]). In contrasting this with previous evidence of CNTF improving cone photoreceptor function in a CNGB3 canine model of ACHM, conclude that there is a species difference between human and canine CNGB3 cones in their response to CNTF. this is plausible, we wish to propose an alternate possibility.
Predicting human behavior in smart environments: theory and application to gaze prediction

Predicting human behavior is desirable in many application scenarios in smart environments. Gaze represents one of the essential cues, which is important to understand these behaviors. In this thesis, we consider eye movements and the spatial location of visual attention in different behavioral context as a model system. Behavioral eye movements data in a different context is presented together with predictive models of visual saliency. The existing models for eye movements do not take contextual factors into account. This addressed using a systematic machine-learning approach, where user profiles for eye movements behaviors are learned from data. Machine learning models and the analysis of behavioral data show the limitations of current predictive models describing human eye movements behaviors and reveal the influences of task on gaze selection. The analysis furthermore demonstrates the relative importance given to the individual visual features, and it shows that simple predictive "one-fitsall"-models will not work for eye movements prediction. This part of the work used model-based systematic data analysis. Human studies have shown that eye movements behaviors are mostly effected by the task at hand. For that, human vision has to learn how to move the eyes to the relevant information. In this part of the work a theoretical innovation is presented, which goes beyond pure data analysis. The thesis proposed the modeling of eye movements as a Markov Decision Processes (MDPs). Then it use Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) paradigm to infer the reward function. The examined IRL approaches used information about the possible eye movement positions. We found that it is possible to automatically extract reward function based on effective features from user eye movement behaviors using IRL. We found that the reward function was able to extract expert behavior information that fulfill to predict eye movements behaviors. By using a new inverse reinforcement learning paradigm that constructs the parameters of the learning model to best match the observed human behavior, the connection between model and empirical data is obtained. The application of this method to the empirical data shows that this model can be used in eye movement predictions, and in human behavior modeling in general.
Overexpression of Akt (protein kinase B) confers protection against apoptosis and prevents formation of ceramide in response to pro‐apoptotic stimuli

An immortalized dorsal root ganglion cell line F‐11 exhibits many properties of spinal cord neurons and undergoes apoptosis in response to growth factor withdrawal and the exogenous addition of inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K). To elucidate the mechanism of apoptosis we generated F‐11 clones which overexpressed either the p110 subunit of PI3K, a constitutively active form of protein kinase B/Akt (Myristoylated Akt), or a dominant‐negative form (c‐Akt). The first two constructs were protective against apoptosis induced by PI3K inhibitors such as wortmannin and LY294002. Caspase‐3 (CPP32) levels peaked at 4 hr to 6 hr in response to pro‐apoptotic drugs, and this increase was attenuated by 50% in F‐11 with constitutively active Akt. The Akt protection was confirmed by DNA fragmentation studies. Both neo‐transfected and the c‐Akt dominant‐negative transfected F‐11 cells showed increased ceramide formation (twofold) in response to staurosporine, wortmannin, or LY294002; whereas cells with a constitutively active Akt (Myr‐Akt) showed no increase in ceramide when treated with staurosporine, wortmannin, or LY294002. Ceramide was a more potent activator of CPP32 and an inducer of apoptosis when added as the native form (hydroxy‐ or nonhydroxy‐), rather than the more water‐soluble C2‐ceramide. Overexpression of PI3K (p110) and Akt protected cells against ceramide‐induced apoptosis, suggesting that Ceramide action is upstream of Akt in these cells and suggesting that Akt might be a target for inhibition by ceramide. Both staurosporine and C2‐ceramide activated the Jun kinase (JNK) cascade and C2‐ceramide increased caspase‐3 (CPP32) activity in cells expressing wild‐type c‐Jun, but not dominant‐negative (TAM‐67) c‐Jun. We suggest that this pathway is also involved in apoptosis, consistent with the idea that ceramide has multiple kinase and kinase‐modulating targets in the apoptotic pathway of neurons. J. Neurosci. Sci. 57:884–893, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing Distributed Source Coding for Interactive Multiview Video Streaming Over Lossy Networks

In interactive multiview video streaming (IMVS), a user observes one view at a time, but can periodically switch to a desired neighboring captured view as the video is played back in time. Previous IMVS works focus on efficient compression techniques that facilitate interactive view switching. In this paper, in addition to the loss-resilient aspect during network streaming we address how to design efficient coding tools and optimize frame structure for transmission to facilitate view switching and contain error propagation in differentially coded video due to packet losses. We first design a new unified distributed source coding (uDSC) frame-a new coding tool that simultaneously offers view switching and loss-resilient capabilities-for periodic insertion into the multiview frame structure. After inserting uDSC-frames into the coding structure, we schedule packets for network transmission in a rate-distortion optimal manner for both wireless multicast and wired unicast streaming scenarios. For wireless multicast over a Gilbert-Elliott loss model, frames in a group of pictures are packetized and reordered, so that uDSC frames are correctly decoded with high probability, mitigating error propagation. For wired unicast, we use a Markov decision process to optimize packet transmission to minimize expected distortion given a bandwidth constraint. Experimental results show that systems that insert uDSC frames and optimize packet transmission can outperform other competing coding schemes by up to 2.8 and 11.6 dB in wireless multicast and wired unicast streaming scenarios, respectively.
Postsynaptic expression of long‐term potentiation in the rat dentate gyrus demonstrated by variance‐mean analysis

1 Long‐term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission is the putative mechanism underlying learning and memory. Despite intensive study, it remains controversial whether LTP is expressed at a pre‐ or postsynaptic locus. A new approach was used to investigate this question at excitatory synapses from the medial perforant path (MPP) onto granule cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. The variance of the evoked synaptic amplitude was plotted against mean synaptic amplitude at several different Cd2+ concentrations. The slope of the variance‐mean plot estimates the average amplitude of the response following the release of a single vesicle of transmitter (Qav). A presynaptic modulation should not affect Qav, but a postsynaptic modulation should alter it. 2 The variance‐mean technique was tested by applying the analysis before and after three different synaptic modulations: (i) a reduction in Qav by the addition of the competitive antagonist CNQX; (ii) a reduction in the average probability of transmitter release (Pav) by the addition of baclofen; and (iii) an increase in the number of active synaptic terminals (N) by increasing the stimulus strength. CNQX reduced the average synaptic amplitude and Qav to the same extent, consistent with a postsynaptic action. In contrast, neither a change in N nor Pav altered Qav. This confirms that the variance‐mean technique can distinguish between a pre‐ and a postsynaptic site of modulation. 3 Induction of LTP increased EPSC amplitude by 50 ± 0·4 % (n= 5) and, in the same cells, increased Qav by 47 ± 0·6 %. There was no significant difference between the increase in EPSC amplitude and the increase in Qav. Thus, LTP of the MPP input to dentate granule cells can be explained by an increase in the postsynaptic response to transmitter.
Ergonomic Risks and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Production Agriculture: Recommendations for Effective Research to Practice

ABSTRACT Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are increasingly recognized as a significant hazard of agricultural occupation. In agricultural jobs with significant physical labor, MSDs are typically the most frequently reported injury. Although not as lethal as tractor roll-overs, MSDs can result in disability, lost work time, and increased production costs. MSDs increase production costs as a result of worker absence, medical and insurance costs, decreased work capacity, and loss of employees to turnover and competition from other less physically demanding industries. This paper will provide an overview of what is currently known about MSDs in agriculture, including high-risk commodities, tasks and work practices, and the related regulatory factors and workers' compensation costs. As agricultural production practices evolve, the types of MSDs also change, as do ergonomic risk factors. One example is the previous higher rates of knee and hip arthritis identified in farmers in stanchion dairies evolving into upper extremity tendonitis, arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome now found in milking technicians in dairy milking parlors. This paper summarizes the presentation, “Musculoskeletal Disorders in Labor-Intensive Operations,” at the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conference, “Be Safe, Be Profitable: Protecting Workers in Agriculture,” January 27–28, 2010, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. The primary focus of the paper is to address current research on ergonomic solutions for MSDs in agriculture. These include improved tools, carts or equipment, as well as work practices. One of the key challenges in this area pertains to measurement, due to the fact that musculoskeletal strain is a chronic condition that can come and go, with self-reported pain as its only indicator. Alternative measurement methods will be discussed. Finally, the implementation of research into practice is reviewed, with an emphasis on best practices that have been demonstrated to be effective in the agricultural setting, based on worker acceptance and comfort, improved productivity, and decreased MSDs. The paper will provide an overview for agricultural stakeholders as to the current science and practice of ergonomics in agriculture.
The nature of hypnosis: artifact and essence.

THE most meaningful present-day theories of hypnosis interpret hypnotic phenomena along three major lines: (a) desire on the part of the subject to play the role of a hypnotized subject (Sarbin, 1950; White, 1941), (b) increase in suggestibility (Hull, 1933), and (c) a further less well-defined category that is called by White "an altered state of consciousness" and by others, "cortical inhibition" (Pavlov, 1923), dissociation (Weitzenhoffer, 1953), etc. depending on their theoretical orientations.
Interaction of the Echinocandin Caspofungin with Amphotericin B or Voriconazole against Aspergillus Biofilms In Vitro

ABSTRACT Aspergillus biofilms were prepared from 22 strains of Aspergillus spp. via a 96-well plate-based method. Using a broth microdilution checkerboard technique with the XTT [2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] colorimetric assay, we demonstrated a synergistic antifungal activity against 18 of 22 Aspergillus biofilm strains with a combination of caspofungin and amphotericin B and against 13 of 22 strains with a combination of caspofungin and voriconazole. We did not observe antagonism.
The therapeutic potential of vasopressin receptor antagonists in congestive heart failure

Hospitalisation of patients presenting with deteriorating congestive heart failure is occurring with increasing frequency and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Diuretic use, the mainstay therapy for congestion, is associated with electrolyte abnormalities and deteriorating renal function. In a recent randomised study, tolvaptan, a novel vasopressin antagonist, in addition to standard therapy including diuretics, increased net fluid loss resulting in decreased body weight more effectively than standard therapy alone in patients hospitalised for heart failure. This desirable effect was achieved without adversely affecting blood pressure, heart rate, electrolyte levels, or renal function. Although tolvaptan did not reduce the rate of deteriorating heart failure after discharge, post hoc analysis suggested that mortality might be reduced in high-risk patients treated with tolvaptan. These results make an important contribution to heart failure research, and offer an insight into the future role of vasopressin antagonism in the treatment of congestive heart failure.
Highly Efficient Compact Rectenna for Wireless Energy Harvesting Application

In this article, the design procedure of the winning WEH device in the IMS2012 Student Design Competition is presented. The designed WEH circuit is a rectenna consisting of a rectifier in voltage doubler structure and a folded dipole antenna. The design steps of the rectifier circuit and the antenna are explained in detail, and simulation and measurement results are shown.
Solution structure of a membrane‐anchored ubiquitin‐fold (MUB) protein from Homo sapiens

The protein Bc059385, whose solution structure is reported here, is the human representative of a recently identified family of membrane‐anchored ubiquitin‐fold (MUB) proteins. Analysis of their similarity to ubiquitin indicates that homologous amino acid residues in MUBs form a hydrophobic surface very similar to the recognition patch surrounding Ile‐44 in ubiquitin. This suggests that MUBs may interact with proteins containing an α‐helical motif similar to those of some ubiquitin binding domains. A disordered loop common to MUBs may also provide a second protein interaction site. From the available data, it is probable that this protein is prenylated and associated with the membrane. With <20% identity to ubiquitin, the MUB family further expands the sequence space that maps to the β‐grasp fold, and adds membrane localization to its list of functional roles.
Knowledge Management Problems in Hospital Work - A Case Study on Experiences in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department

In this in-depth case study, nine interviews were carried out to investigate knowledge management problems in one healthcare department in a hospital. Based on the Grounded Theory approach, we discovered six thematic knowledge management problem categories: Patient, Patient Data, Physician, Midwife, ICT Systems and Medical Equipment. Each thematic category was further decomposed into multiple items (traits) ranging from 3 to 18 items.
Prevalence of the Fragile X Syndrome Among Estonian Mentally Retarded and the Entire Children's Population

The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of fragile X syndrome among Estonian mentally retarded and also among the entire children's population born during the years 1984-2005. The study group consisted of 516 patients (448 boys and 68 girls) who were screened for full mutations in the FMR1 gene during the period 1997-2006. Fourteen boys (2.7%) were found with full mutations of the total mentally retarded individuals tested (3.1% of mentally retarded boys); the full mutation was not detected among girls. The live-birth prevalence of full mutation among boys was 1:13 947. The overall live-birth prevalence of fragile X syndrome was 1:27 115. It was found that the prevalence of fragile X syndrome among mentally retarded individuals in Estonia was the same as in previous studies, but the live-birth prevalence of fragile X syndrome among boys was significantly lower.
Missing data imputation through generative topographic mapping as a mixture of t-distributions: Theoretical developments

The Generative Topographic Mapping (GTM) was originally conceived as a probabilistic alternative to the well-known, neural network-inspired, Self-Organizing Map (SOM). The GTM can also be interpreted as a constrained mixture of distributions model. In recent years, much attention has been directed towards Student t-distributions as an alternative to Gaussians in mixture models due to their robustness towards outliers. In this report, the GTM is redefined as a constrained mixture of t-distributions: the t-GTM, and the Expectation-Maximization algorithm that is used to fit the model to the data is modified to provide missing data imputation.
Sequential Turnover of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 env throughout the Course of Infection

ABSTRACT We examined the rates of variant population turnover of the V1-V2 and V4-V5 hypervariable domains of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 molecule in longitudinal plasma samples from 14 men with chronic HIV-1 infection using heteroduplex tracking assays (HTA). Six men had high rates of CD4+ T-cell loss, and eight men had low rates of CD4+ T-cell loss over 2.5 to 8 years of infection. We found that V1-V2 and V4-V5 env populations changed dramatically over time in all 14 subjects; the changes in these regions were significantly correlated with each another over time. The subjects with rapid CD4 loss had significantly less change in their env populations than the subjects with slow CD4 loss. The two subjects with rapid CD4 loss and sustained low CD4 counts (<150/μl for at least 2 years) showed stabilization of their V1-V2 and V4-V5 populations as reflected by low levels of total change in HTA pattern and low HTA indices (a novel measure of the emergence of new bands and band distribution); this stabilization was not observed in other subjects. The stabilization of env variant populations at low CD4 counts following periods of rapid viral evolution suggests that selective pressure on env, likely from new immune responses, is minimal when CD4 counts drop dramatically and remain low for extended periods of time.
Single phase grid tie inverter for photovoltaic application

This paper present a grid tie inverter for photovoltaic, PV application with a combination switching strategy of square wave and the sinusoidal pulse width modulation, SPWM. The combination switching strategy will be discussed and the performance of the inverter also will be simulated under grid tie condition in SIMULINK. Besides that, the strategy of sending power into the grid also will be discussed.
Sources and chemical character of dissolved organic carbon across an alpine/subalpine ecotone, Green Lakes Valley, Colorado Front Range, United States

We investigated how the source and chemical character of aquatic dissolved organic carbon (DOC) change over the course of the runoff season (May–November, 1999) in Green Lakes Valley, a high‐elevation ecosystem in the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Samples were collected on North Boulder Creek from four sites across an alpine/subalpine ecotone in order to understand how the transition from the lightly vegetated alpine to the forested reaches of the catchment influences aquatic DOC. Concentrations of DOC at the four sites peaked between 2.6 and 8.9 mg C L−1 on the ascending limb of the snowmelt hydrograph, with the higher concentrations at the two subalpine sites. Seasonally, the chemical fractionation of DOC showed that there was a large range (29–72%) in the fulvic acid content of DOC at the four sites, with the highest fulvic acid percentages on the ascending limb of the hydrograph. Yields of DOC at the two gauged sites ranged from 10 to 11 kg ha−1 over the season with between 45 and 50% of the yield occurring as fulvic acid DOC and the remainder as nonhumic material. The fluorescence properties of DOC from all four sites indicated that during peak runoff, DOC was derived primarily from terrestrial precursor material. However, seasonal changes in the fluorescence properties of fulvic acids at the highest elevation sites suggest that DOC derived from algal and microbial biomass in the lakes is a more important source of DOC above tree line during late summer and fall. We hypothesize that much of the autochthonous DOC production is a result of algal growth in alpine lakes. Further, comparison to a forested control catchment suggests that processes in the alpine reach of the catchment may alter both the amount and chemistry of DOC incident to the downstream subalpine aquatic system.
Role of Host Sphingosine Kinase 1 in the Lung Response against Cryptococcosis

ABSTRACT Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen causing pulmonary infection and a life-threatening meningoencephalitis in human hosts. The fungus infects the host through inhalation, and thus, the host response in the lung environment is crucial for containment or dissemination of C. neoformans to other organs. In the lung, alveolar macrophages (AMs) are key players in the host lung immune response, and upon phagocytosis, they can kill C. neoformans by evoking an effective immune response through a variety of signaling molecules. On the other hand, under conditions not yet fully defined, the fungus is able to survive and proliferate within macrophages. Since the host sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) regulates many signaling functions of immune cells, particularly in macrophages, in this study we determined the role of SK1 in the host response to C. neoformans infection. Using wild-type (SK1/2+/+) and SK1-deficient (SK1−/−) mice, we found that SK1 is dispensable during infection with a facultative intracellular wild-type C. neoformans strain. However, SK1 is required to form a host lung granuloma and to prevent brain infection by a C. neoformans mutant strain lacking the cell wall-associated glycosphingolipid glucosylceramide (Δgcs1), previously characterized as a mutant able to replicate only intracellularly. Specifically, in contrast to those from SK1/2+/+ mice, lungs from SK1−/− mice have no collagen deposition upon infection with C. neoformans Δgcs1, and AMs from these mice contain significantly more C. neoformans cells than AMs from SK1/2+/+ mice, suggesting that under conditions in which C. neoformans is more internalized by AMs, SK1 may become important to control C. neoformans infection. Indeed, when we induced immunosuppression, a host condition in which wild-type C. neoformans cells are increasingly found intracellularly, SK1−/− survived significantly less than SK1/2+/+ mice infected with a facultative intracellular wild-type strain, suggesting that SK1 has an important role in controlling C. neoformans infection under conditions in which the fungus is predominantly found intracellularly.