Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glutamate motivational ensembles in nucleus accumbens: rostrocaudal shell gradients of fear and feeding

This study demonstrates that microinjection of an AMPA/kainate glutamate antagonist elicits motivated fear and feeding behaviour mapped along rostrocaudal gradients of positive‐to‐negative valence in nucleus accumbens shell (similar to rostrocaudal shell gradients recently reported for GABA agonist microinjections). Rats received rostral or caudal microinjections of the glutamate AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist DNQX (0, 50, 450 or 850 ng in 0.5 µL) or the NMDA receptor antagonist MK‐801 (0, 0.5, 1 or 2 µg in 0.5 µL), into medial accumbens shell prior to behavioural tests for fear, feeding or conditioning of place preference or avoidance. Another group received rostral or caudal microinjections of DNQX in nucleus accumbens core. Rostral shell DNQX microinjections potently increased appetitive food intake and established only weak conditioned place avoidance. Caudal shell DNQX microinjections elicited defensive treading behaviour, caused rats to defensively bite the experimenter and emit fearful distress vocalizations when handled, and established strong conditioned place avoidance. By contrast, no rostrocaudal gradients of motivational bivalence were produced by microinjections of the glutamate AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist DNQX into the core, or by microinjections of the NMDA antagonist MK‐801 into the shell. Our results indicate that appetitive and aversive motivation is carried in anatomically differentiated channels by mesocorticolimbic glutamate signals to microcircuits in the medial shell. Hyperpolarization of local shell ensembles by AMPA/kainate glutamate receptor blockade elicits fear and feeding behaviours mapped along distinct positive‐to‐negative rostrocaudal gradients.
Pseudoaneurysm of Uterine Artery: A Rare Cause of Secondary Postpartum Hemorrhage, Managed with Uterine Artery Embolisation

Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare cause of secondary postpartum hemorrhage but is potentially life-threatening and can occur after caesarean section (c-section) or a hysterectomy. A 28-year-old woman who developed secondary postpartum hemorrhage after c-section was diagnosed to have pseudoaneurysm from the left uterine artery on ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) scan. She was treated with coiling of the pseudoaneurysm with stainless steel coil via selective catheterization of the uterine artery. The procedure was uneventful and the pseudoaneurysm was successfully obliterated. Angiographic embolization is a safe and effective method for treating postpartum hemorrhage due to pseudoaneurysm in hemodynamically stable patients. Therefore, it should be considered as a treatment option before resorting to surgery, in appropriately selected cases.
A Note on Metric Properties for Some Divergence Measures: The Gaussian Case

Multivariate Gaussian densities are pervasive in pattern recognition and machine learning. A central operation that appears in most of these areas is to measure the dierence between two multivariate Gaussians. Unfortunately, traditional measures based on the Kullback{ Leibler (KL) divergence and the Bhattacharyya distance do not satisfy all metric axioms necessary for many algorithms. In this paper we propose a modication for the KL divergence and the Bhattacharyya distance, for multivariate Gaussian densities, that transforms the two measures into distance metrics. Next, we show how these metric axioms impact the unfolding process of manifold learning algorithms. Finally, we illustrate the ecacy of the proposed metrics on two dierent manifold learning algorithms when used for motion clustering in video data. Our results show that, in this particular application, the new proposed metrics lead to boosts in performance (at least 7%) when compared to other divergence measures.
The role of the HNF4alpha enhancer in type 2 diabetes.

The genetic causes of type 2 diabetes are not well understood. The disease has been linked to chromosome 20q12-q13.1 a region which harbors the transcription factor HNF4alpha. Mutations in the coding region of HNF4alpha cause maturity onset diabetes of the young, an autosomal dominant form of diabetes, but do not account for the linkage to this region. An enhancer element has recently been characterized 6 kb 5' of the HNF4alpha P1 promoter containing binding sites for the transcription factors HNF1, HNF4, HNF3, and C/EBP, which are overlapped by glucocorticoid consensus sites. We hypothesized that variation in the enhancer element disrupts HNF4alpha expression in the liver and increases susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. We screened for variants of the enhancer element in 39 white UK young onset diabetic subjects, giving >95% power to identify variants with minor allele frequencies of >5%. No variants of the enhancer element were found in this population. We conclude that variation in the HNF4alpha enhancer element is not a common cause of susceptibility to type 2 diabetes.
Comparing real-real, simulated-simulated, and simulated-real spoken dialogue corpora

User simulation is used to generate large corpora for using reinforcement learning to automatically learn the best policy for spoken dialogue systems. Although this approach is becoming increasingly popular, the differences between simulated and real corpora are not well studied. We build two simulation models to interact with an intelligent tutoring system. Both models are trained on two different real corpora separately. We use several evaluation measures proposed in previous research to compare between our two simulated corpora, between the original two real corpora, and between the simulated and real corpora. We next examine the differentiating power of these measures. Our results show that although these simple statistical measures can distinguish real corpora from simulated ones, these measures cannot help us to draw a conclusion on the "reality" of the simulated corpora since even two real corpora can be very different when evaluated on the same measures. copyright © 2006, American Association for Artificial Intelligence (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.
Ti 6Al-4V FSW Weldability: Mechanical Characterization and Fatigue Life Analysis

Friction stir welding (FSW) is an innovative solid-state process, patented in 1991 by The Welding Institute, which avoids solidification problems associated with conventional fusion welding, providing joints having excellent mechanical and metallurgical properties. Due to its many advantages, FSW is successfully applied to weld various aluminium, magnesium and copper alloys. In recent years, FSW of high melting temperature materials such as steels and titanium alloys has become a key research topic. However, the high softening temperature of high melting temperature materials result in extreme stress of the pin tool during FSW, which adds to the difficulty in creating defect-free joints, especially for titanium alloys. This work is a preliminary investigation of FSW application on titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. The research focused on optimization of tool material and geometry, as well as process parameters. Complete microstructural and microhardness evaluations were conducted in addition to surface examinations. In order to evaluate the service behaviour of the joints realized with the optimized parameters, an in-depth investigation was also conducted on the fatigue properties of FSW joints.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Imaging Modalities and Injection Techniques for the Diagnosis of Femoroacetabular Impingement/Labral Tear: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

Background: Diagnosing femoroacetabular impingement/acetabular labral tear (FAI/ALT) and subsequently making a decision regarding surgery are based primarily on diagnostic imaging and intra-articular hip joint injection techniques of unknown accuracy. Purpose: Summarize and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of various imaging modalities and injection techniques relevant to hip FAI/ALT. Study Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods: A computer-assisted literature search was conducted of MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases using keywords related to diagnostic accuracy of hip joint pathologic changes. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used for the search and reporting phases of the study. Quality assessment of bias and applicability was conducted using the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) tool. Random effects models were used to summarize sensitivities (SN), specificities (SP), likelihood ratios (+LR and –LR), diagnostic odds ratios (DOR), and respective confidence intervals (CI). Results: The search strategy and assessment for risk of bias revealed 25 articles scoring above 10/14 on the items of the QUADAS. Four studies investigated FAI, and the data were not pooled. Twenty articles on ALT qualified for meta-analysis. Pretest probability of ALT in the studies in this review was 81% (72%-88%), while the pretest probability of FAI diagnosis was 74% (95% CI, 51%-91%). The meta-analysis showed that computed tomography arthrography (CTA) demonstrated the strongest overall diagnostic accuracy: pooled SN 0.91 (95% CI, 0.83-0.96); SP 0.89 (95% CI, 0.74-0.97); +LR 6.28 (95% CI, 2.78-14.21); –LR 0.11 (95% CI, 0.06-0.21); and DOR 64.38 (95% CI, 19.17-216.21). Conclusion: High pretest probability of disease was demonstrated. Positive imaging findings increased the probability that a labral tear existed by a minimal to small degree with the use of magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiogram (MRI/MRA) and ultrasound (US) and by a moderate degree for CTA. Negative imaging findings decreased the probability that a labral tear existed by a minimal degree with the use of MRI and US, a small to moderate degree with MRA, and a moderate degree with CTA. Clinical Relevance: Although findings of the included studies suggested potentially favorable use of these modalities for the diagnosis of ALT and FAI, our results suggest that these findings have limited generalizability and clinical utility given very high pretest prevalence, large confidence intervals, and selection criteria of the studies. Registration: PROSPERO Registration #CRD42015027745.
Accurate Argumentative Zoning with Maximum Entropy models

We present a maximum entropy classifier that significantly improves the accuracy of Argumentative Zoning in scientific literature. We examine the features used to achieve this result and experiment with Argumentative Zoning as a sequence tagging task, decoded with Viterbi using up to four previous classification decisions. The result is a 23% F-score increase on the Computational Linguistics conference papers marked up by Teufel (1999). Finally, we demonstrate the performance of our system in different scientific domains by applying it to a corpus of Astronomy journal articles annotated using a modified Argumentative Zoning scheme.
Immunohistochemical Localization of Angiotensin II Receptor and Local Renin-Angiotensin System in Human Colonic Mucosa

Angiotensin II (Ang II) regulates water and sodium transport in renal tubules and gastrointestinal tract. Two types of Ang II receptors have been cloned, but their distributions have not been determined in human colon. In addition, tissue renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) are believed to exist and to regulate local actions in human colon. We studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) the presence and localization of Ang II receptors Type 1 (AT1), Type 2 (AT2), and RAS components [angiotensinogen, renin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)] in normal human colon. AT1 receptors were localized in vessel walls, myofibroblasts, macrophages, and surface epithelium. AT2 receptors were found in mesenchymal cells and weakly in parts of surface epithelium. Renin and ACE were distributed in vessel walls, mesenchymal cells, and in parts of surface epithelium. Angiotensinogen was also detected by RT-PCR. These findings demonstrated that Ang II receptors and RAS components were present in human colon, suggesting the possibility of its local regulation.
Ascorbic Acid Selectively Improves Large Elastic Artery Compliance in Postmenopausal Women

The compliance of large elastic arteries in the cardiothoracic region decreases with advancing age/menopause and plays an important role in the increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. We determined whether oxidative stress contributes to the reduced large elastic artery compliance of postmenopausal women. Carotid artery compliance was measured during acute intravenous infusions of saline (baseline control) and supraphysiological doses of the potent antioxidant ascorbic acid in premenopausal (n=10; 23±1; mean±SE) and estrogen-deficient postmenopausal (n=21; 55±1 years) healthy sedentary women. Carotid artery compliance was 56% lower in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women during baseline control (P<0.0001). Ascorbic acid infusion increased carotid artery compliance by 26% in postmenopausal women (1.11±0.07 to 1.38±0.08 mm2/mm Hg×10−1; P<0.001) but had no effect in premenopausal women (2.50±0.25 versus 2.43±0.20 mm2/mm Hg×10−1). Carotid artery diameter, blood pressure, and heart rate were unaffected by ascorbic acid. In the pooled population, the change in arterial compliance with ascorbic acid correlated with baseline waist-to-hip ratio (r=0.56; P=0.001), plasma norepinephrine (r=0.58; P=0.001), and LDL cholesterol (r=0.54; P=0.001). These results suggest that oxidative stress may be an important mechanism contributing to the reduced large elastic artery compliance of sedentary, estrogen-deficient postmenopausal women. Increased abdominal fat storage, sympathetic nervous system activity, and LDL cholesterol may be mechanistically involved in oxidative stress–associated suppression of arterial compliance in postmenopausal women.
International Journal of Nanomedicine Dovepress Nanomedicine for Glaucoma: Liposomes Provide Sustained Release of Latanoprost in the Eye

Purpose: To report the development and therapeutic evaluation of a liposomal nanocarrier for sustained release of latanoprost, in the rabbit eye. Methods: We fabricated latanoprost-loaded egg-phosphatidylcholine (EggPC) liposomes using the film hydration technique. The delivery vehicles were nano-sized (Z avg = 109 ± 18 nm), had a narrow poly dispersity index (PDI = 0.19 ± 0.04), and a very high loading efficiency (94% ± 5%). Based on in vitro data, we evaluated this formulation for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbit eyes. Following a single subconjunctival injection of the latanoprost loaded formulation, the eyes were clinically monitored and the IOP recorded. Results: Latanoprost-loaded EggPC liposomes demonstrated a high drug/lipid mole ratio of 0.181, remained stable for at least 6 months on storage (4°C), and at least 1 month at 25°C. A slow and sustained release of 60% of latanoprost was achieved by 14 days in the in vitro release study. The same formulation demonstrated a greater sustained IOP lowering effect compared with daily administration of topical latanoprost beyond 90 days (4.8 ± 1.5 vs 2.5 ± 0.9 mmHg; P , 0.001). No signs of inflammation were evident in the eyes from slit-lamp examination analysis. Conclusion: The loading required for a long-term sustained delivery of latanoprost for up to 90 days in the rabbit eyes was achieved with EggPC liposomes. A single injection of latanoprost-loaded EggPC liposomes can lower the IOP for up to 90 days, with a greater IOP lowering effect than daily topical administration of latanoprost.
Complex motion planning for NAO humanoid robot

In this paper, we introduce an integrated approach that enables a humanoid robot to plan and robustly execute whole body motions including stepping over, climbing up or down obstacles as well as climbing up straight staircase using only onboard sensing. Reliable and accurate sequence of motions for humanoid robots operating in complex indoor environments is a prerequisite for robots to fulfill high level tasks. The design of complex dynamic motions is achievable only through the use of robot kinematics. Based on the recognized object from the robot database, using the robot camera, a sequence of actions for avoiding that object is executed. As demonstrated in simulation as well as real world experiments with NAO humanoid, NAO can reliably execute robustly whole body movements in cluttered, multi-level environments containing objects of various shapes and sizes.
Intracellular Accumulation of Trehalose Protects Lactococcus lactis from Freeze-Drying Damage and Bile Toxicity and Increases Gastric Acid Resistance

ABSTRACT Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Intragastric administration of Lactococcus lactis genetically modified to secrete IL-10 in situ in the intestine was shown to be effective in healing and preventing chronic colitis in mice. However, its use in humans is hindered by the sensitivity of L. lactis to freeze-drying and its poor survival in the gastrointestinal tract. We expressed the trehalose synthesizing genes from Escherichia coli under control of the nisin-inducible promoter in L. lactis. Induced cells accumulated intracellular trehalose and retained nearly 100% viability after freeze-drying, together with a markedly prolonged shelf life. Remarkably, cells producing trehalose were resistant to bile, and their viability in human gastric juice was enhanced. None of these effects were seen with exogenously added trehalose. Trehalose accumulation did not interfere with IL-10 secretion or with therapeutic efficacy in murine colitis. The newly acquired properties should enable a larger proportion of the administered bacteria to reach the gastrointestinal tract in a bioactive form, providing a means for more effective mucosal delivery of therapeutics.
Volume of procedures and risk of recurrence after repair of groin hernia: national register study

Objective To determine whether the association between volume and outcome found in major surgery also holds true for a minor operation. Design Review of outcomes after hernia surgery in Sweden. Setting Surgical units registered with the Swedish hernia register, which in 2004 covered about 95% of all hernia operations in Sweden. Participants 86 409 patients over 15 years, who underwent 96 601 unilateral or bilateral groin hernia repairs (94 077 inguinal and 2524 femoral) in 1996-2004 at the participating surgical units. Main outcome measure Re-operation for recurrence. Results There was a significantly higher rate of re-operation in surgeons who carried out 1-5 repairs a year than in surgeons who carried out more repairs. There was no association between outcome and further increases in volume. Although about half of surgeons in Sweden who repair hernias are low volume operators, they performed only 8.4% of all repairs. Conclusions Sweden’s numerous low volume hernia surgeons perform such a small proportion of all operations that the impact of their inferior results on the nationwide re-operation rate is minimal. Volume indicates an approximate minimum value for the number of hernia repairs a surgeon should do each year but the outcome in surgeons who carry out more than that number disqualifies volume as an indicator of proficiency.
Student privacy self-management: implications for learning analytics

Optimizing the harvesting and analysis of student data promises to clear the fog surrounding the key drivers of student success and retention, and provide potential for improved student success. At the same time, concerns are increasingly voiced around the extent to which individuals are routinely and progressively tracked as they engage online. The Internet, the very thing that promised to open up possibilities and to break down communication barriers, now threatens to narrow it again through the panopticon of mass surveillance. Within higher education, our assumptions and understanding of issues surrounding student attitudes to privacy are influenced both by the apparent ease with which the public appear to share the detail of their lives and our paternalistic institutional cultures. As such, it can be easy to allow our enthusiasm for the possibilities offered by learning analytics to outweigh consideration of issues of privacy. This paper explores issues around consent and the seemingly simple choice to allow students to opt-in or opt-out of having their data tracked. We consider how 3 providers of massive open online courses (MOOCs) inform users of how their data is used, and discuss how higher education institutions can work toward an approach which engages and more fully informs students of the implications of learning analytics on their personal data.
T-Bars: towards tactile user interfaces for mobile touchscreens

Mobile device user interface elements tend to be based on desktop widgets that were not originally intended for small screen finger-based interfaces. Mobile usage scenarios afford many completely different interactions, so should be designed accordingly. This paper presents a new type of widget, the T-Bar, designed specifically for finger-based touchscreen interfaces using tactile feedback. Using the tactile feedback for orientation, the user's fingertip is guided along the T-Bar until an item is successfully selected. This paper offers observations on our finger-based touchscreen widget and two applications of the T-Bar widget. Both, File-o-Feel and Touch 'n' Twist are multi-touch information browsing applications that deviate from traditional desktop GUI paradigms and are tailored for fingertip input where all interaction takes place through the use of T-Bars; eliminating the need for any other widgets.
Machine Learning Methods for Binary and Multiclass Classification of Melanoma Thickness From Dermoscopic Images

Thickness of the melanoma is the most important factor associated with survival in patients with melanoma. It is most commonly reported as a measurement of depth given in millimeters (mm) and computed by means of pathological examination after a biopsy of the suspected lesion. In order to avoid the use of an invasive method in the estimation of the thickness of melanoma before surgery, we propose a computational image analysis system from dermoscopic images. The proposed feature extraction is based on the clinical findings that correlate certain characteristics present in dermoscopic images and tumor depth. Two supervised classification schemes are proposed: a binary classification in which melanomas are classified into thin or thick, and a three-class scheme (thin, intermediate, and thick). The performance of several nominal classification methods, including a recent interpretable method combining logistic regression with artificial neural networks (Logistic regression using Initial variables and Product Units, LIPU), is compared. For the three-class problem, a set of ordinal classification methods (considering ordering relation between the three classes) is included. For the binary case, LIPU outperforms all the other methods with an accuracy of 77.6%, while, for the second scheme, although LIPU reports the highest overall accuracy, the ordinal classification methods achieve a better balance between the performances of all classes.