Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prefrontal, posterior parietal and sensorimotor network activity underlying speed control during walking

Accumulating evidence suggests cortical circuits may contribute to control of human locomotion. Here, noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG) recorded from able-bodied volunteers during a novel treadmill walking paradigm was used to assess neural correlates of walking. A systematic processing method, including a recently developed subspace reconstruction algorithm, reduced movement-related EEG artifact prior to independent component analysis and dipole source localization. We quantified cortical activity while participants tracked slow and fast target speeds across two treadmill conditions: an active mode that adjusted belt speed based on user movements and a passive mode reflecting a typical treadmill. Our results reveal frequency specific, multi-focal task related changes in cortical oscillations elicited by active walking. Low γ band power, localized to the prefrontal and posterior parietal cortices, was significantly increased during double support and early swing phases, critical points in the gait cycle since the active controller adjusted speed based on pelvis position and swing foot velocity. These phasic γ band synchronizations provide evidence that prefrontal and posterior parietal networks, previously implicated in visuo-spatial and somotosensory integration, are engaged to enhance lower limb control during gait. Sustained μ and β band desynchronization within sensorimotor cortex, a neural correlate for movement, was observed during walking thereby validating our methods for isolating cortical activity. Our results also demonstrate the utility of EEG recorded during locomotion for probing the multi-regional cortical networks which underpin its execution. For example, the cortical network engagement elicited by the active treadmill suggests that it may enhance neuroplasticity for more effective motor training.
STYLES OF MANAGING INTERPERSONAL WORKPLACE CONFLICT IN RELATION TO STATUS AND FACE CONCERN: A STUDY WITH ANGLOS AND CHINESE

Ting‐Toomey's (1988) face‐negotiation theory of conflict predicts that choice of conflict style is closely associated with face‐negotiation needs, which vary across cultures. This study investigated this prediction in a workplace setting involving status and face‐concern with a sample of 163 Anglo‐Australian and 133 Chinese university students who were working full or part‐time. The association of type of communication (direct or cautious) according to type of face‐threat (self or other) and work status (subordinate, co‐worker or superior) with preferences for three conflict management styles (control, solution‐oriented, non‐confrontational) was examined for the two cultural groups. The results showed that: (1) as predicted by the individualist‐collectivist dimension, Anglo respondents rated assertive conflict styles higher and the non‐confrontational style lower than their Chinese counterparts; (2) overall, both Anglo and Chinese respondents preferred more direct communication strategies when self‐face was threatened compared with other‐face threat; (3) status moderated responses to self and other‐face threat for both Anglos and Chinese; (4) face‐threat was related to assertive and diplomatic conflict styles for Anglos and passive and solution‐oriented styles for Chinese. Support was shown for Ting‐Toomey's theory; however the results indicated that, in applied settings, simple predictions based on only cultural dichotomies might have reduced power due to workplace role perceptions having some influence. The findings were discussed in relation to areas of convergence and the two cultural groups; widening the definition of “face”; and providing a more flexible model of conflict management incorporating both Eastern and Western perspectives.
Efficient replication of the genotype 2a hepatitis C virus subgenomic replicon.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Although the hepatitis C virus (HCV) subgenomic replicon system has been widely used in the study of HCV, this system is available only for a few related genotypes. To develop a new replicon system, the genotype 2a clone JFH-1 was isolated from a patient with fulminant hepatitis. METHODS A genotype 2a replicon was constructed by isolating the consensus sequence of JFH-1, transfecting G418-selectable subgenomic transcripts into Huh7 cells, and estimating the replication efficiency. RESULTS The colony formation efficiency of the JFH-1 replicon was 53,200 colonies/microg RNA, significantly higher than that of the genotype 1b cell-adapted replicon, at 909 colonies/microg RNA (P < 0.05). The JFH-1 replicon RNA was transmissible to naive Huh7 cells by transfection of cellular RNA from cells containing the replicon. Sequencing of cloned replicon RNAs revealed that all but 1 had at least 1 nonsynonymous mutation. One of these mutations was shown to enhance the colony formation efficiency of the JFH-1 replicon. Furthermore, the JFH-1 replicon RNA replicated efficiently without G418 selection in a transient replication assay. CONCLUSIONS The genotype 2a subgenomic replicon was established in Huh7 cells and replicated efficiently with or without G418 selection. This subgenomic replicon could replicate without common amino acid mutations; however, some of the mutations found in the clones might be important in conferring higher replication phenotypes. This system provides a powerful new tool for researching HCV.
Draft Genome Sequence of Blood Disease Bacterium A2 HR-MARDI, a Pathogen Causing Banana Bacterial Wilt

ABSTRACT Blood disease bacterium A2 HR-MARDI was isolated from banana plants infected with banana blood disease and which were planted in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of blood disease bacterium A2 HR-MARDI, which could provide important information on the virulence mechanism of this pathogen.
Combination of mTOR and MAPK Inhibitors—A Potential Way to Treat Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common neoplasm that occurs in the kidney and is marked by a unique biology, with a long history of poor response to conventional cancer treatments. In the past few years, there have been significant advancements to understand the biology of RCC. This has led to the introduction of novel targeted therapies in the management of patients with metastatic disease. Patients treated with targeted therapies for RCC had shown positive impact on overall survival, however, no cure is possible and patients need to undergo treatment for long periods of time, which raises challenges to manage the associated adverse events. Moreover, many patients may not respond to it and even response may not last long enough in the responders. Many inhibitors of the Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway are currently being used in treatment of advanced RCC. Studies showed that inhibitions of mTOR pathways induce Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) escape cell death and cells become resistant to mTOR inhibitors. Because of this, there is a need to inhibit both pathways with their inhibitors comparatively for a better outcome and treatment of patients with RCC.
Role of Class 3 Semaphorins and Their Receptors in Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis

Class 3 semaphorins (SEMA3) were first identified as glycoproteins that negatively mediate neuronal guidance by binding to neuropilin and repelling neurons away from the source of SEMA3. However, studies have shown that SEMA3s are also secreted by other cell types, including tumor cells, where they play an inhibitory role in tumor growth and angiogenesis (specifically SEMA3B and SEMA3F). SEMA3s primarily inhibit the cell motility and migration of tumor and endothelial cells by inducing collapse of the actin cytoskeleton via neuropilins and plexins. Besides binding to SEMA3s, neuropilin also binds the protumorigenic and proangiogenic ligand vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Although some studies attribute the antitumorigenic and antiangiogenic properties of SEMA3s to competition between SEMA3s and VEGF for binding to neuropilin receptors, several others have shown that SEMA3s display growth-inhibitory activity independent of competition with VEGF. A better understanding of these molecular interactions and the role and signaling of SEMA3s in tumor biology will help determine whether SEMA3s represent potential therapeutic agents. Herein, we briefly review (a) the role of SEMA3s in mediating tumor growth, (b) the SEMA3 receptors neuropilins and plexins, and (c) the potential competition between SEMA3s and VEGF family members for neuropilin binding. (Clin Cancer Res 2009;15(22):676370)
Submucosal Inferior Turbinoplasty Using a New Continuous Suction Irrigation Method

Introduction Numerous surgical techniques for inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) have been reported, each with advantages and disadvantages. Submucosal turbinoplasty with removal of the bony component of the inferior turbinate (IT) is an excellent procedure to expand the nasal cavity. However, this procedure requires a large incision to remove the inferior turbinate bone (ITB) and is associated with hemorrhage, crust formation, and adhesion. A smaller incision would avoid such complications. We developed a continuous suction irrigation method that maintains a clear view of the limited surgical field of the IT. Only a single small incision is needed to insert the rigid endoscope. The surgeon can flush blood with continuous water flow and perform IT surgery without difficulty. We performed this method in 39 cases from January 2016 to January 2017. This video article demonstrates our new submucosal inferior turbinoplasty technique. Methods Submucosal turbinoplasty using a continuous suction irrigation method was performed under general anesthesia. An irrigation-suction straw sheath system was used to create an underwater surgical field. Results The ITB was removed safely with no severe complications. An expanded common nasal cavity was confirmed postoperatively on computed tomographic images. Conclusion We resected the ITB safely using a continuous suction irrigation method without difficulty or complications. We believe that this method may become one of the best surgical options for ITH.
The Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5): Constructs and MMPI-2 Scales.

The Personality Psychopathology Five (PSY-5; A. R. Harkness & J. L. McNulty, 1994) is a dimensional descriptive system for personality and its disorders. Replicated rational selection was used to generate Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2; J. N. Butcher, W. G. Dahlstrom, J. R. Graham, A. Tellegen, & B. Kaemmer, 1989)-based scales for the PSY-5. The scales are Aggressiveness, 18 items; Psychoticism, 25 items; Constraint, 29 items; Negative Emotionality/ Neuroticism, 33 items; and Positive Emotionality/Extraversion, 34 items. In three clinical samples with Ns of 328, 156, and 1,196; a college sample with an N of 2,928; and MMPI-2 normative samples with an N of 2,567, alphas ranged from.65 to.88. For 838 college students who had also completed Tellegen's (1982) Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ), correlations between PSY-5 scales and corresponding MPQ superfactors were as follows: Constraint, r =. 57, p < . 01; Negative Emotionality/Neuroticism, r =. 72, p <. 01; and Positive Emotionality/Extraversion, r =. 62, p <. 0.1 PSY-5 Aggressiveness correlated r =. 59, (p <.01) with MPQ Aggression. PSY-5 Psychoticism correlated r =. 61 (p <.01) with MPQ Alienation
Influence of Weight Reduction on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract—Increased body weight is a strong risk factor for hypertension. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was performed to estimate the effect of weight reduction on blood pressure overall and in population subgroups. Twenty-five randomized, controlled trials (comprising 34 strata) published between 1966 and 2002 with a total of 4874 participants were included. A random-effects model was used to account for heterogeneity among trials. A net weight reduction of −5.1 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], −6.03 to −4.25) by means of energy restriction, increased physical activity, or both reduced systolic blood pressure by −4.44 mm Hg (95% CI, −5.93 to −2.95) and diastolic blood pressure by −3.57 mm Hg (95% CI, −4.88 to −2.25). Blood pressure reductions were −1.05 mm Hg (95% CI, −1.43 to −0.66) systolic and −0.92 mm Hg (95% CI, −1.28 to −0.55) diastolic when expressed per kilogram of weight loss. As expected, significantly larger blood pressure reductions were observed in populations with an average weight loss >5 kg than in populations with less weight loss, both for systolic (−6.63 mm Hg [95% CI, −8.43 to −4.82] vs −2.70 mm Hg [95% CI, −4.59 to −0.81]) and diastolic (−5.12 mm Hg [95% CI, −6.48 to −3.75] vs −2.01 mm Hg [95% CI, −3.47 to −0.54]) blood pressure. The effect on diastolic blood pressure was significantly larger in populations taking antihypertensive drugs than in untreated populations (−5.31 mm Hg [95% CI, −6.64 to −3.99] vs −2.91 mm Hg [95% CI, −3.66 to −2.16]). This meta-analysis clearly shows that weight loss is important for the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Deterministic Partially Dynamic Single Source Shortest Paths for Sparse Graphs

In this paper we consider the decremental single-source shortest paths (SSSP) problem, where given a graph G and a source node s the goal is to maintain shortest paths between s and all other nodes in G under a sequence of online adversarial edge deletions. (Our algorithm can also be modified to work in the incremental setting, where the graph is initially empty and subject to a sequence of online adversarial edge insertions.)In their seminal work, Even and Shiloach [JACM 1981] presented an exact solution to the problem with only O(mn) total update time over all edge deletions. Later papers presented conditional lower bounds showing that O(mn) is optimal up to log factors.In SODA 2011, Bernstein and Roditty showed how to bypass these lower bounds and improve upon the Even and Shiloach O(mn) total update time bound by allowing a (1 + ϵ) approximation. This triggered a series of new results, culminating in a recent breakthrough of Henzinger, Krinninger and Nanongkai [FOCS 14], who presented a (1 + ϵ)-approximate algorithm whose total update time is near linear: [EQUATION]. However, every single one of these improvements over the Even-Shiloach algorithm was randomized and assumed a non-adaptive adversary. This additional assumption meant that the algorithms were not suitable for certain settings and could not be used as a black box data structure. Very recently Bernstein and Chechik presented in STOC 2016 the first deterministic improvement over Even and Shiloach, that did not rely on randomization or assumptions about the adversary: in an undirected unweighted graph the algorithm maintains (1+ϵ)-approximate distances and has total update time O(n2). In this paper, we present a new deterministic algorithm for the problem with total update time [EQUATION]: it returns a (1 + ϵ) approximation, and is limited to undirected unweighted graphs. Although this result is still far from matching the randomized near-linear total update time, it presents important progress towards that direction, because unlike the STOC 2016 O(n2) algorithm it beats the Even and Shiloach O(mn) bound for all graphs, not just sufficiently dense ones. In particular, the O(n2) algorithm relied entirely on a new sparsification technique, and so could not hope to yield an improvement for sparse graphs. We present the first deterministic improvement for sparse graphs by significantly extending some of the ideas from the O(n2) algorithm and combining them with the hop-set technique used in several earlier dynamic shortest path papers.Also, because decremental single source shortest paths is often used as a building block for fully dynamic all pairs shortest paths, using our new algorithm as a black box yields new deterministic algorithms for fully dynamic approximate all pairs shortest paths.
Learning to Detect Triggers of Airway Symptoms: The Role of Illness Beliefs, Conceptual Categories and Actual Experience with Allergic Symptoms

Background: In asthma and allergic rhinitis, beliefs about what triggers allergic reactions often do not match objective allergy tests. This may be due to insensitivity for expectancy violations as a result of holding trigger beliefs based on conceptual relationships among triggers. In this laboratory experiment, we aimed to investigate how pre-existing beliefs and conceptual relationships among triggers interact with actual experience when learning differential symptom expectations. Methods: Healthy participants (N = 48) received information that allergic reactions were a result of specific sensitivities versus general allergic vulnerability. Next, they performed a trigger learning task using a differential conditioning paradigm: brief inhalation of CO2 enriched air was used to induce symptoms, while participants were led to believe that the symptoms came about as a result of inhaled allergens (conditioned stimuli, CS’s; CS+ followed by symptoms, CS- not followed by symptoms). CS+ and CS- stimuli either shared (e.g., birds-mammals) or did not share (e.g. birds-fungi) category membership. During Acquisition, participants reported symptom expectancy and symptom intensity for all triggers. During a Test 1 day later, participants rated symptom expectancies for old CS+/CS- triggers, for novel triggers within categories, and for exemplars of novel trigger categories. Data were analyzed using multilevel models. Findings: Only a subgroup of participants (n = 22) showed differences between CO2 and room air symptoms. In this group of responders, analysis of symptom expectancies during acquisition did not result in significant differential symptom CS+/CS- acquisition. A retention test 1 day later showed differential CS+/CS- symptom expectancies: When CS categories did not share category membership, specific sensitivity beliefs improved retention of CS+/CS- differentiation. However, when CS categories shared category membership, general vulnerability beliefs improved retention of CS+/CS- differentiation. Furthermore, participants showed some selectivity in generalization of symptom expectancies to novel categories, as symptom expectancies did not generalize to novel categories that were unrelated to CS+ or CS- categories. Generalization to novel categories was not affected by information about general vulnerability or specific sensitivities. Discussion: Pre-existing vulnerability beliefs and conceptual relationships between trigger categories influence differential symptom expectancies to allergic triggers.
Effect of SAC Alloy Composition on Drop and Temp cycle Reliability of BGA with NiAu Pad Finish

The search for an optimized Sn/Ag/Cu (SAC) solder alloy with drop performance as good as SAC105 and temperature cycling (TC) performance as good as SAC305 is ongoing to reduce solder ball inventory and to avoid assembly problems, such as mixing of different solder balls. This study focused on Nickel-Gold (NiAu) pad finish using five different SAC solder alloy compositions (Sn0.3Ag0.7CuBi, Sn1.0Ag0. 5Cu, Sn1.0Ag1.0Cu, Sn1.2Ag1.0CuNi, Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu) with small additive elements. The JEDEC drop test (JESD22-B111) was performed on 84 ball foot prints, 0.8 mm pitch Ball Grid Array package (BGA). The temperature cycling condition of 40/125degC, 10 minutes dwell time, and 2 cycles/hr was performed on 48 ball foot 0.8 mm pitch BGA. All the test samples were mounted on Cu-OSP finished printed circuit board (PCB). Failure data from the experiments were analyzed using Weibull statistics. First failure and characteristic life of each SAC composition was determined and compared. The results show that solder alloys with Ag content between 0.3% and 1.2% have similar failure distribution, but have significant improvement on drop performance compared to SAC305 solder. On the contrary, the solder alloys with excellent drop test performance have negative behavior to temperature cycling loading. SAC305 solder has the best TC performance. The effect of Cu% alone in solder alloy, in the range of 0.50% to 1.0%, is not found to have significant impact on both the drop and TC performance improvement if the pad finish on the print circuit board (PCB) is Cu-OSP.
Progerin reduces LAP2α-telomere association in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria (HGPS) is a premature ageing syndrome caused by a mutation in LMNA, resulting in a truncated form of lamin A called progerin. Progerin triggers loss of the heterochromatic marker H3K27me3, and premature senescence, which is prevented by telomerase. However, the mechanism how progerin causes disease remains unclear. Here, we describe an inducible cellular system to model HGPS and find that LAP2α (lamina-associated polypeptide-α) interacts with lamin A, while its interaction with progerin is significantly reduced. Super-resolution microscopy revealed that over 50% of telomeres localize to the lamina and that LAP2α association with telomeres is impaired in HGPS. This impaired interaction is central to HGPS since increasing LAP2α levels rescues progerin-induced proliferation defects and loss of H3K27me3, whereas lowering LAP2 levels exacerbates progerin-induced defects. These findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiology underlying HGPS, and how the nuclear lamina regulates proliferation and chromatin organization. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.07759. 001
Tear menisci and ocular discomfort during daily contact lens wear in symptomatic wearers.

PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between tear meniscus volumes and ocular discomfort during daily soft contact lens wear in symptomatic and asymptomatic wearers. METHODS Three groups of subjects (n = 20 each) were enrolled. Group 1: symptomatic lens wearers; group 2: asymptomatic lens wearers; group 3: asymptomatic non-lens wearers. Lenses were worn on both eyes and imaged at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 hours by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Afterward, a re-wetting drop was instilled onto a randomly selected eye of each subject and re-imaged immediately and at 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Tear meniscus volumes were calculated based on meniscus areas and eyelid lengths. Ocular comfort was also ranked at each time point. RESULTS Upper and lower meniscus volumes in group 1 were the lowest among the three groups at each time point (P < 0.05). For each group, meniscus volumes decreased gradually during the 10-hour study period (P < 0.05). Among the individuals in each group, the comfort ratings were linearly correlated with the tear meniscus volumes during the 10 hours of lens wear (r = 0.21-0.47, all P < 0.05). Tear volume increased after re-wetting, but lasted only 10 - 20 minutes. Ocular comfort in groups 1 and 2 increased after instillation, but lasted only 10 and 20 minutes, respectively. Ocular comfort in group 3 did not improve. CONCLUSIONS Tear volume decreased gradually during lens wear and contributed to the ocular comfort in both symptomatic and asymptomatic wearers. The efficacy of re-wetting was brief.